Art Workshops, Classes & Retreats

Post Your Workshops or Classes
 

"Portraits in Oil"
Mondays, July 1-29, 2024
 

Welcome to Huguette Haaland's Portrait Classes, where artistry meets personalized instruction. With eight years of experience teaching portrait painting in oils, Huguette has developed a unique approach that ensures stunning, lifelike results. Her innovative techniques, including the effective use of cell phones as teaching tools, make the learning process both accessible and enjoyable.
 
Location: Jupiter, Florida
Instructor: Huguette Haaland
Cost: $65 per session
Sponsor: The New Studio for the Visual Arts
Website, email, 561-295-5712


"Drawing and Painting Open Studio"
Tuesdays, July 2-30, 2024
 

This will be an Open Studio with Sue Archer as the instructor available. These classes have been set up with the intent of helping the attendees with their drawing and painting skills and to move on to finished drawings and or paintings that you personally want to do. ? Sue’s past drawing students and any drawing “enthusiasts” are welcome. Beginners are urged to take the beginning workshop as well when it is offered, which concentrates on the basics, theory, and extensive practice.
 
Location: Jupiter, Florida
Instructor: Sue Archer
Cost: $50 per session
Sponsor: The New Studio for the Visual Arts
Website, email, 561-295-5712


"Holistic Figure Drawing"
Tuesdays, July 2 - August 6, 2024
 

Develop your ability to render the human form through the time-honored combination of anatomical study and life drawing with noted artist and author Roberto Osti.  Learn the methods and technical skills traditionally associated with beautiful figure drawing, such as measuring, tonal rendering, anatomical structuring, and establishing the effects of light on the figure, using graphite on white paper, charcoal and chalk on toned paper, reduction techniques, and the trois crayons technique. Through the instructor’s in-depth anatomical drawing demonstrations and work from the life model, learn the structural aspects of the human form: basic landmarks, essential volumes, and proportional relationships. Progress to the main muscle groups to identify their surface effects and aesthetic characteristics, and how they influence mass and movement.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Roberto Osti
Cost: $590
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"From Start to Finish: Figure Painting in Oils Workshop"
July 6-13, 2024
 

Embark on a captivating artistic journey in this hands-on five-day workshop where you’ll learn to create a stunning figure painting from the initial concept to the final brushstroke. Through comprehensive instruction, personalized guidance, and collaborative discussions, you’ll experience the exhilarating process of bringing a figure painting to life using the expressive medium of oil.
 
Location: Assisi, Italy
Instructor: Trisha Lambi
Cost: € 2600
Sponsor: Schola Artis Pro Vobis
Website, email


"The Portrait in Oil"
Thursdays, July 11 - August 15, 2024
 

Paint portraits from a variety of models using the direct painting method. Examine the proportions and volumes of the head, as well as the placement, structure, and characteristics of the facial features, through preliminary drawings and demonstrations. Develop color using a limited palette to understand how to use chroma, temperature, value, tint, and tone. Instruction will address materials, composition, paint handling, and color mixing, blending, and theory. Homework assignments working from photos, Masterworks, or oneself/others will encourage students to learn to make personal aesthetic and technical choices and to practice concepts addressed in class. Open to all levels, this course is excellent for beginners as well as experienced students who want to review fundamental techniques or who simply enjoy painting portraits from life.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Roberto Osti
Cost: $590
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Figure Painting: The Extended Pose"
Saturdays, July 13 - August 7, 2024
 

Paint from a life model in a single pose for the entire course. Extended time with a single subject allows students to work with the instructor to tailor exercises that address their individual interests, including the development of one large image or several smaller studies. The first session will include time for gestural and thumbnail drawings in preparation for the model’s final placement. Instruction will cover a variety of topics including glazing, broken color, surface texture, composition and design, the relationship of the figure to the environment, the creation of atmosphere and color harmony, disrupted realism, and open- versus closed-form painting. All levels welcome. Students are welcome to draw-only, or use other appropriate media, if they wish.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: David Wilson
Cost: $330
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Alla Prima Portrait Drawing and Painting"
Sundays, July 14 - August 18, 2024
 

Al Gury, Professor of Painting and Drawing at PAFA and noted author of Alla Prima, Color for Painters, and Foundations of Drawing, presents this in-depth approach to the skills, materials, colors, history, and techniques of alla prima portrait painting and drawing. Working from photographs, masterworks, or available models, learn concepts that will not only improve your portrait painting and drawing, but also grow your confidence in your artistic practice. Video demonstrations, images, and written instructions on the online learning platform Canvas will be supplemented by critiques and weekly discussions. Oil painting will be the primary focus, but all media are welcome as well as all levels of experience.
 
Location: Web-delivered (Online)
Instructor: Al Gury
Cost: $295
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Selfies in Your Medium of Choice"
July 15-16, 2024
 

Join Art League instructor Joyce Nagel for this exciting 2 Half-Day Workshop for anyone wanting some awesome tips and tricks in painting or drawing the human portrait. Joyce will provide a demo at the beginning of the first day.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Joyce Nagel
Cost: $100
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"The Portrait in Pencil Workshop"
July 20-21, 2024
 

Using inexpensive materials, this hands-on workshop will introduce the concepts and methods needed to create a strong sense of dimension and likeness in your portrait drawings. Explore the proportions and planes of the head, neck and shoulders. Learn how to create a structural foundation and how to easily manage anatomy by breaking down forms into simple geometric shapes. Instruction will address different strategies for creating a finished tonal portrait as well as tips and tricks that will help you draw like a pro! Note: Tuition includes a $10 models fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: RA Friedman
Cost: $205
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Painting Workshop with Qi Yang"
July 27 - August 3, 2024
 

Expressionistic Painting was the historic revolution of German art movement in the late 1970s and the 80s, which was one of the most important streams of the abstract figurative painting in the world. In this workshop you will learn figurative painting in an abstract style. The figure here means either the human or animal or imaginative figurations, whatever you like. It is free from your own idea and will be shaped from your insight feeling. And which abstraction of the figuration you prefer to paint – if you generate figurative form by drawing with lines, colors or by sketching with color stains of abstraction, could be individual and personal decided for your best choice.
 
Location: Assisi, Italy
Instructor: Qi Yang
Cost: 2600 €
Sponsor: Schola Artis Pro Vobis
Website, email


"Portrait Painting from a Photograph"
August 1-2, 2024
 

Dianne Hebbert leads a portrait painting workshop. Students are invited to bring in a printed or digital copy of a photograph they would like to translate into a painting. The class begins with the drawing and moves into developing the acrylic painting, going over the grid method, under paintings, and finally, how to add personal details to finalize your painting. Regardless of skill level, there’s something for everyone to learn. Dianne Hebbert is a Nicaraguan-American artist based in New York. She works primarily in painting, printmaking and installation art. As a Miami native she attended New World School of the Arts before she earned her BFA in Painting and Drawing from Purchase College and her MFA in Printmaking from Brooklyn College.
 
Location: Key West, Florida
Instructor: Dianne Hebbert
Cost: $110 / $85 for members
Sponsor: The Studios of Key West
Website, email, (305) 296-0458


"Drawing Fundamentals Intensive"
August 12-16, 2024
 

If you’ve never drawn before, or your skills are a little rusty, then this class is for you. Learn to draw what you see with confidence. Work from still life arrangements, interior spaces, and the human figure to master the drawing elements: shape, contour line, composition, light and shadow, texture and perspective. Instruction will guide students through sight-drawing and measuring techniques, use of materials, shading methods, and ways of defining form and space. This course is excellent as a foundation for future study, including for painting and other disciplines. Note: Tuition includes a $35 models fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Phyllis Laver
Cost: $485
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"In-Class Workshop Charcoal and Pastels"
August 26-27, 2024
 

Learn how to draw figures, and how to make expressive drawings by participating in this 2-day intense workshop with Mashiul. Students will have the opportunity to learn from short dynamic gestural poses to long poses of a life model.
 
Location: Marietta, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Mashiul Chowdhury
Cost: $275
Sponsor: Susquehanna Art Workshops
Website, email, 717-314-9551


"Embracing Chaos - Techniques in Abstraction and Figurative Work"
September 5-9, 2024
 

Do you have moments of complete frustration with your work? We all do. In this course Melinda will help you to embrace those moments and learn to work with the idea of Chaos and ‘The Uglies’ in your paintings in order to achieve rich work with history and lasting interest. Are you looking for more personal expression? We will look at setting Creative and Conceptual Intentions in order to create meaningful, individual work. We will focus on the importance of contrast in our work by looking at the Elements of Design which will give you concrete ideas in abstraction. These Elements, mixed with several approaches to Figurative Abstraction will spark your creativity and give you lots to work on going forward.
 
Location: Glastonbury, Connecticut
Instructor: Melinda Cootsona
Cost: $975+
Sponsor: Artists Rising Creativity Retreats
Website, email, 860-633-7374


"Immersive watercolor workshop in Sicily"
September 21-28, 2024
 

Sicily – It's on everyone's bucket list, with colorful sunsets, olive groves, vineyards, and picturesque villages with narrow streets, a never ending range of restaurants and cafés, blue skies and beautiful nature, it’s a painters paradise… And it will be our home for 7 days. The workshop is hosted by the retreat center Salinara. Our daily watercolor routine will include daily demonstrations by Gary, along with time for individual instruction. Afternoons will vary between painting time, exploring the region on your own, or possible one of the many activities offered through Salinara – on designated days Gary will conduct group critique over cocktails before the evening meal.
 
Location: Marsala, Sicily, Italy
Instructor: Gary Tucker
Cost: From 2300 $
Sponsor: Salinara - Art Farm | Retreat Centre
Website, email


"Pastel Painting Workshop: The People and Landscapes of Umbria"
September 21-28, 2024
 

This pastel workshop is designed for the beginning and intermediate pastelist and will cover materials, basic design, color, and application. Some materials will be supplied. We will be painting from life and photographs taken on-site or in the surrounding areas of Umbria, the Green Heart of Italy. This is a great opportunity to learn the fundamentals of pastel painting as well as providing a challenge to those who already have a basic understanding of pastel technique. Expect plenty of encouragement and actionable advice. Enjoy a beautiful location with magnificent views and a special atmosphere that only Umbria can offer.
 
Location: Assisi, Italy
Instructor: Neva Rossi Smoll
Cost: 2600 €
Sponsor: Schola Artis Pro Vobis
Website, email


"Pastel Painting Workshop: The People and Landscapes of Umbria"
September 28 - October 5, 2024
 

This pastel workshop is designed for the beginning and intermediate pastelist and will cover materials, basic design, color, and application. Some materials will be supplied. We will be painting from life and photographs taken on-site or in the surrounding areas of Umbria, the Green Heart of Italy. This is a great opportunity to learn the fundamentals of pastel painting as well as providing a challenge to those who already have a basic understanding of pastel technique. Expect plenty of encouragement and actionable advice. Enjoy a beautiful location with magnificent views and a special atmosphere that only Umbria can offer.
 
Location: Assisi, Italy
Instructor: Neva Rossi Smoll
Cost: 2600 €
Sponsor: Schola Artis Pro Vobis
Website, email


"Painting Retreat in Sicily, “Spirit, Mind, Body”"
October 27 - November 3, 2024
 

We invite you to join us in this relaxed, beautiful, historic place. Give yourself this time and space to joyfully become a better painter! The setting of Salinara, with its rustic beauty, farm fresh meals, and interesting excursions provides the perfect environment for our “Spirit,Mind,Body” experience. Your artistic SPIRIT will be recognized, encouraged, and celebrated as you work with other creative participants. Your MIND will be engaged by discussions of Art within the group, and your problem solving skills will be challenged as you are improving your painting ability. Your BODY will be nourished with fresh food, walks, biking, and yoga sessions. The emphasis on this workshop is to help promote skill-building with your painting, regardless of your level.
 
Location: Marsala, Sicily, Italy
Instructor: Qiang Huang and Suzanne Enriquez Dougher
Cost: From 2000 $
Sponsor: Salinara - Art Farm | Retreat Centre
Website, email


"Selfies in Your Medium of Choice"
December 9-10, 2024
 

Join Art League instructor Joyce Nagel for this exciting 2 Half-Day Workshop for anyone wanting some awesome tips and tricks in painting or drawing the human portrait. Joyce will provide a demo at the beginning of the first day.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Joyce Nagel
Cost: $100
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Drawing the Portrait"
February 13, 2025
 

In this 1-Day workshop, Karen will lead students through her process of drawing the portrait from the initial measurements to the final stages of refining. Using a photo reference, she will begin with teaching strategies to accurately draw the head, place the features and indicate the major light and shadow shapes. Karen will demonstrate how to define the shadow and light regions which give the illusion of form. She will show how she compresses values for a strong design and how she makes corrections throughout, achieving an unmistakable likeness of her subject. Students also have the option to sign up for Karen’s 3-Day follow-up workshop, Painting the Portrait in Pastel.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Karen Wilharm
Cost: $175
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Painting the Portrait in Pastel"
February 14-16, 2025
 

Karen will lead students through her process of painting the pastel portrait. She will begin with teaching strategies to accurately draw the head, place the features and indicate the major light and shadow shapes. Karen will then demonstrate how to identify and lay in "average colors" of the shadow and light regions. She will show how she adjusts her general color notes by mixing and layering to "turn the color dials" on hue, value, temperature and chroma to achieve the desired relationships. During the final phase of the portrait, she will introduce techniques such as scumbling, glazing and hatching as she carefully makes corrections, refines edges and creates subtle nuances to bring the portrait to a polished finish.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Karen Wilharm
Cost: $480
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Portraits In Watercolor"
March 19-21, 2025
 

This workshop is designed for the painter who has at least a basic command of the watercolor medium, the serious beginner to the advanced student. After Tony's demo, he will work with students individually and can adjust based upon each students' individual needs. Students will have the opportunity to work from supplied photos, or their own if they wish, during the workshop.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Tony Armendariz
Cost: $450
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Expressive Watercolors - Flowers to Figures"
April 20-24, 2025
 

Fresh, beautiful flowers in the studio will be the inspiration for the beginning of this dynamic workshop — progressing to the head and figure. Through a series of quick and fun drawing and painting exercises, students will develop a more loose and natural approach, giving all an opportunity to be more spontaneous and expressive in their paintings. In our approach to the head and figure, we will learn to express translucent flesh tones, while focusing on the gesture of the person. Painting children will also be covered. We will work primarily from photos (you can work from mine — ones I will demo, plus extra that may interest you). Please feel free to bring your own photos also — ones that inspire you!
 
Location: Glastonbury, Connecticut
Instructor: Janet Rogers
Cost: $1144 + Materials fee
Sponsor: Artists Rising Creativity Retreats
Website, email, 860-633-7374


"Figure Sculpture (Ages 12-18+ yrs)"
ongoing
 

Students will develop sculptural skills, learn how to work with different sculptural materials, learn about the history of sculptural arts, and learn to incorporate basic principles of aesthetics into sculpture. All levels welcome. All materials included. Classes are offered on Saturdays.
 
Location: Bryan, Texas
Cost: $35 per class or $140/month
Sponsor: Degallery
Website, email, +1(979)704-3090


"Storybook Illustration with Lauren A. Mills"
August 2-9, 2025
 

Create your own original artwork and discover a wonderful area of France. To create a believable vision of magic one needs to learn the visual tricks of a magician. Lauren combines 19th century style fairy paintings with naturalistic/botanical watercolors in her own illustrated children’s books such as in her retelling of Thumbelina and her book Fairy Wings. Students will learn the nuts and bolts of book illustration beginning with the layout of a picture book, utilizing compositional tools including the golden ratio, color, value, atmospheric perspective and emotional compositions. We will explore creating believable characters and putting them into naturalistic scenes by understanding how to combine varied references and understanding simplified methods of perspective, anatomical proportions, and consistent light and shadow.
 
Location: Pau, France
Instructor: Lauren A. Mills
Cost: 1595€ to 2695€ for accommodation + $500 tuition fee
Sponsor: Atelier Clos Mirabel
Website, email, +33.6.79.59.04.91


"Immersive watercolor workshop in Sicily"
October 4-11, 2025
 

Sicily – It's on everyone's bucket list, with colorful sunsets, olive groves, vineyards, and picturesque villages with narrow streets, a never ending range of restaurants and cafés, blue skies and beautiful nature, it’s a painters paradise… And it will be our home for 7 days. The workshop is hosted by the retreat center Salinara. Our daily watercolor routine will include daily demonstrations by Gary, along with time for individual instruction. Afternoons will vary between painting time, exploring the region on your own, or possible one of the many activities offered through Salinara – on designated days Gary will conduct group critique over cocktails before the evening meal. Limited single rooms for a supplement.
 
Location: Marsala, Sicily, Italy
Instructor: Gary Tucker
Cost: From $2300
Sponsor: Salinara - Art Farm | Retreat Centre
Website, email


"Soft Pastel Immersive: Dreamy Landscapes & Luminous Portraits"
October 26-31, 2025
 

Step into the captivating realm of soft pastels, where each stroke ignites an enchanting play of light and shadow, transforming the mundane into the magical. In this immersive workshop, led by the skilled and inspiring Ivy Newport, you'll explore the luminous, ethereal qualities of soft pastels, PanPastel, and pastel pencils. Begin your journey with hands-on exercises that celebrate the unique textures and effects only achievable with pastels. Under Ivy's expert guidance, delve into the art of mark-making and layering to construct stunning vistas and soulful portraits with radiant skin tones. Discover innovative techniques, such as crafting mesmerizing underpaintings with isopropyl alcohol, enhancing the depth and vibrancy of your artwork.
 
Location: Glastonbury, Connecticut
Instructor: Ivy Newport
Cost: $1144 + Materials fee
Sponsor: Artists Rising Creativity Retreats
Website, email, 860-633-7374


"Story Painting"
Ongoing classes
 

Storytelling versus Story Painting? Or maybe not versus? Let’s tell your story in a painting. In this class, we will learn how to tell your story, convey atmosphere, and feel, and understand colors, lines, focal-point, framing, and depth. You can add (or deduct) from the painting that will tell your story! Let us hear your tale! an ongoing class and instructions. From the prehistoric images in the caves to Edward Hopper... from the bible in pictures to the most modern painters of our times... We will set our subjects in 4 meetings. If you miss a class there will be a recording available.
 
Location: Web-delivered (Online)
Instructor: Tali Farchi
Cost: $125 for 4 meetings
Sponsor: Artist Table
Website, email, 0031624903316


"Online Figure Drawing via Zoom"
Every Wednesday
 

An international group meets online via Zoom every Wednesday (check your time zone). Short and long poses, from 5-10 minutes and 20-30 minutes. Each week I invite a new model to pose. There is always some music in the background that I'm sharing too. 2 hours session. No instruction. At the end of the session, we show each other the work. Friendly atmosphere, everyone is welcome!
 
Location: Web-delivered (Online)
Instructor: Open session hosted by Tali Farchi
Cost: $15 per session
Sponsor: Artist Table
Website, email, 0031624903316


"Watercolor Explorer Program"
ongoing
 

Learn from the world's top watercolorists filmed in their studio and Plein-air on locations worldwide. Explore a range of techniques and weave dazzling new styles into your paintings through immersive video lessons, live workshops, and personal feedback. Engage with the artists live during weekly Zoom workshops. Instructors will take you behind the scenes as they create original works and answer your questions about their method and creative process. Hone your skills with thoughtfully designed projects and get feedback on your work from professional artists. Connect with a community of like-minded learners across all levels from around the world.
 
Location: Web-delivered (Online)
Instructor: 20+ top artists
Sponsor: Terracotta
Website, email


"Flow in Watercolor Portrait"
video course
 

In this video course, Stephen Zhang demonstrates the integrated process of applying watercolor techniques to build the human form. This course was filmed in Stephen's Studio and includes two complete portraiture demonstrations, as well as exercises and projects for you to practice and demonstrate your learning. This course is for artists at all levels who want to learn to display the human form through watercolor portraiture. Whether you are looking to develop your skills in brushwork and watercolor foundations, painting the human form, or understanding how to create flow in your work as a watercolorist, Stephen will cover it all in this course!
 
Location: Web-delivered (Online)
Instructor: Stephen Zhang
Cost: $99
Sponsor: Terracotta
Website, email


"Watercolor Portraiture Masterclass"
video course
 

In this masterclass, world-renowned portrait artist Mary Whyte gives a comprehensive guide to mastering the skills of painting portraits in watercolor. This course will take you through each step on how to create a successful portrait, setting you on the path to creating your best work ever. Mary Whyte begins this course with a full demonstration, showing her process from beginning to end. The demonstration is followed by six focused learning modules, breaking down each stage of developing not only a successful portrait, but a painting with emotion that will endure. The course was filmed in Mary Whyte’s studio in Charleston, South Carolina.
 
Location: Web-delivered (Online)
Instructor: Mary Whyte
Cost: $215
Sponsor: Terracotta
Website, email


"Creative Figure Painting"
video course
 

In this video course, artist Rosso Crimson will demonstrate using a combination of classical painting skills, preliminary studies, and imagination to develop a full figure painting in oil which departs creatively from the initial photographic references. Rosso will share her creative process and techniques with you as she paints. The course was filmed in Rosso's studio in London, England and includes one complete painting demonstrations for a total 3+ hours of video lessons.
 
Location: Web-delivered (Online)
Instructor: Rosso Crimson
Cost: $99
Sponsor: Terracotta
Website, email


 

Promote your art workshops, classes & retreats!

Advertising Options