Art Workshops, Classes & Retreats

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"Plein Air Demonstration"
May 12, 2025
 

Learn from some of the most renowned plein air artists in our area as they create master bucolic and urban landscape paintings right before your eyes in honor of the 17th annual Wayne Art Center Plein Air Festival. Demos will be held in the Davenport Gallery. Each demo is approximately 2 hours. Refreshments will be served.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Qiang Huang
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"Abstraction from Nature Workshop"
May 12-15, 2025
 

This class covers the fundamental tenets of design in art. You get to decide the level of abstraction you wish to explore. It is more a learn-how-to-think class where you learn a process that you can use to explore new ideas. It’s a crash course on finding authenticity in your work. This class covers the seven principles of creative expression and the language of art. Larry’s intent is to help each artist find a way that works that is unique to them, whether they wish to interpret from life, push their process, or go fully abstract. This is not a class for beginners, participants need to have some experience with drawing, color and painting.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Larry Moore
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"Still Life Painting Workshop"
May 13-14, 2025
 

Qiang’s approach to still life painting will be demonstrated with particular focus on creating dramatic set ups by observing the light distribution, and using bold and loose strokes to create a powerful and accurate representation on canvas. Using demonstrations and individual assistance, Qiang will explain his process of creating energetic paintings by manipulating values, colors, edges, and brushwork. Personal attention will be given to each student according to his or her current skill level and personal goals in art. The workshop is designed for indoor practice with live settings. Qiang has developed computer tools to help artists to see color more accurately and simplify the painting process. He will share his color study and introduce the tools in this workshop.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Qiang Huang
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"Plein Air Demonstration"
May 14, 2025
 

I will discuss/describe how my award- winning paintings strive to capture the mood and atmosphere of a subject combining the magic of watercolor with reverence for composition and design, creating works of sophisticated simplicity.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Mick McAndrews
Cost: $20 members | $25 non-members
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"Teen Studio Workshop: Drawing & Painting Sampler"
Wednesdays, May 14 - June 4, 2025
 

Discover a palette of possibilities in this fun, explorative workshop! Each week, students will dive into a new drawing and painting medium where they will explore an introduction to different processes and materials. From learning a range of drawing techniques to creating vibrant mixed-media pieces, this class is all about experimenting, learning, and expressing yourself! Whether you're a beginner or working on your artistic skills, you’ll discover new ways to bring your imagination to life. Join us for a fun, four-week artistic adventure! This class is a 4-week, after-school 1.5-hour class on Wednesdays.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Holly Klavens
Cost: $125
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"Essential Drawing Techniques"
Thursdays, May 15 - June 26, 2025
 

Draw what you see competently and with confidence. Drawing is not only the basis for other creative endeavors like painting and sculpting, but also a powerful means of describing the world around you and expressing yourself. Instruction will address fundamental concepts including line, shape, perspective, value, and composition. Draw from still life objects, the life model, and more while learning the proper use of drawing materials, sight-measuring methods to accurately gauge proportions and space, shading techniques to develop three-dimensional form and contrast, and means of developing personal expression. Ideal for beginners and those in need of a refresher. Tuition includes a $15 models fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Roger Chavez
Cost: $310
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Portrait Drawing: Structure and Features"
Thursdays, May 15 - June 26, 2025
 

Whether you are a fine artist, illustrator, comic book creator, or simply enjoy drawing people, this fascinating course will prompt you to expand how you envision the human head and face. Learn methods of working that lead to accuracy and animated likeness. Starting with geometric solids in space, instruction will focus largely on structure and form as you understand volumes and ways of defining the foundation of the head. The course also examines the construction of facial features and how to handle light and shade. Students will work from a variety of references including two sessions with a live model. Note: This course is Part 1 of an optional two-part course. See Portrait Drawing: Expression and Likeness for continued or alternative study.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: RA Friedman
Cost: $310
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"In-Depth Watercolor, Session 1"
Fridays, May 16 - June 20, 2025
 

Enrich your knowledge of painting with an in-depth look at watercolor. Thoroughly investigate a wide range of watercolor materials and techniques from your choice of landscape, still life, portrait, and figure subjects. The course is designed to equip each participant with the knowledge and skills necessary to make accomplished, personally rewarding watercolor paintings. Open to watercolorists of all levels and to acrylic/oil painters looking to broaden their skills.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: James Toogood
Cost: $675
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Floral Design & Painting Workshop"
May 16, 2025
 

The workshop begins with creating your own flower arrangement. Jennifer will have a beautiful selection of fresh flowers, and a container/vessel for each student. She will thoroughly instruct the arranging of the flowers; giving one-on-one help as needed. She’s an excellent instructor and makes the workshop fun. Students will go home with a gorgeous fresh floral arrangement in a container. After the flower arranging is complete, we break for a one-hour lunch. Students can bring their own or go out. The afternoon will be spent painting flowers with Jan. She will begin with a brief demo. She will then work with students for the remainder of the afternoon as they create paintings from their own floral arrangements.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Jennifer Reed & Jan Wier
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"Plein Air Landscape Painting at Ardrossan"
May 16, 2025
 

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


"Plein Air Painting at Fairmount Park Historic Mansions"
Fridays, May 16 - June 13, 2025
 

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: Joseph Sweeney, Larry Francis, Keith Leitner, Lou Schellenberg and Michael Kowbuz. They 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! 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: $225
Sponsor: Cerulean Arts Gallery and Studio
Website, email, 267-514-8647


"Master Class with Bill Scott: Still Life Into Abstraction"
May 17 & 18, 2025
 

Don't miss this opportunity to work with renowned painter Bill Scott to explore the sensuous yet thoughtful abstract construction of space in this two-day, intensive studio workshop. Color will be the focus as participants paint from an expansive still life environment with special prompts from Scott. This workshop is designed for intermediate/advanced painters. This Master Class is held in conjunction with Bill Scott's current exhibition at Cerulean Arts Gallery, "Love Letters to an Unknowable Future," April 23 - May 18, and will include a tour.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Bill Scott
Cost: $395
Sponsor: Cerulean Arts Gallery and Studio
Website, email, 267-514-8647


"Color Mixing for Painters"
May 17, 2025
 

Become more confident with color control and mixing. During this one-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. Through hands-on exercises, demos, and lectures, color will become easier to use and to understand. This class is geared towards the oil painter. 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


"Painting Workshop: Pizza Box Plein Air (Ages: 6-12)"
May 17, 2025
 

In honor of Wayne Art Center's 17th Annual Plein Air Festival, children are invited to join us for their very own outdoor painting event! In this introduction to painting "en plein air," or "in the open air," children will use a pizza box easel to capture the beauty of Wayne Art Center's gardens and create a unique painting ready to be framed. A pizza lunch will be served after the workshop for the hungry young artists. Registration is required for this workshop. Price includes pizza after painting al fresco. Please bring a water bottle.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Cost: $45
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"Family Day of Clay: Mr. Toad on a Lily Pad (Ages: 6+ with adult)"
May 17, 2025
 

Join us for an afternoon of clay together with your child to create a happy little Mr. Toad or Frog sitting on his lily pad. Learn the basics of working with kiln-fired clay and colorful glazes while you make one project together with your child. If you each want to create your own, please register yourself and each child separately. Ages 6 and up with an adult. All works created will be fired and ready for pick up approximately two weeks from the date of the workshop.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Cost: $55
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"Figure Painting: Alla Prima and the Limited Palette"
Saturdays, May 17 - June 28, 2025
 

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. Instruction will be geared toward oil, but students may 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


"Make Your Own Palette, Cup and Brush Holder"
May 18, 2025
 

Join us for a creative and hands-on pottery workshop where you'll craft your very own palette, water cup, and brush holder from stoneware clay! Over the course of five hours, Karen will guide you step-by-step in a variety of techniques including shaping, molding, carving and decorating your pieces. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, by the end of the workshop, you'll have functional, beautiful items for your art space that are uniquely your own. All materials, tools, and firings are included—just bring your creativity! Please allow two weeks for firing to pick up your work. The pieces will be glazed white.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Karen Sacks
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"Figure and Portrait Drawing in Dry Media and Ink Intensive"
May 19-23, 2025
 

This course is a truly intensive week of figure and portrait study, with six hours a day working from a model! Mornings will feature life/nude models, and afternoons will focus on clothed subjects, allowing students to expand their notions of figure vs. portrait drawing to a method of depiction that combines the gesture and posture of the whole body with the individual character of the face. Work with a range of graphite and crayon dry materials, as well as ink, using both a brush and a bamboo pen – an exciting and freeing approach to translating the human form. Knowledgeable instruction will guide students through observation-based drawing techniques while exploring figure and facial topics of gesture, proportions, anatomy, and expression.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Phyllis Laver
Cost: $515
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"All About Acrylics"
Mondays, May 19 - June 30, 2025
 

This complete acrylic painting course covers basic to advanced methods. Learn to use quick-drying acrylics expertly in both thin transparent layers and thicker, more opaque applications that produce textural and impasto effects. Materials like fluid mediums, gels, and pastes will be demonstrated, along with both brush and palette knife techniques. Several different color palettes will be introduced as students work from still life subjects. This course is ideal for students looking for a non-toxic, flexible painting medium, as well as anyone seeking to explore acrylics’ excellent potential for representational and abstract work. Drawing experience is recommended.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Frederic Kaplan
Cost: $295
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Life Drawing: Medium- and Long-Pose"
Tuesdays, May 20 - June 24, 2025
 

This course will be dedicated to three- and six-hour poses focusing on the structural and aesthetic characteristics of drawing from the model. Classes will begin with brief lectures covering spatial organization, volume, proportional relationships, and anatomy. The rest of each session will focus on drawing the life model in a variety of standing, seated, and reclining poses, with attention to measuring techniques and rendering the figure through light and shade. Examples of drawings from the Old Masters, and discussions about their approaches, will supplement instruction. Students of all levels are welcome; those with less experience can make several studies during a long pose while experienced students can develop a single drawing. Tuition includes a $35 models fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: John Horn
Cost: $330
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Monoprint/Etching"
Tuesdays, May 20 - June 24, 2025
 

This short but comprehensive course presents basic intaglio and monotype printing techniques including monoprint, drypoint, etching, aquatint, collograph and polymer plate methods. Image embellishments will include embossing, chine collé, collage, paper plates and mixed media techniques. All levels welcome; experienced students may continue independent work. Tuition includes a $20 lab fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Tony Rosati
Cost: $315
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Through the Art Collection at Ardrossan"
May 21, 2025
 

Based on his book Ardrossan: The Last Great Estate on the Philadelphia Main Line (2017), David Nelson Wren offers a unique and fascinating chronicle of the history and art collection of Ardrossan, and life with the Montgomery family during the early 20th century. This iconic estate is intrinsically tied to the Main Line and known for the iconic film, The Philadelphia Story. Wren’s talk will focus on the art - a small but impressive art collection amassed by Col. and Mrs. Robert Leaming Montgomery with focus on 20th Century portraiture like John Lavery, Augustus John, William Orpen, Ignacio Zuloaga and Philip de Laszlo. The history and personalized stories are vividly brought into full focus by family letters and photographs.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: David Nelson Wren
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"Oil Painting: Core Techniques"
Wednesdays, May 21 - June 25, 2025
 

Whether you are new or returning to oil painting, this comprehensive foundational course is the perfect way to learn its materials and techniques and how to apply them effectively. Instruction will discuss and demonstrate a range of colors, paint brands, and painting mediums and demystify painting conventions such as “fat over lean” and “thick over thin.” Working from still-life subject matter, begin with simple “direct” alla prima sketches, and then advance to “indirect” layering approaches of building upon a tonal underpainting – first with a limited selection of transparent and opaque colors, and later with a more extended palette. Develop methodologies for the process of making a painting, including managing color and value, and constructing an engaging composition. Drawing experience recommended.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Frederic Kaplan
Cost: $450
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Terracotta Figure Sculpture"
Wednesdays, May 21 - June 25, 2025
 

Modeling the figure in clay is the foundational skill of traditional sculpture. Working from a model, learn to sculpt in clay from initial gesture to surface finishing techniques. Topics of study will include proportion, composition, structure, and simplified sculptural form. Students will complete two sculptures in the course of the class. All work will be fired after class. Beginners welcome. Note: Tuition includes a $65 models fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Morgan Dummitt
Cost: $515
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Screenprinting and Beyond"
Thursdays, May 22 - July 31, 2025
 

Experience masterful instruction in PAFA’s spacious print facilities as you explore an array of basic intaglio and monotype printing techniques including monoprint, drypoint, etching, aquatint, collograph and polymer plate methods. Image embellishments will include embossing, chine collé, collage, paper plates and mixed media techniques. All levels welcome; experienced students may continue independent work. Note: Tuition includes $30 lab fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Tony Rosati
Cost: $480
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Foundry: An Introduction / All Levels"
Thursdays, May 22 - July 31, 2025
 

This course will cover all aspects of the foundry process. Demonstrations and hands-on instruction will be given in wax modeling and casting, ceramic shell techniques, bronze pouring, metal chasing, TIG welding and patination. All levels welcome. Note: Tuition includes a $75 lab fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Pavel Efremoff
Cost: $615
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Plein Air Demonstration"
May 22, 2025
 

As a plein air painter, I enjoy exploring new places and discovering subjects that make a place unique. Generally, I like to choose complicated landscape subjects. I enjoy the exercise of simplifying the complexity, bringing attention to the important visual qualities that interest me. In a way it could be considered an abstraction of the subject, but I seek to portray the basic shape accurately. My painting process is not formulaic. I prefer to work intuitively and improvisational, sometimes with no predetermined result in mind. By painting this way, I hope to capture the fresh energy of the experience with expressive paint application. This is an important quality I strive for and what is so wonderful about plein air painting.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Fred Jackson
Cost: $20 members | $25 non-members
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"Urban Landscape Drawing"
Fridays, May 23 - June 27, 2025
 

Capture Philadelphia’s picturesque historic and commercial architecture, using fundamental observational drawing techniques. Learn simple methods for applying the principles of linear and atmospheric perspective to your drawings, giving them dimension and depth. Students at all experience levels are welcome, with instruction designed to appeal both to those who enjoy portraying landscape subjects in the open air and to students seeking to hone their basic drawing skills. This course takes place in easy-to-access Central Philadelphia and University City locations. Restrooms are available near all sites. Note: Students are responsible for their own transportation to drawing locations.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Frederic Kaplan
Cost: $295
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Cut Paper Collage Workshop"
May 24, 2025
 

Create your own collage from painted paper! Learn how to plan and complete an original work of art from pencil sketch to finished collage. This workshop covers processes for generating ideas, spatial drawing techniques, basic color theory and collage techniques.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Katie Knoeringer
Cost: $75
Sponsor: Cerulean Arts Gallery and Studio
Website, email, 267-514-8647


"Painting over the Line"
Wednesdays, May 28 - July 30, 2025
 

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


"Critical Explorations with Tom Csaszar"
Saturdays, May 31, June 21 & July 26
 

Looking at our paintings for a second or third time in relation to each other, with other people, talking about them outside of our studio, and then examining through making another work how we might remake their theme or revise the relationships of their elements is the focus of this studio seminar. We will begin each session by discussing the dialogues, thoughts, and emotions that occur in response to the works. The second half of the class will allow each person time to make a work concentrating on or expanding on the theme and focus of one of their works.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Tom Csaszar
Cost: $95 each class or $256.50 for all three
Sponsor: Cerulean Arts Gallery and Studio
Website, email, 267-514-8647


"Stone Carving"
Saturdays, May 31 - August 9, 2025
 

Explore the possibilities of stone carving by using traditional and nontraditional methods. All processes from rough carving to polishing will be covered, and various tools and techniques will be demonstrated. Open to all levels. Note: Tuition includes $30 lab fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Steve Nocella
Cost: $480
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Metal Sculpture"
Saturdays, May 31 - August 9, 2025
 

This ten-week course teaches the basic skills needed for making metal sculpture. Learn fundamental methods of cutting, bending and welding metal such as sawing, heating, and MIG welding. Students will be encouraged to explore the medium with directness and spontaneity to gain a knowledge and understanding of its complexion. Open to all levels. Note: Tuition includes a $65 lab fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Steve Nocella
Cost: $515
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Watercolor in the Park"
Sundays, June 1-29, 2025
 

Capture the colors of summer en plein air through vibrant watercolor! Become comfortable and confident with the practice of working outdoors at picturesque Lemon Hill, Laurel Hill, and other select locations around the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Fairmount Park. Instruction will cover means of accurately and expressively depicting outdoor sites, watercolor painting techniques, color mixing, and the history and capabilities of water media. All levels welcome. Note: Students are responsible for their own transportation to painting locations.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Keith Leitner
Cost: $250
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Ceramic Sculpture"
Tuesdays, June 3 - August 12, 2025
 

Explore a custom sculpture experience in clay with veteran ceramicist, Marguerita Hagan. Learn various hand-building processes with an emphasis on abstraction. Create work that is either wall-hanging or free-standing, focused on 3D qualities or surface treatments, or both. Whatever you imagine will be supported with experienced individualized attention and specific hand-building and painting techniques to manifest your intention. Gain exposure not only to hand-building directions but also to many surface treatment methods including airbrush, underglaze paints, pencils, masking, resist, glaze, overglaze lusters, and waterslide and rice paper transfer decals. Come with no experience or translate your existing practice into the transformative language of clay.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Marguerita Hagan
Cost: $480
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Lecture: Pennsylvania Impressionism and Plein Air Painting"
June 4, 2025
 

Pennsylvania has a rich history of plein air painting cemented by Pennsylvania Impressionists Edward Redfield, Daniel Garber, and Fern Coppedge. These artists, many of whom studied and taught at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, found inspiration along the banks of the Delaware River, the fields and valleys of Bucks County, and environs of New Hope. Their work translated French Impressionism to an American point of view. Join us for a close look at the lives and works of these important artists and celebrate their legacy as seen in The Wayne Art Center's 17th Plein Air Festival.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: William Perthes
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"Watercolor Workshop"
June 7-8, 2025
 

Interested in learning or improving your watercolor painting skills? All materials and techniques will be discussed, including the selection of papers, brushes, and pigments, as well as transparent and opaque painting methods. Students will work from still-life subjects and/or their own source material. All levels welcome.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: James Toogood
Cost: $225
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Ease into Oil Painting"
June 7-8, 2025
 

Want to paint but don't know where to begin? This two-day structured workshop makes it painless and easy to ease into oil painting. Begin with a black-and-white painting (just like drawing) to become familiar with painting tools and materials. Be introduced to color with a simple earth-palette painting. Move on to a brighter prismatic palette, and then top off the weekend by completing a painting in a full palette of colors. This course will utilize still life subject matter. Drawing experience recommended.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Frederic Kaplan
Cost: $225
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Tick Tock, Create a Clock Stoneware Workshop"
Sundays, June 8 & 22, 2025
 

Join Karen Sacks for a fun workshop where you’ll design and craft your very own clock from stoneware clay! This hands-on workshop is perfect for people of all skill levels, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced potter looking to explore new techniques. Bring your own clock mechanism. Week One: As you work on your clock, you’ll receive guidance on various decorative techniques, such as carving, sprigging, and texturing, to bring your vision to life. Week Two: You will learn how to apply colorful underglazes and glazes to further enhance your piece. Additionally, you’ll discover how to assemble the clock’s mechanism kit, ensuring your creation will keep time while standing out as a beautiful piece you can be proud of.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Karen Sacks
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"Plein Air Demonstration"
June 11, 2025
 

Make your paintings sparkle by capturing the moment with a fresh direct response to the landscape. Elise will walk you through the process of creating light filled paintings with a limited palette. “Where most people see the ordinary, I envision a painting. The bucolic countryside I’m surrounded by offers endless inspiration for me. My paintings are my journal, reflecting on what I see and experience daily. I am forever eager to share my reflections through my paintings in the hopes that they will evoke the feeling in the viewer that I had – a sense of memories, serenity and awe in everyday life and a reminder that there is beauty all around us.”
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Elise Phillips
Cost: $20 members | $25 non-members
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"Vibrant Landscapes in Gouache"
June 14, 2025
 

This class will focus on color theory using a limited palette of colors to create two or more dramatic landscapes from your own images. Discover the best ways to apply gouache working from the larger shapes down to the details. We will be working smaller than 8 x 10. The instructor will provide demonstrations, instruction on color mixing and application. Discover more about gouache as a great medium for studies for larger pieces and for working "en plein air".
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Abby Ober
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"Plein Air Demonstration"
June 14, 2025
 

Capturing figures in real-life settings can be quite challenging, especially when dealing with changing outdoor light conditions. See how Barbara skillfully integrates the figure with the garden, while paying close attention to how the atmosphere influences the colors of the model’s skin and clothing.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Barbara Berry
Cost: $20 members | $25 non-members
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"Master Class with Bruce Samuelson: Expressive Figure Drawing"
June 14 & 15, 2025
 

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 Bruce Samuelson. 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, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Bruce Samuelson
Cost: $395
Sponsor: Cerulean Arts Gallery and Studio
Website, email, 267-514-8647


"Plein Air Demonstration"
June 18, 2025
 

My representational paintings have been described by art critics as “evoking nostalgia, like that of an old sepia toned photograph, often with just touches of color.” Curiosity about the medium I work with is often the first question of many viewers. Is it watercolor, is it oil? With my answer: “somewhat both.” I paint with water soluble oils, in a very limited tonal palette. My tools include squeegees, toothpicks, paper towels and Qtips - giving my paintings a washy, vintage feel as I carve away the drawing to reveal the painting!
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Beth Bathe
Cost: $20 members | $25 non-members
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"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


"Painting with Water Mixable Oils from Photos"
June 21, 2025
 

Wondering what Water Mixable Oil paints are all about? Known for blurring the line between watercolor and oil paintings, Beth Bathe's unparalleled style evokes feelings of nostalgia, like an old sepia-toned photograph. Beth uses unconventional tools including squeegees and Q-tips, along with her brushes focusing on composition, values, edges, and drawing rather than color. 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).
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Beth Bathe
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"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


"Botanical Drawing and Painting"
June 23-27, 2025
 

Explore flowers and other natural forms, beginning with line and value drawing and progressing to full-color rendering in watercolor and mixed media.  Topics will include sighting techniques, line quality, tone and value, creation of depth, composition, texture, and basic color. All levels welcome. Tuition includes a $15 materials fee for floral subjects, provided.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Linda Gist
Cost: $465
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Wood Studio"
Wednesdays, June 25 - July 30, 2025
 

This class will explore wood as a primary art-making medium, looking at its many types, techniques and uses. Students will develop a well-rounded foundation of wood-working skills including cutting, milling, laminating, joinery and safe use of wood-working tools. Contemporary, traditional and ancient art works made of wood will be presented for historical and contextual understanding. Students will be encouraged to find their own unique voice within the material while building skills. Tuition includes $30 materials fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: John Greig
Cost: $325
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"The Figure in Clay Workshop"
June 28-29, 2025
 

Learn the techniques and tools of figure sculpture through demonstration and hands-on sculpting from the model. Explore anatomy, proportion, gesture, and design through the versatility of clay. Personal expression will be emphasized though representational and abstract approaches. Open to all levels and perfect for beginners. Tuition includes a $35 models fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Colleen O'Donnell
Cost: $230
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Gouache Painting Workshop"
June 28, 2025
 

Learn the fundamentals of painting with gouache, an opaque watercolor paint! Gouache is portable, fast-drying, and an easy-to-clean-up alternative to oils – great for travel or limited working time and space. Ideal for painters of all levels from beginning to experienced. Learn to develop paint application techniques for fluidity and control, with opaque and wash applications; gain the ability to mix color and to predict its effects; recognize and promote gouache’s characteristics and learn how to problem-solve with the material; learn to incorporate principles of line, value, color and space for a greater command of the medium. Work from still life to learn how to representationally depict a variety of subject matter and to recognize abstract concepts.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Allison Syvertsen
Cost: $95
Sponsor: Cerulean Arts Gallery and Studio
Website, email, 267-514-8647


"Fast and Unfussed Figure Painting"
Mondays, June 30 - August 4, 2025
 

Energize and open up your approach to figure painting through rapid, loose oil painting studies from the life model. Learn tactics to avoid the tendency toward tightness and over-attention to detail that can lead to work that lacks liveliness in gesture or mark and is difficult to adjust or correct. Through short, small-scale painting exercises from the model, learn new ways of approaching life painting with an emphasis on keeping compositions fluid, capturing the gesture and character of the subject before getting locked into its contours, and both initiating and retaining a sense of freshness in your color and brushstrokes. Instruction will address color mixing, painting materials and methodologies, and cultivating sustainable methods for growth in your painting practice.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Roger Chavez
Cost: $330
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"The Landscape Oil Sketch"
Tuesdays, July 1-29, 2025
 

The oil sketch is a traditional way for painters to execute preparatory ideas and quickly capture initial impressions – perfect for plein air painting! Learn useful techniques for rapidly encapsulating color and form while working directly from observation. Locations with shade and restrooms include Bartram’s Garden along the Schuylkill River and the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, near Philadelphia International Airport. Note: Students are responsible for their own transportation to painting locations.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Roger Chavez
Cost: $325
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Observational Drawing Practices"
Tuesdays, July 8 - August 12, 2025
 

Strengthen and hone your foundational drawing skills through a series of one- and two-day projects. Topics of concern will be design, structure of space, perspective, and light and shade. Subjects will include interior space, single objects and still life arrangements, and the life model. All levels from beginner to advanced are welcome. Tuition includes a $15 models fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: John Horn
Cost: $310
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Letterpress Printmaking"
Tuesdays, July 8 - August 12, 2025
 

Letterpress, also known as moveable type, is the process of printing with moveable components of either wood or lead type. Today, letterpress printing has become fashionable, used to print wedding invitations, business cards, and anything with that traditional vintage look. In this six-week course, students will learn the process of setting both wood and lead type and printing on a Vandercook letterpress. Instruction will also explore letterpress as a wonderful tool for printing images in edition through the creation of pressure prints. Printing of relief blocks, registration, layout, paper size, and color will also be discussed. This class is open to beginners and advanced artists. Tuition includes a $30 lab fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Rosae Reeder
Cost: $325
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Watercolor: The Color-Focused Still Life"
Tuesdays, July 8 - August 12, 2025
 

Explore both the versatility of watercolor and the exciting possibilities of color through still life painting. Learn to capture form with the freshness and fluidity of all prima techniques. Promote color in your work through instruction on color properties, mixing, and basic theory, as well as how to use hues in combination to create impactful compositions. Discussions and in-depth demonstrations will enforce all content so that students gain the facility and freedom to use color and painting techniques as means of personal expression. This course is excellent for beginners or anyone who loves color and loose, painterly techniques in watercolor.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Keith Leitner
Cost: $295
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Comprehensive Portrait Sculpture"
Wednesdays, July 9 - August 13, 2025
 

Modeling the portrait in clay is a foundational skill of traditional sculpture. Working from a model, learn to create a portrait from composition to completed sculpture. Instruction for this uniquely comprehensive course will encompass learning to build an armature, modeling the form in clay, and casting in plaster to preserve the finished artwork. Topics of study will include proportion, composition, structure, and simplified sculptural form.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Morgan Dummitt
Cost: $615
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Precision Pencil Drawing"
Wednesdays, July 9 - August 13, 2025
 

The simple pencil is an economical medium readily accessible to students at all levels, including beginners. It can produce drawings that range from poetic delicacy to energetic and bold expressiveness. Working from still life arrangements, interiors, window views, and PAFA’s cast collection, students will explore a variety of approaches for using pencil to shade and model form convincingly and with beauty. Instruction will review basic drawing principles and observational skills such as evaluating shape, gauging proportions, and employing perspective effects like foreshortening. Previous drawing experience is recommended but not required.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Frederic Kaplan
Cost: $295
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"The Portrait in Oil"
Thursdays, July 10 - August 14, 2025
 

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, 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 beginners as well as experienced students who want to review fundamental techniques or who simply enjoy painting portraits from life.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Roberto Osti
Cost: $615
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Collage and Mixed Media"
Thursdays, July 10 - August 14, 2025
 

Mixed media art and collage offer a myriad of possibilities to combine papers, photographs, and 3D elements to make a statement, convey something personal, or create something textural, colorful, and beautiful. Develop rich and complex imagery finding inspiration from memory, literature, films, and other sources, while working in a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional materials. Sessions will discuss the characteristics of adhesives, paper and fabric cut-outs, wood, and plastics. Students will receive one-on-one instruction and participate in open discussions about their ideas and work. Topics include construction, storage and presentation strategies. Open to all levels.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Anthony Ciambella
Cost: $295
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


"Portrait Drawing: Expression and Likeness"
Thursdays, July 10 - August 14, 2025
 

For anyone seeking to advance their portrait drawing skills, this course takes a deep look at the functional and expressive anatomy of the human head including the face, neck, and shoulders. Explore head variations and how the face changes over time. Experiment with creative questions such as handling light and composition. Content includes drawing from life and working in larger formats with a wider range of media. Instruction will lay the groundwork for creative explorations that lead to professional quality work. Note: This course is Part 2 of an optional two-part course. See Portrait Drawing: Structure and Features for foundational or alternative study. Students need not enroll in both sections, and Structure and Features is not required for Expression and Likeness.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: RA Friedman
Cost: $320
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"In-Depth Watercolor, Session 2"
Fridays, July 11 - August 15, 2025
 

Enrich your knowledge of painting with an in-depth look at watercolor. Thoroughly investigate a wide range of watercolor materials and techniques from your choice of landscape, still life, portrait, and figure subjects. The course is designed to equip each participant with the knowledge and skills necessary to make accomplished, personally rewarding watercolor paintings. Open to watercolorists of all levels and to acrylic/oil painters looking to broaden their skills.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: James Toogood
Cost: $675
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Figure Painting: The Extended Pose"
Saturdays, July 12 - August 16, 2025
 

Paint from a life model in a multi-week-pose format 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. For preparatory or alternative study, see also Figure Painting: Alla Prima and the Limited Palette. Note: It is not a required prerequisite for The Extended Pose.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: David Wilson
Cost: $330
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Landscape "Mosaic" in Oils Workshop"
July 19, 2025
 

Join Cerulean Arts Collective artist Laura Eyring to create an expressive, colorful landscape using a “mosaic” technique in oils. Eyring‘s approach to oils focuses on mixing dozens of saturated colors from a limited number of paints. With no blending or overlapping, each stroke is set as an individual gem of color on a pre-toned panel. The result is a stained-glass effect with a vibrant quality. Bring your favorite landscape reference photos for a day to explore this colorful style. A short demo will be followed by a day of painting. Leave those earth tones at home and get ready to create an imaginative scene inspired by nature!
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Laura Eyring
Cost: $115
Sponsor: Cerulean Arts Gallery and Studio
Website, email, 267-514-8647


"Wood Engraving Intensive for Artists, Illustrators, and Miniature Print Lovers"
July 21-25, 2025
 

Wood engraving is a relief printmaking process that involves carving into end grain hardwood, making it possible for an artist to create highly detailed images and tonally rich compositions. Wood engraving is a great way to incorporate imagery into letterpress cards, book plates, printed ephemera, artist books, broadsides, and of course to develop graphic stand-alone images, especially when there is a need to work small. Students will be guided through the entire process from transferring an image, to engraving, to printing small editions. Participants will learn about types of wood used for engraving, care and sharpening of tools, and types of paper. Printing by hand as well as on a small proof press will be covered.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Rebecca Gilbert
Cost: $480
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Monotype Intensive"
August 4-8, 2025
 

Monotypes are an expressive and accessible entry into printmaking: draw or paint an image on a Plexiglas plate or other surface and then print it on paper or fabric to create a one-of-a-kind artwork. Instruction will cover both hand-printing and press techniques, as well as water- and oil-based colors. Tuition includes a $30 lab fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Tony Rosati
Cost: $480
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Color Temperature in Painting Workshop"
August 9-10, 2025
 

Color temperature is the perceived warmth and coolness of a color. It’s a vital tool for any artist for creating contrast and focus, establishing relationships between light and shadow, suggesting space or distance, and generating mood and meaning. This two-day course will investigate color temperature through a series of still-life exercises that will encourage experimentation, enforce understanding of color’s relative nature, and help you promote temperature effects in your work. Examples from historic and contemporary artists will be discussed. Instruction will be conducted chiefly in watercolor, but painters of all media are welcome!
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Keith Leitner
Cost: $195
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


 

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