EXPRESSIVE ACRYLIC BASICS with Agustin Vargas

This workshop is for students who seek to be paint with more freedom, expression, and spontaneity in acrylics! Students will learn to loosen up and tap into their own creative flow. Inhibitions will be lost as they learn to trust the process and let the journey of painting guide them.
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The instructor will encourage freedom of expression while giving tutorials on creating a firm foundation of structure of a painting. Topics will include shape, value, color, edges and center of interest. All who attend will be able to apply the lessons learned to their own style of painting.
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Fridays  |  1:00 - 4:00 pm  |  January 10 - February 20, 2020  |  7 Sessions  |  $245

OIL/ACRYLIC BASICS with Sue Hunter

This is a class designed to walk you through the painting process from beginning to end.  Sometimes the most difficult part of making art is starting.

Sue will guide you through the process of setting up your paints and organizing your colors.  Learn how to simplify and mix colors.  Emphasis on values will be discussed throughout the sessions.

Learn to view your surroundings, to edit in your mind's eye, and to create interesting and engaging compositions.

Each week, Sue Hunter will demonstrate the lesson and then provide individual and group instruction.  Students are invited to work in either oil or acrylic.  Materials list for both will be provided.

Tuesdays  |  1:00 - 4:00 pm 

February 4 - March 10, 2020 | 7 Sessions  |  $245

INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED POTTERY with Alan Jones

Intermediate Students:

Students will take their pottery-making ability to the next level. They will perfect the skills that they learned as a beginner, and adapt them to evolve their own unique pottery style. Progress will be made by working on different projects each session. Working with clay becomes more relaxing and fun as basic skills are mastered!

Advanced Students:
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Now that students have really sharpened their skills, they will begin to design their own successful projects. Advanced students will focus on creating functional pottery that works well, and looks good doing it. Students will be given the choice of working along with the class projects or working on their own ideas. Either way, they will explore the process of bringing creative ideas to life.

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A $30 fee payable to the instructor on the first day of class will cover materials including clay and glazes.

Focused on furthering your skill level

Mondays | 9:30-12:30 pm | February 24 - April 6, 2020 | 7 sessions  | $245, plus Materials fee: $15 studio fee (required) and $15 clay (optional)

BEGINNING & INTERMEDIATE POTTERY with Alan Jones

If you have ever wanted to learn how to work with clay, this is the class for you.  Alan Jones is a Phoenix icon.  He has been a professional ceramic artist for decades, generously sharing his knowledge and skill through his teaching.
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Beginning Students:

Beginner-level instruction will keep students focused on their goals. They will learn to control clay on the potters wheel and practice basic shapes to get their pottery adventure started!

Intermediate Students:

The focus will be on creating functional pots. Students will learn what to do now that they are at the level that they can control the clay. The intermediate class projects will guide students towards mastery!

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Open to all levels

Mondays | 1:00-4:00 pm | February 24 - April 6, 2020  | 7 sessions  | $245, plus Materials Fee: $15 studio fee (required), $15 for clay (optional)

POTTERY OPEN STUDIO with Alan Jones

This is a class for students that would like to work on their own projects at their own pace. The freedom of the studio environment will allow students to work with intense focus, or with expansive contemplation. The instructor will be available to offer guidance on an individual basis.
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Alan Jones is a Phoenix icon.  He has been a professional ceramic artist for decades, generously sharing his knowledge and skill through his teaching.

NOTE: The Pottery Open Studio class is open to ceramics students currently enrolled at the Shemer Art Center, regardless of instructor. The fee, provided there is space, is $35 each class. No materials fee is charged.

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Open to all levels

Mondays | 6:00-9:00 pm | February 24 - April 6, 2020 | 7 sessions  | $245, plus Materials Fee: $15 studio fee (required) and $15 for clay (optional)

MIXED MEDIA AND COLLAGE with Sue Hunter

The arts of mixed media and collage offer an endless array of creative techniques. This class is perfect for students who would like to add new dimensions to their creative process or beginners who want the freedom to experiment. Create either traditional or abstract designs using acrylic paints and mark making tools for texture.

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Processes using materials such as molding paste, fiber paste, tar gel, gesso, paper, and stencils will be demonstrated.   Build textures and layers with handmade stamps and objects used as stamps. This class also provides instruction on how to under paint images and create unique papers for collaging. There is no limit to how far the imagination can go!
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Open to all levels.

Tuesdays  |  9:30 am - 12:30 pm  | February 25 - April 7, 2020  |  7 Sessions  |  $245

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.

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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!
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All Levels

Tuesdays  |  9:30am - 12:30 pm  |  February 25 - April 7, 2020   |  7  Sessions   |   $245

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.

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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!
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All Levels

Tuesdays  |  1:00 - 4:00 pm  |  February 25 - April 7, 2020  |  7 Sessions  |  $245

WATERCOLOR BASICS with John Erwin

Watercolor can be elusive and challenging.  John Erwin instructs in a way that creates successful paintings.
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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.
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For beginning watercolor students

Tuesdays, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm  |  February 25 - April 7, 2020 (no class 3/24)  |  6 sessions  |  $210

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.
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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.
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For intermediate/advanced watercolor students

Tuesdays  1:00 pm - 4:00 p.m.  |  February 25 - April 7, 2020 (no class 3/24)  |  6 sessions  |  $210

PAINTING OPEN STUDIO with Sue Hunter

Learn to develop and clarify your painting style while expanding your technical skills in this studio class.
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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.
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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 pm  |  February 26 - April 8, 2020  |  7 Sessions  |  $245

PRINTMAKING: SILKSCREEN & INTAGLIO PRINTING with Larry Nisula

In this class, students will learn the basics of silkscreen printing. The traditional methods of using photo emulsion and cut stencils to create unique and exciting prints will be explored.

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Students will move on to discover how to work with brushed on color, as well as the process behind traditional color registration. Larry will demonstrate techniques as the class progresses. Students will also learn the process of creating intaglio prints. Common techniques include using both drypoint and the etching of copper plates. When printing their plates, students will also have an opportunity to learn about and use the etching presses. Note: These printmaking processes involve chemicals and harsh solvents. The instructor will take time to explain proper safety measures.
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Skill Level: Beginner and Intermediate

Wednesdays | 1:00 - 4:00 pm |  February 26 - April 8, 2020  |  7 sessions  |  $245, plus $35 materials fee

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.

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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.
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Wednesdays  |  9:30am - 12:30 pm  |  February 26 - April 8,  2020  |  7 Sessions  |  $245

DRAWING PET PORTRAITS with Ludmila Demich

EXPLORING A BODY OF WORK IN CERAMICS with Danielle Wood

In this class, students will be encouraged to focus on a body of work, exploring themes and forms they like to use for their ceramic work. A variety of different ideas and techniques will be presented for each class in regard to handbuilding.
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The students will have the opportunity to try out different forms using slab work, coiling, pinch pots, press molds, drape and slump molds. At the end of the class, the students will learn strategies for documenting their work, and receive assistance creating an artist statement. It will be a creative class with experimentation and new techniques.

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Skill Level: Some Ceramic Experience Encouraged

Clay Request: *If clay is not requested it will be assumed that no clay is needed.

Wednesdays  |  1:00-4:00 pm  |  February 26 - April 8, 2020 |  7 sessions  |  Class fee: $245  |  Materials fee:  $15 studio fee (required) and $30 for clay (optional)

OIL/ACRYLIC OPEN STUDIO with Sue Hunter

In this class students will be working in oil or acrylic paint. They will learn to develop and clarify their painting style while expanding their technical skills in this studio class.
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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.
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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 pm  |  February 27 - April 9, 2020  |  7 Sessions  |  $245

CERAMIC FIGURE SCULPTURE with Jane Kelsey-Mapel

This class will be an exciting exploration of the human and/or animal form in clay. Jane will discuss basic anatomy and structure and will demonstrate both hand building and traditional modeling techniques to create studies of heads, hands and torsos. Surface finishes will include the use of underglazes, stains and glazes. The ultimate goal of this class is for students to have fun while learning about clay, the figure and developing their own personal style. Note: live models will not be used, students may work from photographs and/or their imagination.

Jane Kelsey-Mapel is an Arizona artist known for her narrative ceramic figure sculptures. She holds a bachelor's degree in Art from Arizona State University and a master's degree in Ceramics from the University of North Texas. Her work is held in numerous public and private collections and has been featured in U.S. and international publications.

All Levels

Thursdays | 1:00 - 4:00 pm | February 27 - April 9, 2020 (no class 3/26)| 6 sessions  | $210, plus Materials fee: $15 studio fee (required) and $15 clay (optional)

ARTISAN PRINTMAKING with John Erwin

Learn the hands-on art of printmaking and create hand-pulled prints.  Join John on this adventure as you explore traditional and experimental forms of printmaking.  The centuries-old process is easy and fun under the direction of this gifted artist and instructor.  Printmaking opens you to a new form of expression and helps you to reevaluate your approach to art making.

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Experience the excitement of converting your designs into original prints! In this class you will learn to make your own unique marks and stamps that will become cards or artwork.  Explore mixing colors and printing on a variety of papers including colorful Japanese rice paper and an array of artist papers.

Most of the materials will be provided including carving tools, inks and a press.
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All Levels
Thursdays  |  9:30- 12:30 p.m.  |  February 27 - April 9, 2020  |  7 sessions  |  $245

PASTELS: VIBRANCY AND LUMINOSITY with Ludmila Demich

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Through demonstrations and discussions, students will learn formal components such as composition, perspective and color while also exploring many experimental techniques. The instructor will work one-on-one with students as they develop their own personal narratives and concepts.

No previous experience is required, but some art experience is expected.

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

A list of supplies will be available one week prior to the class.
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Thursdays  |  9:30 - 12:30 pm  |  February 27 - 9, 2020  |  7 Sessions  |  $245

DRAWING REALISTIC PORTRAITS with Ludmila Demich

Thursdays  |  1:00 - 4:00 pm  |  February 27 - April 9, 2020  |  7 Sessions  |  $245

OIL AND COLD WAX MEDIUM: An Introduction and Way Beyond with Barbara Bagan

This class is for beginners as well as those who have some experience with oil and cold wax.

Participants will explore a variety of substrates/surfaces including oil paper, Mutilmedia Art Board, and cradled boards. Essential tools and various techniques for “mark-making” and scraping will be demonstrated. Students will learn how to add collage, stencils, and other materials to the oil and cold wax piece. In addition, we will discuss steps to finishing the final piece—to mat and frame or mount, to wax or varnish, to paint, varnish, or wax the sides of the board.

In this class we will play, experiment, and create endless opportunities for “happy accidents” which occur almost effortlessly when oil and cold wax are combined.

Fridays | February 28 - March 20, 2020 | 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 pm | 4 sessions | $140

DRAWING OPEN STUDIO with Elliott Everson

Join Elliott Everson in an open studio setting.  New and returning students continue learning and refining drawing techniques, try new subjects and learn to use new textures or surfaces.

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Come to work on a current project or start a new idea. Elliott will provide one-on-one or group instruction depending on the needs of the students.

This is a tremendous opportunity to push your drawing skills to a new level in an open setting.  Use colored pencils or graphite.  Open to all Levels.  Have fun!
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Fridays  |  9:30 am-12:30 pm  |  February 28 - April 10, 2020  |  7 Sessions  |  $245

CERAMICS: EXPLORING GLAZE & COLOR with Danielle Wood

In this class, students will have the opportunity to explore glaze and color. The students will be able to try different glazing techniques with cone 5 glazes, decals, paper transfers, lusters, and china painting.

Different handbuilding techniques will also be demonstrated including slab building, coiling, pinch pots, press molds, and drape/slump molds. Discussions will also include how to apply glazes efficiently, feathering glazes, making washes with oxides, and many more techniques.

Clay Request:

*If clay is not requested it will be assumed that no clay is needed.
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Skill Level: Some experience with clay is encouraged

Fridays  |  9:30 am - 12:30 pm  |  February 28 - April 10, 2020 |  7 sessions  |  Class fee: $245  |  Materials fee:  $15 studio fee (required) and $30 for clay (optional)

EXPRESSIVE ACRYLIC BASICS with Agustin Vargas

This workshop is for students who seek to be paint with more freedom, expression, and spontaneity in acrylics! Students will learn to loosen up and tap into their own creative flow. Inhibitions will be lost as they learn to trust the process and let the journey of painting guide them.
[read more="Read More >>" less="Read Less"]
The instructor will encourage freedom of expression while giving tutorials on creating a firm foundation of structure of a painting. Topics will include shape, value, color, edges and center of interest. All who attend will be able to apply the lessons learned to their own style of painting.
[/read]

Fridays  |  1:00 - 4:00 pm  |  February 28 - April 10, 2020  |  7 Sessions  |  $245

TRAVEL PHOTO SKETCHING  with John Erwin

In this class, students will learn how to use their photos as sketch material to create a personal sketchbook. This class will cover perspective, sketching, and design.
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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.
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All Levels

Friday  |  9:30 am-12:30 pm  |  March 6 - April 10, 2020  |  5 sessions  |  $175

WATERCOLOR UNLEASHED: PAINTING FROM PHOTOS with Julie Gilbert Pollard

The focus of this class will be to combine the "reality" of the landscape, as seen by the camera, with the passion a student can bring to their work by using their imagination and memory.
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By concentrating on shape and value as the most important of the building blocks of painting, students will use “color-as-value” to stimulate an emotional response from viewers. They will learn to use unexpected color combinations in unpredictable ways to convey how they see AND feel about the world we live in. Technique will be studied also, as a necessary component to the "big picture" of landscape painting.

A photo will be provided for use for the first class study. Students will bring their own reference material for the remainder of the class. There will be demonstrations of techniques suitable for the subject matter, exercises, critique and lots of painting time. All levels are welcome and encouraged to attend. Class time will be structured, yet open enough to accommodate the artistic spirit within us all. The only prerequisite is an attitude of joy in the act of painting!
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Tuesdays | 1:00 - 4:00 pm | March 17 - April 21, 2020 | 6 sessions  | $210