Art Workshops, Classes & Retreats

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"Open Studio - Members Only"
November 12, 2026
 

Members of the Art League of Ocean City are invited to utilize a shared space to collaborate on individual artworks. All mediums are welcome with the exception of pottery. Participants should be prepared with all materials. Registration is required.
 
Location: Ocean City, Maryland
Cost: Free to members
Sponsor: Art League of Ocean City
Website, email, (410) 524-9433


"Locations of the Heart: Painting Your Special Spot in Acrylics"
November 14, 2026
 

Bring your most cherished memories to life with nationally acclaimed artist and instructor Addison Palmer in this heartfelt one-day acrylic painting workshop where you'll transform your favorite place into a personal work of art. Whether you're a first-time painter or have years of experience, this inspiring class will guide you through essential techniques for capturing the essence of meaningful locations—from beloved vacation destinations and childhood hideaways to treasured hometown views—using expert instruction in composition, color harmony, creating depth and distance, working with natural light, and applying expressive brushwork that conveys both detail and emotion. Addison's thoughtful, one-on-one teaching style ensures that every participant receives customized support tailored to their individual skill level and artistic vision.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Addison Palmer
Cost: $100
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Handmade for the Holidays: Wine Glass Painting & Watercolor Gift Tag"
November 14, 2026 | 10 AM–1 PM
 

Create thoughtful handmade holiday gifts at The New Studio for the Visual Arts in Jupiter, Florida. Join Victoria Grigaliunas and Peggy Kirkwood to paint a festive wine glass and make watercolor gift tags using Micron pen, ribbon, and twine. Guided instruction leaves room for your own colors, designs, and seasonal inspiration. No experience is needed, and all supplies are included. Come with a friend or enjoy a creative morning on your own, leaving with personalized pieces to give or keep.
 
Location: Jupiter, Florida
Instructor: Victoria Grigaliunas and Peggy Kirkwood
Cost: $65 per person; all supplies included
Sponsor: The New Studio for the Visual Arts
Website, email, 561-295-5712


"Wine & Design: Acrylic Paint Pouring"
December 4, 2026
 

Uncork your creativity and discover the mesmerizing art of acrylic paint pouring! Whether you're planning the perfect girls' night out or an unforgettable date night, this relaxing workshop offers the ideal blend of artistic exploration and social fun. Under the guidance of instructor Julie Schroeder, you'll dive into the captivating world of fluid acrylics, experimenting with a variety of pouring techniques—from traditional methods to unique, innovative approaches that create stunning visual effects. Watch in amazement as colors blend, swirl, and bloom into beautiful florals and abstract designs that seem to come alive on the canvas. No experience necessary—just bring your sense of adventure and let the paint (and wine) flow! All participants must be age 21+.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Julie Schroeder
Cost: $60
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Acrylic & Palette Knife"
December 5, 2026
 

Come & have an amazing time creating a beautiful sunflower painting using a palette knife. You'll see just how easy it is to blend colors using a palette knife. We'll be using some really rich and creamy paints to have a lot of textures, interesting effects, (some almost like acrylic pouring), and 3-D effects. You’ll learn how to layer your paint and achieve a 3-dimensional look using a palette knife. We'll be using a variety of palette knife techniques on canvas to create a beautiful floral piece, no experience necessary! Students should bring $20 cash to pay the instructor who will provide all materials needed.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Julie Schroeder
Cost: $50
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Painting with Paper Workshop"
December 5, 2026
 

Join Cerulean Arts Collective artist Leslie Fenton and learn to create a work of art with cut paper and paint! Develop marks and paper matrices in response to the wildly abundant natural world with a simple toolset of paper, paint, ink, X-acto knife, and adhesive. Short demonstrations will be followed by hands-on practice of ideas and techniques which you can extend beyond the workshop.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Leslie Fenton
Cost: $115
Sponsor: Cerulean Arts Gallery and Studio
Website, email, 267-514-8647


"Sip and Paint Night"
December 11, 2026
 

Students will paint along with the instructor step-by-step. This is a beginner's class that will provide instructions using colorful acrylic paints. Techniques will be taught using paint brush strokes, lines and shading. Students may partake in a BYOB beverage of choice to enjoy while painting. * Have children? Sign them up to enjoy Night at the Gallery downstairs!
 
Location: Ocean City, Maryland
Instructor: Joan Guerriero
Cost: $36 ($30 for members)
Sponsor: Art League of Ocean City
Website, email, (410) 524-9433


"The Language of Painting: Pattern, Shape, and Color"
December 12-13, 2026
 

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


"Flight & Feather: Painting Birds on Canvas in Acrylics"
December 12, 2026
 

Discover the captivating world of avian art with nationally acclaimed artist and instructor Addison Palmer in this enchanting one-day acrylic painting workshop dedicated to capturing the elegance and vitality of birds on canvas. Designed for painters of all levels—from beginners to experienced artists—this immersive class will teach you how to render the stunning beauty of feathered subjects through expert techniques in observing form and anatomy, mixing vibrant plumage colors, creating realistic textures, understanding light on curved surfaces, and composing dynamic poses that convey movement and personality. You'll master the art of painting intricate feather details, expressive eyes, graceful wings, and natural perches—all while learning to capture the spirit and character that make each bird species so distinctive and mesmerizing.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Addison Palmer
Cost: $100
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


"Northern Lights Acrylic Painting (Ages 13 yrs to adult)"
December 15, 2026
 

Learn a simplified technique to make a fabulous aurora borealis (Northern Lights) painting. The painting process is achieved by beginning with black and white and layering colors over to create an ethereal painting. You will customize your painting along the way by choosing your color palette. Each step you will be given options for how to proceed to make the painting your own and how you prefer. All levels welcome. No prior experience necessary. Please wear clothing that can get stained. (We will provide aprons). Might be best to tie back hair and leave jewelry at home. Students will need to purchase supplies on the day of the workshop for a $20 fee paid directly to the instructor.
 
Location: Ocean City, Maryland
Instructor: Cindy Strouse
Cost: $36 ($30 for members)
Sponsor: Art League of Ocean City
Website, email, (410) 524-9433


"Open Studio - Members Only"
December 17, 2026
 

Members of the Art League of Ocean City are invited to utilize a shared space to collaborate on individual artworks. All mediums are welcome with the exception of pottery. Participants should be prepared with all materials. Registration is required.
 
Location: Ocean City, Maryland
Cost: Free to members
Sponsor: Art League of Ocean City
Website, email, (410) 524-9433


"Master's Art Copying Workshop"
January 11-12, 2027
 

The purpose of this class is to study and learn the techniques of the masters. Like the copyists at the National Gallery of Art (NGA), students will literally copy a masterpiece and each work will then “be available beyond museum walls.” Students are encouraged to attend the December bus trip to NGA, learn about the copyist program and research an image. Or, research can be done online. There are thousands of master images free to download and print. The instructor will share her knowledge to help decode a painting and reconstruct it with satisfaction. Students are expected to bring their own images to work from including drawing/painting supplies. Acrylics or watercolors are preferred. Some master reproductions will be provided.
 
Location: Ocean City, Maryland
Instructor: Joanne Guilfoil
Cost: $120 ($100 for members)
Sponsor: Art League of Ocean City
Website, email, (410) 524-9433


"Open Painting in The Medium of Your Choice"
Mondays, January 11-25, 2027
 

Unleash your creativity in a welcoming, relaxed studio environment with Dennis Lake, a longtime favorite instructor known for his expertise in realism across a variety of mediums. Whether you prefer oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, charcoal, or colored pencil, you’ll have the freedom to explore your favorite materials, begin new projects, or bring unfinished works to life. Enjoy personalized, one-on-one guidance tailored to your interests and skill level, along with inspiring mini demonstrations, practical technique tips, and thoughtful critiques to help you refine your skills and grow as an artist. 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: $150
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Life Model Drawing"
January 17, 2027
 

Life Drawing, or Figure Drawing, is a foundational practice for artists to study the human figure through observation. During Art League Life Drawing sessions, a model poses for a variety of lengths, from quick 2-minute gesture poses to longer 20–30-minute poses. Short poses help loosen up and build confidence, while longer poses allow for more attention to anatomy, proportion, and detail. All skill levels are welcome! Bring your preferred medium—charcoal, graphite, pen and ink, pastels, acrylics, oils, or whatever you enjoy—and use the session as an opportunity to practice, experiment, and grow.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Cost: $50 ($25 for members)
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Paint What You Want – Only Better Than Ever!"
January 27 & 28, 2027 | 9:30am - 4:00pm
 

Are you ready to take your paintings to the next level? Join artist and instructor Laurie Snow Hein for a two-day workshop designed for painters with some experience in oils or acrylics who want to strengthen their skills, develop their personal style, and approach their work with greater confidence. This workshop is centered around your paintings and your goals. Students are encouraged to bring a painting they would like to improve, a new painting they would like to begin, and/or a painting that needs refining and finishing. You choose your subject matter and canvas size while Laurie provides personalized instruction and constructive coaching.
 
Location: Jupiter, Florida
Instructor: Laurie Snow Hein
Cost: $400
Sponsor: The New Studio For The Visual Arts
Website, email, 561-295-5712


"Acrylics for Oil Painters"
January 28-30, 2027
 

After many years of painting with oil paints, I now use acrylics for about 90% of my work. In this workshop we will cover acrylic paint, mediums and supplies for both studio and plein air work, the ‘whys’ and ‘why maybe nots’ of technique and methods for working with fast drying acrylics, and how to adapt to that if you are used to paint taking forever to dry! Each morning will begin with a Q&A, followed by an instructional demo period, and then a student work period in the afternoon. Students will work from their own photos and/or field studies. It would be most beneficial if you have some painting experience in either oil or acrylic.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Marc Hanson
Cost: $550
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Life Model Drawing"
February 21, 2027
 

Life Drawing, or Figure Drawing, is a foundational practice for artists to study the human figure through observation. During Art League Life Drawing sessions, a model poses for a variety of lengths, from quick 2-minute gesture poses to longer 20–30-minute poses. Short poses help loosen up and build confidence, while longer poses allow for more attention to anatomy, proportion, and detail. All skill levels are welcome! Bring your preferred medium—charcoal, graphite, pen and ink, pastels, acrylics, oils, or whatever you enjoy—and use the session as an opportunity to practice, experiment, and grow.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Cost: $50 ($25 for members)
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Land and Sea"
March 13 & 14, 2027 | 9:00am - 4:00pm
 

Learn methods to propel you to the next level. My goal is to show you that with one approach you can paint any subject. Oil paints are preferred, but water-soluble oils, acrylic, or pastel are acceptable. It is helpful to have a basic working knowledge of your chosen medium. Intermediate to advanced.
 
Location: Jupiter, Florida
Instructor: Chris Kling
Cost: $350
Sponsor: The New Studio For The Visual Arts
Website, email, 561-295-5712


"Life Model Drawing"
March 21, 2027
 

Life Drawing, or Figure Drawing, is a foundational practice for artists to study the human figure through observation. During Art League Life Drawing sessions, a model poses for a variety of lengths, from quick 2-minute gesture poses to longer 20–30-minute poses. Short poses help loosen up and build confidence, while longer poses allow for more attention to anatomy, proportion, and detail. All skill levels are welcome! Bring your preferred medium—charcoal, graphite, pen and ink, pastels, acrylics, oils, or whatever you enjoy—and use the session as an opportunity to practice, experiment, and grow.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Cost: $50 ($25 for members)
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Acrylic, Abstraction and Creative Collage (Ages 18 yrs+)"
April 7-9, 2027
 

Join Joe and Sharon DiGiulio for their signature workshop where acrylic painting and collage come together in fresh, exciting ways on both paper and canvas. With two instructors guiding you each day, you'll explore design, color, dynamic composition, collage layering, acrylic abstraction, and a variety of creative techniques using paints and papers. Whether you're ready to expand your skills or reignite your creative spark, this hands-on workshop will encourage you to experiment, trust your instincts, loosen up, and create with greater confidence and joy. Walk away with several paintings started, finished and ready to frame! Treat yourself to an unforgettable creative experience. Space fills quickly, so reserve your spot and get ready to play, explore, and elevate your art!
 
Location: Ocean City, Maryland
Instructor: Sharon DiGiulio and Joe DiGiulio
Cost: $600 ($500 for members)
Sponsor: Art League of Ocean City
Website, email, (410) 524-9433


"Life Model Drawing"
April 11, 2027
 

Life Drawing, or Figure Drawing, is a foundational practice for artists to study the human figure through observation. During Art League Life Drawing sessions, a model poses for a variety of lengths, from quick 2-minute gesture poses to longer 20–30-minute poses. Short poses help loosen up and build confidence, while longer poses allow for more attention to anatomy, proportion, and detail. All skill levels are welcome! Bring your preferred medium—charcoal, graphite, pen and ink, pastels, acrylics, oils, or whatever you enjoy—and use the session as an opportunity to practice, experiment, and grow.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Cost: $50 ($25 for members)
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Gouache Painting Workshop in Santa Fe"
May 9-14, 2027
 

Join us for 4 full days of sketching in beautiful Santa Fe! Sarah’s focus is primarily in travel sketching and plein air painting… her sketchbooks tell the story of her wanderlust. Painting and sketching on location is an incredible way to connect with the culture of a place, its architecture, even the food and music! Sarah will be demonstrating in gouache, though you could also use acrylic. Similar techniques apply to acrylics as gouache because it is opaque, so you are welcome to work in either medium. We will work in sketchbooks mostly. But if you prefer larger paper, that’s fine too. Whether you love watercolor, gouache or ink, the principle of travel sketching remains the same: joyful creation!
 
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Instructor: Sarah Burns
Cost: $1,690
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919


"Compelling Impressionist Color Landscapes in Acrylics"
May 18-20, 2027
 

Join professional painter and instructor Patrick Reid O’Brien for an immersive workshop exploring vibrant color, expressive brushwork, and coastal impressionism. With more than 20 years of experience, Patrick will guide students through his process of building a strong painting from the initial rough-in to the final expressive marks. Inspired by master painters, Patrick combines sophisticated color relationships with bold, energetic brushwork. Students will learn to establish strong shapes, proportions, and values before moving into detail, creating paintings that feel cohesive. Patrick will demonstrate how to use complementary colors, warm and cool shifts, broken color, and varied shapes to create energy, depth, and visual interest. Students will also explore expressive brushwork by varying the angle, direction, and pressure of the brush.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Patrick Reid O'Brien
Cost: $600
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Nature into Abstraction: Expressive Florals, Gardens, and Landscapes"
June 13-18, 2027
 

Nature will be our starting point, but rather than copying what we see, we will look for the underlying structure, rhythm, color relationships, and emotional character of our subject. Guided exercises and demonstrations will help participants simplify complex natural forms, take creative risks, and move beyond predictable solutions. We will explore how colored grounds and expressive underpainting can establish mood; how Notan and value patterns can strengthen impact; and how cropping, repetition, and variation can generate compelling new compositions. The emphasis is on exploration, discovery, and building a process that can continue long after the retreat. Students gain a clearer understanding of how to move from observation into abstraction; and practical strategies for beginning, revising, evaluating, and extending their work into a cohesive series.
 
Location: Glastonbury, Connecticut
Instructor: Debora Stewart
Cost: $2,500
Sponsor: Artists Rising Creativity Retreats
Website, email, 860-781-4389


"Honest Art® Workshop"
July 11-16, 2027
 

Who is this workshop for? If you are a beginner, you’ll be given the opportunity to learn composition, color mixing, mark making and more, all in a welcoming environment. If you are an advanced artist, Jodie will help you create your most honest work through understanding the personal energy you bring to your art, embracing your personal mark making and how you choose color combinations in a more intuitive way. Either way, this workshop will help you and your art advance to a new level in a judgement-free, joy-filled zone.
 
Location: Glastonbury, Connecticut
Instructor: Jodie King
Cost: $3,500
Sponsor: Artists Rising Creativity Retreats
Website, email, 860-781-4389


"Intuitive Explorations with Acrylic"
August 26-28, 2027
 

This workshop will take you beyond worn-out or predictable painting methods. We will experiment with innovative acrylic techniques while cultivating a mindset of curiosity and self-confidence. Inspiring demos, time to paint, and group critiques will reinforce your unique vision. Art discussions use non-judgmental, descriptive language, helping you discover and appreciate new, more expressive compositions. or abstracted representational subjects. Discussions will address confidence, procrastination, vulnerability, curiosity, courage, inspiration, intuition, metaphor, symbolic elements, competition, belief systems, and more! For more information, visit joanfullerton.com.
 
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
Instructor: Joan Fullerton
Cost: $625 Museum members/ $675 non-members
Sponsor: Huntsville
Website, email, 256-535-6372


"Pet Portraits: For Oil & Acrylic Painters"
August 31, 2027
 

Join Maureen Scullin for an inspiring, one-day workshop dedicated to capturing the charm and personality of your favorite animal companions! Whether you love painting cats, dogs, or feathered friends, Maureen will guide you through the techniques needed to bring your subjects to life. Photo references will be provided for those who need them. Working in either oils or acrylics, you’ll explore the fundamentals of composition and design, from creating an initial drawing to developing a finished painting you’ll be proud to display. Along the way, Maureen will demonstrate how careful observation, thoughtful color choices, and an understanding of shapes, light, and shadow can help you capture the unique character of each animal. This workshop is designed for students of all levels.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Maureen Scullin
Cost: $130
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Adding Drama to your Portraits with Lights & Shadows"
September 10-12, 2027
 

Take your portraits to the next level with acclaimed artist Tony Armendariz in this engaging three-day workshop focused on creating depth, mood, and drama through light and shadow. While the instructor will be working in watercolor, students may work in other mediums as well! This workshop combines daily demonstrations and instruction with plenty of hands-on painting and individualized guidance. Learn how to simplify and interpret reference photos, establish strong values, and use light and shadow to create more compelling, expressive portraits. Students may work from photos provided by Tony or bring their own. Reference photos and preparation instructions will be provided in advance, allowing students to arrive with their drawings ready and maximize their painting time in class.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Tony Armendariz
Cost: $500
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Painting Expressive Skies in Oils or Acrylics"
September 30 & October 2, 2027
 

Discover the joy of painting expressive, atmospheric skies in this dynamic workshop designed for artists of all levels. Join award-winning artist and renowned instructor Eric Jacobsen for an inspiring experience tailored to both oil and acrylic painters. Key topics include composition, value, design, choosing a motif, identifying and mixing accurate warm and cool colors, establishing a focal point, and valuable tips and do’s and don’ts for the landscape painter. Special emphasis will be placed on mark making, helping you bring energy and expression to your brushwork. The workshop will feature a combination of informal lectures, instructor demonstrations, and plenty of hands-on painting time, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging learning experience.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Eric Jacobsen
Cost: $550
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Painting with Confidence"
October 17-22, 2027
 

Join us for inspiring demonstrations, lectures, encouragement, and practice. You’ll learn how to coax hints of reality from an abstract background, how to control values and colors for emotional emphasis, and how to suggest rather than delineate. We will work intuitively, responding to what emerges, with less censorship and greater freedom. There will be daily demonstrations of various techniques for layering acrylic paint and paper. Students will produce two paintings per day, and we’ll discuss them using descriptive language to expand our individual creative voice. By adopting an attitude of “play”, this workshop will promote greater innovation and receptivity to the small voice of intuition and imagination. With a body of several paintings, we’ll pursue editing solutions for a final product.
 
Location: Glastonbury, Connecticut
Instructor: Joan Fullerton
Cost: $2,500
Sponsor: Artists Rising Creativity Retreats
Website, email, 860-781-4389


 

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