Adult Classes and Workshops
- Sunday
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Painting and Drawing
- Textiles
- Weaving
W1 | Create Traditional African Batik & Adire Textiles
Offered in partnership with Mount Airy Learning Tree
Take a creative journey into the world of batik and adire (tie and dye) textile-making. Drawing inspiration from his Yoruba roots and Nigerian heritage, Muyiwa, an expert in the field, will guide you through the process of using wax and dye to create intricate patterns and motifs. You will start by applying hot wax to 100% cotton fabrics to create patterns, then immerse them in vibrant dyes. Finally, we'll carefully remove the wax, revealing beautiful, colorful designs. Discover the influence of African culture as you explore the vibrant world of African textiles that hold deep cultural significance. You may infuse your designs with your unique voice, or use African patterns to create beautiful cotton fabric or a cotton shirt. By the end of the class, you'll have crafted textiles that reflect the beauty and essence of African traditions.
W2 | Botanical Alchemy: Mandala Banners with Nature
Offered in partnership with Mount Airy Learning Tree
Step into the magic of the natural world through Botanical Alchemy. In this relaxing, sensory-rich workshop, students will create a nature mandala on a cotton banner using hand-dyed fabric and seasonal botanicals. We'll explore color, composition, and intuitive design as we work with plants to make something meaningful. You'll leave with a one-of-a-kind hanging artwork and a renewed sense of connection to nature, and yourself. All materials provided, but students are welcome to bring personal botanicals to infuse their story into the piece.
W3 | Nuno-Felted Silk Scarf
a small bucket for water,
pen or sharpie marker,
two bath towels,
scissors,
a small container of dish soap,
and a tape measure.
Roving (fiber) 6-8 oz. of Merino or Corriedale fiber in 2 colors. This can be found on Livingfelt.com or FeltriteFibers on Etsy, or can be purchased directly from the teacher for $50 per person WHICH YOU WILL INDICATE ON REGISTRATION. Please DO NOT use any fibers that are not specific about the breed of wool (ie, Corriedale). There is a $5 materials fee that will be automatically added upon registration for all participants, for bubble wrap and resist material.
W4 | Make a Candlestick Basket
Offered in partnership with Mount Airy Learning Tree
This is a great basket class for beginners, and it does not matter if you are a candle user or not. Your imagination is the only limit for its use. Once, candles were the major source of lighting in Colonial homes and baskets were often made to store the candles so they were easily accessible. In this class you will learn the basic start and stop weave, how to form and “scarf” a rim using a traditional “saw pony”, lashing the rim on plus how to shape the basket into somewhat of a unique hourglass figure. The basket measures 3” x 5” x 9.5”. Sara will be making up a batch of natural walnut stain for those who would like to create a darker color or patina for their basket.
1A | Studio Oil Painting
This class is designed to help students execute a painting of their own subject matter and focuses on composition, perspective, color mixing, and painting techniques., Students can use photographs as source material to organize and create a painting, and may devote the entire session to one piece or work on multiple pieces. Individual instruction is given during each session.
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.
1B | Studio Oil Painting
This class is designed to help students execute a painting of their own subject matter and focuses on composition, perspective, color mixing, and painting techniques., Students can use photographs as source material to organize and create a painting, and may devote the entire session to one piece or work on multiple pieces. Individual instruction is given during each session.
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.
2A | Drawing and Painting I and II
Enjoy painting, drawing or a combination of both. Beginners will be taught how to “see” and not just look. Questions such as “where do I start?” will be answered. Learn what makes an interesting composition, how to shade and 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 and photographs. Demonstrations and individual instruction will be given to each student. Progress at your own pace in a relaxed atmosphere.
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.
2B | Drawing and Painting I and II
Enjoy painting, drawing or a combination of both. Beginners will be taught how to “see” and not just look. Questions such as “where do I start?” will be answered. Learn what makes an interesting composition, how to shade and 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 and photographs. Demonstrations and individual instruction will be given to each student. Progress at your own pace in a relaxed atmosphere.
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.
3A | Introduction to Oil Painting and Beyond
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.
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.
3B | Introduction to Oil Painting and Beyond
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.
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.
4A | Exploring Abstraction
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
4B | Exploring Abstraction
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
5A | Botanical Watercolor
Learn how to capture the variety of shapes, colors and forms of plants and flowers with the free flow of watercolor. Students will sharpen their observational skills, create interesting compositions, and develop ways of mixing and layering color to encourage self-expression. Demonstrations will be given with plenty 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: white erasers
Watercolor pencils and a watercolor set
Fine watercolor brushes (it is great to have a few very fine and medium brushes)
5B | Botanical Watercolor
Learn how to capture the variety of shapes, colors and forms of plants and flowers with the free flow of watercolor. Students will sharpen their observational skills, create interesting compositions, and develop ways of mixing and layering color to encourage self-expression. Demonstrations will be given with plenty 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: white erasers
Watercolor pencils and a watercolor set
Fine watercolor brushes (it is great to have a few very fine and medium brushes)
7A | Portrait Painting and Drawing
This class will guide students in a process of learning how to achieve a likeness in a portrait drawing and painting. 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. The instructor will provide demonstrations in both drawing and painting. Students will also receive individual instruction to help develop their drawings or paintings in class.
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
7B | Portrait Painting and Drawing
This class will guide students in a process of learning how to achieve a likeness in a portrait drawing and painting. 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. The instructor will provide demonstrations in both drawing and painting. Students will also receive individual instruction to help develop their drawings or paintings in class.
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
8A | Introduction to Drawing
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 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/
8B | Introduction to Drawing
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 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/
9B | Painting the Portrait in Watercolor
This exploratory and skill building workshop applies a study of basic forms in drawing and watercolor to the portrait. Students will learn techniques in drawing from observation, how to build up an image starting with basic shapes, the logic of light, techniques in watercolor, and color mixing to bring to life a portrait of your choosing.
This class is designed for the beginner to advanced student looking to develop their skills in drawing and watercolor, while finding awe, ease, and enjoyment along the way.
CLASS STRUCTURE
Lesson 1: Intros, Blind Drawings, Experiencing Work and Assessing ‘Value’, Seeing for Drawing, Watercolor Play
Lesson 2: Drawing Simple Forms, Patchwork Watercolors, Warm and Cool Observational Color Studies
Lesson 3: Quick Sketches and Watercolor Studies to Simply Value, Vertical Watercolor Painting, Seamless and Effortless Color Blending Strategies
Lesson 4: Applying Techniques to a Watercolor Portrait, Mixing Luminous Grays, Subduing and Framing Vibrancy to Create Form
Lesson 5: Guided Studio Work Day on Portrait
Lesson 6: Feedback and dialogue in developing work, Finding personal voice within our creations
Paper: Arches Watercolor Paper, Cold Press, 140 lb.
Paints and colors:
- Graham OR Daniel Smith Tubed Watercolor Paints (Quinacridone Rose, Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Sienna, Raw Sienna, plus one fun color of choice)
Brushes:
Princeton Velvetouch Series 3950 Synthetic Brush - Round, Size 8
Princeton Velvetouch Series 3950 Synthetic Brush - Round, Size 10, Short Handle
Princeton Velvetouch Series 3950 Synthetic Brush - Round, Size 1
Palette:
Holbein Aluminum Folding Watercolor Palette - 13 or 26 Wells OR Yasutomo Folding Watercolor Palette OR Richeson Butcher Tray Palette