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. 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

Immerse yourself in the luminous world of soft pastels and discover how to paint with brilliant color, texture, and energy! In this exciting workshop, Carol Iglesias will guide you step-by-step through the impressionist approach—helping you loosen up, see color in new ways, and bring your paintings to life. Each morning begins with a dynamic demonstration as Carol reveals her process for blocking in bold, simple shapes and layering vibrant hues to create depth and light. You’ll explore how to capture reflections that shimmer, build strong compositions, define values, and use expressive mark making to convey emotion and movement. Spaces are limited—don’t miss this chance to elevate your pastel painting and experience the joy of impressionistic color!
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Carol Iglesias
Cost: $330
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

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

To make beautiful pastel paintings full of light and color, one must understand the importance of values. Through a series of exercises and studies, Katie will guide the student through the steps for a better understanding of how value works. There will be lots of hands on guidance and helpful critiques.
 
Location: Ocean City, Maryland
Instructor: Katie Cassidy
Cost: $234 ($195 for members)
Sponsor: Art League of Ocean City
Website, email, (410) 524-9433

Work independently in the drawing medium of your choice! This monitored studio is designed to give students the opportunity to work from live nude models without instruction, allowing you time to explore and experiment. Just as any life drawing session the poses will range from short gestures gradually building to longer poses at the end. This is an extraordinary opportunity for you to develop and extend your drawing skills.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Leslie Bowen, Monitor
Cost: $460
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Enjoy open-air painting in beautiful Valley Forge National Historic Park on the National Historic Register. The church site of George Washington’s Continental Army in 1777-1778 and now home to lush scenery and historic architecture! Located in Montgomery County, 35 minutes northwest of Center City Philadelphia, with ample parking and access to restrooms. Working from diverse landscape subject matter, students will learn essential plein air approaches, including color mixing to achieve a sense of light and air, capturing time of day, compositional fundamentals, and sound drawing and painting practices. Instruction is geared toward oil/acrylic painting and pastel drawing/painting. Meeting at the Washington Memorial Chapel parking lot.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Joseph Sweeney
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Painting the human form from observation is one of the cornerstones of PAFA's long tradition of rigorous instruction. Working from the nude model in poses of varying lengths, investigate color mixing, proportion, and composition using oil paint as a medium. Focusing on alla prima painting techniques and a limited flesh-tone palette, learn to model the human form through gesture, shape, volume, and temperature – excellent for painted sketches and preparatory studies, foundations for extended work, or an introduction/refresher to figure painting. Intended for all skill levels, this course also offers more advanced students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the language of painting. Instruction will be geared toward oil, but students may draw-only, or use other appropriate media, if they wish.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: David Wilson
Cost: $385
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

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: $265
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

Whether it is portrait, still life, landscape or abstracts, the presence of light against shadow gives the subject form and dimension. Bring your own inspiration to class and with this principle in mind, watch your paintings come to life! Composition and color mixing will be a focus in this class. All mediums and skill levels are welcome!
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Stefanie Lieberman
Cost: $585
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Working from your own reference material, we will spend each week focusing on a particular aspect of landscape painting. Individual techniques will be held each session in a supportive atmosphere. Syllabus will be provided. Please bring painting materials to the first class. All mediums welcomed.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Bonnie Mettler
Cost: $540
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

In this 12-week class we will explore ways to move beyond blending and over-polishing toward a more semi-abstract approach. With a focus on shape, color, and composition, your work can become more powerful. Bring your current work to develop each week. The instructor will help you strengthen your existing approach and refine your paintings. All subject matter and mediums are welcome- still-life, figure, landscape, et al. There will be weekly discussions or lessons, and the instructor will provide weekly one-on-one guidance for each student. Please note: This is a semi-abstract class. We will begin with representational subject matter while exploring ways to abstract it. All mediums welcome (instructor works in oil).
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Claudia Rilling
Cost: $585
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

In this intermediate-advanced painting course students will work from personal family photographs (historic or contemporary) to cultivate a deeper connection with one's family history, or simply to create a strong painting based on photographs that have been stashed away for years in family archives. We will address issues such as the head, proportion, simplification, and color mixing. Students will work from full color images or in sepia- this will be determined based on the references used. Students work at their own pace and will receive one-on-one instruction. Lessons will be supplemented by discussions of notable figurative painters. All mediums welcome (instructor works in oil).
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Claudia Rilling
Cost: $585
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Explore new techniques and further develop your personal style along with fellow artists and friends in Wayne Art Center's bright and spacious art studios. This professional-style open studio offers a self-directed environment where artists of all levels can hone their skills and explore their creativity. Designed for those seeking a dedicated time and place to create without the constraints of formal instruction, the space fosters independence and artistic growth. These sessions are open to everyone—from absolute beginners to advanced artists—providing a supportive community for anyone looking to focus on their craft.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Discover the expressive world of pastel with artist Barbara Berry. Known for her emphasis on suggestion rather than precise detail, Barbara guides students on a journey of creative interpretation—inviting both beginners and seasoned artists to explore the rich possibilities of soft pastels. Through dynamic in-class still life setups and personal photographic references of landscapes, participants will learn to capture atmosphere, emotion, and form with bold color and evocative strokes.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Barbara Berry
Cost: $300
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Using your own inspiration e.g., photos, tablets, still life objects etc., you will learn different techniques to give your paintings life and energy. Composition, value, color mixing and technique will be the main focuses of this class. All mediums and skill levels are welcome!
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Stefanie Lieberman
Cost: $585
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Working in oil or pastel from photographic reference, this class is about translating the photographic image onto either canvas or paper. Focusing on color, value and mark making as essential tools, students are encouraged to move a step beyond the restraints of a camera to create a successful and personal work. Discussion will include working with painting mediums and exploring different techniques.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Anne Graham
Cost: $585
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This course is designed to help you develop the skills needed to paint a portrait and achieve a likeness of your subject, working either in a traditional or contemporary style. Focus will be on observation, composition, and color with an emphasis on skin tones as well as learning to translate the various planes of color and light that are so important in painting the figure.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Anne Graham
Cost: $340
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Paint on location at Philadelphia's historic Fairmount Park mansions including Laurel Hill Mansion, Ormiston Mansion, Woodford Mansion, Strawberry Mansion and Ridgeland Mansion! Built in the 18th century, these houses feature amazing architecture, beautiful gardens, and scenic views. Each week will feature a different instructor who will demonstrate oil, watercolor/gouache and pastel techniques, reference art historical examples, cover the ins-and-outs of working outdoors and encourage personal expression. Includes a tour of each historic house (optional)! Work with the materials of your choice including watercolor, oil, acrylic and drawing media. Restrooms and free parking will be available.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Various
Cost: $250
Sponsor: Cerulean Arts Gallery and Studio
Website, email, 267-514-8647

Learn how to paint beautiful landscapes on location! In this class, we will discuss the fundamentals of painting en plein air as well as more advanced topics like drawing, composition, and color theory. The first day will begin with a 30-minute lecture and discussion on the core concepts of plein air painting. This will be followed by a 2.5-hour painting demonstration. After a 1-hour lunch break, students will begin work on their own paintings while Marc gives individualized instruction. Class will end at 4pm, but students may continue to paint if they wish. Days 2 and 3 will follow a similar format. The class will end with a group critique and discussion.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Marc Anderson
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

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.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Peter Van Dyck
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Working from still life set-ups, learn the various techniques of aqueous media used for creating light, structure, texture, transparency and opacity. While the focus of the class is water-based acrylics, students are welcome to work in pastels or oil if they prefer. Instructor demonstrations and group discussion, as well as individual attention, provided during each class session.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Joseph Sweeney
Cost: $585
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Explore the colorful world of soft pastels! Color theory, layering and the use of toned paper will help you maximize vibrancy in your pastels. Learn to allow touch and mark to inform your work and avoid over-working. Art historical artists will be discussed to give grounding in the pastel tradition and provide examples to build upon. The workshop will take place in the Cerulean Arts' backyard garden (weather permitting). All levels welcome, from beginner to advanced and all forms of expression from realist to abstract. The workshop will include a tour of Keith's Cerulean Collective exhibition, on view September 16 - October 11.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Keith Leitner
Cost: $95
Sponsor: Cerulean Arts Gallery and Studio
Website, email, 267-514-8647

Our interest is whether two distinct pictorial genres, the portrait and the nude figure, can challenge each other and make each more interesting. The expressive overlap in portraiture and figure painting has been a central concern in my work for over forty years. To explore this experience the workshop will consist of two all day poses. Participants may use any painting medium (oil, acrylic, pastel, opaque watercolor), but the emphasis will be in pushing the participants’ efforts through changes and revision which may include the model’s change of state from nude to clothed or vice versa. My interest is in “likeness” which is as much involved with gesture, proportion, and spatial context as the disposition of features, complexion, and light.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Scott Noel
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

As any skilled artist knows, the study of the still life is essential in understanding the concepts of drawing, value, perspective, color and composition. Working with an assortment of objects (flowers, fruit, pottery, etc.), Katie will guide the students through the steps of setting up a still life including object placement and lighting. As always in her classes and workshops, there will be plenty of hands-on instruction and critique.
 
Location: Ocean City, Maryland
Instructor: Katie Cassidy
Cost: $228 ($190 for members)
Sponsor: Art League of Ocean City
Website, email, (410) 524-9433

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

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

This two-day workshop explores how artists can use limited palettes, dominant color relationships, and value structure to create landscape paintings with greater mood, atmosphere, and emotional impact. Through demonstrations, discussion, and hands-on painting exercises, students will learn how simplifying color choices can create stronger design, clearer visual statements, and more expressive paintings. Student Level: Open to painters with prior experience (beginner through advanced). This workshop is not intended for absolute beginners with no painting experience. Medium: Oil is preferred; however, painters working in other media are welcome provided they have prior experience in their chosen medium.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Mark Vander Vinne
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

There is nothing more satisfying for an artist than to create a beautiful pastel painting that is rich in brilliant color. This 5-week class will guide the student through the important aspects of color theory including the three characteristics of color, color temperature, color relativity and the importance of neutrals. The student will create several color schemes (monochromatic, analogous, complementary, etc.). Students will work from their own photographs.
 
Location: Ocean City, Maryland
Instructor: Katie Cassidy
Cost: $234 ($195 for members)
Sponsor: Art League of Ocean City
Website, email, (410) 524-9433

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

Students may elect to draw or paint, using a variety of mediums. Open to all levels, from beginner to experienced.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Michael Doyle
Cost: $300
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Explore new techniques and further develop your personal style along with fellow artists and friends in Wayne Art Center's bright and spacious art studios. This professional-style open studio offers a self-directed environment where artists of all levels can hone their skills and explore their creativity. Designed for those seeking a dedicated time and place to create without the constraints of formal instruction, the space fosters independence and artistic growth. These sessions are open to everyone—from absolute beginners to advanced artists—providing a supportive community for anyone looking to focus on their craft.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Discover the expressive world of pastel with artist Barbara Berry. Known for her emphasis on suggestion rather than precise detail, Barbara guides students on a journey of creative interpretation—inviting both beginners and seasoned artists to explore the rich possibilities of soft pastels. Through dynamic in-class still life setups and personal photographic references of landscapes, participants will learn to capture atmosphere, emotion, and form with bold color and evocative strokes.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Barbara Berry
Cost: $300
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

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

Learn everything you need to know about the medium of pastels. Apply basic and advanced techniques in rendering the still-life, portraits and cityscape views. Topics include the use of light and color, types of pastel available, use of different papers, fixing and transporting finished drawings, and safety issues.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Joseph Sweeney
Cost: $195
Sponsor: Cerulean Arts Gallery and Studio
Website, email, 267-514-8647

The ocean, bays, creeks and skies of the Eastern Shore offer terrific material for the artist. Working from the student's own photographs, Katie will guide the class through the necessary steps to create beautiful seascapes. There will be important instruction on how to paint inspiring skies and cloud formations. As with all her classes, Katie will provide lots of personal attention and critique.
 
Location: Ocean City, Maryland
Instructor: Katie Cassidy
Cost: $228 ($190 for members)
Sponsor: Art League of Ocean City
Website, email, (410) 524-9433

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

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

National award-winning artist, Bryan Jernigan, paints impressionistic pastel landscapes and still lifes. Each day in this workshop, he will demonstrate landscapes – from bucolic scenes to sandy beaches – and still life arrangements while he shares with you the secrets of the pastel medium. From choosing the right papers to create your best work to learning the basics of value, composition and color that apply to all disciplines, a new world of artistic possibilities will open up for you. You’ll learn what tools to use, get practical guidance on developing skies, water, trees, flowers and more, explore framing options, and discover application tips and tricks to take your art to the next level as well as techniques to produce loosely expressive, impressionistic works.
 
Location: Glastonbury, Connecticut
Instructor: Bryan Jernigan
Cost: $1,596
Sponsor: Artists Rising Creativity Retreats
Website, email, 860-781-4389