Art Workshops, Classes & Retreats

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"Shadows & Reflections in Oil & Acrylics"
November 21 & 22, 2025
 

Getting shadows and reflections right is a constant challenge for students. You will learn the rules to live by in creating accurate light and contrast (values) in your work. Demonstration, discussion and one-on-one instruction in each day. This class is designed for intermediate acrylic and oil painters. What to bring: canvas – your choice of size, idea/s of scene to paint, notepad. Brushes, paints & canvases will be available if you wish.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Mary Ann Browning Ford
Cost: $100
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Painting Landscapes in Alcohol Inks"
December 4, 2025
 

Discover the magic of alcohol inks in this vibrant art class, where creativity knows no bounds! This unique medium offers an exhilarating experience as vivid colors flow and blend right in your hands, perfect for both beginners and seasoned artists. Under Julie's expert guidance, you'll master the art of creating stunning landscape paintings on surfaces like Yupo paper and tiles, achieving breathtaking effects. Alcohol inks are versatile, allowing you to explore your creativity. They are transparent, acid-free, fade-resistant, and fast-drying, making them ideal for crafting dazzling, colorful pieces. Sign up today to unleash your inner artist! Students should bring $20 cash to pay instructor, who will provide all the materials you need (except cardboard to transport completed pieces).
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Julie Schroeder
Cost: $50
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Acrylic Pouring, Landscapes & More: Choose Your Color"
December 9, 2025
 

We will be experimenting with many techniques including ones to achieve incredible landscapes and oceanscapes. Acrylic pouring is a vibrant art technique where liquid acrylic paints, thinned with a special medium, are poured onto a canvas, creating mesmerizing, fluid patterns and abstract designs that resemble swirling marble, with colors blending and merging in unexpected ways, resulting in a visually captivating, glossy finish that's both spontaneous and visually striking, often described as "liquid art" due to the unpredictable movement of the paint as it flows across the surface. All materials— 5 or 6 surfaces of varying sizes will be provided for a $20 cash fee. This class requires zero experience. Bring your bag lunch or purchase nearby.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Julie Schroeder
Cost: $100
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Vista Views: Acrylic or Oil"
December 13, 2025
 

Distance contributes to the beauty of a scene and this workshop will focus on this goal by guiding you in expressing an atmospheric perspective from an image of your own. Mountain views, farmland or water views are some ideas to look for. Learn to make certain decisions, establishing deep space to create the most impact on your viewer. Inspiration from master and contemporary painters will be shared and discussed and Abby will provide individual attention throughout the day. Oil or Acrylic experience required.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Abby Ober
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553


"Painting the Urban Landscape Workshop"
January 3, 2026
 

Capture the mood and abstract nature of the urban landscape using oil paint and charcoal from photo references. Use drawing to build structure and form in combination with paint to create interesting textures and atmosphere.
 
Location: Philadelphia, PA, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Mashiul Chowdhury
Cost: $95
Sponsor: Cerulean Arts Gallery and Studio
Website, email, 267-514-8647


"Watercolor with Focus and Freedom"
January 6-8, 2026
 

Master the Yeliseyev Method - Join Vlad for a 3-day workshop designed to sharpen your skills and spark your creativity. Using carefully selected photographs provided by Vlad, you’ll learn how to simplify complex scenes, identify focal areas, and bring your paintings to life with expressive light, color, and atmosphere. With the Yeliseyev Method, Vlad breaks watercolor painting into clear, achievable steps. You’ll explore: How to establish strong compositions and focal points; Techniques for mixing colors and balancing values; Confident, bold brushwork that gives your paintings energy; The finishing touches that unify and elevate your work. Entrance to the gardens and lunch included. Members receive discount.
 
Location: West Palm Beach, Florida
Instructor: Vladislav Yeliseyev
Cost: $680
Sponsor: Mounts Botanical Garden
Website, email, (561) 233.1775


"Beginner Watercolor Painting"
January 10, 2026
 

In this class Chris will have 2 paintings prepared (floral & island landscape) to demonstrate the basics and more advanced techniques of painting with watercolors. Learn this intricate medium with this step-by-step approach. Chris will guide you through the techniques and help you develop skills needed to produce beautiful paintings. He will not only tell you how, but also show you! With just a few simple tools – water, pigments, brushes, and paper. In this beginner’s guide, we will explore the world of watercolor and delve into its many techniques! For more information about Chris, visit his website at www.dreyerdesign.com. Students taking this course should bring $20 cash to pay for materials, all of which will be provided for you.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Chris Dreyer
Cost: $100
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Very Beginner Watercolors"
Mondays, January 26 - March 2, 2026
 

If you’ve always wanted to paint with watercolors but were afraid to try, this very beginning class will introduce you to the joys of creating beautiful, glowing watercolor paintings. Using the elements and principles of design and composition, you’ll learn the following techniques: color mixing, wet-on-wet wash, wet-on-dry techniques, glazing, color charging, tricks with salt, oozles, scaping and much more. This class is designed for those with no watercolor experience, or those who have tried watercolor painting but need a refresher. There will be a printed handout with each class. Subjects include Landscapes and Still Life.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Nancy Carney
Cost: $300
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Painting the Poetic Landscape in Oils or Pastels"
January 27-29, 2026
 

Once you learn landscape painting basics, it’s time to learn how to add the poetry. Barbara’s goal is to equip you with skills that will move you beyond merely replicating landscape subjects, to conveying a distinct, poetic visual message that strikes an emotional chord with the viewer. Skills covered include composition, editing, value structure, color temperature, chroma, and edge control. Barbara will also address how to make every stroke count, considering the mark-making particulars of how you apply pigment to surface. Each day begins with a demonstration followed by students working on a painting exercise for the remainder of the day, while receiving plenty of individual help at the easel. Her demos will include both oil and pastel equally.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Barbara Jaenicke
Cost: $550
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


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

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


"Compelling Paintings Inspired by the Everyday Photo"
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


"Beginner Watercolor Painting"
February 7, 2026
 

In this class Chris will have 2 paintings prepared (floral & island landscape) to demonstrate the basics and more advanced techniques of painting with watercolors. Learn this intricate medium with this step-by-step approach. Chris will guide you through the techniques and help you develop skills needed to produce beautiful paintings. He will not only tell you how, but also show you! With just a few simple tools – water, pigments, brushes, and paper. In this beginner’s guide, we will explore the world of watercolor and delve into its many techniques! For more information about Chris, visit his website at www.dreyerdesign.com. Students taking this course should bring $20 cash to pay for materials, all of which will be provided for you.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Chris Dreyer
Cost: $100
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Watercolor for Intermediate to Advanced Level Artists"
Fridays, February 20, 27 & March 6 & 13, 2026
 

Chris will demonstrate multiple paintings (seascape, floral, & island theme) from beginning to completion. Areas of demonstrations and techniques will include, design, drawing, color, value, washes, glazing, wet in wet, masking, dry brush, lifting out and more. Chris will guide you through the techniques and help you develop skills needed to produce beautiful watercolor paintings. He will not only tell you how, but also show you! For more information about Chris, visit his website at www.dreyerdesign.com.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Chris Dreyer
Cost: $200
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


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

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


"Watercolor Plein Air Workshop in Sarasota"
March 27-29, 2026
 

Mastering your watercolor skills with Yeliseyev Method. Join Vlad this spring for a special 3-day workshop in beautiful Sarasota, Florida. This workshop offers more than just painting outdoors—it’s an immersive introduction to the Yeliseyev Method, a proven approach to watercolor painting that has inspired students around the world. What makes this workshop special: Learn Vlad’s unique system that simplifies watercolor painting into clear steps, focusing on composition, value, and expressive color use; Step-by-Step Instruction – From selecting the best location and “point of view” to quick value sketching, Vlad will guide you through every stage; Personalized Feedback – Receive one-on-one instruction at the easel as you work on your own paintings.
 
Location: Sarasota, Florida
Instructor: Vladislav Yeliseyev
Cost: $625
Sponsor: Renaissance School of Art
Website, email, 941-330-6865


"Intriguing Color Solutions"
April 13-17, 2026
 

Learn color solutions to bring drama, harmony, and richness to your work. Award-winning artist Debra Huse will teach you how to design with strength, capture light with clarity, and use color confidently to achieve vibrant, compelling paintings. We will paint indoors and outdoors at some of the most inviting Southern California locations imaginable. There will be sparkling harbors, dramatic skies, and breathtaking coastal beauty that will fuel your creativity. Each day will be filled with fun demos, personal coaching, and fresh insights to transform your painting process and vision. Debra will share her signature techniques and help you to “Lay it Down & Leave it Alone”.
 
Location: Newport Beach, California
Instructor: Debra Huse
Cost: $995.00
Sponsor: Huse Skelly Gallery
Website, email


"Plein Air Painting in Watercolor"
May 2-3, 2026
 

Join renowned artist Catherine Hillis for an exhilarating 2-day plein air watercolor workshop tailored for beginner-intermediate and advanced students. Enhance your outdoor painting skills amidst nature's beauty with expert guidance. Discover the art of painting "en plein air," where you'll capture landscapes directly from your surroundings. Catherine will help you select the perfect equipment to match your style and choose ideal locations for painting. In this class, you'll gain practical insights on setting up your workspace and Hillis will show you how to follow structured steps in order to create vibrant watercolors. We will explore diverse subjects, like landscapes, gardens, and marshes while mastering composition and perspective. Enjoy daily onsite demonstrations that provide practical guidance and inspiration.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Catherine Hillis
Cost: $380
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


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

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


"Watercolor Painting"
September 14-17, 2026
 

The workshop sessions begin as Couch completes a painting, explaining what he is doing, and why, as he paints. Students paint in the afternoons, after which Couch critiques all the day’s completed work, including his own. An optional slide show/lecture on the principles of design – including color and composition – will be presented in the afternoon of the first day. For more information, visit tonycouch.com.
 
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
Instructor: Tony Couch
Cost: $575 Museum members/ $625 non-members
Sponsor: Huntsville Museum of Art
Website, email, 256-535-6372


"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


 

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