Adult Classes and Workshops
Please be advised that classes take place in Eastern Standard Time.
Online classes: are offered via Zoom. For more information click here.
In-person classes: In-person procedures for classes vary by instructor.
- Classes that require proof of vaccination and/or mask-wearing are indicated with a (*). Please email proof of vaccination to Amanda Monroe at amonroe@woodmereartmuseum.org or click here to submit your vaccination information online. Information regarding vaccination is confidential.
- If you are not feeling well or experiencing COVID-like symptoms on the day of a class, please stay home and contact Amanda Monroe to receive a refund/credit for the missed class.
- If you have any questions, please reach out to Woodmere Art Museum's Education Department by emailing amonroe@woodmereartmuseum.org.
Registration: registration is available by clicking the REGISTER buttons listed under each class description or by calling 215-247-0476.
If you have a credit from a previous class, please contact Amanda Monroe at amonroe@woodmereartmuseum.org to receive your discount code before registering online.
Payment Policy: To learn about Woodmere's art class payment policy, click here.
- Sunday
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Drawing
- Painting and Drawing
W1 | Botanical Watercolor Workshop (In-Studio)
Thursdays - Meets 2 times
Learn how to capture the variety of shapes, colors and forms of plants and flowers with the free flow beauty of watercolor painting. Students will sharpen their observational skills, create interesting compositions, and develop ways of mixing and layering color to encourage self-expression and interpretation. Demonstrations will be given with a lot of individual attention.
Drawing paper to begin: 9” x 12” drawing pad (approximate Size) is good
Watercolor paper for a longer painting, either 8x10 or 11x14 in size
Pencils for drawing: 2B, 4B, 6B, HB
Erasers: kneaded are great
Watercolor pencils and a watercolor set
Fine watercolor brushes (it is great to have a few very fine and medium brushes)
1B | Studio Oil Painting (In-Studio*)
Students can use photographs as source material to organize and create a painting. Designed to help students execute a painting of their own subject matter, this class focuses on composition, perspective, color mixing, and painting techniques. Students may devote the entire session to one piece or work on multiple pieces. Individual instruction is given during each session.
*Proof of vaccination upon registration is required to participate in this class. Please email proof of vaccination to Amanda Monroe at amonroe@woodmereartmuseum.org or click here to submit your vaccination information online. Information regarding vaccination status is confidential. Mask-wearing is optional.
Oil Colors
Yellow: cadmium yellow pale or indian yellow
Blue: cerulean blue, ultramarine
Red: cadmium red light, alizarin crimson
Green: sap green, viridian
Earth: raw umber, burnt sienna, yellow ochre or transparent yellow oxide
White: titanium
Brushes: flat brushes in a variety of sizes; include a few soft, synthetic or sable, a few rounds and at least one 2" or larger soft, flat brush for glazing. Make sure these are not watercolor brushes.
Palette knife - flexible, cranked shaft at least 3in long.
Palette, wood or paper (toned gray paper is preferable)
Linseed oil
Turpenoid or odorless paint thinner - NOT TURPENOID NATURAL!
Containers for linseed oil and turpenoid
Stretched canvas/gessoed panel
Paper towels/painting rags
If using photos for source material, Students must provide their own photos.
2 | Magic in Watercolor (Online)
This watercolor class will enrich those looking for renewed inspiration and insights into new ways of thinking. Step by step demonstrations and easy to learn methods will appeal to beginners as well as more advanced artists. Sharpen your observation skills, color and value awareness, and design principles while gaining confidence with the medium and magic of watercolor.
140 lb. watercolor block or single sheets of Fabriano paper, any size; other preferences, hot, cold, soft press
2 brushes: one large ROUND POINT #10 and #6. Can be sable synthetic or any other watercolor brush
Large jar or plastic container for water with lid.
Roll of paper towels
Tube paints of student grade (Cotman) or professional grade.
Start with primary colors:
Cobalt blue
Alizarin Crimson
Aurelian (yellow)
Add later:
Burnt Sienna
Permanent Sap Green
Violet
Palette with lid for paints and mixing colors
Erasers, pencils, and notebook
Table easel to prop paper on an angle
Spray bottle for water spritzing (optional)
3 | Drawing and Painting I and II (In-Studio*)
REGISTRATION FOR THIS CLASS IS CURRENTLY FILLED. If you would like to be added to a waiting list for the class, please email Amanda Monroe at amonroe@woodmereartmuseum.org ASAP.
Enjoy painting, drawing or a combination of both. Beginners will be taught how to “see” and not just look. Questions like “where do I start?” will be answered. You will learn what makes an interesting composition, how to shade, and how to give your pictures character and depth. Beginning painters will learn color theory and mixing, how to handle paint, composition and basic techniques. More advanced students will continue to hone their skills through a combination of painting from real life as well as the classic method of artistic learning: copying from other artworks (including paintings and photography). Demonstrations and individual instruction will be given to each student. You will progress at your own pace in a relaxed atmosphere.
*Proof of vaccination upon registration is required to participate in this class. Please email proof of vaccination to Amanda Monroe at amonroe@woodmereartmuseum.org or click here to submit your vaccination information online. Information regarding vaccination status is confidential. Mask-wearing is optional.
If you are drawing,
12” x 16” drawing pad (approximate Size) NOT Newsprint
4 pencils: 2B, 4B, 6B, HB
Kneaded eraser
For Painting:
Disposable palette pad
Canvas pad (approximately 12 x 15”), OR two small canvases: Make sure the canvas pad says " REAL " canvas
Paper Towels (Bounty is good)
1 Can (for water or turpenoid)
1 Can turpenoid only. NOT Turpentine.
Brushes – sizes 4, 6, 8 to begin
Oil Paint Colors: White, Black, Cadmium Red Light, Cadmium Yellow, French Ultramarine Blue, Raw Umber, Yellow Ochre, Alizarin Crimson, Burnt Sienna.
4A | Introduction to Oil Painting and Beyond (In-Studio*)
This class is for students who want to learn the basics of oil painting and for those who are already familiar with the medium and want to improve their skill level. The topics covered will be composing a picture, observing color relationships, mixing color, and application of paint. There will be lots of hands-on help in a relaxed and nurturing environment.
*Proof of vaccination upon registration is required to participate in this class. Please email proof of vaccination to Amanda Monroe at amonroe@woodmereartmuseum.org or click here to submit your vaccination information online. Information regarding vaccination status is confidential. Mask-wearing is optional.
Oil Colors
Yellow: cadmium yellow pale or indian yellow
Blue: cerulean blue, ultramarine
Red: cadmium red light, alizarin crimson
Green: sap green, viridian
Earth: raw umber, burnt sienna, yellow ochre or transparent yellow oxide
White: titanium
Brushes: flat brushes in a variety of sizes; include a few soft, synthetic or sable, a few rounds and at least one 2" or larger soft, flat brush for glazing. Make sure these are not watercolor brushes.
Palette knife - flexible, cranked shaft at least 3in long.
Palette, wood or paper (toned gray paper is preferable)
Linseed oil
Turpenoid or odorless paint thinner - NOT TURPENOID NATURAL!
Containers for linseed oil and turpenoid
Stretched canvas/gessoed panel
Paper towels/painting rags
If using photos for source material, Students must provide their own photos.
4B | Introduction to Oil Painting and Beyond (In-Studio*)
This class is for students who want to learn the basics of oil painting and for those who are already familiar with the medium and want to improve their skill level. The topics covered will be composing a picture, observing color relationships, mixing color, and application of paint. There will be lots of hands-on help in a relaxed and nurturing environment.
*Proof of vaccination upon registration is required to participate in this class. Please email proof of vaccination to Amanda Monroe at amonroe@woodmereartmuseum.org or click here to submit your vaccination information online. Information regarding vaccination status is confidential. Mask-wearing is optional.
Oil Colors
Yellow: cadmium yellow pale or indian yellow
Blue: cerulean blue, ultramarine
Red: cadmium red light, alizarin crimson
Green: sap green, viridian
Earth: raw umber, burnt sienna, yellow ochre or transparent yellow oxide
White: titanium
Brushes: flat brushes in a variety of sizes; include a few soft, synthetic or sable, a few rounds and at least one 2" or larger soft, flat brush for glazing. Make sure these are not watercolor brushes.
Palette knife - flexible, cranked shaft at least 3in long.
Palette, wood or paper (toned gray paper is preferable)
Linseed oil
Turpenoid or odorless paint thinner - NOT TURPENOID NATURAL!
Containers for linseed oil and turpenoid
Stretched canvas/gessoed panel
Paper towels/painting rags
If using photos for source material, Students must provide their own photos.
5 | Exploring Abstraction (In-Studio)
This class offers a combination of instruction and open studio practice allowing students to explore, take chances, develop critical thinking, and cultivate their artistic voices. Participants investigate basic color theory, learn how to create strong compositions, and develop technical skills. The choice of medium is up to each individual. Supportive individual and group critiques, specific assignments and demonstrations will encourage students to pursue their personal styles and growth.
Pastels:
Assorted soft pastels - instructor prefers schmeinke and sennelier, however, it is up to the student to choose. Rembrandt are moderately priced and are good for beginners
Paper – instructor prefers Arches 140lb. cold pressed
Old toothbrush
Acrylics and Oils
Painting surface – student’s choice –canvas, board, metal, paper
Paints
Palette – paper, glass, plexi, paper plate, etc.
Brushes, palette knife, and any other implements of student’s choice
Painting Mediums – for acrylics, instructor prefers Acrylic Glazing Liquid by Golden; for oils, instructor prefers Windsor Newton Painting Medium; any others can be added depending on desired effect
6 | Introduction to Drawing (In-Studio)
This class is designed to introduce the essential elements of drawing by working from the landscape and still life setups. Students will experiment with a variety of charcoals and pencils and explore form and space through tone, scale, and color relationships to create unified drawing compositions.
Drawing will take place inside and outside the studio. Students will be inspired by drawings in the Museum’s galleries, in-class demonstrations, and YouTube videos.
Materials: Drawing board, Lg. drawing paper, pencil, charcoal, eraser, pen, water soluble pencils
https://www.dickblick.com/products/richeson-drawing-clip-board/ 23”x26”
https://www.dickblick.com/products/blick-studio-charcoal/, one box, medium, one box of soft
https://www.dickblick.com/products/blick-studio-drawing-pads/ 18”x24”
https://www.dickblick.com/products/blick-all-media-paper/ 15”x22”
https://www.dickblick.com/items/faber-castell-goldfaber-sketching-pencil-set-set-of-8/
7 | Portrait Painting and Drawing (In-Studio)
This class will guide students in a process of learning how to achieve a likeness in a portrait drawing and painting. The instructor will provide weekly demonstrations recreating Old Master portrait drawings, paintings, and photographs of models. Students will spend time every week on basic exercises to develop fundamental skills and learn how likeness is created through head structure and the relationship of features. Understanding of light and shadow will be emphasized as well as achieving illusions of different textures such as hair, skin and fabrics. Time will be given during class for individual instruction to help students develop their drawings or paintings in class and as homework assignments (homework is optional).
Pencils, #’s HB, 2B, 4B and 8B
Vine Charcoal, Soft
Kneaded Eraser
Drawing Pad, 12” x 16” or 14” x 18” or equivalent size
Oil Paints
Ivory Black
Indian Red
Yellow Ochre
Cadmium Red Light
Burnt Sienna
Ultramarine Blue
Flake White
Medium:
Windsor and Newton’s Liquin
Mineral Spirits (for washing brushes)
Brushes:
Bristle brushes round or filbert: sizes 2, 4, 6, 8, 10
A few small sables or artificial sables
Palette:
Wooden or strip (paper) palette
Canvases:
2 or 3 canvases (board or stretched)
sizes 11 x 14”, 16 x 20”, or 18 x 24”
Misc.
2 palette cups
paper towels or cotton rags
8B | Painting Over the Line (Online)
Have you ever felt unsure how to start a painting, or discouraged by a blank white canvas? This class focuses on techniques that enable you to paint with confidence by tapping into your intuitive process and finding inspiration more easily. Discover how unplanned marks and passages of paint become artistic breakthroughs; communicate movement and emotion through mixing color, creating texture, and building journeys through line and space. Demonstrations will allow you to explore new possibilities, work instinctively and enhance your knowledge of the process of painting. One-on-one critique every session.
- Acrylic colors preferred but oil is ok if it is what you use.
- Colors: black, white, red, blue, yellow and any other colors you have.
- Acrylic Gel medium for fixing charcoal.
- Gloss and or Mat medium for acrylic (Turpenoid for oil).
- Brushes – various sizes, round and flat, up to 1 ½-inch depending on canvas size.
- Charcoal, pencils and any other drawing materials you have, including acrylic markers.
- Rags for cleaning and applying colors.
- 3 to 5 canvases, stretched or unstretched, larger is better. You may start 20 to 30 inches or bigger. Paper is ok too.
- Palette & palette knives.
- Jars or plastic containers for mixing and saving paints.
- A lot of enthusiasm!
8C | Color Matters (Online)
Thursdays - Meets 3 times
Explore the power of color in your work. Investigate how to create mood and atmosphere, movement, drama, contrasts, beautiful harmonies and delicate subtleties. Students will experiment with color saturation and changes in intensity, color temperatures (warm and cool), complements and contrasts, muted tones, color values, and applications of thick and thin paint. Demonstrations and individual attention will aid students in their personal investigation of color in their work.
- Acrylic colors preferred but oil is ok if it is what you use.
- Colors: black, white, red, blue, yellow and any other colors you have.
- Acrylic Gel medium for fixing charcoal.
- Gloss and or Mat medium for acrylic (Turpenoid for oil).
- Brushes – various sizes, round and flat, up to 1 ½-inch depending on canvas size.
- Charcoal, pencils and any other drawing materials you have, including acrylic markers.
- Rags for cleaning and applying colors.
- 3 to 5 canvases, stretched or unstretched, larger is better. You may start 20 to 30 inches or bigger. Paper is ok too.
- Palette & palette knives.
- Jars or plastic containers for mixing and saving paints.
- A lot of enthusiasm!
9B | Introduction to Landscape Painting (Outdoors)
Discover new ways to depict the landscape. Be inspired by the gardens and beautiful grounds of Woodmere's six acres. Learn how to compose a scene and capture the colors, light, forms, and textures of summer. Woodmere's pollinator garden and the birds, insects, and native plants it attracts as well as the variety of majestic trees and plants will provide inspiration.
- Four canvases, 18”x24” https://www.dickblick.com/items/07140-1824/
- One set of acrylic paints: Blick set of 12 https://www.dickblick.com/items/01637-0129/
- Plastic palette knife set: https://www.michaels.com/plastic-palette-knife-set-by-artists-loft-6ct/10291166.html
- Palette tablet: https://www.michaels.com/strathmore-300-series-palette-paper-pad/M10012259.html?dwvar_M10012259_size=9%22%20x%2012%22
- Brushes: https://www.michaels.com/long-handle-gold-synthetic-paintbrush-set-by-artists-loft/10552919.html#
- Rags or paper towels, containers for water