2-D Media

Whether you want to depict your Dachshunds, immortalize your iguana or commemorate your cockatoo, this course will give you the skills and know-how to create a personalized pet portrait on canvas. No experience is needed, and the workshop price includes all materials. Registration closes at noon the day of the event. This workshop has a rain date of Friday, Aug. 13 —refunds will not be issued in the case of postponement due to weather or other mitigating factors.

Bewildered by abstract art? In this workshop, we'll use compositions exhibited in ArtNow and Abstract Remix as a departure point to discover the nuts and bolts of looking at, talking about and creating abstract works of art (with a little help from a knowledgeable instructor and liquid courage from Café Contemporary.) No experience is needed, and the workshop price includes all materials. Skeptics are welcome! Registration closes at noon the day of the event. This workshop has an alternate date of Sept. 2 — refunds will not be issued in the case of postponement due to weather or other mitigating factors. Note: This workshop is on a Thursday evening. Beginning this fall, Friday Night Series workshops will move to Thursday evenings to be part of our ongoing Thursday Night Late program.

Learn the basics of how paper is made! Create your own high-quality, cotton paper for drawing, painting, printing and more in this introductory class. Workshop will cover basic sheet-forming techniques as well as creating watermarks and shaped paper. All materials are included, and no experience is necessary. The deadline to register is Sunday, Aug. 15 at 11:59 p.m.

Have no painting experience? Or want to broaden your skills? Students of all levels will learn the process of painting a portrait in oils, step by step. Learn how create an underpainting, block in lights and darks and build up layers of paint and glazes to create a realistic portrait. Working with a limited palette, students will flex their paint-mixing skills to match skin tones. Finally, students will paint a self-portrait from life. Registration closes Sunday, July 25 at 11:59 p.m.

Learn the fundamentals of drawing, the underpinnings that set you up for a strong piece of work. Often overlooked and undervalued, these underpinnings — which have been in use for centuries — have withstood the test of time. Elements include the block-in, shape accuracy, proportion, separating light from shadow, establishing values and conveying light on form. Students will start by copying drawings that incorporate these principles and eventually move into setting up their own still lifes and drawing from life. Registration closes on Sunday, June 27 at 11:59 p.m.

In this beginner course, students will learn the basics of watercolor including materials, processes, techniques, and composition. The class will explore a variety of painting styles through experimentation and observing the work of other watercolor artists. Each class will consist of demonstrations, work time, and group discussions where students have a chance to share their work, ask questions, and learn from each other. Whether students have dabbled in watercolor or have never picked up a brush, this class will provide a solid foundation and safe environment to learn, grow and experiment. Registration for this course closes Sunday, Jun. 27 at 11:59 p.m.

Drawing is fundamentally about learning to understand what you see, and the figure has been the classic tool used to train artists for centuries. Dive into the multiple facets of study that go into understanding the human figure, including mass conceptions, gesture drawing, life drawing, mass and linear approaches, anatomy and, as the class moves, forward, form and value painting. We will study from classic sources such as Bridgman, Vanderpoel and Richer and seek to apply this knowledge to the live model. In the first hour of class, we will study, discuss and together draw important elements of the figure. In the last two hours of class, we will be drawing from a live model, seeking to apply what we have learned. Deadline to register is Sunday, June 27 at 11:59 p.m.

Collage Basics will teach students to explore collage in a variety of ways and encourage them to experiment with several mediums, themes and outcomes. Students will learn about contemporary artists working in collage as well as a brief overview of its history as a practice. This course is great for those looking to slow down and develop a meditative art practice. Registration closes Sunday, June 27 at 11:59 p.m.

Image courtesy artist and instructor Danny Joe Rose.

Using a variety of conventional and unexpected materials, this action-packed class for teens will grow your drawing skills through participatory activities and challenges. Whether you're just learning the basics or prepping a college or AP portfolio, you'll pick up essential new skills in this four-week course. Registration closes Sunday, June 27 at 11:59 p.m.