Adult Classes

Sat &Sun, Apr 5–6, 10 am–4 pm (2 Sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
DIANA DETAMORE

This workshop introduces oil pastels and paint sticks for painterly approaches to drawing flowers and plants. Students explore colored grounds, glazes, and various methods of layering color as well as color mixing and interaction. Prerequisite: basic drawing skills.

$145 (VMFA members $130)

Sat & Sun, Apr 5 & 6, 10 am–4pm (2 session) | Studio School, 2nd floor
CATHERINE PURDY

Develop observational drawing skills and learn to capture depth, details, and sense of place through architectural illustration. After learning the basics of one-and two-point perspective, explore the museum grounds with the instructor to practice sketching on site. Back in the studio, choose one of your sketches to refine using watercolor and ink. Previous experience with watercolor is not necessary. The workshop is a great way to jumpstart a travel sketchbook or urban sketching practice. Prerequisites: basic drawing skills. 

$145 (VMFA members $130)

Tue, May 6 - 27, 10 am – 1 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 catalogs. 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. Prerequisites: basic drawing and watercolor or acrylic painting skills.

$145 (VMFA members $125)

Fri, May 9–30, 10 am --1 pm (4 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
SALLY BOWRING

This class combines visits to the VMFA galleries and studio work. Each session will start with a visit to a different painting. The instructor will lead a discussion about the meaning of the painting, the period in which it was created, and surrounding ideas, writings, and music of the time. Students will return to the painting studio, inspired by the painting and information, to create a work of art. Students may work in any drawing or painting medium they choose. Prerequisite: basic drawing & oil or acrylic painting skills.

$145 (VMFA members $125)

Wed, May 7 - 28, 10 am -- 1 pm (4 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor
SARAH HAND

Explore sculpting with papier mâché to create your favorite bird. This is a fun introduction to the basics of papier mâché, but also suitable for folks who want to take their skills up a notch. The instructor will discuss bird forms and anatomy and demonstrate the use of armature sculpting and traditional newspaper and paste papier mâché. Learn various ways to attach pieces, create expressions, and embellish. Explore how to make a three-dimensional object in a low-tech medium. The instructor will also show examples of her own creations. A materials fee of $20 is payable to the instructor at the first session. It includes most materials.

Sat, Mar 29, 10 am–3 pm (1 session) | Studio School, lower level
STEVEN GLASS

Current pottery students will work on independent projects in this one-day workshop. Faculty assistance is available. Prerequisites: current enrollment in any VMFA pottery class.

$65 (VMFA member $50)