Tis the Season...For Art

Christmas is getting closer and my Celebrate the Seasons class just came to an end today.  It was a fun way to kick-off Thanksgiving and Christmas - stories, music, and crafts that will (hopefully) be enjoyed for years to come.

Edible cornucopia's using ice cream cones

Lovin' their squishy sock snowmen

Painting homemade ornaments

The mask class is underway and has a couple meetings to go, but the portrait artists from the class before turned out some good work.  We traveled from the Renaissance (realistic) to the modern (abstract), inspired by the styles of such artists as daVinci, Modigliani, Picasso, Warhol, and Basquiat.  A variety of materials were explored, including oil pastel, block printing, tempera paint, collage, and pencil.

Artists at work

Modigliani inspired

Basquiat primitive

Manipulated prints (photocopies) ala Warhol

Holiday Art Classes -Sign-up NOW!

Well, there will only be a few weeks available for me to squeeze in some more art classes after this current session ends.  For those who were on the waiting list for the Once Upon an Art Class that I planned to repeat after this one ends, I will be offering it starting in January as there are not enough weeks available Nov-Dec to do the class in full.  Those on the waiting list already will have first shot at the January class.

But, in the meantime, I have a couple of wonderful short-term options to take us into the Christmas season!  Holiday classes are always popular, so sign-up NOW (and receive the Early Bird Discount)!


Celebrate the Season!

November 6, 13, 27, & Dec. 4
Tuesdays 3:30-4:30
Ages 5 years and older


This delightful 4-meeting arts and crafts class will ring in the holidays with 2 Thanksgiving crafts and 2 Christmas crafts. Each class will begin with a brief story, poem, or carol followed by a related craft using a variety of materials.  Crafts may include an edible cornucopia, pilgrim hat table decoration, and Christmas ornaments.  All supplies are included - just come and have fun!  All ages 5+ welcome.

Class Size Limit: 12
Early Bird Rate (if received by Oct. 28th): $40 per first student; $25 per additional sibling
Class Fees after Oct. 28th: $50 per first student; $35 per additional sibling




Amazing 3-D Mega-Masks
Nov. 15, 29, & Dec 6
Thursdays 3:00-4:30
Ages 10 years and older

This 3-meeting class will focus on the creation of at least one unique wall-hanging hand-built/sculpted mask.  Students will design and build these creations using papier-mache', air-dry clay, paint, and assorted enhancements (i.e. feathers, sequins, etc. - as needed).  Class #1 will involve creating the mask base, class #2 will involve practice and the building of features, and class #3 will focus on the painting and decoration.  This is a great opportunity to explore creating in 3-dimensions for a change with results that are truly one-of-a-kind!

Class Size Limit: 10 (need a minimum of 6 students)

Early Bird Rate (if received by Oct. 28th): $45 per first student; $30 per additional sibling
Class Fees after Oct. 28th: $55 per first student; $40 per additional sibling

Back To School - Fall Classes 2012

Once Upon An Art Class
TUESDAYS 3:30-4:30
8 meetings; Sept. 11 - Oct. 30
Ages 4-9

This class will offer fun arts and crafts projects inspired by popular children’s books. Each class will begin with the reading of a picture book and some discussion of the story and illustrations. Students will then create an art project based on the story and basic art concepts. A variety of materials will be used used and activities will include printmaking, collage, drawing, and painting.

Early Bird Rate by August 31: $55.00/student; $35.00/sibling
Class Fee after August 31: $65.00/student; $45.00/sibling
Class Size Limit: 10



Deconstructing the Portrait

THURSDAYS, 3:00 - 4:30
10 Meetings, Sept. 13 - Nov. 15
Ages 10 and older (or with instructor permission)
Something For Everyone - Great Class for Jr. High AND High School Art!

This 10-meeting art adventure will begin by studying the proper proportions of the face while looking at the work of Renaissance artists. Students will create a self-portrait, practicing their skills of observation and rendering facial features. But, kids who struggle with realistic drawing need not fear - we will spend the rest of the course exploring more modern, expressive, and abstract approaches to the portrait. Concepts like exaggeration, expressive vs. natural color, line, shape, and pattern will be discussed and practiced through drawing, painting, and possibly collage. Students will create portraits in the style of artists like Modigliani, Warhol, Basquiat, and Picasso.

Early Bird Rate by August 31: $60.00/student; $40.00/sibling
Class Fee after August 31: $70.00/student; $55.00/sibling

Class Size Limit 12

Summer Classes for 2012

Sculptural Masks
Ages 8 yrs +
June 18-22 (5 meetings; M-F)
11:00-12:00
This one-week class will focus on the creation of 3-dimensional wall-hanging masks. Students will design a character based on themselves or a literary figure of their choice and use a variety of materials such as papier mache, air-dry clay and paint. They will receive instruction in creating various facial features out of modeling clay throughout the week and other useful tips to help them achieve a unique work of art.

Early Bird Rate by June 8: $40.00/student; $25.00/siblingClass Fee after June 8: $50.00/student; $35.00/sibling

　

Once Upon an Art ClassAges 4-8
July 9-19 (8 meetings; M-Th for 2 weeks - NO FRIDAY MEETINGS)
2:00-3:00This class will offer fun arts and crafts projects inspired by popular children’s books. Each class will begin with the reading of a picture book and some discussion of the story and illustrations. Students will then create an art project based on the story and basic art concepts. A variety of materials will be used used and activities will include printmaking, collage, drawing, and painting.

Early Bird Rate by June 22: $50.00/student; $35.00/siblingClass Fee after June 22: $60.00/student; $45.00/sibling


Linoleum Block Printmaking Workshop
Ages 11+
August 6-10 (5 Meetings; M-F)
11:00-12:00Come and discover the unique possibilities of printmaking using carved ‘linoleum’ blocks. This week-long workshop will teach kids about positive and negative space, black and white design, and the inking process. Safe use of tools is emphasized. Students will be able to keep their blocks in order to make more future prints.

Early Bird Rate by July 20: $40.00/student; $25.00/siblingClass Fee after July 20: $50.00/student; $35.00/sibling

Last Spring Art Classes 2012 - Register Now!

That's right!  Let's celebrate spring with some exciting color classes.  Here's one more chance to include art and art history in before summer break...

SkillBuilders Jr. - Color Carnival

*Best suited for beginning students Ages 6-10*
Thursdays 2:30-3:30 beginning April 12 (8 meetings)


This beginning class is designed to introduce younger students to some of the basic concepts of color and color theory. Beginning with black and white, we will answer the question “What is Color?” We will then ask “Where does color come from?” as we explore primary, secondary and neutral colors. Every class will include hands-on exploration of the given concept through color mixing, a homemade color wheel, and other related projects. Example reproductions from art history will be shared and discussed.

EARLY BIRD RATE: $55 per 1^st student (register by March 16th); $40 per additional sibling
$65 per 1^st student (March 17th and beyond); $50 per additional sibling

COLOR BLAST
Ages 11 years and older (or with instructor permission)
Skill-Builders 3: Basic Color helpful, but NOT required - new students welcome
New Time Tuesdays 3:30-4:45 beginning April 10 (8 meetings)

This class picks up where Skill-Builders 3: Basic Color left off, taking a turn toward the wild side. There will be some review of basic color theory as needed, but the focus will be on the psychological, emotional, and expressive use of color. Topics in this class include looking at the color wheel in terms of “value,” practice working with a limited color palette, and the historic use of expressive color, particularly early 20^th century painting.

EARLY BIRD RATE: $55 per 1^st student (register by March 16th); $40 per additional sibling
$65 per 1^st student (March 17th and beyond); $50 per additional sibling

Tuscan Mural Project Revealed

It's been months in the making, but the protective top coat is on and the Tuscan mural project is finally complete.  Thanks to the McCune's for trusting me with a feature wall in their family room and allowing me to transport their home and family members to an Italian countryside.  The goal was warm earthy golds and browns, deep greens, and fields of red poppies.  The three children and the beloved family dog (my painting buddy on many days) were to be picking poppies in the field. 

I don't have the best pictures at the moment, so these will have to do.

The "Before" picture - this wall stuck out from everything
else around it, just begging for a mural treatment.

The far hill went through several stages of green before finding
the right one. 

The final result (except for the blue tape - now removed)

Detail of the kids and dog - couldn't get a good shot because of
glare even without the flash.  So, I'll have to update this one later.

New Spring Semester Classes Beginning in January

Skill-Builders 2: Let There Be Light
Creating the Illusion of 3-Dimensions with Line, Shape, and Value

Ages 10 years and older (or with instructor permission) *Best for students from Skill-Builder 1 or beginning students - young and old - with an interest in art* `
Tuesdays 3:00-4:15 beginning January 24^th (8 Meetings)

This class will continue to explore the “ABC’s” of drawing through hands-on exercises, observation, and discussion. Concepts presented will include 3-D forms and their relationship to everyday objects/figures, the study of light and its effect on objects, shading options, creating a full range of values with graphite and charcoal pencils, and cast shadows. Like the Skill-Builders 1 class, students will create a skills sketchbook, recording their discoveries throughout the session. They will also create their own “value scale” to take and use on their own .

EARLY BIRD RATE: $50 per 1^st student (register by December 31st); $35 per additional sibling
$60 per 1^st student (January 1^st and beyond); $45 per additional sibling


(New) Faces in Time

Ages 6-11 (or with instructor permission)
Thursdays 2:30-3:30 beginning January 26^th (8 meetings)

Kids will enjoy traveling through time on this journey through history and the study of portraiture. Our journey will include Ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia and Greece, the Italian Renaissance, and 20^th Century modern. We will study how the face was depicted in these different eras AND how to draw the basic features in their proper places. Besides drawing, we will also use materials such as air-dry clay, collage, paper mosaic, and paint!

EARLY BIRD RATE: $55 per 1^st student (register by December 31st); $40 per additional sibling
$65 per 1^st student (January 1^st and beyond); $50 per additional sibling


(New) COLOR BLAST!

Ages 11 years and older (or with instructor permission)Skill-Builders 3: Basic Color helpful, but NOT required - new students welcome
Thursdays 3:30-4:45 beginning January 26^th (8 meetings)

This class picks up where Skill-Builders 3: Basic Color left off, taking a turn toward the wild side. There will be some review of basic color theory as needed, but the focus will be on the psychological, emotional, and expressive use of color. Topics in this class include looking at the color wheel in terms of “value,” practice working with a limited color palette, and the historic use of expressive color, particularly early 20^th century painting.

EARLY BIRD RATE: $55 per 1^st student (register by December 31st); $40 per additional sibling
$65 per 1^st student (January 1^st and beyond); $50 per additional sibling

New Art Class Listings- Sign Up Now for EARLY BIRD prices!

Join us for these fun, creative classes before the holidays!  Just 5 weeks so they will end in the first week of December.

(New) Mini Skill-Builders: Exploring Art
Ages 4-6
Tuesdays beginning November 8th (5 meetings) 2:00-2:50

This class is the perfect introduction to art ideas and materials for the youngest artists. Kids will be encounter art skills, concepts and materials in a “no pressure” atmosphere with emphasis on exploration rather than outcome. Some of the materials used will include oil pastel, chalk pastel, paint, and collage. Concepts and skills practiced will include drawing, coloring and cutting basic shapes.

Early Bird Registration: $35 per first student; $20 per additional student (same family)

Registration After Nov. 1st: $45 per first student; $30 per additional student

　

(New) ATC's: Artist Trading Cards
Ages 10-adult
Tuesdays beginning November 8th (5 meetings) 3:00-4:00
*Note that because this is more of a “studio” class, this class is open to a wide age range of students. Open-ended lessons are planned to offer inspiration and direction, but the student is free to explore the materials based on their own abilities.

Welcome to the world of “ATC’s” - an international art trend started in the 90’s in which artists create small original works of art to trade with others. Students will create custom art trading cards using a variety of materials such as oil pastel, watercolor, color pencil, paint and collage. The only rule behind the ATC movement is that cards measure 2 ½” x 3 ½” and that cards be traded but not sold (or you can keep them for yourself). Each student will receive a plastic trading card protector sheet in which to keep their cards.

Early Bird Registration: $45 per first student; $30 per additional student (same family)

Registration After Nov. 1st:  $55 per first student; $40 per additional student

(New) Christmas Around the World
Ages 6-12
Thursdays beginning November 10th (5 meetings) 3:30-4:30

It’s almost Christmas and there’s no better time to take a little trip around the world. We will “visit” 4 or 5 countries, learn about their Christmas traditions and how say “Merry Christmas” in the native languages, and create a simple holiday craft from that country. This will be a fun, light-hearted, and interesting way to ring in the season.

Early Bird Registration:  $45 per first student; $30 per additional student (same family)

Registration After Nov. 1st:  $55 per first student; $40 per additional student

Back to School Art Classes Beginning September 2011!

 

Register NOW for the first round of classes coming this fall!  This is a great opportunity to learn about art, artists, history, drawing and painting techniques, and MORE!  Just e-mail to register...

 (New) Skill-Builders Jr.
Super Shapes -
The Building Blocks
of Drawing

Tuesdays 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Ages 6-10 years (or with instructor permission)

Come and discover how 2-dimensional shapes transform into 3-dimensional forms! Through visual examples from various artists, games, and discussion, beginning artists will learn to identify and render the sphere, cube, cone, pyramid, and cylinder. Kids will create their own “Book of Shapes” and will practice assembling some common objects in drawings, achieving the illusion of real space on a flat page.

Class Size Limit 10
8 week session beginning September 13th
$50 per 1^st student (supplies included)
$35 per additional sibling (immediate family/same class)

Skill-Builders 1: Basic Drawing

Tuesdays 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Ages 9 years and older

This class is for both the artistic and artistically-challenged. Students will explore the “ABC’s” of drawing with line and shape, basic concepts of composition, the simple impact of line variation, the usefulness of negative space, tricks to building simple and complex imagery, and more. Although we will complete one or two “finished” works, please note that the goal of this class is not to generate a stack of frame-able art pieces. Instead, students will create a skills sketchbook, recording their discoveries throughout the session. At this point, more emphasis is placed on understanding the processes and concepts than achieving a perfect result.

Class Size Limit 12
8 week session beginning September 13th
$50 per 1^st student (supplies included)
$35 per additional sibling (immediate family/same class)

　

(New)   Skill-Builders 3: Basic Color (pt. 1)

Thursdays 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Ages 11 years and older

Junior high and high school students will dive into the rich world of color! We will explore basic color theory by starting with making a color wheel. Students will create a skills reference book that includes the modern vs. traditional primary colors, secondary and tertiary colors, neutrals, and the effects of light and shadow on color. Other hands-on practice will focus on the use of color throughout history, recipes for various flesh tones, and more! Most lessons will use liquid watercolor, pan watercolor, and tempera paint. Note: Part 2 will be offered in the spring; part 1 not required, but recommended.

Class Size Limit 12

8 week session beginning September 15th
$55 per 1^st student (supplies included)
$40 per additional sibling (immediate family/same class)

Spring Classes Come to an End with Creative Modern Portraits

The Face to Face: Deconstructing the Portrait class ended in an explosion of color inspired by artists like Picasso and Jean Michel Basquiat. 


Medusa



I hope all the students have a great summer and hope to see you in the fall (or join me for summer classes!)