Studio School

Sat & Sun, Mar 23 & 24, 10 - 4 pm (2 sessions)| Studio School, 2nd floor
FIELDING ARCHER

This workshop focuses on the portrait sketch using direct observation. The instructor will demonstrate how to paint a portrait sketch working quickly from the model. Various painting techniques and color suggestions will be covered. Students may choose to work with oil or acrylic paint. Prerequisite: basic drawing and painting skills

$145 (VMFA members $130)

Sat & Sun, Apr 6 & 7, 10 am–4 pm (2 sessions)| Studio School, 2nd floor
Dawn Flores

Basic drawing skills are essential to building a strong foundation from which to express creativity in any medium. By focusing on the beauty of trees, students learn the importance of observation, proportion,  perspective, and form while discovering and cultivating an appreciation for the anatomical complexity of nature’s botanical wonders.  Students will work directly from observation on the VMFA grounds and from photographs provided by the instructor.

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$145 (VMFA members $130)

Sat, Apr 6, 10 am–4 pm | Studio School, 2nd floor
Michelle Gagliano

Combine drawing, painting, illustration and calligraphy in this workshop designed to define your own visual narrative and nudge your creative process. Look for inspiration in illuminated manuscripts, poems, favorite illustrations, personal history, comic books, and more. With guidance from the instructor, students will create autobiographical and imaginative works using a combination of words and pictures to tell a story. Bring your own story, or any book or poem that inspires you, along with a selection of art materials and paper that you want to use.  

$90 (VMFA members $75)

Mon, Apr 29–May 20, 9:30 am–12:30 pm (4 sessions)| Studio School, 2nd floor 
Dawn Flores

This crash course in observation-based landscape painting with watercolors shows students how to “see” the world through a painter’s eyes. Technical demonstrations stress line, shape, value, and color. Students learn to simplify the landscape by identifying color masses from which to develop realistic watercolor paintings. A portable easel is recommended. Prerequisite: basic drawing & watercolor skills.

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$140 (VMFA members $120)

Fri, May 3–24, 10 am--1 pm (4 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
Sally Bowring

Expand technical and critical skills and learn to develop new ideas and imagery. In the studio, students work from a variety of subjects, focusing on color and abstraction. The instructor will provide suggestions and individual critiques. Prerequisite: basic drawing & painting.

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$140 (VMFA members $120)

Wed, May 1--22, 9:30 am–12:30 pm (4 sessions)| Studio School, 2nd floor
Dawn Flores

Artist John Singer Sargent was a master of color. His blacks were textured, his whites were complex and his side-by-side use of warm and cool colors gave his paintings vibrancy. In this intensive class, students will study Sargent’s artwork through slide presentations and by visiting the VMFA’s McGlothlin Collection. Working in either watercolor or acrylic paint, students will complete color exercises, copy Sargent’s work and create their own compelling pieces inspired by Sargent’s use of color. Prerequisite: basic drawing and watercolor or acrylic painting skills

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$140 (VMFA members $120)

Thu, May 2 -- May 23, 10 am -- 1 pm (4 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room

AMY RITCHIE JOHNSON

Explore the pleasures of writing from nature as we find it in plants and flowers, the garden and landscape.  Nature writing has a long, illustrious history in both nonfiction and fiction forms.  We'll look at literary examples, write from the world around us, and explore the VMFA sculpture garden and galleries for inspiration.

$140 ( VMFA members $120)

Mon, Apr 29–May 20, 10 am–1 pm (4 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor 
Regula Franz

Find out what white balance, resolution, and mega pixels are all about. This class teaches students to use their digital cameras more effectively, including the fundamentals of image capture, camera operation, proper exposure, and using a flash. Weekly assignments and sharing images in class help beginning photographers troubleshoot and develop a creative eye. Bring a digital camera with manual adjustments and the camera manual to the first class.

$145 (VMFA members $125)

Mon, Apr 29–May 20, 7–10 pm (4 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor
Regula Franz

Find out what white balance, resolution, and mega pixels are all about. This class teaches students to use their digital cameras more effectively, including the fundamentals of image capture, camera operation, proper exposure, and using a flash. Weekly assignments and sharing images in class help beginning photographers troubleshoot and develop a creative eye. Bring a digital camera with manual adjustments and the camera manual to the first class.

$145 (VMFA members $125)

Sat & Sun, Mar 23 & 24, 10 am - 4 pm (2 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor
Mary Holland

The Gelli plate is a wonderful tool for creating monotypes simply. With stencils, stamps, and transparent paints, as well as some planning, complex artwork results. Explore color theory, composition and enjoy using your own “printing press”. Collage techniques will be covered and participants will make a series of collages on the second day of the workshop.

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$145 (VMFA members $130)

Wed, May 1–22, 10 am–1 pm (4 sessions)| Studio School, 1st floor
Randy Toy

Delve into the creative possibilities of monotype, a unique process that combines painting, drawing, and printmaking.  Covering the uses of inks and paints, this course allows students to produce prints on the etching press and by hand. Technical assistance and individual critiques provided.Prerequisites: basic drawing & painting skills

$150 (VMFA members $130)

Tue, Apr 30– May 21, 10 am–4 pm (4 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor
Linda Beeman

Focusing on the fundamentals of the Japanese woodcut technique known as moku-hanga, visiting artist Linda Beeman will present examples of relief prints and demonstrate cutting and printing blocks with watercolor paints. With guidance from the instructor, students will design, transfer, cut and print their woodcuts in this four-day intensive workshop. At the end of the workshop, a print exchange will occur offering each student the opportunity to go home with a print from each of their classmates. Printmaking experience is not required. A fee of $50, payable to the instructor at the beginning of the workshop, covers all tools and materials.

$250 (VMFA members $230)

Tue, Apr 30– May 21, 10 am–1 pm (4 sessions) | Studio School, lower level
Steven Glass

For students of all levels, this class teaches pottery making and design using various materials and techniques, including wheel-thrown and hand-built methods. By exploring the history of pottery making, students gain a better understanding of design. Individual critiques and technical assistance provided. Firing, glazes, and 25 pounds of clay included. Extra clay is available for purchase.

$150 (VMFA members $130)

Tue, Apr 30–May 21, 7–10 pm (4 sessions) | Studio School, lower level
Steven Glass

For students of all levels, this class teaches pottery making and design using various materials and techniques, including wheel-thrown and hand-built methods. By exploring the history of pottery making, students gain a better understanding of design. Individual critiques and technical assistance provided. Firing, glazes, and 25 pounds of clay included. Extra clay is available for purchase.

$150 (VMFA members $130)

Thu, May 2–23, 10 am–1 pm (4 sessions) | Studio School, Lower Level
Julie Elkins

Create small clay sculpture in this intensive class that focuses on various techniques including coil and slab construction. With guidance from the instructor, students will work with glazes and slips and should be able to complete one or two small clay sculptures during class. Bring sketches and ideas to the first class. Clay and glazes are included. Fired pieces may be picked up a week later than the final class.

$150 (VMFA members $130)

Sat & Sun, Mar 23 & 24, 10 am – 4 pm (2 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
Shelley Jones

Learn how to spool knit and crochet with fine, colored art wire.  You can make jewelry or decorative ware this is light and colorful, with surprising structure.  No experience is necessary, but a beginner’s knowledge with single crochet is helpful.  We will also review resources so you can expand your tools as desired. No experience is necessary, but a beginner's knowledge of single crochet is helpful. A fee of $20, payable to the instructor at the beginning of the workshop, will cover materials.

$145 (VMFA members $130)

Sat, Mar 23, 10 am–4 pm (1 session)| Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room
Hlengiwe Dube

Learn about the traditions, meanings and techniques of Zulu beadwork from South African artist, collector, and curator Hlengiwe Dube.  Students will be shown examples of traditional beadwork and learn simple methods of designing, bead stringing and finishing techniques. Participants will make a bracelet or pair of earrings. All materials will be provided in this special workshop.

$100 (VMFA members $85)

Sat & Sun, Mar 30 & 31, 10 am – 4:30 pm  | Studio School, 2nd floor
Jude Schlotzhauer

Learn the basics of stained glass and create a small window panel in your choice of patterns. Techniques covered in the workshop include pattern making, glass cutting, copper foiling, soldering, and construction. Make something beautiful to treasure or give as a gift.  All materials are included.

$175 (VMFA members $160)

Thu, May 2 -- 23, 10 am -- 1 pm (4 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
Sarah Hand

Explore sculpting with papier-mâché to create small sculpture. The instructor will demonstrate the use of armature sculpting, traditional newspaper and paste papier-mâché, and painting. Students will then create their own sculptures. Learn various ways to attach pieces, create expressions, and embellish. Explore how to make a three dimensional object in this low-tech medium. The instructor will also show examples of her own creations and give students an overview of papier-mâché. Most materials included.