This course will introduce the novice painter while still challenging the more experienced, to a step by step approach of establishing realist fur and feathers.

 Students will explore color theory, compositional structure and the use of various types of mediums to “thin out” the oil paint used for establishing layers of hair to create a realistic feel to wildlife painting.

 Course Objectives;

1.  Developing a strong drawing foundation and composition to transfer onto boards for their paintings.  

2.  Introduce students to the technique of building a painting by using layers of “thinned“oil paints to establish a pelt on an animal.

3.  Develop student’s confidence in painting an accurate portrayal of these wildlife animals in their natural habitats.

Please sign in or sign up for membership

This course will take students through the process of drawing the landscape, developing composition and values and transforming it to a finished painting. One can continue to simply draw in the class or move into oil painting. Students will work alongside the instructor as he explains techniques and materials throughout the creative process.

Class begins with thumbnail drawings from reference photos. Exploration of ideas begin and for those going onto painting, color studies are prepared. Transfer to panel, underpainting and color study demonstrations by instructor. Paul's glazing techniques will also be demonstrated. This class will progress to plein air opportunities in June.

 

Please sign in or sign up for membership

The Bargue drawing courses are based upon the 19th Century French Academic drawing course by Charles Bargue. French academies used these methods with a focus on shapes, form, line, and values. Students begin with graphite pencil on paper. This is sight·size learning is for the beginner to the advanced student to see more accurately and to practice this technique. The curriculum starts with simple projects and moves progressively onto harder, more complex work. Emphasis is on accuracy and training the eye not to be dependent on grids or tracing. This makes it possible to pursue drawing actively and freely in other areas like portraiture and landscape sketching.

Students then move onto cast drawing (after the 4th Bargue) using the charcoal medium to draw a choice of dimensional casts. The basics of the “block in” will emphasize on accuracy of shape, proportion, and gesture. The modeling stage, in which the forms of the subject are conceived and rendered in an entirely 3-dimensional way is next. We will discuss the fundamentals of light and how it reacts with form and how to depict these events on a 2-dimensional surface. The goal is to complete the cast drawing with a strongly developed sense of depth and realism. These ongoing classes allow students to progress at their own pace in a supportive environment. The classes are offered in a 3 week session. Membership applies to all classes and workshops.

Please sign in or sign up for membership

In this portrait class, students will draw the portrait from a single pose. The sessions will consist of developing a linear drawing with graphite on paper to establish an accurate likeness, proportions, and structure. The students will then begin modeling the form in a highly rational method, shape finding, anatomy of the skull, slowly developing each area based on an understanding of the effect of light on form. Individual student critiques will take place throughout each session. Beginning to advanced artists are welcome. Model fee extra.

Please sign in or sign up for membership

Learn how to create a realistic still life oil painting. Working in sight-size and from life, we will work in a step-by-step process. We will cover how to make an underpainting, how to mix accurate colors and values, and finally learn how to create a realistic sense of 3-Dimensional form. Students will work at their own pace, allowing both beginners and experienced painters to join. 

Please sign in or sign up for membership

Building upon our 3 week introductory watercolor class, we will continue refining foundational skills and techniques used in this exciting medium. We will go into more depth discussing composition, technique and the illusive quality that watercolor produces unlike any other medium. At this stage we will also explore using a reference photograph for a painting and why some photos work and others don’t to create a painting and why. You will be asked to bring in photos that you would like to paint to discuss these criteria. Various subject matter will be covered as we continue our journey into watercolor painting. We will continue to work in our sketchbook along with a larger paper format.

Please sign in or sign up for membership