Adult Classes and Workshops
Woodmere's art classes are offered:
Online: Online classes are held via Zoom. For requirements and procedures, click here.
In-Person: In-person classes are held outside on the Woodmere grounds or in the studio. For Information regarding safety measures and set-up, please click here.
Registration:
Registration is available by clicking the REGISTER buttons below or by calling 215-247-0476.
If you have a credit from a Winter 2020 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
- Saturday
- Drawing
- N/A
- Painting and Drawing
THE EVOLUTION OF PAINTING (online): Exploring How and Why Great Paintings Affect Us
These classes are designed for both students of painting and those who simply enjoy looking at paintings. In this series, Paul DuSold explores how and why great paintings affect us emotionally and spiritually! Viewers watch as Paul recreates a master painting from start to finish, and sees how the qualities of color, shape, texture, light and space engage the imagination.
Paul describes every step of his experience walking in the footsteps of the artist who created the original, demonstrating how a painting goes from a blank canvas to a finished masterpiece. Watching this process provides viewers with a much greater understanding of the painting! Context of social and aesthetic history will also be discussed. Participants are able to ask questions at the end of each session.
The paintings Paul copies are both European and American masterpieces, historical and contemporary, representational and abstract, including the work of contemporary Philadelphia artists. Each copy will develop over three weeks.
Starting September 16, Paul will be focusing on 17th century portraits by copying Frans Hals, Rembrandt, Velasquez and Vermeer. The underlying theme in this group is the progress of the individual in European society.
On December 9th, Paul will create a copy of a painting by Christine Lafuente, who will join in the meeting. Christine is a graduate of PAFA and exhibits at Gross McCleaf Gallery in Philadelphia. On December 16th, Christine will give us a virtual studio tour and slide presentation of her work.
https://www.christinelafuente.com/paintings
https://www.pauldusold.com/online-classes
1A | Studio Oil Painting (in the studio)
In this class, students can use a variety of sources, such as still life, photographs or landscape, to organize and create a painting. Designed to help students execute a painting of their own subject matter, the class focuses on composition, perspective, color mixing, and painting techniques. Students may devote all classes 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 (in the studio)
In this class, students can use a variety of sources, such as still life, photographs or landscape, to organize and create a painting. Designed to help students execute a painting of their own subject matter, the class focuses on composition, perspective, color mixing, and painting techniques. Students may devote all classes 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.
3A | Drawing and Painting I and II (Outside)
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. Simple set-ups will be brought in by the instructor. 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.
If you are drawing, please bring the following supplies the first day of class:
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, Permanent Rose.
3B | Drawing and Painting I and II (Outside)
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. Simple set-ups will be brought in by the instructor. 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.
If you are drawing, please bring the following supplies the first day of class:
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, Permanent Rose.
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)
Board, large clips or tape to attach paper
4A | Introduction to Oil Painting (in the 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.
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 (in the 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.
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 (Online)
Develop your artistic skills and creativity by exploring abstraction in this virtual studio environment. This class offers a combination of instruction, studio practice and supportive individual and group critiques to encourage growth and future exploration. Instruction will be given on basic color theory, learning how to create strong compositions, and developing technical and critical thinking skills. The first class will consist of a slide presentation and discussion highlighting a variety of abstract techniques using examples from contemporary and modern artists. There will be ongoing instruction throughout the sessions culminating in a final group critique. The choice of medium is up to each individual. Students will be given specific assignments to foster the development of personal styles.
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
7A | Portrait Drawing (Online)
This class will guide students in a process of learning how to achieve a likeness in a portrait drawing. The instructor will provide weekly demonstrations recreating Old Master portrait drawings 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 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.
7B | Portrait Drawing (Online)
This class will guide students in a process of learning how to achieve a likeness in a portrait drawing. The instructor will provide weekly demonstrations recreating Old Master portrait drawings 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 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.
8B | Painting Over The Line (Online)
Work from imagination, pictures, or other means to find your voice and visual language. Explore lively brushwork, color layering, and texture to discover the power of process in developing imagery. Discover how to work around imperfections and accidents and view them as opportunities. Individual support and examples from contemporary artists will serve to broaden and inform your understanding of innovative painting.
- Acrylic paint preferred but oil is okay
- Any colors in addition to black, white, and the primary colors: red, blue and yellow
- Acrylic matte medium and gloss medium; OR turpenoid and linseed oil for oil painters
- Brushes - various sizes (a selection of small, medium and large), round and flat
- Also sponges or rags for applying colors
- Canvas (bigger is better), primed or unprimed, stretched or unstretched. Or paper.
- Palette
- Palette and painting knives
- Jars or plastic containers for mixing and saving paints
- Rags for cleaning
- Charcoal, graphite pencil
- Water spray bottle
- Blue painter's tape
- A lot of enthusiasm
9 | Botanical Watercolor (Outside)
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 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)
10 | Color Matters (Online)
Explore the power of color in your work. Learn ways to create mood and atmosphere, movement, drama, 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 help students develop a personal expression of color.
- 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!
