The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey’s Studio School, located in Summit, NJ, offers classes and workshops for artists of all ages and skill levels. Taught by experienced teaching artists, our programs span painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and more—providing a supportive environment for learning, exploration, and creative growth.

SUMMER SEMESTER 2026

Adult Drawing & Painting Classes

8656 Paint & Passion in Oils
Instructor: Timothy Jahn
Mondays, 4–6:30 PM
This class offers a dynamic exploration of oil painting, providing students with the freedom to pursue their artistic vision while gaining exposure to useful traditional techniques. While the instructor will introduce some foundational concepts from the academic painting process, students are encouraged to embrace their personal style, creative choices, and individual projects. Constructive feedback will nurture each student’s unique expression and help them navigate any challenges they face in their artwork.
6 session(s): 7/13–8/17
Tuition: member $222, non-member $242

8660 Drawing: the Basics
Instructor: Joel Tidey
Mondays, 7–9:30 PM
Develop and expand your observational abilities and rendering skills! Students will obtain methods for sensitively describing objects in terms of line, shape, volume, proportion, and tonality. The instructor will cover basic perspective fundamentals in order for students to create realistic drawings, and students will gain confidence by engaging in various studies. Students will have the opportunity to draw from life and reference photos with their choice of subject matter.
6 session(s): 7/13–8/17
Tuition: member $222, non-member $242

8659 Portrait Painting in Oil
Instructor: Timothy Jahn
Mondays, 7–9:30 PM
Join us for an exciting journey into the art of realistic portraiture! Perfect for students eager to deepen their artistic skills, this class offers hands-on experience in both drawing and painting with oils or charcoal. Students will be primarily working from a photo reference provided by the instructor. The instructor will provide support and constructive feedback along the way. Students will develop core skills like likeness, color mixing, value, and edge control, gaining a solid foundation to enhance all of their future art endeavors. Let’s explore, learn, and grow together in a positive and encouraging environment!
6 session(s): 7/13–8/17
Tuition: member $222, non-member $242

8668 Painting from Photographs
Instructor: Mary Jean Canziani
Tuesdays, 6:30–9 PM
Let’s take some of your favorite photos and give them new life in paint on canvas! Go beyond reproducing a photograph and discover possibilities that will allow you to enhance the image of your choice. First, make a sketch in order to identify basic shapes and elements in the photo, then discuss how to create a balanced composition by trying different things in your drawing. Design choices such as arranging items differently or altering colors will allow you to create a painting that is personalized and unique.
6 session(s): 7/14–8/18
Tuition: member $222, non-member $242

8667 NEW! The Rub-Off Method: Creating Depth with Gouache
Instructor: Stan Kim
Tuesdays, 6:30–9 PM
Gouache rub-out techniques create unique results. These methods include dry brushing to create texture by dragging barely-damp paint across the surface, and a wash-off method where dried, water-soluble gouache is lifted with damp cotton/paper towels to reveal underlying ink or to create highlights. These techniques allow for texture and light to emerge in one’s piece. Students will explore a variety of these techniques on illustration board to create expressive pieces that are innovative and unique.  Students are encouraged to bring their own images/references to work from to class.
6 session(s): 7/14–8/18
Tuition: member $222, non-member $242

8669 Drawing the Figure with Confidence
Instructor: Joel Tidey
Tuesdays, 7–9:30 PM
Figure it out! Learn to simplify the complex nature of drawing the human form by getting familiar with basic anatomy to better understand the figure. Because our poses are short, you will be able to focus on how to initiate a figure drawing through basic structuring. Repetition and practice are key elements in expressing yourself with confidence. Please note: This class uses both female and male life (nude) models. Students under 18 years of age must have written permission from a parent or guardian to participate. The materials fee covers the live model.
6 session(s): 7/14–8/18
Tuition: member $222, non-member $242
Materials fee: $46

8671 Watercolor: Pure & Simple
Instructor: Mark de Mos
Wednesdays, 6:30–9 PM
Create loose, expressive watercolor works based on weekly demonstrations that focus on specific concepts. Work from your own original reference photos and/or sketches or from a reference provided by the instructor.
6 session(s): 7/15–8/19
Tuition: member $222, non-member $242

8678 Introduction to Pastel
Instructor: Mark de Mos
Thursdays, 6:30–9 PM
In this introductory pastel class, students will learn to use the expressive and colorful medium of pastel sticks to their full potential. Over the course of the semester, students will gain techniques such as color mixing and blending while working on simple paintings, still lifes, and subject matter of their own choice.
6 session(s): 7/16–8/20
Tuition: member $222, non-member $242

8677 Techniques in Watercolor and Watercolor Pencil
Instructor: Traci Zaretzka
Thursdays, 6:30–9 PM
This class will explore a variety of watercolor techniques that can be used with traditional watercolors and with watercolor pencils, such as creating washes, glazing and layering, and creating textural effects. The class will look at the specific properties of watercolors vs. watercolor pencils, exploring when to use each and how to use them together to create even more impact. Basic color theory and drawing techniques will be covered as well. Students have the option of painting the same subject as the instructor or working on their own project.
6 session(s): 7/16–8/20
Tuition: member $222, non-member $242

8679 Learning to Paint Naturally in Oils
Instructor: Joel Tidey
Thursdays, 7–9:30 PM
Whether you are new or experienced, this class will sharpen your painting skills. The focus of this class will be creating artistic studies and smaller paintings, while learning the fundamentals of drawing, composition, and color. Students will leave with greater confidence and the knowledge to take on more challenging paintings of their own. Students will work from various reference photos of their choice.
6 session(s): 7/16–8/20
Tuition: member $222, non-member $242

8682 Chinese Brush Painting (Sumi-e): Beautiful Art
Instructor: Diana Hsu Kung
Saturdays, 12:30–3 PM
Intrigued by Chinese brush painting? Learn to use simple brushstrokes to create vivid images of flowers, birds, fish, bamboo, and more while also practicing how to incorporate texture and unique wash techniques essential for landscape painting. Individual attention is given to students of all levels.
5 session(s): 7/18–8/15
Tuition: member $200, non-member $220