Students will use a limited palette of their choosing to create contemporary abstracts based on an expressive or geometric approach. The works of notable abstract painters will be shared and discussed to aid in discovering your own aesthetic in this intuitive approach to painting. This is a free and supportive way to step away from a representational style to a completely abstract style where color and composition rule. See website for supplies.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Abby Ober
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Combine your love of artmaking and nature through the practice of open air painting at the Haverford College Arboretum. Featuring meadows, gardens, and wooded areas, including the college’s impressive historic tree collection in autumnal colors, this scenic location is the perfect place to learn the essentials of landscape painting. Veteran plein air artist Joe Sweeney will guide artists of all levels through both the artistic concerns and practical matters of open air painting. Topics include the basics of working outdoors as well as the aesthetic how-tos of color mixing to achieve a sense of light and air, capturing time of day, composition fundamentals, and sound drawing and painting practices. Instruction is geared toward oil/acrylic painting and pastel drawing/painting. Restrooms and parking available.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Joseph Sweeney
Cost: $375
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

Working from still life set-ups, learn the various techniques of aqueous media used for creating light, structure, texture, transparency and opacity. While the focus of the class is water-based acrylics, students are welcome to work in pastels or oil if they prefer. Instructor demonstrations and group discussion, as well as individual attention, provided during each class session.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Joeseph Sweeney
Cost: $570
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Take your work to the next level under the mentoring guidance of artist/critic Kassem Amoudi. In this live focused open studio environment, all levels of students will discover how to enhance their own visual language and interests exploring new ways of painting. Expert instruction and advice from the instructor will push students to explore new possibilities and work more intuitively, allowing unplanned marks and passages to become artistic breakthroughs. Examples from contemporary and modern art will be examined to promote a broader understanding of the abstract qualities of space, line and color. Advance beyond confined lines and hard edges to a more liberated way of painting. It does not matter What you paint. It is the How you paint it.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Kassem Amoudi
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This 12-week course invites students into the exciting world of abstract mixed media art. Students will explore a wide range of materials, techniques, tools and compositional strategies to create richly layered artwork. Each weekly class will include a clear teaching element, live demonstrations, and handouts to reinforce concepts and spark ideas. Students will receive practical advice, creative prompts, and individualized guidance, while exploring essential topics such as mark-making, texture, layering, contrast, intuitive composition, adding and subtracting, similar but different, balance, and focal points. The course encourages experimentation with tools like brushes, palette knives, color shapers, and unconventional materials. Whether you're a beginner or already exploring abstract art, this class provides a supportive and inspiring atmosphere where creativity thrives.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Birgit Raders-Eichinger
Cost: $570
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Designed for artists ready to challenge themselves and take their work to the next level, this class is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of the artist's own creative process and sensibility. A variety of subject matter will be explored. Level: Previous drawing and painting experience is recommended.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Karen Fogarty
Cost: $570
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Painting is about expression. Life offers so many challenges and having a place to learn how to release all those feelings with smiles is "worth its weight in gold”. Free your creative juices no matter how little or how much experience you have because there are always endless possibilities to discover. Whether you paint abstract, figure, or still life, you can add expression to your art by starting using colors you were afraid to use, making silly marks, and doing things with the innocence of a child. No wrongs or rights, just having fun and letting go. We will talk about composition, acrylic techniques, space, and rhythm while having a really good time doing it.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Sandi Neiman Lovitz
Cost: $475
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Whether it is portrait, still life, landscape or abstracts, the presence of light against shadow gives the subject form and dimension. Bring your own inspiration to class and with this principle in mind, watch your paintings come to life! Composition and color mixing will be a focus in this class. All mediums and skill levels are welcome!
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Stefanie Lieberman
Cost: $570
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This class is designed for painters looking to further develop their skills and strengthen their work. Whether you focus on still life, the figure, landscape, or other subject matter, all are welcome. The class offers a supportive and relaxed environment where the instructor provides personalized one-on-one guidance to help you refine your unique style and approach. Bring your preferred materials and any current work-in-progress to the first session. Students will work from their own reference material and/or still-life set ups.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Claudia Rilling
Cost: $570
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

In this intermediate-level landscape course, students will begin with a foundation in strong composition and shape, learning how to distill the complexity of expansive scenes into simple and expressive forms. The focus will be on shape and color, gradually eliminating non-essential details to reveal the essence of the landscape. Please bring your favorite landscape references to class- ones that have an apparent variety of shapes and values. Students will begin on small surfaces to complete small studies in week 1 and 2, progressing to larger formats in weeks three on. Please note that beginning oil painting skills will not be covered in this class. Medium: Oil, pastel, or acrylic (class is taught in oil).
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Claudia Rilling
Cost: $570
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Working from your own reference material, we will spend each week focusing on a particular aspect of landscape painting. Individual techniques will be held each session in a supportive atmosphere. Syllabus will be provided. Please bring painting materials to the first class. All mediums welcomed.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Bonnie Mettler
Cost: $570
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Painting is about expression. Free your creative juices no matter how little or how much experience you have because there are always endless possibilities to discover. Whether you paint abstract, figure, or still life, you can add expression to your art by starting using colors you were afraid to use, making silly marks, and doing things with the innocence of a child. No wrongs or rights, just having fun and letting go. If you want to learn how to express your inner thoughts and sharpen your skills at the same time, this is a great class for you. We will talk about composition, acrylic techniques, space, and rhythm while having a really good time doing it.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Sandi Neiman Lovitz
Cost: $570
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Using your own inspiration e.g., photos, tablets, still life objects etc, you will learn different techniques to give your paintings life and energy. Composition, value, color mixing and technique will be the main focuses of this class. All mediums and skill levels are welcome!
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Stefanie Lieberman
Cost: $570
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This course is designed to create paintings that we will build from a loose, underpainting and refine as we go along. This class is ideal for those painters who want to break out of the habit of focusing in on details and let the paint create a more expressive piece. Attention will be paid to composition, color mixing, paint application and technique. All skill levels welcome in a fun and relaxing atmosphere!
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Stefanie Lieberman
Cost: $570
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Uncovering the connection between your identity and your artwork can be both liberating and inspiring. In this class, we will explore methods designed to help you discover and develop your unique aesthetic and artistic voice. Our focus will be on paint handling, color selection, and composition. You will learn to manage your palette, make intentional color choices, and understand their impact on your work. Play will be encouraged! Music will serve as our muse, providing inspiration as you select your subject matter with guided support. This journey encourages mindfulness and self-discovery, and connects us more deeply with the world around us and ourselves. All skill levels are welcome and valued in this class.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Heidi Techner
Cost: $570
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Discover the joy of acrylic painting in a relaxed, supportive and inspiring environment. This class will equip you with essential techniques, including color mixing, composition, and brushwork, to bring dynamic landscapes to life. Using photo references as inspiration, we'll guide you through step-by-step painting processes, helping you develop your own artistic style. Whether you're a beginner or looking to take your skills to the next level, this class will provide you with the tools and confidence to create captivating works of art.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Nicole Lee
Cost: $235
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Water-based paints such as acrylic, watercolor, and gouache are the perfect mediums for landscape painting in the open air! Painters of all levels enjoy the ease of these portable, fast-drying, and easy-to-clean-up alternatives to oils. Explore the vibrant color and versatile application and layering methods in your choice of these media as you portray the beauty of autumn in Philadelphia’s parks in your own personal style. Learn techniques for choosing a composition, mixing color, and working efficiently outdoors as you complete a series of rapid sketches and at least one sustained painting. Open to all levels. Painting locations featuring shade, restrooms, and other amenities may include Wissahickon Park, Washington Square Park, Glen Foerd overlooking the Delaware River, and Bartram's Garden.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Michelle Oosterbaan
Cost: $315
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

Painting the human form from observation is one of the cornerstones of PAFA's long tradition of rigorous instruction. Working from the nude model, investigate color mixing, proportion, and composition. Focusing on alla prima painting techniques and a limited flesh-tone palette, learn to model the human form through gesture, shape, volume, and temperature – excellent for painted sketches and preparatory studies, foundations for extended work, or an introduction/refresher to figure painting. Intended for all skill levels, this course also offers the valuable opportunity for more advanced students to continue to hone their skills to deepen their understanding of the language of painting. Instruction will be geared toward oil, but students may 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

Students study composition, perspective and shading as they gain exposure to a variety of mediums including graduated pencils, charcoal, pastels, watercolor and acrylic paints. Drawing from still life set-ups, painting in the garden 'plein air' style and self-portraiture are just some of the techniques that will be introduced during this drawing and painting class. This is a 10-week, 1.5 hour, after school class.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Carolyn Coyle
Cost: $275
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Kickstart your autumn painting experience with this two-day Plein Air workshop! This workshop will provide students the fundamentals for painting vibrant landscapes on location. We will focus on selecting and simplifying compositional elements and design, since a sound underlying structure is key to a successful painting. Following the demo, students will have plenty of time to work on their own paintings, with lots of individual attention.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Valerie Craig
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Learn to explore new possibilities and paint more intuitively under the guidance of artist/critic/mentor Kassem Amoudi. Work from personal subject matter (objects, images, emotions, or ideas) to find your own visual language, informed by examples from contemporary and modern art. Examine how to use concepts of color, harmony, focal point, space, and mark-making as powerful tools of personal expression. Instruction is geared toward open painting time supported by critiques and advice from the instructor as he works one-on-one with students to guide them in their personal style and goals. This course is excellent for students pursuing abstract or nonobjective imagery, seeking knowledgeable feedback and a focused community painting environment. Painting experience recommended.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Kassem Amoudi
Cost: $450
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

In this class, we will explore how the landscape can be interpreted to convey mood and atmosphere through the use of color, line, edge, and composition. We will look at landscape work from other artists and discuss the various options in assessing the landscape while choosing what to include. We will execute preliminary drawing and color studies, and at least one final work.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Nicole Michaud
Cost: $240
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This 9-week course is designed for beginners who want to explore drawing and painting, as well as for more experienced students looking to enhance their college portfolio. Gain confidence experimenting with a variety of mediums, including pencil, charcoal, chalk pastel, watercolor, and acrylic paints. This student-centered class will help build essential knowledge of drawing and painting fundamentals, skill sets in working from observation, and confidence in using imagination to create successful and joyful images. Students will explore different approaches to art, working from life by arranging unique still-life setups, portrait sessions, and observing nature in the garden. Photo references, or other sources will also be used. Join us Tuesdays after school to create art!
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Annie Thompson
Cost: $250
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This 8-week course is designed for beginners who want to explore drawing and painting, as well as for more experienced students looking to enhance their college portfolio. Gain confidence experimenting with a variety of mediums, including pencil, charcoal, chalk pastel, watercolor, and acrylic paints. This student-centered class will help build essential knowledge of drawing and painting fundamentals, skill sets in working from observation, and confidence in using imagination to create successful and joyful images. Students will explore different approaches to art, working from life by arranging unique still-life setups, portrait sessions, and observing nature in the garden. Photo references or other sources will also be used. Join us on Saturday mornings to create art!
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Annie Thompson
Cost: $295
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This tree painting workshop dives into tree structure and how to capture a tree's personality in painting. We will focus on building the tree's gesture, capturing its shape and movement, and understanding how its foliage integrates into the larger form. Our goal is to learn how to generalize the tree's structure and capture its essence without getting bogged down in minute details. The class will include lots of one-on-one instruction and a lecture exploring how both historical and contemporary painters approach tree construction. Instead of aiming for finished paintings, we'll do several small studies to solidify our understanding of trees and how we can communicate their individual character. Some painting experience would be helpful. Students are free to work in oil or acrylic.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Claire Haik
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This one-day workshop teaches participants techniques for creating varied edges in their painting. You'll learn how edge adjustments can enhance visual impact, guide the viewer’s focus, and build dynamic compositions. We will explore how factors like atmosphere, light, values, color, motion, textures, and form create opportunities for different edges in our paintings. All skill levels welcome. Bring photo references. Students can work in oil, acrylic, or gouache.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Fred Jackson
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Explore new ways of working from the human form that are alternatives to simulating volume in space with linear perspective and light and shadow. Draw and sculpt from the model with unconventional media and implements, such as acrylic applied with plastic knives, sticks, and sponges, and assemblages of wood, branches, and other natural or found objects. Experience how purposely cumbersome tools and fast poses combine to impede traditional rendering and thus generate a variety of shapes, patterns, textures, and lines that are rooted in, but independent of, the model. This immersive and playful process is an excellent introduction to working with abstract elements and learning how to form them into unified, compelling images. Open to all levels.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Steve Nocella
Cost: $330
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

Paint from a life model in long, multi-class poses to develop and refine your figure painting compositions. Extended poses will allow students to adjust and resolve issues of surface, color, and composition. 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. Instruction will be geared toward oil, but students are welcome to draw-only, or use other appropriate media, if they wish. Note: Tuition includes a $35 models fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: David Wilson
Cost: $330
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

Discover the joy of acrylic painting in a relaxed, supportive and inspiring environment. This class will equip you with essential techniques, including color mixing, composition, and brushwork, to bring dynamic landscapes to life. Using photo references as inspiration, we'll guide you through step-by-step painting processes, helping you develop your own artistic style. Whether you're a beginner or looking to take your skills to the next level, this class will provide you with the tools and confidence to create captivating works of art.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Nicole Lee
Cost: $235
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This workshop will focus on the problem of combining the genres of still-life and interior painting into a single picture. We will start by addressing the problem of finding a subject and the practical and formal problems of setting up a still life. We will discuss how to organize and simplify complex information, how to have a unified sense of light throughout the picture and how to perceive color and tone relationships. We will also cover aspects of drawing that will help in the creation of a convincing sense of space. Students are welcome to bring their own objects or work with objects on hand at the center. You can use oil paint, acrylic paint, gouache or pastel.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Peter Van Dyck
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This workshop will concentrate on painting one of the most beautiful and challenging aspects of a tree: its trunk and branches. Trunks are rarely perfectly round; instead, their surfaces present a combination of flat planes and rounded forms that interlock together. The pattern of its branches, roots and rippling bark tell each tree’s life story. Our goal in this class is to simplify the tree's structure and capture its essence as effectively as possible. We will describe tree trunks using intentional brush marks and explore how small adjustments in color and value will bend branches into the foreground and background. The class will include lots of one-on-one instruction and a lecture exploring how both historical and contemporary painters approach tree construction.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Claire Haik
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This workshop will focus on understanding color temperature, its ability to bring vitality to the painted surface as well as its use as a powerful tool in identifying and controlling color in your work. Students can work from still life or photo references and in any medium, however, oil painting will be the primary focus. Daily demos will be followed by individual instruction and general discussion.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Jon Redmond
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Distance contributes to the beauty of a scene and this workshop will focus on this goal by guiding you in expressing an atmospheric perspective from an image of your own. Mountain views, farmland or water views are some ideas to look for. Learn to make certain decisions, establishing deep space to create the most impact on your viewer. Inspiration from master and contemporary painters will be shared and discussed and Abby will provide individual attention throughout the day. Oil or Acrylic experience required.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Abby Ober
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Get to the heart of your authentic work and your personal style by: - Making a lot of work (Quantity over Quality - This quiets the internal critic and gives our unique ideas a chance to breathe). - Having a deadline (The best antidote to procrastination and “waiting for inspiration”). - Focusing on process over product. I'll do a demo of a painting for the first half of each day, with the students painting the second half of the day. Attendees may use oils or acrylics. Students should bring their own photos or still life objects to work from.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Patrick Lee
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553