Adult Classes and Workshops
All classes are held in the Widener Studio, which offers a professional setting with ample north light, easy access, and plenty of free parking. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Classes and workshops are taught by professional artists, living and working in the Philadelphia area.
You may register for any of our adult classes online or by calling 267-691-0725.
Registration is open for 2019 Spring/Summer classes!
- Sunday
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Painting and Drawing
- Print, Paper, and Collage
W2 | Ethereal Forms: Methods and Mindset for Painting Flowers
Flowers continue to be a favorite subject for painters, and many believe that seeing the beauty in a flower can awaken the spirit. How do you translate these fleeting, ethereal forms into paint? In each session of this workshop, we will start with a new bucket of flowers from which students will make their own individual arrangements. We will paint directly from life, working quickly but deliberately. At the end of each class, students can take their arrangement home to continue working (or just to enjoy). We will explore the mindset for starting a painting and staying true to your initial impulse as you work, and specific methods for sustaining focus and “beginner’s mind” as a painting progresses. The focus will be on direct painting with oils or acrylics. We will work from direct observation of the still life, working quickly but deliberately. Bring a favorite vase or container to each class as the starting point for your still life.
MATERIALS
These are the materials I use. I typically order online from jerrysartarama.com or dickblick.com.
Please buy professional grade paint. Generally, the more expensive the paint, the better pigment and quality. Good brands include Winsor & Newton, Gamblin and Rembrandt. This is the palette I use for all of my work.
PIGMENTS
(Opaque Yellow)
Cadmium yellow medium - small tube
(Opaque Red)
Cadmium red light - small tube
(Transparent yellow)
Transparent earth yellow - small tube
(Transparent red)
Transparent earth red or transparent oxide red - small tube
(Transparent green)
Sap green - small tube
(Transparent blue)
French ultramarine - small tube
(Cool transparent red)
Alizarin crimson or alizarin permanent - small tube
(Cool Transparent Green)
Phthalo green or viridian green (if you can't find phthalo) - small tube
(White)
Titanium white - large tube
MEDIUM
I use Original Liquin. I like its consistency and drying rate. I usually put a small amount out on my palette.
THINNER
Odorless mineral spirits (such as Gamsol)
BRUSHES/KNIVES
Bring what you have. I use bristle brushes, usually filbert style in sizes ranging from a 1/4 inch to about an inch. I also use Blick Scholastic Wonder White round brushes in sizes 2, 4, 8, 10 or larger.
A steel palette knife, 3" trowel
PALETTE
12x16 disposable gray palette. I prefer the SoHo Grey Toned Disposable Paper Palette Pads (I do not like the Richeson Gray Matters palette- I find the paper to be too thin).
SUPPORTS/CANVAS
I like to paint on a rigid support. I suggest using Raymar Art panels (any of the cotton panels will work) or Ampersand Gessobord (this is less expensive and easier to get; my favorite, lately).. You will need one panel for each class - any size between 8x8 and 11x14.
MISCELLANEOUS
Rags or paper towels.
Viewfinder
Grayscale and value finder
A small flat box to carry your wet painting home
W4 | Paper Quilting with Natural Materials
In this workshop, students will have the opportunity to combine everyday objects like paper, thread, and buttons with a variety of natural materials such as pressed leaves, twigs, vines, shells, and feathers to create unique mixed media art. The instructor will teach basic embroidery techniques and will provide guidance for a fun, unique experience perfect for anyone interested in paper, fiber arts, or collage.
- Pencil & kneaded eraser
- C-thru graphing ruler
- X-acto knife and extra blades
- Metal edged ruler
- Cutting mat
- Scissors
- Small brush for applying adhesive media
- 1/2" wide scotch tape
- Double sided tape
Optional:
- Teflon bone
- Pointed water brush
- Natural material or exotic papers you might already have and would like to include in your artwork
9 | Introduction to Portrait Painting
This class is for those who have always wanted to paint portraits but have been afraid to try as well as those who want to improve their skills. Students will learn how to get a likeness every time by focusing on head structure rather than accumulating detail. The emphasis of this class is learning to see color more sensitively when looking at the model and mixing color more confidently when painting a portrait. Demonstrations in both drawing and painting will be given. Students will receive individual attention.
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
Other:
Sketch pad
Drawing pencils
W3 | Color Matters
In this workshop, students will explore their love of color and learn how to use color strategically in their artworks. Discover a variety of different paint application techniques and how to create contrasts through complimentary colors or warm and cool colors. The instructor will provide lots of individual attention, demonstrations, and guidance on beginning and developing color-driven artworks.
- 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
1B | Studio Oil Painting
In this class, students can use a variety of sources i.e; 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 the entire session to one piece or work on multiple pieces. Individual instruction is given during each session.
Materials List:
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; make sure you 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 or gessoed panel
Paper towels and painting rags
If using photos for source material, Students must provide their own photos.
1A | Studio Oil Painting
In this class, students can use a variety of sources i.e; 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 the entire session to one piece or work on multiple pieces. Individual instruction is given during each session.
Materials List:
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; make sure you 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 or gessoed panel
Paper towels and painting rags
If using photos for source material, Students must provide their own photos.
2B | Drawing and Painting I and II
All levels are welcome whether you paint or draw. 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 other artists work including painters and photographers. 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.
2A | Drawing and Painting I and II
All levels are welcome whether you paint or draw. 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 other artists work including painters and photographers. 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.
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.
Materials List:
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; make sure you 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 or gessoed panel
Paper towels and 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.
Materials List:
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; make sure you 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 or gessoed panel
Paper towels and painting rags
If using photos for source material, Students must provide their own photos.
4 | Exploring Abstraction
A combination of open studio space and instruction, 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, with specific assignments and demonstrations encouraging 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
5 | One a Day: Creating a Still Life in One Sitting
Students paint a new still life in each session of this class. This alla prima method of painting a picture is a wonderful way for students to learn to be more decisive and relaxed in their painting. Individual attention is given, guiding each student to make efficient decisions about developing the painting. Students learn about color relationships, compositional choices, and capturing light and shadow.
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
Optional:
Sketch pad
6 | Botanical Illustration and Watercolor: Inside and Out in the Garden
Learn how to capture the variety of shapes, colors and forms of plants and flowers. Students will sharpen their observational skills while learning to design a composition. The free flow of watercolor adds color and promotes self-expression. Demonstrations will be given.
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)
7 | Watercolor and Design
This class teaches students to develop a variety of motifs such as rural, shore, and city landscapes and still life subjects by working from the instructor’s photographs as well as their own. Students learn to design a successful composition and then apply the watercolor media in a successful, expressive manner. Demonstrations and class critiques are included.
PAPER: 140 lb. Arches Watercolor Paper, cold press (old standby)
300 lb. Arches Watercolor Paper, cold press (old standby)
140 lb. BFK Rives Watercolor Paper, cold press (nice off white paper)
140 lb. or 300 lb. Lana Watercolor Paper, cold press (softer off white paper)
BRUSHES: There are many “great” to “good” watercolor brushes. The best is the Pure Kolinsky Sable brushes. I use several different sizes, #6, #8, #10, and #12. Cost a little more but well worth the price.
A very nice less expensive brush is the Connoisseur series, clear handle, series 007. They come in a round and flat type.
We all need a fine larger flat brush for that special wash. I recommend the Robert Simmons 278w, made in the USA. Another good flat wash brush is the Robert Simmons, 3” P278W, made in the USA.
Winsor & Newton also makes a nice series of flat brushes. You should investigate and own a least one ¼” -1/2” – ¾” – 1” Sceptre.Series 606.
WATERCOLORS: Many, many companies make great watercolor paints. I use a mixture of brands, depending on the color. Winsor & Newton, Grumbacker, Talens, Schmincke, Cottman and Holbein are good choices.
Each artist chooses their own colors depending on their approach to their individual painting styles. You may add or delete from this list.
Alizarin Crimson
Burnt Siena
Chrome Orange
Hookers Green
Lamp Black
Mauve
Naples Yellow
Payne’s Grey
Permanent Blue
Sap Green
Sepia
Yellow Ochre
Cerulean Blue
Cobalt Blue
Winsor Red
Lemon Yellow
8A | Painting Over the Line
Explore lively brushwork, color layering, focal points, and balance between calm and busy. Discover how to work around imperfections and accidents and view them as opportunities. Work from imagination, pictures, or other means to find your voice and visual language. 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
8B | Painting Over the Line
Explore lively brushwork, color layering, focal points, and balance between calm and busy. Discover how to work around imperfections and accidents and view them as opportunities. Work from imagination, pictures, or other means to find your voice and visual language. 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
10 | Introduction to Figure Painting
Painting the nude human figure is the classic art school experience! By learning to paint the figure, students gain an understanding of how to look and explore natural forms, and deepen their insight and knowledge for all ways of painting including abstraction. The emphasis in this class is on learning fundamentals of proportion, gesture and color harmony. Demonstrations will be given. This class is for students of all levels including those who have never painted the figure.
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
Other:
Sketch pad
Drawing pencils