This dynamic course invites artists of all skill levels to explore the limitless possibilities of mixed media. Students will learn to create richly layered artworks that express their unique artistic vision by combining various materials and techniques. Class sessions will cover a range of media, including acrylics, collage, ink, cut and torn paper, found objects, and more; while emphasizing principles of composition, texture, and color theory. Students will engage in hands-on experimentation, guided exercises, and individual projects, discovering how to merge different art forms into cohesive pieces. Whether you’re a beginner eager to try something new or an experienced artist seeking fresh inspiration, this course fosters creativity, self-expression, and an appreciation for the unexpected beauty of mixed media art.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Heidi Techner
Cost: $285
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This class is for high school students looking to deepen their skills in 2D composition and life drawing and painting. Working from a still life arrangement, students will create detailed 18" x 24" realistic compositions from life using chalk pastels and acrylic paint. Students will benefit from highly individualized instruction in a small class setting. As many college art programs and art schools require observational work in portfolio submissions, this class will also provide the opportunity to create a strong and essential portfolio piece. This is a 5-week, 2.5-hour class.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Sarah Colby
Cost: $225
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Push the boundaries of what it means to paint with acrylics in this exciting exploration into experimental techniques. Explore the fluid, sculptural, assembled possibilities of acrylics! This hands-on, one-of-a-kind journey will take you places that you never thought you would go in acrylic painting: pour paint to make layers of color that can be peeled up, sculpted into three-dimensional forms, or collaged and layered into other paintings or mixed-media works. Create flexible tiles of acrylic color that can be snipped, shaped, and assembled into mosaics or applied to a variety of surfaces for artistic or decorative effects. Discover a myriad of alternative supports, brushes, and methods of paint application to incorporate abstract effects into your work.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Anthony Ciambella
Cost: $295
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

Paint from a life model in poses of varying lengths 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

Capture the small-town beauty Manayunk's hilly streets, rowhomes, and storefronts. Learn to create a convincing sense of space, light and time of day while depicting streetscapes, trees, water and sky. Color mixing and painting techniques for oils will be demonstrated, but all drawing/painting media are welcome. Located just 15 minutes outside of Philadelphia, Manayunk offers engaging urban and riverside neighborhood subjects with parking, shade, provisions and facilities available. Note: Students are responsible for their own transportation to painting locations.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Larry Francis
Cost: $295
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

Paint on location on the grounds of beautiful Ridgeland Mansion, the historic 18th century Federal-style house located in west Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. Landscape painting topics will include color mixing to achieve a sense of light and air, capturing time of day, compositional fundamentals, and sound painting practices for oil, acrylic, or pastel painting. Students are responsible for their own transportation.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Joseph Sweeney
Cost: $115
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632