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.
Registration: registration is available by clicking the REGISTER buttons listed under each class description or by calling 267-691-0725.
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.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Woodmere Art Museum's Education Department by emailing amonroe@woodmereartmuseum.org.
Winter 2025 Class Registration is now open! More upcoming classes and workshops will be added to the schedule soon.
- Sunday
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Saturday
- Drawing
- Painting and Drawing
- Textiles
Workshop 1 | Traditional African Batik & Adire Textiles: Tablecloth or Wall Hanging
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 a beautiful tablecloth or wall hanging. By the end of class, you’ll have crafted textiles that reflect the beauty and essence of African traditions.
$30 materials fee payable to the instructor for fabric, wax, and dyes.
Workshop 2 | Weave a Bread Basket
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.
A great class for beginning basket weavers. Wave a 10”x3” basket that can be used for bread, rolls, napkins, mail, keys, and more. Students will learn to weave a filled bottom, square the base, start and stope weave and a matchstick border. Moderate hand strength is required.
Sara Robbins, a Mount Airy native, is an award winning fiber artist who has been weaving baskets for over 25 years and 5 years ago discovered loom weaving. Sara is a member of the Philadelphia Guild of Handweavers.
$20 materials fee payable to the instructor
Workshop 3 | Exploring Abstraction Workshop
This workshop 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
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
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 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
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 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 | Magic in Watercolor (Online, via Zoom)
This online 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)
5B | Magic in Watercolor (Online, via Zoom)
This online 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)
6A | 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)
6B | 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)
7 | Look Both Ways: The Interconnection Between Representation and Abstraction, Focusing on New Ways to Use & Combine Mediums (Online, via Zoom)
Explore subject matter in a new way! Whether you are drawn to realism or abstraction, this class will demonstrate the interconnection between both. A special focus on alternative ways to achieve your artistic goals including collage, printmaking, new ways to use traditional materials such as watercolor, pastel and acrylic. We will explore ways to experiment with the expressive qualities of line, form, color and texture. Students can work in the medium of their choice but will be encouraged to explore combining mediums. (acrylic, watercolor, pastel, fabric, ink). This course includes group and individual critiques, PowerPoint presentations/discussions and studio time. Demonstrations will be based on students’ interests.
Please have ideas for the paintings you want to make. E.g.
- Sketch book
- Photographs
- Still life setups in your studio
Supplies:
All students may want a notebook to record ideas/thoughts from demonstrations and discussions.
Experienced students can utilize the medium and materials you typically use.
Beginning students may want to work in watercolor or drawing materials:
For Watercolor may want
- Brushes. Some student grade round (size 2, 4, and/or 6) and flat (one stroke, size 1/4, 1/2 or 3/4”) watercolor brushes are a good way to start. Usually synthetic. Winsor & Newton Cotman brushes are one brand that works well. Filberts and other brushes/sizes can be added as needed.
- Paper. Canson Watercolor Pads Cold Press work well. 11X15 or 7X10” and 9X12” wire bound.
- Paint.
- Tube paint Winsor & Newton Cotman student grade are economical. Cotman has a set of 6 tubes of varying colors or tubes can be purchased individually. Artist grade paints are more expensive but have more pigment and intensity. Winsor & Newton, Sennelier, Schmincke Horadam are good brands.
- Pan paint. Crayola Educational watercolor pans work suprising well and are very economical. Winsor & Newton, Sennelier are both good brands. Cotman is the student grade brand of Winsor & Newton.
- Palette or freezer paper to layout paint.
- Plastic or tin containers for water. Old butter, yogurt, or tuna fish cans work well.
- Board to mount paper. Foam core board or hardboard panels work well. Good sizes include 11X14” or 14X18” depending on your paper.
- Pencil and kneaded eraser.
- Paper towel
- Artist tape to adhere paper to your board.
-Caran d'Ache Neocolor II Artists' Crayons (make sure they are the water-soluble not wax crayons) These are fun but not necessary.
For Drawing, students may want:
- Pencils (various hardnesses HB, 2B,4B,6B)
- Colored pencils can be fun. Watercolor pencils add a new dimension.
- Pens. Micron is one type that makes an interesting line.
- Kneaded eraser.
- Paper. Any paper with a weight greater than 90 lb works. (watercolor, drawing ) 140 lb is a good weight if you plan on using water based medium.
- Board to mount paper. Foam core board works well.
- Artist tape to adhere paper to your board.
- Sketchbooks are a nice alternative and don’t require a board or tape to mount paper.
-Caran d'Ache Neocolor II Artists' Crayons (make sure they are the water-soluble not wax crayons) These are fun but not necessary.
Supplies can be purchased from:
8A | Portrait Painting and Drawing
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.
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
8B | 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
9A | Spontaneous Abstraction (Online, via Zoom)
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!
10A | 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/
10B | 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/
