Art Workshops, Classes & Retreats

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"Father/Parent’s Day Special – Fearless! Youth Paint Session"
June 14, 2025 (10-11a)
 

Celebrate your dad, parent, or guardian by working together on two 12×12 paintings, led by instructor Jyneal Radke of Fearless Paint Nights. We’ll work on color mixing, paint texture techniques, and have a blast along the way! Each registration includes one adult and one child, two canvases, brushes, paint, aprons, and instructor. If you’d like another child (or two!) to join it jsut another $5 per kiddo. This session is open to anyone who identifies as a father/parent/guardian or, regardless of gender, identifies with ‘Father’s’ Day or wants to celebrate the weekend with family.
 
Location: Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin
Instructor: Jyneal Radke
Cost: $25
Sponsor: River Arts, Inc.
Website, email, 608-643-5215


"Extension Painting Over the Line"
June 16, 2025
 

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


"Paint & Sip: Lowcountry Marsh"
June 19, 2025
 

Join Lowcountry Artist and Art League of Hilton Head Instructor, Kristen Augustine, for this exciting 90-minute session perfect for those who want as little or as much creative guidance as they prefer. Perfect for date-night, or girls-night-out, Kristen's course allows participants to create a bright and beautiful acrylic marsh painting using simple painting techniques. You will use a delightful balance of cool blues for the sky and water, and warm tones of yellow and green for the marsh grass. You will also focus on adding depth to the painting by utilizing the highlights and shadows! All participants must be age 21+, zero exceptions will be made to this rule. All supplies are included in the cost of this workshop.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Kristen Augustine
Cost: $50
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Paint Fast in Oils or Acrylics"
June 19-20, 2025
 

During this class, we will focus on how to create full spectrum compositions. We will use detail to create interest in the foreground and atmospheric perspective to create distance in the background. The object of this class is to paint large to enable yourself to loosen up and not be so fussy over details. It is important to bring a large canvas, nothing smaller than 24" x 30". You'll also bring a few photographs you would enjoy painting. We will use under-painting to speed up the process and overcome the intimidation factor of that big white canvas. This class was designed for oil and acrylic painters of all levels.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Nancy Mitchell
Cost: $100
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Plein Air Painting at Laurel Hill Cemetery"
Fridays, June 20 - July 18, 2025
 

Learn the basics of painting with watercolor and pastel, ideal for plein air, as you work on location at beautiful and historic Laurel Hill Cemetery featuring terraced grounds, sculpture, and amazing views of the Schuylkill River. The instructor will demonstrate techniques, reference art historical examples, and encourage personal expression. Instruction will be geared to watercolor, but experienced oil/acrylic painters are welcome. Free parking and restrooms available.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Keith Leitner
Cost: $175
Sponsor: Cerulean Arts Gallery and Studio
Website, email, 267-514-8647


"Life Model Drawing"
June 20, 2025
 

Life Drawing, also known as Figure Drawing, is the practice of drawing in order to study the human figure. If you look at historic artwork, you'll find many nude drawings and paintings. These are considered life drawings. Many artists perceive figure drawing as an endless effort with limitless possibility for improvement, learning, and diversity. The range of detail in a life drawing can vary immensely. They can range from highly detailed and anatomically proportional drawings to loose and expressive sketches to gesture drawings, which show the simple form, action and pose. Some popular mediums used during life drawings are charcoal, graphite, pen, ink and pastels. For the longer poses, some may use painting mediums like acrylics or oil.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Cost: $20 for Members / $40 for Non-members
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Plein Air Painting at the Schuylkill Center"
June 21, 2025
 

Celebrate the first day of summer painting on location at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education! The Schuylkill Center is one of first environmental education centers in the country, with 365 acres of fields, forests, ponds and streams, as well as Philadelphia's only wildlife clinic - and amazing location for painters! Instructor Keith Leitner will demonstrate watercolor and pastel techniques, reference art historical examples, cover the ins-and-outs of working outdoors and encourage personal expression. Instruction will be geared towards watercolor, but you are free to the materials of your choice including gouache, oil, acrylic and drawing media. The workshop will include a welcome and orientation by Schuylkill Center staff. Restrooms and free parking available. Don’t’ miss this great opportunity!
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Keith Leitner
Cost: $95
Sponsor: Cerulean Arts Gallery and Studio
Website, email, 267-514-8647


"Geometric Inspirations for Painting Workshop"
June 22, 2025
 

Geometry has been a source of interest, beauty and creative inspiration for the artist through the ages. Geometry and geometric forms are all around us: lines, forms, and shapes can be seen in everything from architecture to plant life to seashells. Artist and educator Michael Smith will guide you through non-mathematical working methods inspired by geometry in this workshop, designed to enhance your ongoing body of work or be the starting point for a new one. Create a painting in the medium of your choice: acrylic, gouache or watercolor while you work from your own reference photographs, magazines, books or digital imagery.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Michael Smith
Cost: $75
Sponsor: Cerulean Arts Gallery and Studio
Website, email, 267-514-8647


"Mandala Dotting with Acrylics"
June 23-27, 2025
 

Our all-inclusive retreat is designed for women only, to enjoy a week of art classes in a small group setting, taught by owner/artist, Christy Wilcox. We are located in a small town in the Finger Lakes Region of NY between Cayuga and Seneca Lakes. You can choose one of 3 enchanting guest rooms in our beautifully remodeled, Victorian home. This retreat will focus on learning how to paint dot mandalas on rocks and wooden boxes. Classes are designed for any experience level. We start out simple, learning color gradients and the method of creating a mandala, and work through more complicated mandalas as the week progresses. Each retreat includes all your lodging, gourmet meals and art supplies.
 
Location: Interlaken, New York
Instructor: Christy Wilcox
Cost: $2,250
Sponsor: Christy's Place
Website, email, 607-319-1423


"Painting Over the Line"
Mondays, June 23 - August 11, 2025
 

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


"Advanced Drawing & Painting"
Tuesdays, June 24 - August 12, 2025
 

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: $380
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"Light & Shadow: Bring Your Paintings to Life"
Tuesdays, June 24 - August 12, 2025
 

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: $380
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"Art From The Heart: Abstract Painting"
Wednesdays, June 25 - August 13, 2025
 

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 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: $380
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"Art From The Heart: Abstract Painting"
Thursdays, June 26 - August 14, 2025
 

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 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: $320
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"Exploring the Art of Acrylic Landscape Painting"
Thursdays, June 26 - August 7, 2025
 

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: $320
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"Expression in Paint (Oil/Acrylic)"
Thursdays, June 26 - August 14, 2025
 

In this course, we will be painting small, loose paintings of varied subject matter comprised from images that students will submit. Learn how to break down an image to its most important aspects and not getting tied up in detail from the start. Composition, color mixing and painting technique will be addressed in a fun and relaxing painting experience! All skill levels welcome.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Stefanie Lieberman
Cost: $380
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"Painting with a Purpose"
Thursdays, June 26 - August 14, 2025
 

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: $380
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"Painting – Discovering Your Artistic Voice"
Thursdays, June 26 - August 14, 2025
 

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: $380
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"Life Model Drawing"
June 29, 2025
 

Life Drawing, also known as Figure Drawing, is the practice of drawing in order to study the human figure. If you look at historic artwork, you'll find many nude drawings and paintings. These are considered life drawings. Many artists perceive figure drawing as an endless effort with limitless possibility for improvement, learning, and diversity. The range of detail in a life drawing can vary immensely. They can range from highly detailed and anatomically proportional drawings to loose and expressive sketches to gesture drawings, which show the simple form, action and pose. Some popular mediums used during life drawings are charcoal, graphite, pen, ink and pastels. For the longer poses, some may use painting mediums like acrylics or oil.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Cost: $20 for Members / $40 for Non-members
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Summer Studio/Critique Program"
July 7 - August 15, 2025
 

This six-week on-campus studio-rental program is designed for experienced visual artists and educators who desire constructive feedback on their artwork, as well as the support and interaction of an artistic community. Stimulate your personal artistic growth in your own private PAFA studio through individual weekly critiques from a stellar ensemble of nationally and internationally known artists, including members of PAFA’s acclaimed faculty, as well as discussion, group critiques, and artist studio visits. Tuition covers a private studio in PAFA's Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building, weekly critiques (one-on-one; one group critique), and additional group discussions and outings to museums and commercial galleries (scheduled per students' interests), as well as the option to earn 4.0 undergraduate credits or 3.0 graduate credits.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Cost: $1,500
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Paint the Evening City"
Thursdays, July 10-31, 2025
 

Learn to paint the unique effects of evening light and activity of Center City and University City, Philadelphia. Discover techniques for managing the shifting light and shadows of the setting sun as it plays across the city’s historic architecture. This plein air option is perfect for summer painting, allowing artists to take advantage of cooling evening temperatures and the subtle or dramatic palette of sunset and dusk. Previous painting experience required. Restrooms near all locations. Note: Students are responsible for their own transportation to painting locations.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Frederic Kaplan
Cost: $175
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Paint Fast in Oils or Acrylics"
July 10-11, 2025
 

During this class, we will focus on how to create full spectrum compositions. We will use detail to create interest in the foreground and atmospheric perspective to create distance in the background. The object of this class is to paint large to enable yourself to loosen up and not be so fussy over details. It is important to bring a large canvas, nothing smaller than 24" x 30". You'll also bring a few photographs you would enjoy painting. We will use under-painting to speed up the process and overcome the intimidation factor of that big white canvas. This class was designed for oil and acrylic painters of all levels.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Nancy Mitchell
Cost: $100
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Life Model Drawing"
July 13, 2025
 

Life Drawing, also known as Figure Drawing, is the practice of drawing in order to study the human figure. If you look at historic artwork, you'll find many nude drawings and paintings. These are considered life drawings. Many artists perceive figure drawing as an endless effort with limitless possibility for improvement, learning, and diversity. The range of detail in a life drawing can vary immensely. They can range from highly detailed and anatomically proportional drawings to loose and expressive sketches to gesture drawings, which show the simple form, action and pose. Some popular mediums used during life drawings are charcoal, graphite, pen, ink and pastels. For the longer poses, some may use painting mediums like acrylics or oil.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Cost: $20 for Members / $40 for Non-members
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Life Model Drawing"
July 20, 2025
 

Life Drawing, also known as Figure Drawing, is the practice of drawing in order to study the human figure. If you look at historic artwork, you'll find many nude drawings and paintings. These are considered life drawings. Many artists perceive figure drawing as an endless effort with limitless possibility for improvement, learning, and diversity. The range of detail in a life drawing can vary immensely. They can range from highly detailed and anatomically proportional drawings to loose and expressive sketches to gesture drawings, which show the simple form, action and pose. Some popular mediums used during life drawings are charcoal, graphite, pen, ink and pastels. For the longer poses, some may use painting mediums like acrylics or oil.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Cost: $20 for Members / $40 for Non-members
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Paint & Sip: Sea Turtle Themed"
July 24, 2025
 

Join Lowcountry artist and Art League of Hilton Head instructor, Kristen Augustine, for this exciting 90-minute session perfect for those who want as little or as much creative guidance as they prefer. Perfect for date-night, or girls-night-out, Kristen will lead attendees in completing their very own Sea Turtle painting in acrylic paint on a standard size canvas panel that can easily and inexpensively be framed to enjoy for years to come! All participants must be age 21+, zero exceptions will be made to this rule. All supplies are included in the cost of this workshop. Limited wine will be provided but you are welcome to BYOB.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Kristen Augustine
Cost: $50
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Painting Sea Turtles in Acrylics"
July 26, 2025
 

Join us for this exciting class where instructor Addison Palmer will teach students the fundamentals and techniques needed to create your very own sea turtle painting! Composition, shadow, negative space, color mixing and layering are just some of the skills Addison will cover in this workshop, where students will paint from their own reference photographs. Addison will be using heavy acrylics for this workshop! Those using other mediums are welcome to join, however, the processes Addison uses may not be applicable to your medium due to transparency and/or drying times. This course is designed for all levels of students, even beginners. A Percentage of the proceeds from this workshop will be donated to Sea Turtle Patrol.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Addison Palmer
Cost: $100
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Painting & Ephemera Workshop"
July 26, 2025
 

Reboot your painting practice by incorporating unexpected materials that you wouldn't normally compose a painting with - grocery lists, diary pages, junk mail, things in the street such as a flattened pencil or chunk of sanding belt, or something that you don’t really know what it is but the shape or material interests you. Learn practical methods to incorporate these materials into a cohesive painted surface, as well as strategies for defeating artist's block so you can start and move a painting(s) forward. Question stereotypical notions of what paintings are and how to make them in order to realize your personal vision and practice.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Philippa Beardsley
Cost: $95
Sponsor: Cerulean Arts Gallery and Studio
Website, email, 267-514-8647


"Paint Fast in Oils or Acrylics"
July 31 & August 1, 2025
 

During this class, we will focus on how to create full spectrum compositions. We will use detail to create interest in the foreground and atmospheric perspective to create distance in the background. The object of this class is to paint large to enable yourself to loosen up and not be so fussy over details. It is important to bring a large canvas, nothing smaller than 24" x 30". You'll also bring a few photographs you would enjoy painting. We will use under-painting to speed up the process and overcome the intimidation factor of that big white canvas. This class was designed for oil and acrylic painters of all levels.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Nancy Mitchell
Cost: $100
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Life Model Drawing"
July 31, 2025
 

Life Drawing, also known as Figure Drawing, is the practice of drawing in order to study the human figure. If you look at historic artwork, you'll find many nude drawings and paintings. These are considered life drawings. Many artists perceive figure drawing as an endless effort with limitless possibility for improvement, learning, and diversity. The range of detail in a life drawing can vary immensely. They can range from highly detailed and anatomically proportional drawings to loose and expressive sketches to gesture drawings, which show the simple form, action and pose. Some popular mediums used during life drawings are charcoal, graphite, pen, ink and pastels. For the longer poses, some may use painting mediums like acrylics or oil.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Cost: $20 for Members / $40 for Non-members
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Exploring Abstract Painting"
Wednesdays, August 6-20, 2025
 

This class is for all beginners who would like to explore abstract painting for the first time. We will look at colors, lines, textures to augment each work including composition, balance and presentation. You can bring paints you are familiar with or we can supply you with some liquid acrylic paint and brushes for a small fee. Please bring small canvases or preferably watercolor paper acquired at Walmart. I will be using heavy acrylic paint and 140lb watercolor paper with palette knives, brushes, and various putty tools. Again, this is for anyone wanting to approach abstract work for the first time or get a better understanding of the process involved in bringing each work to completion.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Art Cornell
Cost: $150
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Suggest Rather than Render"
August 7-9, 2025
 

This three-day workshop will focus on painting “alla prima” (all at once) as well as developing greater skills of observation, simplification and quickly painting “wet on wet”. Most importantly, we will discuss how thoughtfully and purposely “suggesting” and editing the elements of a composition – rather than simply “rendering” every detail of your reference – will create a stronger, more compelling and “painterly” painting. Graziano is an award winning, nationally exhibited artist whose paintings capture the hidden beauty found in the ordinary and unexpected fleeting moments of everyday life. His work has been featured in numerous publications and is in the collections of private and corporate collectors throughout the world. For more information, visit dangrazianofineart.com.
 
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
Instructor: Dan Graziano
Cost: $650 Museum members/ $700 non-members
Sponsor: Huntsville Museum of Art
Website, email, 256-535-6372


"Life Model Drawing"
August 10, 2025
 

Life Drawing, also known as Figure Drawing, is the practice of drawing in order to study the human figure. If you look at historic artwork, you'll find many nude drawings and paintings. These are considered life drawings. Many artists perceive figure drawing as an endless effort with limitless possibility for improvement, learning, and diversity. The range of detail in a life drawing can vary immensely. They can range from highly detailed and anatomically proportional drawings to loose and expressive sketches to gesture drawings, which show the simple form, action and pose. Some popular mediums used during life drawings are charcoal, graphite, pen, ink and pastels. For the longer poses, some may use painting mediums like acrylics or oil.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Cost: $20 for Members / $40 for Non-members
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Absolute Abstracts in Acrylic"
August 23, 2025
 

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


"Life Model Drawing"
August 24, 2025
 

Life Drawing, also known as Figure Drawing, is the practice of drawing in order to study the human figure. If you look at historic artwork, you'll find many nude drawings and paintings. These are considered life drawings. Many artists perceive figure drawing as an endless effort with limitless possibility for improvement, learning, and diversity. The range of detail in a life drawing can vary immensely. They can range from highly detailed and anatomically proportional drawings to loose and expressive sketches to gesture drawings, which show the simple form, action and pose. Some popular mediums used during life drawings are charcoal, graphite, pen, ink and pastels. For the longer poses, some may use painting mediums like acrylics or oil.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Cost: $20 for Members / $40 for Non-members
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Landscape Painting Retreat in Acadia with Philip Frey"
September 10-14, 2025
 

Philip Frey and Schoodic Institute are pleased to offer a plein air painting retreat designed specifically for dedicated landscape painters. This retreat will provide an opportunity for participants to hone their skills, gain deeper knowledge of materials, and develop confidence in their creative abilities. The retreat will be held in the picturesque landscapes of Acadia National Park and the Schoodic Peninsula. Each day will start early with an on-site painting session, followed by an early afternoon demonstration and critique. Participants will have ample time to engage in painting, explore the surrounding area, or relax at their leisure.
 
Location: Winter Harbor, Maine
Instructor: Philip Frey
Cost: Commuter - $1,175 / Residential - $1,740
Sponsor: Schoodic Institute
Website, email, 207-288-1310


"Capturing Radiant Light in Your Paintings in Oil or Acrylic"
September 11-13, 2025
 

Master your ability to capture radiance in your paintings and join South Carolina artist Michael Story for this three-day landscape painting workshop. Michael will explain and demonstrate the fundamentals of building radiant color by applying complementary and analogous color combinations. Students begin their paintings with an initial charcoal drawing, followed by a color wash applied over the image. Starting with rich shadow colors, you’ll begin blocking in our painting, then progressing dark to light to completion. Building final layers of color and avoiding muddy mixtures, you’ll achieve fresh, bright, radiant color while capturing depth and drama to your work. For more information, visit michaelstory.com.
 
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
Instructor: Michael Story
Cost: $575 Museum members/ $625 non-members
Sponsor: Huntsville Museum of Art
Website, email, 256-535-6372


"Life Model Drawing"
September 14, 2025
 

Life Drawing, also known as Figure Drawing, is the practice of drawing in order to study the human figure. If you look at historic artwork, you'll find many nude drawings and paintings. These are considered life drawings. Many artists perceive figure drawing as an endless effort with limitless possibility for improvement, learning, and diversity. The range of detail in a life drawing can vary immensely. They can range from highly detailed and anatomically proportional drawings to loose and expressive sketches to gesture drawings, which show the simple form, action and pose. Some popular mediums used during life drawings are charcoal, graphite, pen, ink and pastels. For the longer poses, some may use painting mediums like acrylics or oil.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Cost: $20 for Members / $40 for Non-members
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Capture Fall En Plein Air"
October 31 & November 1, 2, 2025
 

This is a 3-day outdoor painting workshop for intermediate to advanced painters working in oils or acrylics. It will include lecture, demonstration and practice, the three ingredients to effective instruction and learning. We will cover some so called “basic” elements of Drawing, Value, Color, Composition and Edges... all put into a package called “Concept”, the basis for any painting that you paint. I will work with each student at their own level, and will spend a lot of time at students’ easels, giving individual instruction, and will demo everything that I ask you to do.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Marc Hanson
Cost: $550
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Abstract From Realism"
November 3, 2025
 

Unleash your creativity while transforming complex realistic subjects into captivating abstract paintings. This immersive experience kicks off in the morning as students deconstruct a given subject into a specific number of shapes, laying the foundation for abstract artistry. The afternoon session invites participants to apply their newfound skills to their own reference photographs, focusing on mastering value, composition, and color harmony. Whether you are a seasoned artist or a curious beginner, this workshop promises to elevate your artistic expression. In addition to the registration fee, students should bring $30 cash with them to pay for materials. No other materials need to be brought to class with you, aside from reference photographs, that you have taken yourself.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Joan Moreau McKeever
Cost: $100
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Painting with Palette Knife & Vibrant Color"
February 3-4, 2026
 

We invite you to register for this exciting 2-Day Palette Knife Workshop for oil & acrylic painters of all levels of experience. This workshop is designed to enhance your painting skills by focusing on palette knife techniques, enabling you to create impressionistic art with complementary colors. You'll learn to integrate these techniques with composition and color theory to elevate your paintings. Through daily demonstrations on various subjects and surfaces, you'll discover the joy of clean color and vibrant energy in your work. Whether you paint in a studio or en plein air, these skills will add excitement and versatility to your art. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your artistic toolbox and transform your source materials into dynamic compositions.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Trish Weeks
Cost: $330
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Painting with Passion in Oils or Acrylics"
February 24-26, 2026
 

Join award winning artist and popular instructor, Eric Jacobsen, for this painting workshop where you will learn to loosen up your style and paint expressive landscapes. This oil and acrylics workshop is for students of all levels, beginner through advanced. We will focus on the fundamentals of good painting as it relates to landscape painting. We will cover the following topics: Composition, Value, Design, Choosing a Motif, Identifying and mixing accurate Warm and Cool Colors, Establishing a Focal Point as well as Tips and Do’s and Don’ts for the Landscape Painter. The workshop will be complete with informal lectures, instructor demos, group critiques and plenty of individual instruction. Please come and join Eric for an informative and enjoyable workshop experience.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Eric Jacobsen
Cost: $400
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Decisive & Intentional Painting, for Oils or Acrylics"
March 25-27, 2026
 

This workshop will focus on painting “alla prima” (all at once) as well as developing greater skills of observation, simplification and painting “wet on wet” to create strong “painterly” paintings. The first morning of the workshop begins with a discussion of painting basics (from materials to paint handling) and will also address the fundamentals of color, value, edges, perspective and other “practical” elements that make a successful painting. Each day participants will work on a series of timed painting exercises incorporating the techniques discussed while developing their skills of observation, simplification, bold brushwork and painting in a “decisive” and “intentional” manner. Each morning of the workshop will include a short painting demo by Dan with an explanation of his process.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Dan Graziano
Cost: $550
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Go Bold! Painting Dynamic Landscapes in Pastel, Oil or Acrylic"
May 16 & 17, 2026
 

Do you often wonder how to make your paintings stand out? This workshop will explore ways to make more compelling and powerful visual statements, focusing on the landscape for inspiration and subject matter. The workshop will consist of demos, painting exercises, group discussions, positive critiques and lots of hands-on individual attention. Oil and Acrylic painters are welcome to attend; however, demos will be done in pastel and then Mayfield will work individually with you in your medium. Make your paintings more expressive and visually interesting from start to finish, from choosing subject matter, editing reference photos, simplifying and improving design and composition, using dynamic value contrasts, pushing color schemes, and using color temperature to create mood and emotion.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Susan Mayfield
Cost: $330
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


 

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