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Mondays, January 12, 19, 26, 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 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.
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Dennis Lake
Cost: $150 or $50 per week
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

January 20, 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 other mediums 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. In addition to the registration fee, 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

Fridays, January 23 - March 27, 2026
Students study composition, perspective and shading as they gain exposure to a variety of mediums including graduated pencils, charcoal, pastels, watercolor and acrylic paints. Drawing from still life set-ups, painting in the garden 'plein air' style and self-portraiture are just some of the techniques that may be introduced during this drawing and painting class. This is a 10-week, 1.5 hour, after school class.
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Carolyn Kline-Coyle
Cost: $280
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Thursdays, January 29 & February 5-19, 2026
Imagine the creative possibilities! Discover the expressive power of painting with a palette knife—a richly tactile and dynamic alternative to the brush. In this course, you’ll explore how to create both smooth and textured strokes, using bold or subtle color to infuse your paintings with life and energy. Emphasis will be placed on mastering palette knife techniques, achieving luminous color, and composing exciting, well-balanced paintings—the essential ingredients of strong artistic work. Working from studio still life setups and photo references, you’ll complete a finished painting in each class. The course includes live demonstrations, focused technique exercises, detailed handouts, personalized instruction, and constructive critiques. Suitable for all levels of experience.
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Alex Sharma
Cost: $200
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

January 31, 2026
Unlock the magic of color in this inspiring half-day class with artist Alex Sharma—perfect for both beginners and experienced painters! Discover how just three essential colors—reds, blues, and yellows—can open up a world of endless possibilities, transforming the way you see and mix color. Learn to create luminous, vibrant paintings filled with depth, distance, and energy as Alex shares surprising color combinations that make your work come alive. Whether you paint in watercolor, acrylic, or oil, this class will refresh your palette, sharpen your skills, and reignite your passion for painting. This class requires zero experience. It is perfect for beginners, or for students with experience wanting a brush-up or refresher of color theory!
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Alex Sharma
Cost: $50
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

January 31 & February 1, 2026
This workshop focuses on discovering your unique abstract voice. Through a series of small paintings created on the first day, you'll begin to recognize the development of your authentic expression and how it distinguishes you from other artists. These initial works may also reveal insights into how adjusting your approach to using visual language can more powerfully express your abstract voice. The second day features group discussion exploring how artistic inspiration shapes color and composition differently for each artist, followed by individual consultations on integrating the workshop's insights into your personal practice. For artists with some painting experience and artists with a lot of painting experience.
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Marianne Mitchell
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

January 31, 2026
Join nationally acclaimed artist Addison Palmer for an inspiring one-day painting workshop designed for artists of all levels — from complete beginners to experienced painters looking to refine their skills. In this immersive, hands-on class, Addison will guide students step-by-step through the process of creating a stunning Lowcountry Heron, a subject that beautifully captures the grace and serenity of coastal life. Students will explore the fundamentals of composition, color mixing, and layering, while learning how to balance light and shadow to bring depth and realism to their work. Addison’s approachable teaching style and expert instruction make complex techniques easy to understand and apply, ensuring that every participant leaves with new confidence and a finished painting they can be proud of.
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Addison Palmer
Cost: $100
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

Mondays, February 2, 9, 16, 23, 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 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.
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

February 3-4, 2026
We invite you to register for this exciting 2-Day Palette Knife Workshop for oil & acrylic painters of all levels of experience. This workshop is designed to enhance your painting skills by focusing on palette knife techniques, enabling you to create impressionistic art with complementary colors. You'll learn to integrate these techniques with composition and color theory to elevate your paintings. Through daily demonstrations on various subjects and surfaces, you'll discover the joy of clean color and vibrant energy in your work. Whether you paint in a studio or en plein air, these skills will add excitement and versatility to your art. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your artistic toolbox and transform your source materials into dynamic compositions.
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Trish Weeks
Cost: $330
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

Wednesdays, February 4 - April 8, 2026
Learn to explore new possibilities and paint more intuitively under the guidance of artist/critic/mentor Kassem Amoudi. 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. Instruction is geared toward open painting time supported by critiques and advice from the instructor as he works one-on-one with students 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

Fridays, February 6 - April 10, 2026
Using oil or acrylic paints, exploit a wide range of techniques and artistic languages to transform everyday reality into expressive, symbolic, or personal statements. Base your paintings on unique studio still-life arrangements or use your own photographs as a starting point, and progress to working from a life model during the final weeks of the course. Topics discussed and demonstrated include using color as an emotive element, designing compositions to convey mood and movement, and employing energetic mark-making. For less experienced students, materials, color mixing, and basic techniques are also reviewed.
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Frederic Kaplan
Cost: $450
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

February 6 & 7, 2026
Discover how to transform your simple photos into vibrant, expressive paintings with Carole Forêt—an accomplished, widely respected artist with over 35 years of professional experience. Whether you're a beginner eager to learn the fundamentals or an intermediate artist ready to deepen your skills, this immersive two-day workshop will elevate your art practice. Bring 2-3 favorite photos (landscape/cityscape, printed or on a charged device. Through live demos, individual guidance, and a thoughtfully paced structure, Carole will teach you how to see like an artist—focusing on composition, value, color, and perspective. You'll also learn her signature process: building dynamic acrylic duo-tonal underpaintings that set the stage for luminous, colorful oil finishes. For more information, visit caroleforet.com.
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
Instructor: Carole Forêt
Cost: $600 Museum members/ $650 non-members
Sponsor: Huntsville Museum of Art
Website, email, 256-535-6372

February 7, 2026
Spend one day learning actionable techniques that immediately improve your paintings. Through focused, hands-on guidance you’ll learn how composition isn’t just structure—it’s storytelling. Discover how subtle suggestion, strategic placement, and smart color choices can direct the viewer’s eye, spark imagination, and deepen emotional impact. Learn practical methods for developing compelling layouts from life or imagination—capture exact references or rearrange elements to craft a stronger narrative. And explore techniques for using suggestion—hinting rather than telling—to engage viewers and invite interpretation. This workshop is for artists of any level who want to make their work more evocative, engaging, and memorable. Reserve your spot and start creating work that lingers in viewers’ minds long after they’ve looked away.
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Vlad Milan Duchev
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Tuesdays, February 17 - March 31, 2026
Discover the joy of Intuitive Painting—Under the guidance of Sandi, you’ll learn to trust your instincts, embrace spontaneity, and allow your art to flow freely by intuition and the quiet rhythm of your own spirit. Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time or you’re an experienced artist hoping to reconnect with spontaneity, this class is the perfect space to explore and play. You’ll learn to bring emotion and energy into your work while developing a stronger sense of composition, space, rhythm, and technique—using acrylics as your main medium. Each session is designed to help you express your inner voice, experiment fearlessly, and most importantly, have fun making art!
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Sandi Neiman Lovitz
Cost: $280
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Thursdays, February 19 - April 2, 2026
Discover the joy of Intuitive Painting—Under the guidance of Sandi, you’ll learn to trust your instincts, embrace spontaneity, and allow your art to flow freely by intuition and the quiet rhythm of your own spirit. Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time or you’re an experienced artist hoping to reconnect with spontaneity, this class is the perfect space to explore and play. You’ll learn to bring emotion and energy into your work while developing a stronger sense of composition, space, rhythm, and technique—using acrylics as your main medium. Each session is designed to help you express your inner voice, experiment fearlessly, and most importantly, have fun making art!
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Sandi Neiman Lovitz
Cost: $280
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

February 21, 2026
Spend an inspiring day painting alongside nationally acclaimed artist and instructor Addison Palmer in this dynamic, hands-on acrylic workshop. Working from your own reference photos, you’ll learn how to transform a personal image into a vibrant, expressive painting under Addison’s expert guidance. Throughout the day, Addison will share a wealth of professional tips and techniques, including how to mix colors with confidence, build strong compositions, and capture accurate shapes, values, and shadows. His engaging teaching style and individualized approach ensure that artists of every level—from true beginners to seasoned painters—feel supported and challenged at just the right pace. With plenty of one-on-one instruction and personalized feedback, you’ll leave the workshop with a finished painting you can be proud of.
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Addison Palmer
Cost: $100
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

February 21, 2026
In this one-day workshop, you'll learn how to use color for emotional impact and scenic clarity in your landscape paintings. We will discuss how color is used to create depth, atmosphere, and mood in a painting and how the color of the sky disperses itself throughout a landscape, unifying and harmonizing everything you see. Students will work from photographs in the studio, and together we will do small painting exercises using a limited set of colors. This simplified approach is a great way to learn how to mix and use color effectively and will help you create subtle and sophisticated color worlds. Suitable for anyone excited about slowing down and mixing intentional colors. Students are welcome to work in oil, acrylic, or gouache.
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Claire Haik
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Mondays, February 23 - March 30, 2026
This class focuses on understanding the many expressive ways of starting and finishing a painting in wet paint. Students will learn the excitement of starting with washes of bright transparent colors and building towards opaque color passages. Throughout the course, we will address several fundamental challenges that painters commonly encounter. These include exploration of composition, focusing on how shapes are arranged within the painting and the various ways in which you can manipulate them to enhance your artwork. We will also examine the importance of value, specifically the relationship between light and dark areas, and discuss strategies for linking these values effectively. Additionally, the course will delve into essential color concepts, providing a foundation for making informed color choices in your paintings.
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Fred Jackson
Cost: $290
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

February 24-26, 2026
Join award winning artist and popular instructor, Eric Jacobsen, for this painting workshop where you will learn to loosen up your style and paint expressive landscapes. This oil and acrylics workshop is for students of all levels, beginner through advanced. We will focus on the fundamentals of good painting as it relates to landscape painting. We will cover the following topics: Composition, Value, Design, Choosing a Motif, Identifying and mixing accurate Warm and Cool Colors, Establishing a Focal Point as well as Tips and Do’s and Don’ts for the Landscape Painter. The workshop will be complete with informal lectures, instructor demos, group critiques and plenty of individual instruction. Please come and join Eric for an informative and enjoyable workshop experience.
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Eric Jacobsen
Cost: $400
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

February 24, 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 other mediums 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. In addition to the registration fee, 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

Thursdays, February 26 - April 2, 2026
In this guided acrylic class, students will all paint the same image using a photo reference while following a step-by-step demonstration by the instructor. Throughout the session, students will explore a variety of subjects. From serene landscapes to vibrant still lifes and intriguing textures, each painting process will help build skills and confidence with every brushstroke. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to refine their technique in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere.
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Nicole Lee
Cost: $240
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

February 28, 2026
Capture the fleeting beauty and vibrant energy of the coastal marsh in a lively half-day workshop designed for oil and acrylic painters of all levels. This fast-paced session focuses on loosening up brushwork, simplifying shapes, and painting with confidence to bring the essence of the marsh to life. Through guided demonstrations and hands-on practice, participants will explore techniques to create strong compositions with depth and atmosphere, while learning how to depict realistic, well-defined grasses that convey movement. Nancy will share her approach to working quickly and expressively, helping artists balance accuracy with spontaneity to achieve fresh, dynamic results. Join this energizing session and discover how painting fast can lead to more confident, expressive, and visually compelling artwork.
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Nancy Mitchell
Cost: $60
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

Mondays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 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 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.
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Dennis Lake
Cost: $250 or $50 per week
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

March 7-8, 2026
Painting and Drawing are languages. Visual languages. And as with learning any language one must grasp the concepts and then dig into the vocabulary. This course is designed to expose the student to new ways of thinking about drawing and painting and how they speak to the viewer. We will explore the language and vocabulary of mark making as we strive to improve our visual skills. The student will be immersed in a series of exercises that with strengthen and reinforce very basic principles that are often overlooked. Lon will describe his approach thru demos each day followed up with one-on-one instruction as students give it a go. Students will be working with dry and wet media to find fresh avenues for art making.
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Lon Brauer
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

March 12, 2026
Acrylic pouring is a captivating process where fluid acrylic paints, thinned with a special medium, are poured directly onto the canvas—no brushes required. The result is a stunning interplay of color and movement, with organic patterns that flow, merge, and transform into glossy, abstract designs. In this workshop, you’ll explore advanced methods such as dirty pours, swirls, flip cups, tree rings, string pulls, and balloon kisses, as well as innovative ways to create landscape-inspired pours. Learn how to control fluid movement, enhance color blending, and experiment with composition while still embracing the spontaneity that makes acrylic pouring so exciting. Bring $30 cash for your supplies.
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Julie Schroeder
Cost: $60
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

March 13-15, 2026
This workshop will focus on the problem of combining the genres of still-life and interior painting into a single picture. We will start by addressing the problem of finding a subject and the practical and formal problems of setting up a still life. We will discuss how to organize and simplify complex information, how to have a unified sense of light throughout the picture and how to perceive color and tone relationships. We will also cover aspects of drawing that will help in the creation of a convincing sense of space. Students are welcome to bring their own objects or work with objects on hand at the center. You can use, oil paint, acrylic paint, gouache or pastel.
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Peter Van Dyck
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

March 14, 2026
Join Minnesota-based artist Julie Schroeder for a relaxed, inspiring art class designed for students of all levels. In this welcoming, non-intimidating environment, Julie will guide you step-by-step in using a palette knife and acrylic paint to create a stunning seascape or landscape. Explore the beauty of impasto texture as you layer rich, luscious color and bring depth and movement to your canvas. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced painter, this class offers a fun, creative space to experiment, learn, and express your artistic style. All supplies are included in the cost of this workshop. All participants must be age 21+. Limited complementary wine will be provided but you are welcome to BYOB.
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Julie Schroeder
Cost: $60
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

March 14-15, 2026
Gain the basics you need to step into an acrylic painting practice! Learn to use quick-drying acrylics in thin, transparent layers as well as 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. Experiment with both limited and expanded color palettes as you work from still life subjects. This workshop 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: $195
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

March 18, 2026
Capture the movement, light, and energy of the ocean in a lively half-day workshop designed for oil and acrylic painters of all levels. This dynamic session encourages artists to loosen up, simplify shapes, and paint with bold, confident strokes to express the ever-changing beauty of the sea. Through demonstrations and guided practice, participants will explore techniques to create compositions with depth and atmosphere, while learning how to depict realistic, well-defined waves, reflections, and shoreline details. Nancy will share her approach to painting quickly and expressively, helping artists balance accuracy with spontaneity to achieve fresh, vibrant results. Join this energizing session and discover how painting fast can lead to more confident, expressive, and visually compelling seascapes.
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Nancy Mitchell
Cost: $60
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

March 21-22, 2026
Unlocking Composition is a two-day immersive workshop that helps artists create stronger, more visually engaging paintings by putting theory into practice. Working from their own photos, participants will learn to break down complex scenes into simplified shapes and values. They’ll learn how to make and use focal areas that guide the viewer’s eye. On the second day, we’ll delve into understanding balance and unity to create harmony in a painting. Through lectures, demonstrations, and one-on-one- instruction, artists will learn the tools Mark uses to analyze and design a painting. By the end, artists will have practical tools and strategies to approach composition confidently and apply key principles to their own work, helping their paintings feel more cohesive and engaging.
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Mark Vander Vinne
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

March 24, 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 other mediums 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. In addition to the registration fee, 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

March 25-27, 2026
This workshop will focus on painting “alla prima” (all at once) as well as developing greater skills of observation, simplification and painting “wet on wet” to create strong “painterly” paintings. The first morning of the workshop begins with a discussion of painting basics (from materials to paint handling) and will also address the fundamentals of color, value, edges, perspective and other “practical” elements that make a successful painting. Each day participants will work on a series of timed painting exercises incorporating the techniques discussed while developing their skills of observation, simplification, bold brushwork and painting in a “decisive” and “intentional” manner. Each morning of the workshop will include a short painting demo by Dan with an explanation of his process.
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Dan Graziano
Cost: $550
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

March 27-28, 2026
Capture the beauty of the shoreline in this inspiring outdoor painting experience! Open to all skill levels. The beach provides an ideal setting for a first-time plein air experience, offering open vistas, large shapes, and a rich variety of values and colors. The soft morning light and the simplicity of the land and seascape create the perfect environment to observe form, color, and atmosphere. Participants will explore how to use these natural elements as guides for mixing colors, creating the illusion of distance, and achieving unity within a painting. This workshop welcomes artists working in any medium. Instruction will focus on observing and interpreting the landscape, understanding atmospheric perspective, and developing cohesive compositions inspired by the coastal environment.
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Alex Sharma
Cost: $130
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

March 28, 2026
Unity ties a painting together—think matching colors, similar brushstrokes, and overall vibe. Rhythm keeps things lively by guiding your eye with repeated shapes, lines, and energetic brushstrokes and marks. When both qualities interact, something remarkable happens: the painting becomes a seamless blend of order and vitality and true beauty emerges. This workshop is all about Unity and Rhythm, and we'll keep things hands-on with some basic techniques you can actually use. Students are encouraged to paint what they love. You can bring objects from home to build your own still life arrangements or bring photo references you like. I will provide a still life arrangement. All skill levels welcome. Work in oil, acrylic, or gouache.
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Fred Jackson
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

March 29, 2026
Experience a full day of creativity and learning with nationally acclaimed artist and instructor Addison Palmer in this immersive acrylic painting workshop. Designed for artists of all levels — from complete beginners to experienced painters — this class focuses on capturing the beauty and realism of the iconic Hilton Head Lighthouse, one of the island’s most beloved landmarks. Addison will guide students through the process of creating a realistic painting, sharing professional tips and techniques that bring landscapes and architectural subjects to life. Participants will explore color mixing for natural light and shadow, building strong compositions, accurately capturing shapes and proportions, and layering paint to achieve depth and texture.
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Addison Palmer
Cost: $100
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

April 11-12, 2026
This workshop will provide an opportunity for those interested in the palette knife and other alternative painting tools to broaden horizons and creative skills. While all mediums are invited, the workshop is particularly geared to those working in oils or acrylics. The format, while reinforcing the basic skills needed for the creation of well-balanced colorful images, is individualized to accommodate a wide variety of experience levels as well as styles of painting; and from those interested in representational to abstract imagery. This is the perfect workshop for those wishing to introduce new tools to their repertoire, better master color usage, and gain a range of techniques for applying paint.
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Cynthia Rosen
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Sundays, April 12 - May 17, 2026
Capture the small-town beauty Manayunk's hilly streets, rowhomes, and storefronts. Learn to create a convincing sense of space, light and time of day while depicting streetscapes, trees, water and sky. Color mixing and painting techniques for oils will be demonstrated, but all drawing/painting media are welcome. Located just 15 minutes outside of Philadelphia, Manayunk offers engaging urban and riverside neighborhood subjects with parking, shade, provisions and facilities available. Note: Students are responsible for their own transportation to painting locations.
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Larry Francis
Cost: $295
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

Mondays, April 20 & 27, 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 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.
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Dennis Lake
Cost: $100 or $50 per week
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

Thursdays, April 23 - May 14, 2026
Water-based paints such as watercolor, gouache, and fluid acrylics are the perfect mediums for landscape painting in the open air! Work in your choice of these portable, fast-drying, and easy-to-clean-up alternatives to oils as you portray the beauty of spring in Philadelphia’s parks in your own personal style. Learn how to choose a composition and mix color for depth and expressive effects as you complete a series of rapid sketches and at least one sustained painting. Explore techniques for achieving transparency effects with stained gesso, working fat over lean, and rendering with ink over washes. Open to all levels. Painting locations feature shade, restrooms, and other amenities. Note: Students are responsible for their own transportation to painting locations.
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Michelle Oosterbaan
Cost: $260
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

Tuesdays, April 28 - May 12, 2026
Join veteran plein air artist Joe Sweeney for a unique opportunity to paint inside one of the oldest rowing clubs in Philadelphia: the Bachelors Barge Club on Boathouse Row. Work from picturesque views of the Schuylkill River with the benefit of full access to the historic building with access to the dock, rain-/sun-sheltered porch, and amenities including restrooms. Experienced guidance will cover tactics for working efficiently outdoors, selecting a composition, color mixing, and capturing time of day and atmospheric effects. Instruction and demonstrations will be geared toward acrylic, oil, and pastel painting, but experienced watercolorists are welcome to participate. Note: Students are responsible for their own transportation to painting locations.
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Joseph Sweeney
Cost: $195
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

May 2, 2026
Join nationally acclaimed artist and instructor Addison Palmer for a fun and inspiring acrylic painting class that brings the beauty of the golf course to life on canvas. Designed for artists of all levels — including true beginners — this class explores essential painting techniques such as color mixing, building strong compositions, capturing accurate shapes, understanding shadows and values, and layering paint for depth and realism. Addison’s engaging and supportive teaching style ensures plenty of individualized instruction, allowing him to tailor guidance to each student’s skill level. From the first brushstroke to the finishing touches, participants will gain confidence and creative insight while painting their favorite golf hole in a relaxed, encouraging environment.
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Addison Palmer
Cost: $100
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

May 16 & 17, 2026
Do you often wonder how to make your paintings stand out? This workshop will explore ways to make more compelling and powerful visual statements, focusing on the landscape for inspiration and subject matter. The workshop will consist of demos, painting exercises, group discussions, positive critiques and lots of hands-on individual attention. Oil and Acrylic painters are welcome to attend; however, demos will be done in pastel and then Mayfield will work individually with you in your medium. Make your paintings more expressive and visually interesting from start to finish, from choosing subject matter, editing reference photos, simplifying and improving design and composition, using dynamic value contrasts, pushing color schemes, and using color temperature to create mood and emotion.
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Susan Mayfield
Cost: $330
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

June 1-5, 2026
Exploring abstracts on a larger scale in the medium of your choosing, this 5-day class will push you into new territory where growth lives… only upsized, because bigger risks equal bigger rewards. You will be shown a system for developing your artistic voice, with a focus on design principles and the language of abstraction. The emphasis is on creative process, exploring new ways to develop and build paintings, create inventive compositions, and build authentic intent in your work. The class is as much a challenge for the experienced as it is for the developing artist, but it’s not for the rank beginner. Bring a sense of humor, a fearless creative spirit, and an open mind.
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Larry Moore
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

September 18-20, 2026
In this workshop, students will work in the Alla Prima method to paint three still-life paintings, one each day. Alla prima translates to “in the first” and is a wet-into-wet painting technique. Students are encouraged to bring their own props to create meaningful paintings. Each morning, the instructor will do a demonstration, and in the afternoon, students will work on their paintings and receive individual critiques. An emphasis on mark making, painting loosely, expressive color, and making a picture will be discussed. All levels are welcome.
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Todd Casey
Cost: $550
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

November 6-8, 2026
In this 3-day workshop, Karen leads her students through the process of creating dynamic loose paintings that breathe life and reality. Using a photo reference, she will demonstrate the various stages of a painting from initial design to the final strokes. Along with foundational principles, Karen emphasizes the use of large brushes, intuitive measuring and the back-and-forth search of positive and negative shapes to achieve spontaneity and visual interest. This workshop was designed for all levels of oil & acrylic painters.
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Karen Wilharm
Cost: $500
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

See also:
Art Books for Acrylic Painting |
Tutorials for Acrylic Painting
