Watercolor is the perfect medium for capturing the jewel-like tones and gradients of color in autumn’s changing leaves and abundant harvests. Learn to preserve the season’s rich textures and tapestries of color by exploring a variety of paint mixing and application techniques while working from natural forms. This workshop will include demonstrations of wet-into-wet and dry-brush techniques and one-on-one instruction. All experience levels welcome.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Linda Gist
Cost: $195
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

In this workshop, beginning to advanced students will explore ways to create unique, personal works of art based on their own reference photos. Participants will learn how to find dynamic compositions with strong focal points and push color to enhance their vision. We’ll step away from the confinement of exact “copying” of reference materials and move toward finding our own interpretation of a scene. Jill Stefani Wagner received a B.F.A. in painting from The University of Michigan School of Art. She owned an award-winning advertising firm in Ann Arbor MI, before “seeing the light” and becoming a full-time artist. For more information, visit jillwagnerart.com.
 
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
Instructor: Jill Stefani Wagner
Cost: $650 Museum members/ $700 non-members
Sponsor: Huntsville Museum of Art
Website, email, 256-535-6372

This course will focus on issues of, composition, color, texture, measure, likeness, proportion, with special attention given to technical painting issues, like, how to translate skin’s complex surface characteristics in paint. Demonstrations of a layered painting technique to bring out the full depth and richness of color in our portraits will be presented and discussed. The class will include demonstrations, discussions of masterworks, both traditional and contemporary, and thoughtful feedback on work. The course will be a valuable resource for participants of any age and skill level. This course is open to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced, encouraging all participants to deepen their knowledge of portraiture through the process of painting.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Ernie Norcia
Cost: $385
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

The convincing depiction of form in three-dimensional space is one of the great conceptual breakthroughs in Western art. We will begin by drawing items from still life on toned paper. How do you begin a drawing, and when do you stop? We will explore physical viewpoint, composition and the rendering of light and shadow to create mood and feeling. Recreate what you see with power and fresh vision. The goal is to build a drawing vocabulary that communicates your thoughts and feelings. The class will include demonstrations, discussions of masterworks (traditional and contemporary) and thoughtful feedback on class work. The drawing participants will discover this to be a valuable resource for more advanced work in drawing and painting.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Ernie Norcia
Cost: $285
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Workshop participants will begin by learning to handle watercolor materials: papers, paints, brushes, palettes, and more. From the bold application of washes to fine detail, we’ll explore specifics: how to begin a watercolor and how to conclude a work, wet-in-wet to dry-brush, what to put in and what to leave out. The skillful use of the elements of composition and the simplification of form will provide a means to achieving dynamic results. We’ll also explore ways of creating a sense of light and mood in a watercolor, through the use of structured tone. The class will be looking at the watercolors by J. S. Sargent, Winslow Homer and Andrew Wyeth critically. Class members will be encouraged to work from still-life, and photos to start.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Ernie Norcia
Cost: $240
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Join Jan for this still life workshop working in oils, alla prima style; wet on wet. Students will learn to build paintings with luminous color starting with transparent colors and building towards opaques. Students are encouraged to paint what they love, bringing objects from home to build their own still life arrangements. A personal excitement or connection to an item whether it be a color, subject or personal story, helps the artist create a work that is truly their own. Instructor will provide some items as well for students to work with. Students will be working from life, no photos for this class.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Jan Wier
Cost: $250
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Discover the expressive world of pastel with artist Barbara Berry in Still Life and Landscape in Pastel. 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, participants will learn to capture atmosphere, emotion, and form with bold color and evocative strokes.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Barbara Berry
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. 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

Wondering what Water Mixable Oil paints are all about? During this one-day intensive workshop, Beth shares her unique technique with students. In the morning Beth will do a demo and show how she uses photography and simple apps on her phone to simplify forms enhance value and emphasize composition. She will also discuss how to pick objects that make an exciting still life set up. Beth will have paint for her students to try as well as one of her prepared painting panels, brushes and other supplies. This workshop is for all level of painters - from beginners to returnees. If you have taken a workshop from Beth before, consider taking this one as we work from an actual still life setup (fruit).
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Beth Bathe
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Highly reflective and transparent/translucent surfaces, such as metal and glass, can be a challenge for oil painters to represent accurately: distortions, abrupt shifts in value, and color influences by surrounding objects can make it difficult for the artist to discern what they are actually seeing or how to capture these effects. Through straightforward demonstrations, learn logical step-by-step approaches for painting each of these challenging subjects, and follow up with hands-on practice working from glass- and metal-themed still life arrangements. Prior drawing and painting experience strongly recommended. Note: This workshop is designed for oil painters, but acrylic painters are also welcome.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Frederic Kaplan
Cost: $195
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

With Trompe L’oeil, meaning “Fool the eye”, the object is to create the illusion of three-dimensional form jumping out from the 2D surface. Students will learn techniques and tricks for heightening the deception using artist-grade Prismacolor pencils!
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Sarah Fantuzzo
Cost: $55
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Experience the beauty of autumn’s natural forms through the refined technique of drybrush watercolor, a method cherished by botanical artists for its precision and subtlety. In this class, you’ll explore the elegant structures of dried seed pods, leaves, and other seasonal specimens, learning to capture their intricate details with disciplined brushwork. We’ll start with foundational exercises to help you master the drybrush technique, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident as you progress. Then, you’ll select a subject of your choice—whether a curling leaf, a sculptural seed pod, or another natural treasure—to create a detailed botanical study. Join us for an immersive painting experience that will deepen your observation skills, expand your watercolor abilities, and celebrate the quiet beauty of nature.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Margaret Saylor
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This workshop will focus on understanding color temperature, its ability to bring vitality to the painted surface as well as its use as a powerful tool in identifying and controlling color in your work. Students can work from still life or photo references and in any medium, however, oil painting will be the primary focus. Daily demos will be followed by individual instruction and general discussion.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Jon Redmond
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This oil painting workshop looks at how to find rhythm and tension in a single-object still life, and also how to structure and organize a very complex still life. What are the principles and practical methods of creating a meaningful composition out of random objects? How does one discover complexity in a single object? A strong observational painting is about the shapes, forces, energies and responses arising from how we see, in both a physical and emotional way. This is not a question of technique or ‘style’ – it’s about seeing, making choices and understanding what is important to lead the eye around the rectangle in a way that is both seen and felt. Previous painting experience needed.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Maggie Siner
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Unleash your creativity with our exhilarating alcohol inks class, where the vibrant colors and mesmerizing flow of inks will captivate your imagination! This unique art form is like no other, offering an exciting and hands-on experience that anyone can enjoy, regardless of experience. Our talented instructor, Julie, will guide you through creating stunning, one-of-a-kind flower paintings with these intensely colorful inks. You'll experiment with alcohol inks on Yupo paper and tiles, exploring the incredible effects and dazzling finishes that only this medium can offer. You'll learn the technique of blowing flowers with inks to produce breathtaking art that is both bright and powerful. Students should bring $20 cash to pay instructor, who will provide all the materials you need.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Julie Schroeder
Cost: $50
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

This workshop will focus on working though the complexities of oil painting while studying the light, form and space of a small scaled still life. Each student will set up their own subject and work at their own pace.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Jon Redmond
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Join floral designer Jennifer Reed and artist Jan Wier for a workshop blending winter floral design with expressive floral painting. Jennifer will guide students in creating a seasonal floral arrangement perfect for the holidays—think fragrant evergreens, rich winter florals, textural berries, and natural elements that evoke the warmth and beauty of winter. You'll leave the morning session with your own lush, winter-inspired centerpiece. After lunch, we'll turn our attention to painting. Using your own floral creation as inspiration, Jan will begin with a demo and then offer personalized instruction as you bring your arrangement to life on canvas. This session focuses on capturing the color, movement, and mood of winter florals in a loose, expressive painting style—perfect for all experience levels.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Jennifer Reed & Jan Wier
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Come & have an amazing time creating a beautiful field of wild flowers. 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 lovely flowers, 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

Get to the heart of your authentic work and your personal style by: - Making a lot of work (Quantity over Quality - This quiets the internal critic and gives our unique ideas a chance to breathe). - Having a deadline (The best antidote to procrastination and “waiting for inspiration”). - Focusing on process over product. I'll do a demo of a painting for the first half of each day, with the students painting the second half of the day. Attendees may use oils or acrylics. Students should bring their own photos or still life objects to work from.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Patrick Lee
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

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

This workshop focuses on how to paint beautiful, luminous flowers with confidence and excitement! Diane Reeves is an award-winning artist and seasoned instructor whose engaging teaching style, clear explanations, and valuable demonstrations make learning new concepts and skills straightforward and enjoyable. Her goal is for every participant to leave with valuable new insights and confidence in painting their own beautiful florals! Each morning, we’ll focus on specific concepts and skills paired with a demonstration using garden flowers such as roses and hydrangeas. Each afternoon will include plenty of one-on-one assistance as participants apply that day’s lessons while painting floral setups.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Diane Reeves
Cost: $450
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

Join us for an unforgettable watercolor experience in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where creativity meets culture. This workshop blends in-depth studio instruction with immersive exploration of one of America’s most iconic art towns. In this workshop, Carrie will share her signature techniques, including: Creating luminous layers with transparent watercolor; Mastering reflections, glass, and dramatic lighting; Building strong compositions with everyday objects; and Developing a narrative in still life through thoughtful design and color. Each day, you’ll work with Carrie in the studio to deepen your skills and bring a personal painting to life with hands-on guidance and feedback. The city is full of art galleries, restaurants, shops and museums. We will visit the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum together.
 
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Instructor: Carrie Waller
Cost: $1,690
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

David goes beyond the basics and shows students how to construct strong, vibrant, personality-filled watercolor paintings. You will learn: how to find the essence of your subject matter; how to construct compelling compositions; to see shapes, not objects; how to create a color strategy; how to use frisket to achieve batik-like effects; the importance of value patterns in your work; and how to paint loosely while staying true to your subject matter. Daily one-on-one critiques and demos will be vital to helping you find your watercolor voice. We will paint in the studio each morning. You will have the choice every afternoon of a walking tour in Santa Fe with the tour leader or uninstructed painting time in the studio.
 
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Instructor: David Daniels
Cost: $1,690
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

This 3-Day In-Studio workshop is designed for beginner students, intermediate students and advanced students. The instructor has limited the size to ensure that this type of workshop style will be the most beneficial for every student.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Adam Clague
Cost: $550
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738