Adults

Sat, Oct 11, 10 am–4 pm (1 session)

This workshop is an introduction to painting with gouache, an opaque water-soluble medium that is like watercolor. Gouache, which is applied in layers like acrylics or oils, offers highly saturated colors, flexibility, and spontaneity. The medium is great to use as a sketching medium to plan larger paintings or for finished artwork. Students will learn to use gouache to make studies, to plan compositions and color themes that they may use for larger works. Prerequisites: basic drawing and painting skills.

Instructor: Maria Reardon

Sat, Oct 18, 10 am–4pm (1 session)

Start by exploring a variety of drawings of the human form by other artists. Then with guidance from the instructor and working from a live model, learn to create expressive portraits in charcoal and pencil. Prerequisites: basic drawing skills. 

Instructor: Amy Smith

Sat & Sun, Oct 25 & 26, 10 am–4 pm (2 Sessions)

This workshop provides step-by-step instruction on a variety of watercolor techniques, including special effects, glazing, wet on wet, washes, and more. Working from colorful photographs or still lifes of flora and fauna, students explore the full range of watercolor painting. Prerequisite: basic drawing skills.

Instructor: Dawn Flores

Sat & Sun, Nov 1 & 2, 10 am–4 pm (2 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor

This workshop will teach students how to build beautiful textured surfaces using cold wax medium and oil paint. Experienced and beginning painters are welcome. The workshop will consist of demonstrations and hands-on practice. With guidance from the instructor, students will create small-scale studies and paintings using various techniques and leave with an understanding of how to use the wax medium to build gorgeous, layered surfaces in future paintings. Prerequisites: basic drawing and painting skills. 

Instructor: Martha Prideaux

Sat & Sun, Nov 8 & 9, 10 am–4 pm (2 sessions)

Learn how to capture the unique personality of your favorite furry friend. Start by studying the anatomy and features of different animals, focusing on the artistic process of making detailed studies. Then with guidance from the instructor and working from photographs, create accurate and expressive portraits of your own pet using drawing materials and oil or acrylic paint.  

Instructor: Catherine Purdy

Sat & Sun, Nov 8 & 9, 10 am - 4 pm (2 sessions)

Do you want to capture a moment and place, whether traveling or just hanging out? Record the little and big things in your life by creating a visual record. Participants will learn several easy and successful strategies for drawing, painting, collage, and writing to turn their adventures into handheld works of art. Mini field trips within and outside VMFA will also offer source material and inspiration. 

Instructor: Kathleen Calhoun

Mon, Oct 20–Nov 24, 10 am –1 pm (6 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor 

This class helps students refine both technical and creative photographic skills. Through discussions, class critiques, and weekly assignments, participants solve problems with exposure, low-light situations, and creative ennui, and learn time-saving methods for an effective digital workflow. A digital SLR to use in class and experience using the camera settings are required. Prerequisite: Recent Digital Photography for Beginners class.

Instructor: Samia Minnicks

Mon, Oct 20 - Nov 24, 7–10 pm (6 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor

This class helps students refine both technical and creative photographic skills. Through discussions, class critiques, and weekly assignments, participants solve problems with exposure, low-light situations, and creative ennui, and learn time-saving methods for an effective digital workflow. A digital SLR to use in class and experience using the camera settings are required. Prerequisite: Recent Digital photography for Beginners class.