In this series of eight two-hour evening classes, we’ll explore diverse techniques and drawing media to give participants a solid grounding in basic drawing. Easy-to-follow instructions and a lot of variety result in a low fear factor and high fun factor! Materials fee includes drawing paper, pencils, charcoal, ink, brushes and chalk. Some drawing experience helpful, but not necessary.
 
Location: Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Instructor: Richard Moninski
Cost: $230
Sponsor: Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts
Website, email, (608) 987-3292

Combine your interests in art and nature by starting a sketchbook journal in this two-day workshop. Start with the basics of drawing fundamentals, then begin to explore using various media. Pen and ink, watercolor pencil, and watercolor techniques will be presented along with ways to incorporate words or poems, and decorative borders. Cynthia will present many examples from her journals, give brief demonstrations to generate ideas and will work one on one with students to assist as you get started. Cynthia has been teaching this popular class for a number of years to students of all levels of experience. This class sold out last year here at River Arts Inc. Beginners are welcome.
 
Location: Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin
Instructor: Cynthia Quinn
Cost: $150
Sponsor: River Arts Inc
Website, email, 608-643-5215

We all need feedback. As artists, we also need a second (or third) “set of eyes” on our work. We need to know how our work can be improved. We need to understand how our work is perceived by our audience – the viewer. Sometimes we can spot issues on our own, but most times we need input from others. This is where critique becomes an important part of our development as artists. Open to artists of all backgrounds and media. Moderated by PenArt’s Director of Education Elysia Michaelsen, artists reserve a 30-minute block to show and discuss your work, or just come and share your viewpoints and learn from others. Discussion formats will range from open group conversation to written critiques.
 
Location: Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Instructor: Elysia Michaelsen
Cost: Free
Sponsor: Peninsula School of Art
Website, email, (920) 868-3455

John Ribble returns to push your drawing skills to the next level in Advanced Drawing. Students in this class should have a good amount of drawing experience, or have taken his previous class at River Arts, Intermediate Drawing. This class will be an exploration of different media and surfaces used in the drawing process, as well as the introduction of more complex drawing concepts and practices. Topics will include: -Basics of perspective -Drawing with mixed media -Drawing from a photo reference -Drawing outside, on location -Experimental drawing
 
Location: Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin
Instructor: John Ribble
Cost: $150
Sponsor: River Arts Inc
Website, email, 608-643-5215

You'll efficiently practice various ways to apply colored pencil, then spend the majority of class using a specific technique that allows for detail to capture your chosen subject in your own designed composition. What's new to some who've not taken my class is a specific technique, reverse grisaille, to apply color that is strong, dramatic, and long term with controlled sheen and to apply a water-soluble white base on areas of your drawing that require much lighter intensity than non water-soluble colored pencil traditionally offers. This workshop will add a focus to realistically draw the foreground subject while introducing an abstract background.
 
Location: Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin
Instructor: Rhonda Nass
Cost: $185
Sponsor: River Arts Inc
Website, email, 608-643-5215

Explore the strengths and limitations of your work in an environment where all approaches to painting and drawing are welcome. Develop new directions, build momentum, and gather feedback from a variety of perspectives. This workshop is equally divided between discussions, working sessions, and critiques. Discussions and critiques provide guidance about materials, process, and content to help you expand your skills, see new possibilities, and set future goals. Working sessions give you hands-on practice to investigate feedback. Expect to work independently at your own pace each day. With over thirty years of teaching experience, Kristy is well versed in all painting and drawing media, and ready to give individualized technical, formal, and conceptual assistance. This workshop is geared toward students with considerable painting experience.
 
Location: Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Instructor: Kristy Deetz, KristyDeetz.com
Cost: Members: $450, Non-Members: $490
Sponsor: Peninsula School of Art
Website, email, (920) 868-3455

Designed for those interested in trying their hand at drawing for the first time, this workshop teaches you how to translate what you see onto paper through easy-to-understand exercises and a final drawing. Walk away with new skills and the motivation to continue exploring your creative interests. PenArt provides all of the tools and materials needed.
 
Location: Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Cost: Members: $45, Non-Members: $50
Sponsor: Peninsula School of Art
Website, email, (920) 868-3455

In this workshop, focus on the dynamic tension that can occur through the interaction of two- and three-dimensional visual elements. Create low- and high-relief constructions that come off of the wall using a mix of traditional drawing media, including graphite, charcoal, and ink wash, on shaped supports made of paper. Learn various approaches to drawing and sculpting with paper, such as marking and embossing, cutting and molding, bending and folding, and hinging and joining, that are applicable whether you are interested in creating non-objective geometric constructions or gestural assemblages that respond to a landscape or figure. You are encouraged to apply the methods to your individual creative goals. Daily presentations of contemporary artists working in corresponding ways inform your investigations.
 
Location: Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Instructor: Martha MacLeish, MarthaMacLeish.com
Cost: Members: $450, Non-Members: $490
Sponsor: Peninsula School of Art
Website, email, (920) 868-3455

Portraits are one of the most intimidating subjects to paint. Creating a simplified process not only helps you to paint with confidence, but also gives you the freedom to explore a more contemporary approach that is entirely your own. By investigating a range of styles that are prevalent in portraiture, such as impressionistic, naturalistic, and realistic, this workshop unpacks what makes a successful portrait. This workshop begins with a series of demonstrations and guided explorations. Working from a live model each day, emphasis is placed on exploring various media, such as oils, acrylics, colored pencils, and markers, to expand your own unique artistic expression of what contemporary portraiture means to you. Open to all levels and painting and drawing media.
 
Location: Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Instructor: Jonathan Aller, www.JonathanAller.com
Cost: Members: $495, Non-Members: $535
Sponsor: Peninsula School of Art
Website, email, (920) 868-3455

Ages: 10 yrs. to 12 yrs. In this workshop, students strengthen their observational skills and build confidence in illustrating wildlife. Techniques for seeing and translating proportion, capturing movement, creating believable texture, and using colored pencils, pen and ink, and watercolor are shared and practiced. Students work from provided and personal photo references for skill building exercises and final illustrations.
 
Location: Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Cost: Members: $125, Non-Members: $140
Sponsor: Peninsula School of Art
Website, email, (920) 868-3455

Designed for students of any level interested in strengthening their observational skills and expanding their understanding of the figure, this workshop investigates a classical and anatomical approach to drawing. While drawing from a live model, develop a process for observing and translating visual information to paper. Join Amy as she discusses and demonstrates topics related to human anatomy, skeletal structure, body proportion, and pose. Spend two days studying the head and facial features and complete a classical line portrait drawing using simple materials, including conté crayons and graphite pencils. The following two days are dedicated to the full figure, focusing on learning and observing anatomical landmarks through studies and a final drawing that is convincing, dynamic, and beautiful.
 
Location: Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Instructor: Amy Fichter, www.AmyFichter.com
Cost: Members: $500, Non-Members: $540
Sponsor: Peninsula School of Art
Website, email, (920) 868-3455

Build a personal vocabulary of imagery and learn how to use your ceramic work as a tool for storytelling in this hands-on workshop. Discover how keeping a sketchbook, even for those not confident in their drawing skills, can influence and enrich the surfaces of your ceramic pieces. Each day explores both drawing and ceramic concepts, including idea generation through exercises on paper, developing a daily drawing practice, hand-built construction methods, and surface decoration. Learn how to create simple functional forms using hump molds and templates, as well as how to transfer your unique images to the surfaces of your pieces using colorful underglazes and sgraffito. Discover how ceramics can be a fun and unexpected canvas. No prior drawing or ceramics experience required.
 
Location: Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Instructor: Molly Anne Bishop, www.MollyAnneBishop.com
Cost: Members: $485, Non-Members: $525
Sponsor: Peninsula School of Art
Website, email, (920) 868-3455

Friday mornings are set aside for drop-in art making for children ages 4 to 12. Participants explore the world of comics and learn new techniques through hands-on activities. No pre-registration required. Cost is $15 per person and includes all materials.
 
Location: Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Cost: $15
Sponsor: Peninsula School of Art
Website, email, (920) 868-3455

Drawing has historically been considered a medium used to translate thought. Sketches are made to realize or communicate ideas, concepts, maps, and “more refined” works in multiple media. The contemporary art world has excitedly embraced drawing as a means unto its own. It is an empowering medium in which to play, experiment, and dare to fail. Through various experimental exercises and prompts, explore non-traditional approaches to drawing, idea generation, collage, and materials. This workshop begins with material and historical demonstrations of traditional and contemporary drawing, collage, and photo-transfer methods. This workshop is best suited for artists familiar with 2D and/or 3D materials and who are interested in investigating new generative pursuits.
 
Location: Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Instructor: Erin Washington, erinwashington.com
Cost: Members: $235, Non-Members: $260
Sponsor: Peninsula School of Art
Website, email, (920) 868-3455

Capture images and memories in a personal manner as you learn how to create and use a plein air journey sketchbook for your travels near and far. Put aside expectations and let your hand record what you see; unleashing your creative spirit to explore new media, ideas, and possibilities. Discover how your journey sketchbook can be a springboard for creating new works in the studio. Spend half of each day outdoors using a variety of art tools and prompts, including viewfinders, value sketches, vignettes, sketch walks, 10-minute images, written recordings, and more, to fill your journey sketchbook. Use pencil, watercolor, ink pens, and watercolor pencils for your plein air work. The second half of each day is spent in the studio.
 
Location: Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Instructor: Kate Borcherding
Cost: Members: $450, Non-Members: $490
Sponsor: Peninsula School of Art
Website, email, (920) 868-3455

Whether you’re interested in pursuing painting or sculpture, drawing is at the core of every artistic discipline. Build a foundation in the classical fundamentals, strengthen your observational skills, and learn how to make drawings that are convincing and true to life through an easy-to-understand, yet analytical approach. Using a step-by-step process, discover a number of principles to help you see, interpret, and express the world around you. Demonstrations, as well as personalized instruction and feedback from Philip, guide you through each stage of the process. Topics to be covered include measuring, proportions, perspective, value structure, effects of light, edge control, composition, and material handling.
 
Location: Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Instructor: Philip Salamone, www.PhilipSalamone.com
Cost: Members: $225, Non-Members: $250
Sponsor: Peninsula School of Art
Website, email, (920) 868-3455

Engage with the past while you immerse yourself in the present in a workshop focused on the practice of drawing using sumi ink and brush on paper. Take a contemporary and experimental approach to sumi ink drawing while referencing traditional Asian brush painting and calligraphy. Consider brush marks and lines to be descriptive, meditative, intuitive, experimental, and expressive, while also examining varied modes of presentations, such as simple folding and bookmaking. Each day, engage in demonstrations, conversations, and silent independent and collaborative hands-on work. Using sumi ink and a variety of brushes and papers, carefully examine the nature, properties, and interaction of these three materials.
 
Location: Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Instructor: Yoonmi Nam, www.YoonmiNam.com
Cost: Members: $550, Non-Members: $590
Sponsor: Peninsula School of Art
Website, email, (920) 868-3455

Ages: 13 yrs. to 17 yrs. In this workshop, teens learn the process of illustrating a sequential story from writing, layout, and sketching to the final finished pages. Techniques in colored pencil, ink, markers, and watercolor are shared and practiced. From there, students design and roughly sketch a multiple-page story with illustrations using the media of their choosing with instruction throughout the process.
 
Location: Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Cost: Members: $125, Non-Members: $140
Sponsor: Peninsula School of Art
Website, email, (920) 868-3455

Drawing is the cornerstone of all representational work, the basis for painting, and an end in itself. Yet for so many, drawing is an unimaginative and inexpressive process. In this workshop, Mat shares his philosophy and approach to drawing as a rich art form and great aid in establishing dynamic and emotionally charged images. Learn how to read the work as it emerges and let the work tell you what it needs; bridging the gap between technical proficiency and artistic liberation. Work through intuitive exercises designed to reset your expectations and limitations of drawing and help you build confidence. Expand your language of line and tone as you draw with your fingers, erasers, and pencils in new ways. Open to all levels.
 
Location: Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Instructor: Mat Barber Kennedy, www.MatBarberKennedy.com
Cost: Members: $450, Non-Members: $490
Sponsor: Peninsula School of Art
Website, email, (920) 868-3455

Designed for those who enjoy drawing and making marks, as well as those who love to use their drawings to build paintings, this workshop explores working serially with a focus on combining encaustic with charcoal. Learn a range of techniques, from collaging drawings onto themselves in an encaustic painting to carefully planning layers of collaged drawings to more experimental, less-controllable approaches with the materials that result in fascinating textures and patterns. Demonstrations aim to show you how to create mixed media works, including straightforward technical how-tos, complex compositional concepts, and using the interplay between encaustic and charcoal to your advantage. Consider your personal drawing narrative ahead of class and come with ideas and references. All levels welcome.
 
Location: Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Instructor: Laura Moriarty, www.LauraMoriarty.com
Cost: Members: $235, Non-Members: $260
Sponsor: Peninsula School of Art
Website, email, (920) 868-3455

Discover the intimate and compelling art of portraiture in this workshop with Stuart. Build new technical skills and gain confidence as you practice capturing the portrait from start to finish in both charcoal and oil paint. Devoted to solving some of the recurring drawing issues that come up in portraiture, the first day and a half explores gesture, comparative measurement, and the invaluable tools of a hand mirror and plumb line. The following two and a half days focus on painting the portrait in oil. Using a standard palette of colors, discover the relationships of warm and cool tones in the portrait. Demonstrations and one-on-one instruction provide you with feedback and bring your drawing and painting to the next level.
 
Location: Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Instructor: Stuart Fullerton, www.StuartFullerton.com
Cost: Members: $495, Non-Members: $535
Sponsor: Peninsula School of Art
Website, email, (920) 868-3455

Oil pastels have a soft, buttery feel and are fun to work with. The color effects and textures that can be achieved are stunningly beautiful. Learn to prepare the substrate and under painting, to blend pastels for three-dimensional effects, and to layer with Holbein and Sennelier oil pastels. Scrape away oil pastel to reveal previous layers. Add oil pastel to build up the painting surface and color quality. We'll cover use of line and mark making, color theory as it relates to layering with oil pastels, and composition, negative and positive space, shapes, and the placement of objects. Learn the dialog of self-critique and how to unleash your imagination. Must have some art experience.
 
Location: Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Instructor: Jane Wilcoxson
Cost: $260
Sponsor: Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts
Website, email, (608) 987-3292

Sharpen your colored pencils for workshop fun in historic, picturesque Lake Geneva, Wisconsin- post-summer rush but still during the mild September weather. Kristy Kutch, a supportive, upbeat teacher, is the author of Drawing and Painting with Colored Pencil and The New Colored Pencil; she is also featured in 4 instructional DVDs. Included are many aspects of this medium and its compatible surfaces. Create effects ranging from soft, transparent, and aqueous to dense and dramatic. Harbor Shores Hotel, located on Geneva Lake, offers fantastic student discounts. Guests enjoy rooms featuring mini-fridges and microwaves. (Lodging reservations should be made separately: 888-746-7371. Mention this workshop for discount.) Bring an extra tote bag for samples; plan for this memorable fall workshop!
 
Location: Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Instructor: Kristy Kutch
Cost: $295, including a class dinner and light snacks, drinks
Sponsor: Kristy Kutch Colored Pencil Workshops
Website, email, 219-874-4688

Contrast has always been an effective tool to engage viewers. In this two-day workshop we'll focus on a realistic drawing style using a unique layering technique to produce meticulous detail and color accuracy, then gradually transform to an abstract style. The paper will be dark in color with subject choices emerging in increasing light and color from the dark abstracted background. The technique is easy to learn, easy to do ... just takes time. We'll begin with a sample of colored pencil artists' works, then you'll complete a sampler experimenting with application techniques. You'll then begin an individualized artwork using your chosen subject matter, design and composition, and leave the workshop confident to complete the drawing on your own.
 
Location: Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Instructor: Rhonda Nass
Cost: $208
Sponsor: Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts
Website, email, (608) 987-3292

Explore the ideas and techniques of the great masters of draftsmanship in this fast-paced drawing workshop. Essential to all aspects of image making, this workshop helps artists of all backgrounds build confidence and skill. With an emphasis on hands-on practice, move around the studio as you work on a series of short and long observational drawings from still life setups and Emmett’s master drawings. Learn how to use line, value, texture, shape, and more to complete drawings that are accurate and creative. If time allows, abstract drawing concepts are introduced. Open to artists of all levels and backgrounds.
 
Location: Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Instructor: Emmett Johns, EmmettJohns.com
Cost: Members: $225, Non-Members: $250
Sponsor: Peninsula School of Art
Website, email, (920) 868-3455

Using Door County’s scenic towns as a backdrop, hone your skills in sketching structures and street scenes with a simple set of portable tools in this four-day workshop. Leave this workshop with new techniques and strategies to create more interesting compositions in any setting. Through demonstrations and discussions, Ann shares pen and ink and watercolor techniques, how to zoom in on the most important elements for dynamic compositions, and how to achieve convincing, yet simple perspective in the field. Plenty of one-on-one assistance is provided. An encouraging critique closes each day. Expect to work outside as much as possible, weather permitting.
 
Location: Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Instructor: Ann Thomas, AnnThomasIllustration.com
Cost: Members: $450, Non-Members: $490
Sponsor: Peninsula School of Art
Website, email, (920) 868-3455

If you have always wanted to learn to draw, or feel your drawing skills are rusty or inadequate, this workshop helps you gain confidence in rendering a variety of subject matter in a realistic way. By learning to tap into your intuitive right brain, dramatically improve perception and technical skill as you explore the process of drawing. Mynn leads you through a series of simple exercises that are fun, easy, and meditative in nature, resulting in a remarkable development of skills. Only a few basic supplies are needed along with a willingness to let go of insecurities and preconceptions. Try new approaches to drawing in a relaxed and supportive setting.
 
Location: Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Instructor: Mynn Lanphier
Cost: Members: $225, Non-Members: $250
Sponsor: Peninsula School of Art
Website, email, (920) 868-3455

Whether a novice or veteran in colored pencil, discover and gain proficiency in a new layering technique that allows you to capture drama and detail beyond what you thought possible of the medium. This workshop begins by examining the work of contemporary colored pencil artists. Following that, experiment with various stroke applications, produce a color match strip as reference for all future works, and design and begin a final composition. Rhonda provides feedback throughout the process. Leave this workshop feeling confident in your ability to complete your work with excellence.
 
Location: Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Instructor: Rhonda Nass, www.RNass.com
Cost: Members: $225, Non-Members: $250
Sponsor: Peninsula School of Art
Website, email, (920) 868-3455

Refresh and explore the skills you learned in Mynn’s Drawing for Dummies workshop, and then apply them to produce more finished works of art. Engage in an intensive experience to explore the process of taking a piece from conception to completion. Before demonstrating more advanced techniques, Mynn reviews basic concepts from the introductory workshop. Take your drawing skills to the next level through individualized coaching and critiques. Working from your own selected photographs, expect to complete one or more finished drawings. Leave this workshop with newly gained knowledge and confidence. Students are required to have completed the beginning Drawing for Dummies workshop (September 28-30).
 
Location: Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Instructor: Mynn Lanphier
Cost: Members: $225, Non-Members: $250
Sponsor: Peninsula School of Art
Website, email, (920) 868-3455