Explore oil or acrylic painting from ala prima painting to layered techniques involving underpainting and overpainting. All styles, directions, and content encouraged. Bring whatever painting materials you have.
Explore oil or acrylic painting from ala prima painting to layered techniques involving underpainting and overpainting. All styles, directions, and content encouraged. Bring whatever painting materials you have.
Minis are in! Learn how to create miniature realistic masterpieces with precision. Explore fun ways to fit them into your home by turning them into magnets or displaying them on miniature easels. Please bring reference images to this class.
Explore the unique qualities of soft pastel while we capture the diverse and beautiful wildlife of our home state. You will learn how to capture the expressions, colors, textures and values of the local fauna in our shared home.
Hank Mattson / Studio 2 Tue 1/6-3/24 6:30-9pm / 12 weeks Prerequisite: Drawing Basics or equivalent $350 / Members: $330
Drawing from still life, photo, imagination, and the figure, students will use charcoal, graphite, and ink to further explore composition, perspective, light, shadow, expression, negative space, and more. Students should already be familiar with the basics of these concepts.
The encaustic medium will be used in combination with photographs, photo transfers, and collage techniques. Learn various techniques for adding color. Through the layering of color with pigment sticks and the encaustic medium, you will create transparency and depth to your imagery. Equipment, paint, medium, panels and brushes will be supplied with additional panels available for purchase.
Laurie Pruitt / Studio 6 Sat 2/7-3/14 1-4pm / 6 weeks $255 / Members: $235
Transform a wooden block or cigar box into a personal treasure box with mixed media. Using photographs, decorative papers, collage and encaustics, you will create a functional work of art made from recycled materials. Boxes and blocks are provided but you may bring your own. Encaustics experience is helpful but not required.
Ellen VanderMyde / Studio 6 Tue 1/6-3/24 6-8:30pm / 12 weeks $355 / Members: $335
Come learn the basics of painting with acrylics. This course will cover concepts such as composition and color mixing as well as what tools are available and how to use them. Learn how to stretch and prepare a canvas, how to use acrylic mediums, and how to give your work good bones by starting off with an underpainting. No painting experience necessary. Please bring materials and reference images to class.
In this class, students will create an original oil painting from start to finish. Through a guided process, students will learn to prime, compose, paint, glaze, varnish, and leave the class with the basic skills and know how needed to paint at home! Safe practices for continuing to paint in a home studio will also be covered.
Rynita McGuire / Studio 4 Fri 1/9-3/27 1-3:30pm / 12 weeks Prerequisite: iPad with Procreate and an iPencil or stylus $350 / Members: $330
Discover the world of digital illustration with Procreate, a drawing, painting, and illustration app for the iPad. Learn how to use its tools and gestures as a fine art medium and explore the limitless techniques it has to offer.
Renew and strengthen your knowledge and use of the principles of color theory and its various emotional attributes in application to your own artwork. Participants will seek personal inspiration and guidance through each class session’s in-depth review of the mechanics of color theory from reviews of historical examples and visits to the KIA’s revolving exhibitions and permanent collection. Classes will be conducted in a workshop setting with the primary focus of the class being the successful application of color theory in the participants’ artwork.
Learn to render realistic illustrations of plant life using colored pencils. Lessons will have an emphasis on examining details, capturing accuracy, and using color theory to create vibrant depictions of nature. Students can provide their own reference image or use provided photographic materials.
Learn methods and techniques from exercises and demonstrations designed for colored pencil realism that can be applied to a variety of subject matter. Class will begin with basic skills and then advance towards greater complexity, with the final weeks focusing on a self-chosen project.
Expand your drawing abilities by pursuing the subject matter of your choice using graphite or colored pencils, with individual attention and guidance given. Projects will be self-driven and exercises in technique and method will be offered for practice. This class will serve as an environment to focus on your personal artistic growth.
Hank Mattson & Mary Jo Asmus / River Street Flowerland Sat 2/21 1 - 4 pm / One Day $95 / Members: $75
Spend a winter afternoon in the warm atmosphere of a greenhouse bursting with inspiring vegetation, flowering and potted plants, greens, ornamental garden sculptures, and the general ongoing and curious growth in one of Kalamazoo’s outstanding greenhouses. You’ll find inspiration for drawing, painting and/or photographing at River Street Flowerland! Individual instruction will be provided. Bring materials of your choice to work with.
Don Dombrowski / Printmaking Studio Mon 1/5-3/23 6:30-9pm / 12 weeks Prerequisite: Drawing Basics or equivalent $380 / Members: $360
Discover your drawings coming to life as reproducible prints. Students will begin with Pronto plate printing, one of the easiest and fastest printing processes. This course will also cover the more traditional lithographic media of aluminum plates and stones. Step-by-step instructions will take you through the basics of plate preparation and press operation. Enjoy drawing and printing your own image with the potential of creating an edition of your own prints.
Mary Kenney / Studio 4 Wed 1/7-3/25 1–3:30 pm / 12 weeks Prerequisite: Beginning Drawing $355 / Members: $335
Learn the basics of this classic technique that dates back to antiquity and was a primary painting medium prior to the Renaissance. This class will introduce you to traditional methods of underpainting, including preparing and layering paint to achieve luminous results. Pigments, gesso panels, and eggs are provided.
We will focus on the absolute basics of watercolor, and students will gain valuable information that will allow them to proceed in watercolor with the confidence that comes with a firm start.
We will focus on the absolute basics of watercolor, and students will gain valuable information that will allow them to proceed in watercolor with the confidence that comes with a firm start.
Develop and express your creativity with watercolor techniques including wet into wet, color mingling, and layered transparent washes. Composition, simplification of shape, color, and value will also be explored.
Develop and express your creativity with watercolor techniques including wet into wet, color mingling, and layered transparent washes. Composition, simplification of shape, color, and value will also be explored.
David Yeider / Studio 6 Tue 1/6-3/24 10am-12:30pm / 12 weeks $350 / Members: $330
This class introduces watercolor painting techniques with an emphasis on realism and artistic expression. Students will be guided to ensure individual aesthetic objectives are met. Please bring images or objects to class.
Hank Mattson / Studio 6 Wed 1/7-3/25 6:30-9pm / 12 weeks Prerequisite: Students must be 18+ $365 / Members: $345
Dive deeper into life drawing with this independent study course. For those new or experienced, study and draw the figure from a live model. Poses will range from short quick sketches to longer sessions with varied poses. Students must be 18+.
Pick up the pencil and learn basic drawing techniques: observational line drawing, composition, and value, with a focus on black & white media. Students will receive feedback on their work, including at-home assignments and discussions on draftsmanship, style, and visual literacy. Please bring a newsprint pad, 18x24 drawing pad, and pencil types 2H, HB, 2B, 6B. Online students can use smaller paper sizes, or a sketchbook.
Pick up the pencil and learn basic drawing techniques: observational line drawing, composition, and value, with a focus on black & white media. Students will receive feedback on their work, including at-home assignments and discussions on draftsmanship, style, and visual literacy. Please bring a newsprint pad, 18x24 drawing pad, and pencil types 2H, HB, 2B, 6B. Online students can use smaller paper sizes, or a sketchbook.
(A) David Yeider / Studio 4 Tue 1/6-3/24 1-3:30pm / 12 weeks $350 / Members: $330
Pick up the pencil and learn basic drawing techniques: observational line drawing, composition, and value, with a focus on black & white media. Students will receive feedback on their work, including at-home assignments and discussions on draftsmanship, style, and visual literacy. Please bring a newsprint pad, 18x24 drawing pad, and pencil types 2H, HB, 2B, 6B. Online students can use smaller paper sizes, or a sketchbook.
Mariah Donmyer / Studio 6 Mon 4/6-5/18 6:30-9pm / 7 weeks Prerequisite: Painting Fundamentals or equivalent $230 / Members: $210
Step into the whimsical world of woodland creatures and discover how to bring them to life with acrylic paint. Learn about the use of color, texture, and composition to create nature-inspired works.
Hank Mattson / Studio 6 Wed 4/8-5/20 *No class 4/22 6-9pm / 6 weeks $235 / Members: $215
Alla prima oil painting is to paint “all at once.” This low-stakes approach is great for exploring new techniques and developing confidence in your painting. A variety of stylistic and technical lessons will be covered as students are guided through a new painting sketch each class. All skill levels are welcome and supplies provided.
Kenneth Freed / Studio 6 Wed 4/8-5/20 1-3:30pm / 7 weeks Prerequisite: Drawing Basics or equivalent $230 / Members: $210
Explore oil or acrylic painting from ala prima painting to layered techniques involving underpainting and overpainting. All styles, directions, and content encouraged. Bring whatever painting materials you have.
Ellen VanderMyde / Studio 6 Tue 4/7-5/19 6-8:30pm / 7 weeks $230 / Members: $210
Come learn the basics of painting with acrylics. This course will cover concepts such as composition and color mixing as well as what tools are available and how to use them. Learn how to stretch and prepare a canvas, how to use acrylic mediums, and how to give your work good bones by starting off with an underpainting. No painting experience necessary. Please bring materials and reference images to class.
Taylor Scamehorn / Studio 2 Wed 4/8-5/20 6-8:30pm / 7 weeks $240 / Members: $220
Enhance creativity, drawing skills, and strengthen your art practice! Learn drawing essentials, try new mediums, interesting techniques, and creative prompts. Easy enough to be a daily habit, engaging enough to keep you coming back to the page. Never neglect a sketchbook again! Students will be sent a supply list when they register.
Expand your drawing abilities by pursuing the subject matter of your choice using graphite or colored pencils, with individual attention and guidance given. Projects will be self-driven and exercises in technique and method will be offered for practice. This class will serve as an environment to focus on your personal artistic growth.
Create a memorable piece capturing the spirit of your beloved pet using colored pencils! Learn various methods and receive personal guidance to illustrate your four-legged, feathered, or scaly friend. Please bring photo references with you to class.
Mary Kenney / Studio 4 Wed 4/8-5/20 1–3:30 pm / 7 weeks Prerequisite: Beginning Drawing $230 / Members: $210
Learn the basics of this classic technique that dates back to antiquity and was a primary painting medium prior to the Renaissance. This class will introduce you to traditional methods of underpainting, including preparing and layering paint to achieve luminous results. Pigments, gesso panels, and eggs are provided.
We will focus on the absolute basics of watercolor, and students will gain valuable information that will allow them to proceed in watercolor with the confidence that comes with a firm start.
(B) Susan Badger / Studio 2 Thu 4/9-5/14 1-3:30pm / 6 weeks $190 / Members: $170
We will focus on the absolute basics of watercolor, and students will gain valuable information that will allow them to proceed in watercolor with the confidence that comes with a firm start.
Develop and express your creativity with watercolor techniques including wet into wet, color mingling, and layered transparent washes. Composition, simplification of shape, color, and value will also be explored.
Develop and express your creativity with watercolor techniques including wet into wet, color mingling, and layered transparent washes. Composition, simplification of shape, color, and value will also be explored.
David Yeider / Studio 6 Tue 4/7-5/19 10am-12:30pm / 7 weeks $190 / Members: $170
This class introduces watercolor painting techniques with an emphasis on realism and artistic expression. Students will be guided to ensure individual aesthetic objectives are met. Please bring images or objects to class.
Susan Badger / Locations to be announced Mon 4/27- 5/11 12:30-3:30pm / 3 weeks $135 / Members: $115
Students will work en plein-air (outdoors!) in watercolor and a variety of drawing media. We’ll create loose and expressive studies at a variety of local sites, learning to focus our composition and yet freely interpret our subjects.
Hank Mattson / Studio 6 Thu 4/9-5/21 6:30-9pm / 7 weeks Prerequisite: No previous figure drawing experience is necessary, students must be 18+. $245 / Members: $225
Working from a live model, students will be guided through a variety of material-based lessons for capturing the human figure including ink wash, oil pastel, charcoal, and collage. Lessons focus on creativity and exploration.
Sue Snyder / Studio 6 Thu 4/9-4/23 12-3pm / 3 weeks $155 / Members: $135
Adventure into the art of drawing portraits from life with the technique of chiaroscuro, an Italian word meaning “light-dark.” Using Conté crayon and pastel pencils on toned paper can create the illusion of volume, modeling, and depth using the drama of light. Among the masters who used this technique were da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Vermeer. Discover how life studies impact studio work and the potential beauty with simplicity of medium.
(A) David Yeider / Studio 4 Tue 4/7-5/19 1-3:30pm / 7 weeks $220 / Members: $200
Pick up the pencil and learn basic drawing techniques including observational line drawing, composition, and value with a focus on black and white media. Students will receive feedback on their work, including at-home assignments and discussions on draftsmanship, style, and visual literacy. Please bring an 18” x 24” newsprint and drawing pad and pencil types 2H, HB, 2B, 6B.
Pick up the pencil and learn basic drawing techniques including observational line drawing, composition, and value with a focus on black and white media. Students will receive feedback on their work, including at-home assignments and discussions on draftsmanship, style, and visual literacy. Please bring an 18” x 24” newsprint and drawing pad and pencil types 2H, HB, 2B, 6B.
Rynita McGuire / Studio 4 Fri 4/10-5/22 1-3:30pm / 7 weeks Prerequisite: iPad with Procreate and an iPencil or stylus $220 / Members: $200
Discover the world of digital illustration with Procreate, a drawing, painting, and illustration app for the iPad. Learn how to use its tools and gestures as a fine art medium and explore some of the many techniques it has to offer.
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