Art Workshops, Classes & Retreats

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"Open Painting in The Medium of Your Choice"
Mondays, September 7, 14, 21, 28, 2026
 

Unleash your creativity in a fun, relaxed studio setting where you can paint your way! Choose your favorite medium—oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, charcoal, or colored pencil—and dive into new projects or bring along unfinished pieces to refine. Enjoy as much one-on-one guidance from Dennis as you like, plus inspiring mini demos, technique tips, and helpful critiques to elevate your work. Whether your style leans toward realism, impressionism, or bold modern expression, this open painting session is your space to explore, create, and grow. This class is appropriate for all levels. The main purpose of this course is one-on-one assistance from the instructor with whatever you need help with (fixing, composition, specific subjects, etc.).
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Dennis Lake
Cost: $200 or $50 per week
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Learning to See Color & Light, in Oil"
September 8-10, 2026
 

This workshop is designed for intermediate and advanced artists ready to elevate their work to the next level. Participants will receive both group instruction and personalized guidance in studio painting. Dee will provide feedback that enhances—rather than alters—their individual style. The focus will be on learning to see value shifts, color temperature, and composition. We'll build arrangements of abstract shapes to create a strong foundation for each painting, with in-depth studies on color temperature and value that will make your work sing with evocative color. Each day begins with short lectures and demonstrations, followed by dedicated painting time during which Dee will work with artists individually. While instruction will be demonstrated in oils, all mediums are welcome.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Dee Beard Dean
Cost: $500
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Realistic Painting in Pastels: Birds, Dogs, Florals & More"
September 25, 2026
 

Students will explore the beauty and versatility of soft pastels while creating realistic artwork inspired by birds, dogs, florals, and more. In this engaging workshop, Robert will demonstrate how to use soft pastels to build rich color, texture, depth, and detail, helping participants bring their subject matter to life with confidence. Open to all skill levels, including complete beginners, this workshop offers a welcoming introduction to pastel painting along with helpful guidance for more experienced artists looking to refine their technique. With step-by-step demonstrations and hands-on support, students will learn how to observe their subject, layer pastel effectively, and develop a finished piece with realistic impact. This class promises an inspiring and approachable artistic experience.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Robert Wortmann
Cost: $100
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Shadows & Reflections in Oils or Acrylics"
October 8 & 9, 2026
 

Mastering shadows, reflections, light, and contrast is one of the keys to creating paintings that feel believable, dimensional, and full of life. In this workshop, instructor Mary Ann Browning Ford will break down the principles behind accurate light and values and give you practical guidelines. Through demonstrations, discussion, and personalized one-on-one instruction, you’ll explore how to observe and interpret light, strengthen your value relationships, and create more convincing shadows and reflections in your work. Bring your own painting ideas and spend the workshop developing your skills with guidance tailored to your individual work. While the workshop is designed with oil and acrylic painters in mind, artists working in watercolor, pastel, colored pencil, or other mediums are welcome to participate.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Mary Ann Browning Ford
Cost: $100
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Introduction to Painting with Pastels"
Mondays, October 12, 19 & 26, 2026
 

Step into the colorful world of pastels in this engaging three-week course with artist Robert Wortmann! Designed for anyone interested in exploring a new medium, this class introduces the rich pigments, expressive textures, and creative versatility of soft pastels. You’ll work on a variety of surfaces and experiment with blending, layering, and other techniques to create beautiful effects in your artwork. With Robert’s expert guidance and encouragement, you’ll build confidence, expand your creative skills, and complete the course with your own original pastel piece.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Robert Wortmann
Cost: $150
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"All about Art and Where to StART"
October 13, 2026
 

This class is for those who would like to work in art but do not know where to start and/or with what mediums! We will start with pencils, charcoal and work our way through watercolor, acrylic, pastels and oil and any others that students may be interested in. Barb will explain the pros and cons of each of the mediums including prices points and other materials you'll need for that medium, including, brushes, surfaces and framing. At the end of the session, students will have time to try them all on a small scale. Students should bring $20 cash to pay the instructor for materials, all of which she will provide to you.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Barb Snow
Cost: $50
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Art Cornell's Studio Clinic: Improve your Artwork"
October 22, 2026
 

Puzzled by your art? Feeling lost? Know something's "off" but can't figure it out? This is a terrific opportunity to receive individual attention from one of the Lowcountry's masters, Art Cornell. In this intimate 2-hour session, Art will offer a limited number of one-on-one consultations for all media and subjects—helping you troubleshoot problem areas, refine your vision, and get your work presentation-ready. Whether you're stuck on a piece in progress or starting fresh with a blank canvas and an idea, Art will provide personalized recommendations, tips, and critiques to move your work forward with confidence. 100% of proceeds support ongoing Capital Improvement efforts at Art League Academy.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Art Cornell
Cost: $20
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Painting the Pastel Landscape: Tools, Tips & Techniques"
October 23-25, 2026
 

Join us for the "Painting the Pastel Landscape: Tools, Tips & Techniques" workshop with the renowned artist Eve Miller. This exceptional event offers a unique opportunity to delve into Eve's innovative approach to capturing the beauty of landscapes with pastels. Participants will gain valuable insights into establishing correct values, while the workshop emphasizes mastering color temperature, composition, and mark-making. Each day features engaging demonstrations, and you'll receive personalized, one-on-one instruction to refine your skills. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a passionate beginner, this workshop promises to enhance your artistic journey and elevate your pastel landscapes to new heights. Don't miss the chance to learn from a true master—secure your spot today!
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Eve Miller
Cost: $500
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Impressionist Painting en Plein Air with Oils, Acrylics or Pastels"
October 30-31, 2026
 

Experience the joy of painting outdoors in this inspiring two-day Plein Air workshop with artist and instructor Carol Iglesias! Immerse yourself in the beauty of Hilton Head Island as you learn to capture the ever-changing light, color, and atmosphere of the landscape using oils, acrylics or pastels. Each morning begins with an engaging demonstration and expert insights from Carol, who will share her techniques for quickly and confidently capturing a scene in Plein Air. Throughout the workshop, you’ll discover how to compose a strong painting, define values, identify light sources, establish focal points, and use color to bring your work to life. With personalized instruction and one-on-one feedback, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to paint directly from nature.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Carol Iglesias
Cost: $330
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Landscapes, Seascapes & Cloudscapes in Pastel"
Fridays, Nov 6, 13 & 20, 2026
 

Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of pastel as you bring breathtaking landscapes, dynamic seascapes, and dramatic cloudscapes to life in this energizing 3-week course! Whether you’re a beginner eager to explore or an experienced artist ready to elevate your skills, instructor Robert Wortmann will inspire you through engaging demonstrations and hands-on, personalized guidance. Discover how to capture light, atmosphere, and movement while working from your own reference photos to create expressive, one-of-a-kind works of art. Experience a fun, supportive studio environment that sparks creativity, confidence, and a deeper connection to the beauty of nature.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Robert Wortmann
Cost: $150
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Tonalism, For All Media"
December 14, 2026
 

Discover the beauty of Tonalism in a dynamic 1-day workshop with instructor Robert Wortmann! Explore this evocative American art style, known for its atmospheric landscapes and poetic use of color. Dive into inspiring examples from masters like Whistler and Innes, enjoy a live demonstration, and create your own artwork with personalized guidance. All mediums are welcome, and the day wraps up with a supportive group critique. This course is open to all levels of students.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Robert Wortmann
Cost: $100
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Painting with Light, Color & Impression in Oils or Pastels"
January 7-9, 2027
 

Discover how to create vibrant, expressive landscape paintings using the principles of impressionism in either pastel or oil. In this three-day workshop, award-winning artist Greg Barnes will share the design concepts and colorful painting techniques that have become the hallmark of his work. Through daily demonstrations, discussions, and plenty of individual instruction, students will learn how to simplify the landscape into strong value patterns, compose compelling paintings, develop harmonious color relationships, and apply confident, expressive brushstrokes or pastel marks. Rather than copying nature literally, students will learn how to interpret the landscape with greater impact by emphasizing light, atmosphere, and mood. Whether working from reference photos or personal sketches, each participant will receive personalized guidance while completing several paintings.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Greg Barnes
Cost: $600
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Finding Your Focus in Pastel"
April 1-3, 2027
 

A successful painting relies on the harmonious interplay of essential elements: color, value, technique, and a clear focal point. In this workshop, Aline explores these fundamental principles through an innovative approach—viewing subjects as abstract shapes to create compelling illustrative works. Students will work from their own photographic references, transforming them into expressive pastel paintings. Through daily painting demonstrations, Aline will guide participants in understanding color through the lens of temperature, intensity, and value, while demonstrating how to translate these concepts using pastel techniques. A key focus will be the practice of building shapes and strategically carving back into them to achieve a dynamic, painterly finish. This class is a great choice for intermediate and advanced-level pastel painters.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Aline Ordman
Cost: $550
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Decisive & Intentional Painting, for Oils or Acrylics"
November 10-12, 2027
 

This workshop will focus on painting “alla prima” (all at once) and developing greater skills of observation, simplification and painting “wet on wet” to create strong “painterly” paintings. The goal is to create an artistic painting that accurately relates the important forms of a composition rather than simply copying everything in a photograph. The workshop begins with painting basics, fundamentals of color, value, edges, perspective and other “practical” elements. Participants will work on a series of timed painting exercises while developing their skills of observation, simplification, bold brushwork and painting in a “decisive” and “intentional” manner. Dan will demo and provide plenty of one-on-one individual instruction each day. This workshop is for intermediate to advanced painters (oil and acrylic).
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Dan Graziano
Cost: $550
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Composing the Poetic Landscape in Oils or Pastels"
January 25-27, 2028
 

This workshop takes a deep dive into the nuts and bolts of a strong landscape composition. The emphasis is on shapes and editing. And the goal is to create the illusion of details in your landscape painting without unnecessary rendering, resulting in a more expressive and eloquent capture of your subject. We’ll work through a painting process that maintains the initial shapes and editing, while learning to make selective decisions for the finishing stages. Values and edges will also be addressed. Students will start off using instructor-provided reference photos but will have the option to use their own photos, too. This workshop is open to all levels but geared primarily toward artists with at least some basic painting experience.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Barbara Jaenicke
Cost: $550
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


 

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