CLASSES: PAINTING

Start at the beginning, learning basic techniques or step in where you left off and increase your knowledge and skill level. Each student will paint to their own strengths. A one-on-one approach to teaching is applied as you develop your skills. Through the creative process students will discover and develop their own unique artistic voice and painting style using a wide variety of modern paints.

Prerequisites: None

Start at the beginning learning basic techniques or step in where you left off and increase your knowledge and skill level. Each student will paint to their own strengths. A one-on-one approach to teaching is applied as you develop your sills using acrylic paint. Explore traditional to abstract and contemporary genres.

Skills Acquired:

• Best practices for approaching painting from real objects, photos and your imagination.
• Knowledge of gels and mediums that can change drying time, texture and consistency.
• Fundamental composition rules and techniques such as dry brush, wash and impasto

Prerequisites: None

Set a foundation for all styles of painting with a focus on the fundamentals of oil painting. This class will focus on the process and skills using an instructor provided photograph and step by step demonstrations. Perfect for first time painters to intermediate level painters, you will leave class with a greater understanding of the basics skills to be used in any style of painting you wish to pursue.

Skills Acquired:

• Best practices for building up oil paint
• Techniques for maintaining control when painting wet on wet
• A variety of brush applications like glazing, dragging and impasto

Prerequisites: None

Improve your painting and design skills with traditional and advanced painting techniques. This class will focus on the processes and skills at a higher level, using photographs of your choosing. This class is available to intermediate and advanced painters who which to improve in areas of their work.

Skills Acquired:

• Confidence resulting in faster application of the fundamentals.
  
• Strengthened design and composition skills.
• A thorough understanding of visual communication.

Prerequisites: Beginner Oil Painting from Photos or pre-approval by instructor before registration. Please contact the Office at 214.320.1275 for pre-approval.

Designed for absolute beginners, this class will equip painters with the basics of handling watercolor, knowledge of the materials, and composing paintings. The transparency and fluidity of watercolor is very seductive because of its immediacy but, because the paints move so freely, they can be difficult to learn to control. Students will paint in class using their own sketches, designs, or photos or the instructor will provide additional subject matter. Feedback will be personalized to the goals of each student. Tuition of $325 includes a $25 supply fee

Skills Acquired:

• Grounding in the technical basics of watercolor
• Knowledge of the elements & principles of design to create effective compositions
• Developing insights about your personal preferred subject matter and style

Supply List: Kay Byfield will go over supply list during first class meeting. No supplies required at first meeting.

Prerequisites: None

Designed for painters who have taken Fundamentals 1 or have some experience with the basics, this class will equip painters to investigate value studies and push knowledge of watercolors to the next level. Students paint in class using their own sketches, designs, or photos or the instructor will provide additional subject matter. Feedback will be personalized to the goals of each student. This class may be repeated numerous times. Tuition of $325 includes a $25 supply fee.

Skills Acquired:

• Building on the technical basics of watercolor
• Refinement of color, value, and composition
• Further exploration of subject matter and personal style

Prerequisites: Watercolor Fundamentals 1 OR basic experience with watercolor supplies and techniques.

Students will improve their watercolor painting and design skills in order to create stronger, more effective paintings. This course is designed for people who would benefit from being offered painting projects that will push their growth forward, but who have already acquired basic understanding of watercolor and are able to create paintings independently. The challenges provided will be tailored to the painting skills of the enrolled students and will vary from session to session, so the course may be repeated. Tuition of $325 includes a $25 supply fee.

Skills Acquired:

• Enhanced painting skills
• Strengthened understanding of composition and design
  
• Increased confidence about your ability to solve painting problems

Prerequisites: Extensive experience with water-based media and ability to create paintings independently.

Paint along with Dave for this 8-week class we will be learning to abstract. Simplifying an oil painting to its bare elements. It's a minimal way of painting representational art and will help you with plein air painting, painting faster, and loosening up. These are 8"x10" oil painting projects (so pick up a 12-pack of 8"x10"s) with a critique at the end of each lesson. After payment and before the session begins, you'll receive an email with a link to the photo reference along with the Zoom ID.

Prerequisites: Beginner Oil Painting from Photos OR pre-approval from instructor. 1+ year of oil painting experience required. Call the office at 214-7320-1275 for pre-approval.

Explore the exciting possibilities of applying energetic movement, organic abstractions, intricate details, & highly saturated watercolor to create unique wildlife and nature inspired paintings. With a focus on bold artistic expression students will capture nature in both literal and abstract ways. Through the creative process, with an experienced instructor, students will discover and develop their own unique artistic voice and painting style using the medium of watercolor. In class each painter will receive individual attention and guidance through their paintings development as well as encouragement to always find joy in the process. Sarah Janece’s enthusiasm for artistic expression, love of nature’s beauty, and excitement for painting will create an atmosphere of adventure as each student advances their own artistic skills and creative abilities.

Prerequisites: None

Refine your landscape painting techniques whether you are a beginner or experienced artist. We will meet at locations near White Rock Lake with the goal of producing one or more paintings or drawings per class.  The choice of media is open to you, but for beginners we will start with pencil drawing and gradually introduce other materials depending on your interests.  

Skills Acquired:

• How to use different media based on your interest.
• Best practices for working outdoors “en plein air.”
• Basic perspective and design techniques

Supply List: Portable Chair, Hat, Small Sketch Pad, Graphite Pencil, Eraser, Sharpener.
Additional painting and drawing materials, easels, drawing boards depending on your interest and abilities.

Prerequisites: None

We will explore the many fun ways fiber can be transformed. Whether you are brand new to fiber art, a seasoned textile master, or somewhere in-between, each session offers new experiences for all. This 8-week class will take your previous art skills to a new level, enhancing your work; it will include sewing (embroidery, piecing, and quilting), surface treatment (dyeing, printing, painting), and knot work (free, crochet, loomed). The first half of the session, we will work on material making and surface design, employing block printing, cyanotype, gel-plate printing, image transfer, and various dyeing and resist methods. Then, we will use the material we made and treated to build freestanding forms or sculptures.

Prerequisites: None