Painting + Drawing Classes

Tue, May 6 - 27, 10 am – 1 pm (4 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
DAWN FLORES

Artist John Singer Sargent was a master of color. His blacks were textured, his whites were complex, and his side-by-side use of warm and cool colors gave his paintings vibrancy. In this intensive class, students will study Sargent’s artwork through slide presentations and catalogs. Working in either watercolor or acrylic paint, students will complete color exercises, copy Sargent’s work, and create their own compelling pieces inspired by Sargent’s use of color. Prerequisites: basic drawing and watercolor or acrylic painting skills.

$145 (VMFA members $125)

Fri, May 9–30, 10 am --1 pm (4 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
SALLY BOWRING

This class combines visits to the VMFA galleries and studio work. Each session will start with a visit to a different painting. The instructor will lead a discussion about the meaning of the painting, the period in which it was created, and surrounding ideas, writings, and music of the time. Students will return to the painting studio, inspired by the painting and information, to create a work of art. Students may work in any drawing or painting medium they choose. Prerequisite: basic drawing & oil or acrylic painting skills.

$145 (VMFA members $125)

Tue, Jun 3–Jul 22, 1:30–4 pm (8 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
AMY SMITH

This introductory class helps students develop basic drawing skills using various techniques and materials. Observation, imagination, memory, and creativity will be utilized while building skills and confidence.
 
$185 (VMFA members $165)

Tue, Jun 3 – Jul 22, 10 am – 1 pm (8 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
DIANA DETAMORE

Do you doubt your artistic ability or believe you cannot draw? This is your opportunity to challenge that perception. Based on the teaching methods of Betty Edwards, author of Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, this class will offer a series of visual exercises to improve the way you see and render objects on paper. You will learn basic drawing skills including contour line, use of negative space, perspective, proportion, and shading, building your ability and confidence to draw realistically.

$200 (VMFA members $180)

Thu, Jun 5–Jul 24, 1–4 pm (8 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
DAWN FLORES

Expand the use of color in drawing with soft pastels, employing various application methods and paper choices. Students work from the still life or subjects of their choice. Individual critiques provided. Prerequisites: basic drawing skills.

$200 (VMFA members $180)

Wed, Jun 4 – Jul 23, 1 – 4 pm (8 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
DAWN FLORES

Learn to generate ideas, choose subjects, and adopt approaches for using paint, pencil, and pastel. Students also work on independent projects, with guidance and individual critiques from the instructor. Prerequisites: basic drawing & painting skills.

$200 (VMFA members $180)

Thu, Jun 5–Jul 24, 10 am–1 pm (8 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd Floor 
MARY SCURLOCK

In this class, students will work with traditional and non-traditional materials, techniques, and tools while exploring and expanding their definition of drawing and its limitless possibilities. By experimenting with different rendering techniques, students will discover a personalized vocabulary of mark making. They will create a series of experimental drawings, participate in group discussions, demonstrations, and critiques. Prerequisites: basic drawing skills. 

$200 (VMFA members $180)

Mon, Jun 9–Jul 28, 9:30 am–12:30 pm (8 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
DAWN FLORES

Learn a wide variety of watercolor techniques while using related drawing mediums in this course for beginning and experienced watercolor artists. Students work directly from the still life, landscape, and other subject matter, with discussions of color and watercolor masterworks offering inspiration. Individual and group critiques provided. Prerequisites: basic drawing skills.

$200 (VMFA members $180)

Thu, Jun 5 -- Jul 17 (no class Jul 3), 10 am – 1 pm (6 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor
SARAH HAND

Make playful and colorful illustrations using familiar and unusual techniques and media. In this lighthearted class, you will learn to generate ideas for imagery, simplify drawings while adding personality, make a portfolio to hold experiments and samples, and create finished art. Students will develop an intuitive feel for mixing and using color. Techniques included are painted paper collage, stencils, and masks, smudging and scribbling, oil pastel and crayon, simple printmaking, and fun ways to add lettering and words to your art.

$180 (VMFA members $160)

Tue, Jun 3– Jul 22, 9:30 am–12:30 pm (8 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
AMY SMITH

Learn to use direct observation when painting from life. Through demonstrations, observation-based painting exercises, and instructions, beginning and intermediate artists strengthen their ability to see color and value relationships, and they learn how to mix colors accordingly. Students also learn to simplify any subject matter by identifying color masses from which to develop realistic or abstract paintings. Prerequisites: basic drawing skills.

$200 (VMFA members $180)

Thu, Jun 26–Jul 31, 9:30 am–12:30 pm (6 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
MARTHA PRIDEAUX

This is a great studio course for students at the intermediate level who are working to develop their own personal painting style and approach to imagery. Through individual guidance, students explore painting strategies and working methods. Prerequisites: basic drawing and painting skills.

$180 (VMFA members $160)

Fri, Jun 27–Aug 8, 10 am–1 pm (6 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
MARTHA PRIDEAUX

Expand technical and critical skills and learn to develop new ideas and imagery. The class will focus on contemporary art in the VMFA's galleries as points of interest and inspiration. In the studio, students will work from a variety of subjects, focusing on color and abstraction. Critiques and discussions of contemporary painting will be included. Prerequisites: basic drawing and painting skills.

$180 (VMFA members $160)

Mon, Jun 2–Jul 21, 1–4 pm (8 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
AMY SMITH

Explore drawing and painting from direct observation, photos, or sketches and depict various subjects including the still life, human figure, and landscape. Students develop a more personal approach to imagery, drawing, and painting styles by examining the formal and expressive aspects in their work and that of classical to contemporary artists. Prerequisites: basic drawing and painting skills.

$200 (VMFA members $160)

Mon, Jun 23–Jul 28, 1–4 pm (6 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
MARTHA PRIDEAUX

Discover approaches and materials that can inspire new ideas and add a fresh dimension to your artwork. Explore the beautiful textured surfaces that you can create using cold wax medium and oil paint. The instructor will do demonstrations and provide guidance when experimenting with a variety of new materials. Prerequisites: basic drawing and painting skills.

$180 (VMFA members $160)

Wed, Jun 18– Jul 23, 1–4 pm (6 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
KATHY CALHOUN

$180 (VMFA members $160)

Wed, Jul 9 -- 30, 9 am – noon (4 Sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
MARIA REARDON

Explore drawing and painting the landscape from direct observation. With guidance from the instructor, students will develop a more fluid response to painting on location. Students need to provide their own plein air painting easel, stool and painting supplies. Prerequisite: basic drawing and painting skills. 

$145 (VMFA members $125)

Thu, Jun 5–Jul 24, 7–9:30 pm (8 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
AMY SMITH

This introductory class helps students develop basic drawing skills using various techniques and materials. Observation, imagination, memory, and creativity will be utilized while building skills and confidence.

$185 (VMFA members $165)

Tue, Jun 3 – Jul 22, 7 – 10 pm (8 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
DAWN FLORES

Learn a wide variety of watercolor techniques while using related drawing mediums in this course for beginning and experienced watercolor artists. Students work directly from the still life, landscape, and other subject matter, with discussions of color and watercolor masterworks offering inspiration. Individual and group critiques provided. Prerequisites: basic drawing skills.

$200 (VMFA members $180)

Wed, Jul 9– 30, 7–10 pm (4 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
JOAN ELLIOTT

This is a good painting class for beginning or intermediate level oil painters who want to develop their own personal painting style and approach to imagery. Through individual guidance, students explore painting strategies and working methods. Prerequisites: basic drawing skills.

$145 (VMFA members $125)

Mon, Jul 7 – 28, 7 – 10 pm (4 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
JOAN ELLIOTT

Explore drawing and painting from direct observation, photos, or sketches and depict various subjects including the still life, human figure, and landscape. Students develop a more personal approach to imagery, drawing, and painting styles by examining the formal and expressive aspects in their work and that of classical to contemporary artists. 

$145 (VMFA members $125)

Sat & Sun, Jun 7 & 8, 10 am–4 pm (2 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
AMY SMITH

Beginning artists and those wanting to brush up on their skills will discover the basics of drawing, including pattern and composition, light and shade, proportion, three-dimensional form, and perspective. Learning through demonstrations, discussions, and individual instruction, students complete multiple drawings working from the still life and landscape images. Soft vine charcoal (assorted sizes), 18" × 24" sketchpad and a kneadable eraser required.

$145 (VMFA members $130)

Sat & Sun, Jun 14 & 15, 10 am–4pm (2 session) | Studio School, 2nd floor
CATHERINE PURDY

Develop observational drawing skills and learn to capture depth, details, and sense of place through architectural illustration. After learning the basics of one-and two-point perspective, explore the museum grounds with the instructor to practice sketching on site. Back in the studio, choose one of your sketches to refine using watercolor and ink. Previous experience with watercolor is not necessary. The workshop is a great way to jumpstart a travel sketchbook or urban sketching practice. Prerequisites: basic drawing skills. 

$145 (VMFA members $130)

Sat, Jun 14, 10 am–4 pm (1 Session) | Studio School, 2nd floor
KENDRA WADSWORTH

Explore several methods for making acrylic pour paintings.  These paintings are characterized by unpredictable swirls of colorful paint with a glossy finish. Please bring a maximum of eight small canvases or panels. These need to be safely transported flat after painting (canvases should not exceed 11” x 14”). Also provide one quart of white semigloss house paint, and four to six acrylic paint colors of your choice.  Miscellaneous supplies will be provided by the instructor for a $5 materials fee (cash or check) payable at the beginning of the workshop. Prerequisite: basic drawing and painting skills.

$90 (VMFA members $75)

Sat & Sun, Jun 21 & 22, 10 am–4 pm (2 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
CATHERINE PURDY

Learn how to capture the unique personality of your favorite furry friend. Start by studying the anatomy and features of different animals, focusing on the artistic process of making detailed studies. Then with guidance from the instructor and working from photograph, create accurate and expressive portraits of your own pet using drawing materials and oil or acrylic paint. Prerequisite: basic drawing and painting skills

$145 (VMFA members $130)

Sat & Sun, Jun 21 & 22, 10 am – 4 pm (2 session) | Studio School, 2nd floor
DIEGO SANCHEZ

Experiment with various painting and drawing media. Explore new ideas, techniques, and imagery. Students will work on individual projects with demonstrations from the instructor. This is a great workshop to recharge your studio practice. A brief overview of artificial intelligence basics will be presented. Prerequisite: basic drawing and painting skills. 

$145 (VMFA members $130)

Sat, Jun 28, 10 am–4 pm (1 session) | Studio School, 1st floor
KAREN EIDE

Encaustic painting is an ancient process using molten, pigmented beeswax to create layered and luminous art. Designed for both new and experienced painters, the instructor teaches classic encaustic techniques and ways to combine them with contemporary painting techniques and mixed media. Discover collage, incising, texturizing, surface embellishment, and relief work, as well as how to combine oil paint, pastels, inks, watercolors, and gouache with the encaustic. Some materials included.

$105 (VMFA members $90)

Sat, Jun 28, 10 am–4 pm (1 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
MARTHA PRIDEAUX

Explore new ideas and creative approaches to your artwork by experimenting with the techniques that the Surrealists pioneered. The instructor will lead the class through several Surrealist methods for making art and show the work of Surrealist artists. This fun, experimental, and playful workshop is for beginning to advanced artist who are interested in exciting new ways of making art by tapping into the subconscious.

$90 (VMFA members $85)

Sat & Sun, Jul 12 & 13, 10 am–4 pm (2 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor
PAM FOX

This workshop explores the use of photography with mixed-media applications. Students combine photographic materials (digital or traditional prints, photocopies, found imagery or old photographs) with oil paint to produce new and exciting imagery. The instructor demonstrates a variety of approaches, including surface supports and preparation, gluing techniques, surface alterations, paint application, varnishing, cold wax, and other surface treatments. Open to all levels of experience.

$145 (VMFA members $130)

Sat & Sun, Jul 12 & 13, 10 am–4 pm (2 Sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
DAWN FLORES

This workshop provides step-by-step instruction on a variety of watercolor techniques, including special effects, glazing, wet on wet, washes, and more. Working from colorful photographs or still lifes of flora and fauna, students explore the full range of watercolor painting. Prerequisite: basic drawing skills.

$145 (VMFA members $130)

Sat, Jul 19, 10 am–4 pm (1 session) | Studio School, 2nd floor
MARTHA PRIDEAUX

Experiment with new techniques, materials, and more to make innovative collages. The teacher will demonstrate ways to design, mount, and present your artwork in this workshop designed for all levels of experience.
 
$90 (VMFA members $75)

Sat & Sun, Jul 19 & 20, 10 am–4 pm (2 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
MARIA REARDON

This is a great workshop for intermediate drawing students to practice their portrait drawing skills. Working from a live model, students will learn how to capture a likeness and expression in their portrait drawing. The workshop will include demonstrations and one on one guidance. Pastel techniques and materials will be discussed. Prerequisite: intermediate drawing skills 
using soft pastels

$140 (VMFA members $125)

Sat & Sun, Jul 26 & 27, 10 am–4 pm (2 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
DAWN FLORES

Draw, paint, or collage artwork in response to Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. This workshop will include a slide lecture and visit to the exhibition Frida: Beyond the Myth at VMFA. Students should bring the medium of their choice, one they feel proficient in. Participants will have access to a library of books and photographs to use as reference material. The instructor will provide guidance on creative choices. There will be group discussions and critiques. Appropriate subjects to focus on in the workshop could be the still life, botanical imagery, portraits of animals and/or people, symbolism, or social commentary. Intermediate and advanced students are required to supply the artmaking materials of their choice.  Prerequisite: intermediate and advanced 
level students

$145 (VMFA members $130)