REALISM BASICS IN OILS with Patrice Al-Shatti

Realism Basics in Oils is a series of four classes that will teach students the skills necessary to create an oil painting of contemporary realism using updated variations of the underpainting and glazing techniques used by historic masters like Vermeer.  It is an accessible step-by-step approach that allows the artist to separate the application of color, value, shape, and edge quality and is perfect for those who either have struggled to feel satisfied with looser styles of painting or simply yearn to create their own luminous, realistic masterpiece. The class is divided into four sequential parts and students are strongly encouraged to take the classes sequentially for the best experience.

PART I: SURFACE PREPARATION | April 8, 2023 | 10 am 2 pm

Students will learn the careful preparation of a hardboard panel to create a surface that is both smooth but with tooth to capture oil paint. Along with the instructor students will review options for and application of a toning layer, known as the imprimatura, and use of Liquin, a modern drying agent, in this process. Then students will learn the grid transfer method of moving their chosen drawing onto the panel and, historic tools for compositional excellence, studio safety with oil paints and solvents, and a review of materials.

PART II: THE POWER OF UNDERPAINTING |April 15, 2023 | 10 am-3 pm

Students will learn how to create a closed grisaille, or underpainting. The underpainting is the magical layer that allows the artist to focus on shape, edge, and value and can be the bones of a realistic painting. It also greatly simplifies the painting process by breaking it down into manageable steps. Students will learn how various types of underpaintings impact the feeling of the final work and how to mix their own blacks for richness and complexity, offering them a repertoire of options as they move forward to create their own works of contemporary realism.

PART III: GLAZING FOR LUMINOSITY | April 22, 2023 | 10 am-3 pm

Using transparent oil paints and Liquin to speed drying, this class will explore the art of glazing for color, depth, and luminosity. Applied to a dry underpainting, layered glazes bring extraordinary vibrance to contemporary realistic artworks. Students will learn about necessary supplies and techniques and gain practice as they glaze the piece they underpainted in Session III.

PART IV: FINISHING YOUR PIECE | April 29, 2023 | 10 am- 1 pm

Students will learn how to take their painting from good to great through the careful evaluation and correction of value range, color correction, application of highlights, and a simple method of varnishing.

Saturdays | April 8, 2023 | 10 am 2 pm | April 15 & April 22, 2023 | 10 am-3 pm | April 29, 2023 | 10 am- 1 pm | 4 sessions | $215

PALETTE KNIFE PAINTING with Sue Hunter

In in this class students will learn the loose processes and unique effects achieved by using palette knives instead of brushes. Participants will be amazed by the incredible abstract or representational work they are able to create using these unexpected tools.

In this class students will be using flat palette knives, joint knives and other tools.Paintings can be all acrylic or acrylic underpainting and finished with oil paints.

The instructor, Sue Hunter, will demonstrate how to prepare a wood cradle board using gesso and muslin and demonstrate how to select subject and apply paint with knives. Join us to learn how these unique tools can be used to create new exciting works of art.

Open to all levels.

**Masks are no longer required in classes but are encouraged for those who feel most comfortable continuing to wear them. 

Tuesdays  |  9:30 am-12:30 am  | April 18 - May 30, 2023  | 7 Sessions  |  $265

DRAWING BASICS with Elliott Everson

Everyone can learn to draw and this class will get you started.

Drawing requires learning how to observe correctly and record what you see.

Students will learn the essentials of proportion, line, shading, perspective and composition, and use basic drawing techniques to create realistic pencil drawings of still life, landscapes and more, with natural and man made textures and subjects.

Learning to draw accurately will provide you with an excellent foundation for additional drawing, colored pencil, painting and other art classes. Returning students will continue learning and refining techniques, try new subjects and textures or surfaces. Come to work on a current project or start a new idea. Have fun!

**Masks are no longer required in classes but are encouraged for those who feel most comfortable continuing to wear them. 

All Levels

Tuesdays  |  9:30am - 12:30 pm  |  April 18 - May 30, 2023 | 7 Sessions   |   $265

COLORED PENCIL TECHNIQUES  with Elliott Everson

Join us in learning about basic techniques of colored pencil drawing.

Instruction will include different pencil strokes, blending, layering colors, and burnishing, as well as the use of other tools and materials.

Use colored pencils to achieve realistic color and texture in your drawing of your subject be it animal, plant, landscape, shiny or rusty cars, or a glass vase of flowers!  Returning students will continue learning and refining techniques, try new subjects and textures or surfaces.

Come to work on a current project or start a new idea. Have fun!

**Masks are no longer required in classes but are encouraged for those who feel most comfortable continuing to wear them. 

All Levels

Tuesdays  |  1:00 - 4:00 pm  | April 18 - May 30, 2023  | 7 Sessions   |   $265

Studio Painting with Sue Hunter

Learn to develop and clarify your painting style while expanding your technical skills in this studio class.
Sue will tailor discussions and demonstrations to the developing needs of each student-artist. As the class progresses, students will have the opportunity to learn ways of adding other media to their paintings.

**Masks are no longer required in classes but are encouraged for those who feel most comfortable continuing to wear them. 

Prerequisite: Previous painting experience. Bring a blank canvas or a work in progress, images, reference materials, or a sample of finished work, and painting supplies you currently use to the first class; suggestions for additional materials will be discussed at that time.  All media welcome.

Wednesdays  |  9:30 am-12:30 am  | April 19 - May 31, 2023 | 7 Sessions  |  $265

ADVANCED COLORED PENCIL TECHNIQUES with Elliott Everson

Join us to further your learning about the variety of uses and techniques of colored pencil drawing including different pencil strokes, blending, layering colors, burnishing, as well as other tools and materials.

Use colored pencils to achieve realistic colors and textures to create drawings of man made or natural subjects, animals, plants, landscapes, shiny or rusty cars, or a glass vase of flowers. Returning students will continue learning and refining techniques, try new subjects and textures or surfaces. Come to work on a current project or start a new idea. Have fun!   Basic experience required.

* this class is available for both virtual and in person students

Wednesdays  |  9:30am - 12:30 pm  | April 19 - May 31, 2023 | 7 Sessions  |  $265

PRINTMAKING with Larry Nisula

In this class, students will learn the basics of silkscreen printing. The methods of using photo emulsion and cut stencils to create unique and exciting prints will be explored. Students will move on to discover how to work with brushed on color, as well as the process behind color registration.

Larry will demonstrate techniques as the class progresses, and students will have the opportunity to learn the process of creating intaglio prints, woodcut prints, and linoleum prints. Common techniques include using both drypoint and the etching of copper plates. When printing their plates, students will use etching presses. Note: These printmaking processes involve chemicals and harsh solvents. The instructor will take time to explain proper safety measures. Etching of plates will be done off campus.

Skill Level: Beginner and Intermediate

Wednesdays,  April 19 - May 31, 2023  | 1:00 - 4:00 pm | 7 sessions  |  $265, plus $35 materials fee

JEWELRY MAKING: Silver Casting, Fabrication, and Enameling with Larry Nisula

Jewelry Making for Teens & Adults, perfect for parents who want to take a class with their children!  This class is all about introducing students to basic and fundamental techniques and tools used to create unique jewelry and metal-smithed objects. Topics covered include fabrication and casting in silver, silver soldering a banded ring, and working in the lost wax method.  Advanced techniques include sand and cuttlebone casting, as well as enameling. Students will have the opportunity to create several jewelry pieces including, rings, pendants and earrings.

Age: 13 and Above

Skill Level: Beginner and Intermediate

**Masks are no longer required in classes but are encouraged for those who feel most comfortable continuing to wear them. 

Wednesdays,  April 19 - May 31, 2023  | 4:30 - 6:30 pm | 7 sessions | $175, plus $35 materials fee

STUDIO PAINTING with Sue Hunter

In this class students are able to work in pastel, watercolor, oil or acrylic paint. Throughout this studio class they will learn to develop and clarify their painting style while expanding their technical skills.

Sue will tailor discussions and demonstrations to the developing needs of each student artist. As the class progresses, students will have the opportunity to learn ways of adding other media to their paintings if desired.

Prerequisite: Previous painting experience. Bring a blank canvas or a work in progress, images, reference materials, or a sample of finished work, and painting supplies you currently use to the first class; suggestions for additional materials will be discussed at that time.

Thursdays  |  9:30 am-12:30 am  | April 20 - June 1, 2023  | 7 Sessions  |  $265

HANDBUILDING TECHNIQUES with Elizabeth Behnke

In this class students will explore and build on creating works in clay using handbuilding techniques and methods. From pinch pots to slab sculpture, and functional to wildly decorative, the class will focus on design and technique to achieve balanced, well constructed, and beautiful works in clay.  Students will choose their own projects and then develop them to completion with the instructor providing guidance.  Overall, this class is intended to be a fun and creative start to your weekend!

NEW INSTRUCTOR- Elizabeth began teaching at Phoenix Center for the Arts in 2016, teaching a variety of subjects, from handbuilding techniques to basic throwing skills. She says her passion is helping each student find their creativity and express it.

Fridays | 9:30 am-12:30 am  | April 21 - June 2, 2023 | 7 Sessions  |  $265, plus $15 studio fee (required), $20+ for clay (if purchased through Shemer)

POTTERY OPEN STUDIO with Anne Rasmussen

In this class students will have the opportunity to work in ceramics in an open studio environment where they can focus on their own chosen body of work through handbuilding and wheel throwing.  Ceramic techniques and instructor consultation will be available in the studio as needed.  It is a great space to build a body of work surrounded by other ceramicists in a supportive artistic community.

* Ceramic Experience Encouraged

Mondays | 6:00-9:00 pm | April 24 - May 29, 2023 | 6 sessions  | $225, plus $15 studio fee (required) and $20 for clay (optional)

INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED POTTERY with Anne Rasmussen

Mondays | 1pm-4pm | April 24 - May 29, 2023 | 6 sessions  | $225, plus Materials fee: $15 studio fee (required) and $20 clay (optional)

URBAN SKETCHING  with John Erwin

In this class, students will learn the basics of urban sketching, including how to use their photos as sketch materials to create a personal sketchbook.This class will cover perspective, sketching, and design.

Students will also learn how apply color to sketches. There will be an emphasis on landscape and architecture. Students are encouraged to come and have fun turning their photos into lasting sketch memories.

All Levels

Fridays, 9:30 am-12:30 pm | April 28 - May 26, 2023 | 5 sessions  |  $190

WATERCOLOR BASICS with John Erwin

Watercolor can be elusive and challenging.  John Erwin instructs in a way that creates successful paintings.
In this class you will learn the basics of color and design to create well balanced paintings. John will instruct on how to start and complete a painting.

Each week you will build techniques and skills to guide you into more complex, finished paintings.

For beginning watercolor students

Tuesdays, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm  |  May 2 - May 23, 2023 | 4 sessions   |  $150

WATERCOLOR TECHNIQUES with John Erwin

Watercolor can be elusive and challenging, even to those that have worked in the medium before.  John Erwin instructs in a way that helps experienced watercolor students create more successful paintings than ever before.

In this class students will learn more about composition, value, color mixing and design. John will instruct on how to start and complete a painting using the elements and principles of watercolor.  Each week you will build techniques and skills like wet into wet, negative painting and dry painting to guide you into more complex, finished paintings.

For intermediate/advanced watercolor students

Tuesdays  1:00 pm - 4:00 p.m.  | May 2 - May 23, 2023 | 4 sessions  |  $150

DRAWING REALISTIC PORTRAITS with Ludmila Demich

Wednesdays, May 3 - May 31, 2023 | 1:00pm-4:00pm  | 5 Sessions  |  $190

Paper Collage with Ludmila Demich

Thursdays, May 4 - June 1, 2023 | 1:00 -4:00 pm  | 5 Sessions  |  $190

PASTEL AND COLORED PENCIL FUNDAMENTALS with Ludmila Demich

The course will be taught for dry pastel materials; no oil pastels please.

A list of supplies will be available prior to the class.

Thursdays  |  9:30 - 12:30 pm  | May 4 - June 1, 2023 |  5 Sessions  |  $190

HANDBUILDING STUDIO with Elizabeth Behnke

In this class students will have the opportunity to work in ceramics in an open studio environment where they can focus on their own chosen body of work through handbuilding. This is a perfect class for students to work on special projects with guidance and input from an experienced instructor. Students seeking help with more complex intermediate to advanced projects, or seeking to expand their handbuilding skills will receive one on one consultation from the instructor as needed.  This is a class is a great space to build a body of work surrounded by other ceramicists in a supportive artistic community.

* Ceramic Experience Encouraged

NEW INSTRUCTOR- Elizabeth began teaching at Phoenix Center for the Arts in 2016, teaching a variety of subjects, from handbuilding techniques to basic throwing skills. She says her passion is helping each student find their creativity and express it.

Fridays | 9:30 am-12:30 am  | May 12 - June 2, 2023 | 4 Sessions  |  $150, plus $15 studio fee (required), $20+ for clay (if purchased through Shemer)

HANDBUILDING STUDIO with Elizabeth Behnke

In this class students will have the opportunity to work in ceramics in an open studio environment where they can focus on their own chosen body of work through handbuilding. This is a perfect class for students to work on special projects with guidance and input from an experienced instructor. Students seeking help with more complex intermediate to advanced projects, or seeking to expand their handbuilding skills will receive one on one consultation from the instructor as needed.  This is a class is a great space to build a body of work surrounded by other ceramicists in a supportive artistic community.

* Ceramic Experience Encouraged

NEW INSTRUCTOR- Elizabeth began teaching at Phoenix Center for the Arts in 2016, teaching a variety of subjects, from handbuilding techniques to basic throwing skills. She says her passion is helping each student find their creativity and express it.

Fridays | 9:30 am-12:30 am  | September 29 - October 27, 2023 | 5 Sessions  |  $190, plus $15 studio fee (required), $20+ for clay (if purchased through Shemer)

HANDBUILDING STUDIO with Elizabeth Behnke

In this class students will have the opportunity to work in ceramics in an open studio environment where they can focus on their own chosen body of work through handbuilding. This is a perfect class for students to work on special projects with guidance and input from an experienced instructor. Students seeking help with more complex intermediate to advanced projects, or seeking to expand their handbuilding skills will receive one on one consultation from the instructor as needed.  This is a class is a great space to build a body of work surrounded by other ceramicists in a supportive artistic community.

* Ceramic Experience Encouraged

NEW INSTRUCTOR- Elizabeth began teaching at Phoenix Center for the Arts in 2016, teaching a variety of subjects, from handbuilding techniques to basic throwing skills. She says her passion is helping each student find their creativity and express it.

Fridays | 9:30 am-12:30 am  | November 3 - December 22, 2023 | 8 Sessions  |  $300, plus $15 studio fee (required), $20+ for clay (if purchased through Shemer)