Many artists can feel frustrated in front of a blank canvas, unsure of how to start and what to paint. This workshop offers a step-by-step technique which will enable you to paint with confidence by tapping into your intuitive process and finding inspiration more easily. Experienced instruction and advice from the instructor will push students to take chances and explore unexpected directions and accidental marks as a means of achieving artistic discoveries. Demonstration of different drawing and painting techniques will enhance your knowledge of the process of painting. Students will utilize line, color and space, as well as the possibilities of editing, to create busy/calm areas and focal points in their paintings. Painting experience recommended.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Kassem Amoudi
Cost: $225
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

If you’ve never drawn before, or your skills are a little rusty, then this class is for you. Learn to draw what you see with confidence. Work from still life arrangements, interior spaces, and the human figure to master the drawing elements: shape, contour line, composition, light and shadow, texture and perspective. Instruction will guide students through sight-drawing and measuring techniques, use of materials, shading methods, and ways of defining form and space. This course is excellent as a foundation for future study, including for painting and other disciplines. Note: Tuition includes a $35 models fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Phyllis Laver
Cost: $485
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

The primary focus of this 3-day in-classroom workshop will be on color. While Cynthia is known as a palette knife painter and will give a knife demo, the aim of the workshop is to help people find their own visual voice. What separates you from your fellow painters, what are your particular skills and strengths from which to grow?
 
Location: Marietta, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Cynthia Rosen
Cost: $450
Sponsor: Susquehanna Art Workshops
Website, email, 717-314-9551

Create luminous color and depth in your painting! Learn traditional underpainting techniques, transparent and translucent layering methods, and wet-into-wet alla prima painting. Practice these techniques by making a series of small-scale paintings from your own source material or invention. Receive helpful feedback and critique along the way. In addition, you will learn about artists’ palettes, the development of colors and mediums, the mass production of art materials, as well as display, storage, and health issues.
 
Location: Philadelphia, PA, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Anthony Ciambella
Cost: $250
Sponsor: Cerulean Arts Gallery and Studio
Website, email, 267-514-8647

Do you have the urge to make something but don't know where to start? Do you dabble and try different things but aren't getting anywhere? Join Cerulean Collective artist Carol Cole for a series of practical, playful exercises to help you figure out what you like and how to get started doing it. Explore ways to recognize and value your unique, artistic gift. No previous experience required, and all supplies included!
 
Location: Philadelphia, PA, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Carol Cole
Cost: $85
Sponsor: Cerulean Arts Gallery and Studio
Website, email, 267-514-8647