Paint the human figure in oil from short studies to developed compositions. Work from the life model in poses of increasing length to master the components of mass and gesture, proportion and basic anatomy, value, composition, and color mixing from limited colors to a full palette. Extended poses will allow students to refine their observations and deepen their understanding of structure toward building more nuanced and cohesive paintings. Topics such as oil paint handling, surface preparation, and color organization also will be addressed. Students will gain the enhanced ability to construct formally sound and personally expressive figure paintings. Note: Tuition includes a $75 model fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Jill A. Rupinski
Cost: $615
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

Enjoy open-air painting in beautiful Valley Forge National Historic Park on the National Historic Register. The church site of George Washington’s Continental Army in 1777-1778 and now home to lush scenery and historic architecture! Located in Montgomery County, 35 minutes northwest of Center City Philadelphia, with ample parking and access to restrooms. Working from diverse landscape subject matter, students will learn essential plein air approaches, including color mixing to achieve a sense of light and air, capturing time of day, compositional fundamentals, and sound drawing and painting practices. Instruction is geared toward oil/acrylic painting and pastel drawing/painting. Meeting at the Washington Memorial Chapel parking lot.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Joseph Sweeney
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

No matter what your preferred subject matter or painting style, this class is designed to help you push your work beyond your preconceived notions of what it should be. One-on-one instruction will develop your unique artistic voice while exploring composition, color, space, rhythm, and technique. Work from personal subject matter (objects or reference materials) to learn how to begin a painting with confidence, trust your instincts, embrace spontaneity, and transform observed forms into a personal form of expression. Experimentation and intuitive decision-making are encouraged. Whether you recently started or renewed your painting practice, or are an experienced painter seeking to move beyond your comfort zone, you'll discover new ways to express yourself and find joy in the creative process.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Kassem Amoudi
Cost: $450
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

Still life subject matter presents endless possibilities for exploring concepts of color and composition to expand your essential painting skills. Working from eclectic arrangements in PAFA’s dedicated still life room, learn to compose with color to describe form, create visual focus and movement, suggest space, and evoke emotion. Students will become acquainted with color theory and other elements of composition as tools for resolving spatial issues in their paintings. Topics include palette arrangements, color mixing, composing a picture plane through sketching and underpainting, and building a painting surface through direct and indirect painting techniques.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Jill A. Rupinski
Cost: $450
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 in poses of varying lengths, investigate color mixing, proportion, and composition using oil paint as a medium. 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 more advanced students the opportunity 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: $385
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

Join veteran plein air artist Joe Sweeney for a unique opportunity to paint inside one of the oldest rowing clubs in Philadelphia: the Bachelors Barge Club on Boathouse Row. Work from picturesque views of the Schuylkill River with the benefit of full access to the historic building with access to the dock, rain-/sun-sheltered porch, and amenities including restrooms. Experienced guidance will cover tactics for working efficiently outdoors, selecting a composition, color mixing, and capturing time of day and atmospheric effects. Instruction and demonstrations will be geared toward acrylic, oil, and pastel painting, but experienced watercolorists are welcome to participate. Note: Students are responsible for their own transportation to painting locations.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Joseph Sweeney
Cost: $265
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

This is a structured class designed to give newer students a thorough understanding of materials, tools, brush handling skills, color theory, color mixing, and the most common techniques and approaches. Students will go through a number of exercises intended to develop these skills, building up to working with a live model. Previous drawing experience is strongly recommended. Students will learn: Painting materials and tools, Alla prima painting technique, Basic color theory, Chiaroscuro, Glazing and scumbling.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: David Heshmatpour
Cost: $340
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Strong paintings start with a great foundation. Even when you want to break the ‘rules’, it’s important to do so with intention! In this class, we will dive into the core foundations of creating a great painting, including composition, value, and rhythm, and look at how master artists have incorporated these ideas into their work. Through creative observation and practice, we will spend time with each concept, and see how they work together to make an engaging painting.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Nicole Michaud
Cost: $340
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. Previous drawing and painting experience is recommended.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Karen Fogarty
Cost: $585
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Led by master artist Michael Doyle, students consider the composition of a figure within an interior setting. Students may elect to draw or paint, using a variety of materials.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Michael Doyle
Cost: $645
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: $585
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Acquaint or re-acquaint yourself with the pleasure of oil painting. Learn about the materials and techniques that form the basis of the medium. Students will use still life, simple and complex, as subject matter. All levels are welcome.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Karen Fogarty
Cost: $585
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Whether you’re picking up a paint brush for the first time or you’re an experienced artist hoping to reconnect with spontaneity, this class is the perfect space to explore and play and find your inner voice. This is a one-on-one approach in order to cultivate the richness of your individuality. Discover the joy of finding your own voice and singing with it. Newly acquired techniques learned in our class will make a big difference. You’ll learn how to start a painting, embrace spontaneity, allow your art to flow freely using your intuition, and how to develop a stronger sense of composition, space, rhythm, and technique. This class is designed to experiment fearlessly, and most importantly, have fun making art!
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Kassem Amoudi
Cost: $585
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This beginner to intermediate course will approach portraiture from a sculptural standpoint, highlighting the basic bony landmarks of the face and skull and using color/value to define major planes and movements of each feature. Moving from large, simple shapes of the face under light, students will transition their thinking from flat abstraction into three-dimensional form. It focuses on working alla prima, resolving issues around transitioning from drawing to painting, developing speed, proficiency, and adaptability to a range of lighting conditions in service of the development of an independent artistic practice. Students will learn the basic structure and artistic anatomy of the head/face, simplifying form to planes, and alla prima techniques for portrait painting.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: David Heshmatpour
Cost: $275
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This 12-week course is for beginners who want to explore life drawing and oil painting, and for more experienced artists who want to improve their artistic skills. Using still-life compositions, students will learn about form, space, design, value, and color through working observationally. In addition, the instructor will introduce a variety of artists who are representative of the lessons provided and conduct in-process and final critiques for a helpful synopsis of the student’s progress and ideas. The class will be broken up into five weeks of drawing and seven weeks of painting, but the student is open to work in any medium if they prefer or continue drawing throughout the entirety of the course.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Annie Gardner
Cost: $490
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Students will explore all aspects of working with oils, with a strong emphasis on composition, color mixing and various painting techniques. Individual instruction provided in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Ideal for beginners as well as more experienced artists.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Stefanie Lieberman
Cost: $585
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: $540
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

In this 12-week class we will explore ways to move beyond blending and over-polishing toward a more semi-abstract approach. With a focus on shape, color, and composition, your work can become more powerful. Bring your current work to develop each week. The instructor will help you strengthen your existing approach and refine your paintings. All subject matter and mediums are welcome- still-life, figure, landscape, et al. There will be weekly discussions or lessons, and the instructor will provide weekly one-on-one guidance for each student. Please note: This is a semi-abstract class. We will begin with representational subject matter while exploring ways to abstract it. All mediums welcome (instructor works in oil).
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Claudia Rilling
Cost: $585
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

In this intermediate-advanced painting course students will work from personal family photographs (historic or contemporary) to cultivate a deeper connection with one's family history, or simply to create a strong painting based on photographs that have been stashed away for years in family archives. We will address issues such as the head, proportion, simplification, and color mixing. Students will work from full color images or in sepia- this will be determined based on the references used. Students work at their own pace and will receive one-on-one instruction. Lessons will be supplemented by discussions of notable figurative painters. All mediums welcome (instructor works in oil).
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Claudia Rilling
Cost: $585
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Explore new techniques and further develop your personal style along with fellow artists and friends in Wayne Art Center's bright and spacious art studios. This professional-style open studio offers a self-directed environment where artists of all levels can hone their skills and explore their creativity. Designed for those seeking a dedicated time and place to create without the constraints of formal instruction, the space fosters independence and artistic growth. These sessions are open to everyone—from absolute beginners to advanced artists—providing a supportive community for anyone looking to focus on their craft.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
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: $585
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: $585
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: $585
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Discover the joy of painting with the natural world as inspiration. In this gentle, exploratory class, students of all levels are invited to slow down, observe, and draw inspiration from the colors, textures, and rhythms of nature. Using flowers, trees, landscapes, and seasonal changes as starting points, we’ll experiment with playful techniques and creative prompts that spark imagination and personal expression. Rather than striving for perfect results, this course celebrates process over product...finding peace, presence, and delight in the act of painting itself. Along the way, you’ll cultivate a deeper connection to both nature and your own creativity. No prior painting experience is needed—just curiosity, openness, and a willingness to explore.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Heidi Techner
Cost: $585
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Working in oil or pastel from photographic reference, this class is about translating the photographic image onto either canvas or paper. Focusing on color, value and mark making as essential tools, students are encouraged to move a step beyond the restraints of a camera to create a successful and personal work. Discussion will include working with painting mediums and exploring different techniques.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Anne Graham
Cost: $585
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This course is designed to help you develop the skills needed to paint a portrait and achieve a likeness of your subject, working either in a traditional or contemporary style. Focus will be on observation, composition, and color with an emphasis on skin tones as well as learning to translate the various planes of color and light that are so important in painting the figure.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Anne Graham
Cost: $340
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Paint on location at Philadelphia's historic Fairmount Park mansions including Laurel Hill Mansion, Ormiston Mansion, Woodford Mansion, Strawberry Mansion and Ridgeland Mansion! Built in the 18th century, these houses feature amazing architecture, beautiful gardens, and scenic views. Each week will feature a different instructor who will demonstrate oil, watercolor/gouache and pastel techniques, reference art historical examples, cover the ins-and-outs of working outdoors and encourage personal expression. Includes a tour of each historic house (optional)! Work with the materials of your choice including watercolor, oil, acrylic and drawing media. Restrooms and free parking will be available.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Various
Cost: $250
Sponsor: Cerulean Arts Gallery and Studio
Website, email, 267-514-8647

Abstract or expressive painting often uses observable subject matter as a starting point or source of inspiration for color, form, and composition. Working from colorful still life arrangements, learn to move beyond identifiable objects and defined contours to explore more expressive or personal means of interpretation. Instruction will address redeploying or adapting observable shapes and colors toward abstract effect, manipulating visual elements to strengthen compositional balance and movement or to reconstruct pictorial space, and employing expressive mark-making for focus or emotional intent. Color mixing and basic oil painting techniques will also be reviewed.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Roger Chavez
Cost: $295
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

Learn how to paint beautiful landscapes on location! In this class, we will discuss the fundamentals of painting en plein air as well as more advanced topics like drawing, composition, and color theory. The first day will begin with a 30-minute lecture and discussion on the core concepts of plein air painting. This will be followed by a 2.5-hour painting demonstration. After a 1-hour lunch break, students will begin work on their own paintings while Marc gives individualized instruction. Class will end at 4pm, but students may continue to paint if they wish. Days 2 and 3 will follow a similar format. The class will end with a group critique and discussion.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Marc Anderson
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.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Peter Van Dyck
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

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: Joseph Sweeney
Cost: $585
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: $645
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Students learn basic techniques and mechanics of oil painting to help guide them from inspiration to expression. Working from still-life set-ups, students build paintings as they consider the relationship of objects within a composition, as well as the overall picture including color, hue, and intensity.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Michael Doyle
Cost: $585
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Whether you’re picking up a paint brush for the first time or you’re an experienced artist hoping to reconnect with spontaneity, this class is the perfect space to explore and play and find your inner voice. This is a one-on-one approach in order to cultivate the richness of your individuality. Discover the joy of finding your own voice and singing with it. Newly acquired techniques learned in our class will make a big difference. You’ll learn how to start a painting, embrace spontaneity, allow your art to flow freely using your intuition, and how to develop a stronger sense of composition, space, rhythm, and technique. This class is designed to experiment fearlessly, and most importantly, have fun making art!
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Kassem Amoudi
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

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 all students who want to review fundamental techniques or who simply enjoy painting portraits from life.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Roberto Osti
Cost: $515
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

During this one-day intensive workshop, Beth shares her unique technique with students. In the morning Beth will do a demo and show how she uses photography and simple apps on her phone to simplify forms, enhance value and emphasize composition. In the afternoon students will work from photos (either bring your own on your phone/iPad, or Beth will have prints to share). Beth uses unconventional tools including squeegees and Q-tips, along with her brushes focusing on composition, values, edges, and drawing rather than color. Students are encouraged to use water mixable (soluble) oils. Beth will have paint for her students to try as well as one of her prepared painting panels, brushes and other supplies for you to use.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Beth Bathe
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Our interest is whether two distinct pictorial genres, the portrait and the nude figure, can challenge each other and make each more interesting. The expressive overlap in portraiture and figure painting has been a central concern in my work for over forty years. To explore this experience the workshop will consist of two all day poses. Participants may use any painting medium (oil, acrylic, pastel, opaque watercolor), but the emphasis will be in pushing the participants’ efforts through changes and revision which may include the model’s change of state from nude to clothed or vice versa. My interest is in “likeness” which is as much involved with gesture, proportion, and spatial context as the disposition of features, complexion, and light.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Scott Noel
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Alla prima painting asks you to answer what is in front of you before the mind can explain it away. Working from life, students learn to reduce a simple subject to its essentials and set it down in a single, unhesitating gesture. The work is one of clear seeing and honest response: direct observation, decisive brushwork, and color felt rather than calculated. Students are encouraged to paint the spirit of a subject rather than its detail - to find beauty in something and express it before the hand grows cautious and the painting closes in on itself. Each four-hour session moves through demonstration, lecture, and considered critique. All levels are welcome, though some experience with oil is required.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Georganna Lenssen
Cost: $450
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This will be a two-day long pose oil painting workshop with a live model. To start off, students will learn how to get better structure and likeness through the practice of abstract angle relationships as our drawing foundation. Students will then build upon this by modeling the surface of the face with a basic flesh tone value range. This is the basic method upon which more elaborate portraits can be developed. Also discussed will be adding color to our flesh tones, how to start this process and how to think about it based upon classical formulas and also pure abstract color perception. We will end the class with developing the features further to create a focal point for the portrait.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Kerry Dunn
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

In this immersive two-day painting workshop, artist Vlad Duchev emphasizes a practical approach centered on one of the most important elements in painting: composition. Through a series of focused studies, participants will learn how to simplify complex subjects, identify compelling shapes, organize visual relationships, and create compositions that communicate clearly and powerfully. From initial idea to finished painting, emphasis will be placed on editing, design, and the strategic use of suggestion—learning how to leave out the unnecessary so the essential can speak louder. This workshop is designed for painters seeking to strengthen their artistic voice, create more compelling compositions, and develop a deeper understanding of how studies and suggestion work together to elevate their paintings.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Vlad Milan Duchev
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This comprehensive workshop covers all aspects of painting a traditional portrait. Topics include achieving a likeness, modeling light and shade, mixing flesh tones and applying paint through various techniques. All participants will produce at least one finished portrait. Includes demonstrations and portrait history. Valuable information for all levels. Note: Tuition includes a $25 model fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Theodore Xaras
Cost: $250
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

This class focuses on understanding the many expressive ways of starting and finishing a painting in wet paint. Students will learn the excitement of starting with washes of bright transparent colors and building towards opaque color passages. Throughout the course, we will address several fundamental challenges that painters commonly encounter. These include the exploration of composition and the relationship between light and dark areas. Additionally, the course will delve into essential color concepts, providing a foundation for making informed color choices in your paintings. I would like everyone to find within themselves the joy and fearless ability that comes with painting. It is less about the exactness of the subject and more about how you chose to express your subject in paint.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Fred Jackson
Cost: $440
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This two-day workshop explores how artists can use limited palettes, dominant color relationships, and value structure to create landscape paintings with greater mood, atmosphere, and emotional impact. Through demonstrations, discussion, and hands-on painting exercises, students will learn how simplifying color choices can create stronger design, clearer visual statements, and more expressive paintings. Student Level: Open to painters with prior experience (beginner through advanced). This workshop is not intended for absolute beginners with no painting experience. Medium: Oil is preferred; however, painters working in other media are welcome provided they have prior experience in their chosen medium.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Mark Vander Vinne
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This workshop will consider the idea of approaching still life not as a collection of objects, but as a landscape. By shifting focus away from describing things and toward spatial relationships, atmosphere, movement and structure, we will discover new possibilities for observation and interpretation. The goal is not to disguise the still life as a landscape, but to use the visual language of landscape painting to deepen engagement with what is in front of us.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Gillian Wainwright
Cost: $395
Sponsor: Cerulean Arts Gallery and Studio
Website, email, 267-514-8647

This course will introduce students to the basics of oil painting. Students will learn how to handle materials, mix colors, and build a painting from start to finish. The tools and processes covered are adaptable for use in a home studio setup. Techniques will include color mixing, brushwork, layering, and basic surface preparation. Students will work from simple observation and/or reference while developing an understanding of value and composition.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Shushana Rucker
Cost: $250
Sponsor: Cerulean Arts Gallery and Studio
Website, email, 267-514-8647

Every strong painting begins with a thoughtful foundation. In this one-day workshop, students will first explore applying transparent patches of vibrant color to the painting surface, creating an energetic underpainting that adds excitement and provides color relationships to build upon throughout the process. From there, we'll establish transparent darks to define the value structure, composition, and overall color harmony. You'll learn to mix a variety of rich, colorful darks while connecting dark shapes to dark shapes and light shapes to light shapes, creating visual pathways that guide the viewer's eye through the painting. Once the design is established, we'll transition to thicker, opaque light passages, bringing the painting to life with clarity, unity, and luminous color.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Fred Jackson
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

While working from a live model (one 2-day pose) this workshop will emphasize how to achieve accuracy of the facial structure and features as you block in, and how to mix the right color and value for the light, shadow, and midtones as the portrait is developed. Instructor will demonstrate both days in a step-by-step process to support students’ work. We will work on a toned surface so that we can paint directly with color after doing a block in. Some drawing experience recommended. Handouts provided. One-on-one feedback at your easels in a supportive, friendly atmosphere.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Ellen Cooper
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

During this two-day color class students will learn how to skillfully mix oil paint through guided mixing exercises and how to better apply these ideas to one's own paintings. We will work also with a variety of palettes and explore how each one can influence color relationships and expression in a painting. Through hands-on exercises, demos, and lectures, color will become easier to use and to understand. This class is for any oil painter- advanced beginner to advanced- who would like to become more confident with color control and mixing, and learn to use different palettes and approaches to color theory. Acrylic can be accommodated if one has a “stay-wet” palette set-up.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Claudia Rilling
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Paint from a clothed model to advance your skills in portraiture and figure painting. Explore the proportions and anatomy of the head and neck structures, the definition of features, and how to capture expression and likeness, as well as conveying the gesture and construction of the figure with the incorporation of drapery/clothing. 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, 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 $40 models fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Anthony Ciambella
Cost: $385
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

This six-week course focuses on the specific skills needed to successfully create small and miniature oil paintings. Students will learn how to adjust composition, simplify forms, and control detail so that images read clearly at a smaller size. Students will learn painting strategies which will make working at a smaller scale more approachable. Working from observation and/or reference, students will also explore how value, edges, and color relationships function differently in a compact format. Through demonstrations, exercises, and critique, participants will build confidence in making clear, deliberate decisions that suit the demands of painting small.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Shushana Rucker
Cost: $295
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

Cultivate fluid mark-making and bold approaches to subject matter through rapid and loose painting studies. Tight and precise painting, especially in the early stages of an artwork, can sometimes lead to work that appears stiff and over-labored, or to locked-in compositions that are difficult to change or correct. Working from the still life, cityscapes, and the life model, utilize short, small painting exercises to learn new ways of starting paintings, keeping compositions open to adjustment, and both initiating and retaining a sense of freshness in your forms and brushstrokes. Instruction will address color mixing, painting materials and methodologies, and the importance of cultivating viable methods for growth in your painting practice. Discover the beauty and freedom of loosening up your painting!
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Roger Chavez
Cost: $310
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: $300
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This beginner to intermediate course will approach portraiture from a sculptural standpoint, highlighting the basic bony landmarks of the face and skull and using color/value to define major planes and movements of each feature. Moving from large, simple shapes of the face under light, students will transition their thinking from flat abstraction into three-dimensional form. It focuses on working alla prima, resolving issues around transitioning from drawing to painting, developing speed, proficiency, and adaptability to a range of lighting conditions in service of the development of an independent artistic practice. Students will learn the basic structure and artistic anatomy of the head/face, simplifying form to planes, and alla prima techniques for portrait painting.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: David Heshmatpour
Cost: $275
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Explore new techniques and further develop your personal style along with fellow artists and friends in Wayne Art Center's bright and spacious art studios. This professional-style open studio offers a self-directed environment where artists of all levels can hone their skills and explore their creativity. Designed for those seeking a dedicated time and place to create without the constraints of formal instruction, the space fosters independence and artistic growth. These sessions are open to everyone—from absolute beginners to advanced artists—providing a supportive community for anyone looking to focus on their craft.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Paint loose and intuitive in a workshop where color, shape and line come together to make impactful designs inspired by your color palette and your style of brushwork. Students will work on various small color studies (4 x 6 or 6 x 8) at first to determine color palette and choose a favorite composition to paint larger the second half of the day (11x 14 or 16 x 20). This is a day for those who move away from painting objects or landscapes to emphasize feeling and movement.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Abby Ober
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

In this workshop we will make the best use of our palette by learning how to mix complements and neutrals that create harmony in our paintings. We will also explore how to do a lot with a little, by gaining confidence with a limited palette. Travel light without giving up a range of expressions and moods. Beginning to advanced oil painters welcome.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Nicole Michaud
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

During this 2-day workshop, participants will explore approaches to developing and emphasizing abstract relationships in a painting based on direct observation. The instructor will work with students to set up their own still life, and cover topics such as color mixing, value relationships and framing the scene/composing. We will search for formal abstract relationships such as alignments, pathways through the space, as well as color and value design. There will be a focus on creating a simple, but sophisticated still-life arrangement. The emphasis will be on the emergence of the abstract structure of the painting rather than on traditional techniques or skills. A broad range of painting styles and skill levels are welcome. Some basic familiarity with oil paint is recommended.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Ed Praybe
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This class will focus on personalized instruction and critique; encouraging creative experimentation and furthering one’s personal painting goals.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Jon Redmond
Cost: $300
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Through demos, lectures and personal instruction you will paint from life using your own personal still life set ups. Common problems such as composition, subject matter, lighting, color mixing and material choices will be covered.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Jon Redmond
Cost: $300
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This class will explore the process of working in the studio from photographs looking at both historic and contemporary examples, as well as class demonstrations and individual instruction. We will sort through the inherent strengths and weaknesses of using the photograph as the basis for a painting. Jon will also discuss ways to manipulate your photos with the iPhone and how to choose the best photos from which to work.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Jon Redmond
Cost: $250
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Through demos, discussions and class work I will help you understand how your material choices and aesthetic decisions can greatly affect the direction and outcome of your work.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Jon Redmond
Cost: $250
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

During this one-day intensive workshop, Beth shares her unique technique with students. Beth will do a demo and show how she uses photography and simple apps on her phone to simplify forms enhance value and emphasize composition. She will also discuss how to pick objects that make an exciting still life set up. Students are encouraged to use water mixable (soluble) oils to get the most out of the workshop. Beth will have paint for her students to try as well as one of her prepared painting panels, brushes and other supplies for you to use during the workshop. This workshop is for all level of painters.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Beth Bathe
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

We will dive into the all important painting issue of figuring out how to successfully mix colors and properly use your materials to express vision. In depth demos and discussions on color temperature, value relationships, paint handling, color choices and color mixing. Morning demos and afternoon instruction while painting from life.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Jon Redmond
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This course invites painters to work directly from life rather than from assumptions or formulas. Using simple, tangible subjects—such as fruit or flowers—students learn to slow down, truly look, and respond to what is actually in front of them. The course emphasizes seeing the whole before the parts—establishing large relationships, proportion, and spatial order before attending to refinement. Color, pigment characteristics, and color mixing are addressed throughout as essential tools for clarity and expression. This class is ideal for painters who want their work to feel more confident, cohesive, and alive—and who are ready to trust their eyes, enjoy the process, and paint with clear, purposeful strokes.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Georganna Lenssen
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Working from still-life we will develop a vocabulary for clearer color thinking, and skills in seeing and using the subtle color changes in white. Color is a perceptual event: a sensation, not a theory. White, as the brightest and highest value, is the master of all the other colors. How does a painter become a colorist? It is not about using bright colors but about handling nuances and seeing color relationships, especially in the use of whites. Those subtle color changes require heightened sensitivity to all aspects of color; value, harmony and complementary, along with careful observation and response, and understanding how color and light function in both human vision and in paint.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Maggie Siner
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This class breaks down the landscape into three essential zones: foreground, middle ground, and background. We will look at how color and value shift in each of the three zones and learn how to use dramatic value contrast and scale shifts to guide the viewer's eye exactly where you want it to go. Together we will design landscapes with strong foreground elements (such as a large tree, dark grasses, or a winding pathway) that lead to a clear middle ground and then back to a deep atmospheric vista. Open to artists at all levels who want to create depth in their paintings and try a structured approach to landscape painting.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Claire Haik
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Because drapery captures gravity, weight and movement, it does a great deal of the work in making a convincing dynamic composition. Drapery can be manipulated and altered in ways that bodies can never be and yet define the forms of the body underneath. As it covers it also reveals. Fabric retains the gesture of movement, giving life to static forms. Changes of color on each turning plane are subtle, beautiful, and completely dependent on fabric texture. This gives tactile specificity for the sense of touch. Fabric suggests content, drama. Working from visual perception and studying light relationships we will use both still life and figure to simplify and extract the essentials of form and gesture for a unified and dramatic whole.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Maggie Siner
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

The painting knife is an important accompaniment to the brush for creating textural effects, expressive marks, and broad planes of color. Learn how to use this tool to achieve bold lines, crisp edges, and even fine details while working from still life or reference imagery. Explore color, texture, and painterly application as you expand your range of painting techniques for your own representational or abstract work.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Shushana Rucker
Cost: $115
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

This workshop will focus on working though the complexities of oil painting while studying the light, form and space of a small scaled still life. Demonstrations will cover: Subject choices, material choices, under-paintings, direct and indirect oil techniques. Intense personal instruction is augmented with class discussions on historical and contemporary artists.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Jon Redmond
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Get the most out of your studio time or plein air work by keeping things simple, to-the-point, and powerful. Focus on design; the overall abstract relationships in your painting are what matter, and what have the most impact. Your ability to analyze visual data, break it down to its basic components, and record it, is the key to your development as a visual artist. This ability, combined with a lexical/visual language that can help you analyze and convey these ideas, is an essential step in discovering your own personal aesthetic. I'll do a demo of a painting for the ?rst half of each day, with the students painting the second half of the day. Attendees may use oils or acrylics.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Patrick Lee
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553