Capture the vitality and gesture of the life model under the guidance of Bruce Samuelson, master draftsman and Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) professor. Samuelson's work combines a virtuosity of Old Masters-influenced draftsmanship with elegant abstraction. Hone your own approach to the figure, whether academic or expressive, through Samuelson's individually tailored instruction. Foundational principles of structure, anatomy, form and gesture will be presented through critique, and discussion of master drawings, past and present. Work in the media of your choice including graphite, charcoal, pastel and paint.
 
Location: Philadelphia, PA, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Bruce Samuelson
Cost: $395
Sponsor: Cerulean Arts Gallery and Studio
Website, email, 267-514-8647

The convincing depiction of form in three-dimensional space is one of the great conceptual breakthroughs in Western art. We will begin by drawing items from still life on toned paper. How do you begin a drawing, and when do you stop? We will explore physical viewpoint, composition and the rendering of light and shadow to create mood and feeling. Recreate what you see with power and fresh vision. The goal is to build a drawing vocabulary that communicates your thoughts and feelings. The class will include demonstrations, discussions of masterworks (traditional and contemporary) and thoughtful feedback on class work. The drawing participants will discover this to be a valuable resource for more advanced work in drawing and painting.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Ernie Norcia
Cost: $285
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This course will focus on issues of, composition, color, texture, measure, likeness, proportion, with special attention given to technical painting issues, like, how to translate skin’s complex surface characteristics in paint. Demonstrations of a layered painting technique to bring out the full depth and richness of color in our portraits will be presented and discussed. The class will include demonstrations, discussions of masterworks, both traditional and contemporary, and thoughtful feedback on work. The course will be a valuable resource for participants of any age and skill level. This course is open to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced, encouraging all participants to deepen their knowledge of portraiture through the process of painting.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Ernie Norcia
Cost: $385
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

This class is for high school students looking to deepen their skills in 2D composition and life drawing. Working from various still life arrangements, students will create detailed realistic and expressive compositions from life using pencils and chalk pastels. 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. New students and repeat students welcome - each session explores different topics and still set-ups. This is a 5-week, 2.5-hour class.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Sarah Colby
Cost: $230
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

If you haven’t drawn in a while, this course will help to rebuild your skills in translating the 3D world to the 2D surface of your paper. Hone your ability to interpret and define proportions, shapes, and value structure while working from observation from city views, interiors, and still-life objects. Content will address shading techniques, principles of perspective, and line quality in charcoal or pencil.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Frederic Kaplan
Cost: $295
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

Students may elect to draw or paint, using a variety of mediums. Open to all levels, from beginner to experienced.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Michael Doyle
Cost: $285
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Discover the quiet joy of drawing as we explore the expressive potential of graphite, colored pencil, and watercolor pencil. This class offers a relaxed pace and supportive environment to build skills and confidence. We’ll enjoy the therapeutic effects of playing with color while learning to see shapes and values more clearly. Each drawing project will be a fun exercise in learning the basic building blocks of drawing. We’ll explore color blending, layering, and the soft washes that watercolor pencils can create—bringing warmth and life to your drawings. Whether you're picking up a pencil for the first time or returning to art after a break, this class is a chance to slow down, observe closely, and enjoy the process of drawing.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Barbara Zanelli
Cost: $240
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

With Trompe L’oeil, meaning “Fool the eye”, the object is to create the illusion of three-dimensional form jumping out from the 2D surface. Students will learn techniques and tricks for heightening the deception using artist-grade Prismacolor pencils!
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Sarah Fantuzzo
Cost: $55
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This intensive workshop is designed for those looking to push their portrait drawing abilities toward the professional level. Demonstrations and in-class exercises will open up how you see, think, and approach the creation of a likeness, avoiding common pitfalls. Explore subtleties of form and the relationships of lines, planes and tones, capturing the character and energy of the subject. Additionally, instruction will cover facial expressions and deep anatomy of the face, neck, and upper body. Drawing will be primarily in graphite pencil and stick. Introductory portrait drawing or equivalent recommended. 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