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.

WINTER SEMESTER 2027

Adult Painting & Drawing Classes

8978 Painting from A-Z
Instructor: Sandy Ruda
Mondays, 9:30 AM – 12 PM
This general painting class emphasizes oil painting, but you may work in the medium of your choice. Each class will begin with a short talk or demonstration covering multiple topics. Explore your inspiration and discover your vision.
10 session(s): 1/4 – 3/8
Tuition: member $392, non-member $422

9184 Self-Expression Through Painting
Instructor: Matthew Langley
Mondays, 9:30 AM – 12 PM
Express yourself! This comprehensive class embraces all personal styles—figurative, expressionistic, or abstract. The class focuses on oil and acrylic, but you are welcome to use mixed media, other tools, and other media. The goal of this class is to have you create the best possible piece of art you can, and to express what you have envisioned as closely as possible. It is a “no rules” class, relying on the laws of shape, color, and intuition, where you will work on individual projects at your own pace. Individual instruction and class discussion create a warm and supportive atmosphere.
10 session(s): 1/4 – 3/8
Tuition: member $392, non-member $422

8975 Loosen Up Your Paintings
Instructor: Mary Jean Canziani
Mondays, 9:30 AM – 12 PM
Would you like your paintings to have a loose, fresher quality? This class will offer techniques to help students achieve that goal! Using longer brushes charged with ample paint and an economy of strokes are just some of the techniques you’ll learn. Many famous painters, like Sargent and Matisse, learned by setting up an easel in a museum and reproducing the brushwork of earlier artists. Students will engage in weekly painting exercises, making master studies that emulate the looser techniques of a featured artist. Learning better painting habits will translate into more freedom and confidence in their personal style. Work in your choice of painting medium.
5 session(s): 1/4 – 2/1
Tuition: member $210, non-member $230

8976 Portraits by Design
Instructor: Mary Jean Canziani
Mondays, 9:30 AM – 12 PM
A portrait can be many things besides a realistic likeness. In this class, students will create colorful, stylized portraits that are more abstract than accurate. First, they will practice drawing the traditional proportions of a face and its features, as well as learn how to transfer an image. Then, students can move on to freely painting portraits where design and expression are the focus. Each week features a presentation on portrait techniques of a different artist or movement for ideas and inspiration. Handouts will feature many images available to work from, or students may bring their own. Gouache is recommended, but students may work in their medium of choice.
5 session(s): 2/22 – 3/22
Tuition: member $210, non-member $230

9185 Getting Started: Painting
Instructor: Matthew Langley
Mondays, 12:30 – 3 PM
Painting can be a fun and enriching pastime. This class will help break down uncertainties and fears that often give new painters problems and turn them into strengths. Designed for beginners or people who have been away from making art for a while, this class will teach how to prepare to start painting in any kind of style, building confidence and knowledge along the way. Learn how to set yourself up for success with easy-to-do exercises that will allow you to confidently handle your supplies and work with acrylic paint.
10 session(s): 1/4 – 3/8
Tuition: member $392, non-member $422

8995 Exploring Color
Instructor: Alicia Cotter
Mondays, 12:30 – 3 PM
Explore color theory, mixing, layering, usage, and more through demonstrations, exercises, and free-paint sessions with the medium of your choice. Get a better understanding of color by experimenting and building upon new concepts to develop as an artist. This class is perfect for beginners as well as experienced painters.
9 session(s): 1/4 – 3/8 (no class on 2/15)
Tuition: member $347, non-member $377

9069 The Rub-Out Method: Creating Depth with Gouache
Instructor: Stan Kim
Mondays, 6:30 – 9 PM
Gouache rub-out painting 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 paintings that are innovative and unique.  Students are encouraged to bring their own images/references to work from to class.
10 session(s): 1/4 – 3/8
Tuition: member $392, non-member $422

8993 Drawing: The Basics
Instructor: Joel Tidey
Mondays, 7 – 9:30 PM
Develop and expand your observational abilities and rendering skills! Students will discover 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.
10 session(s): 1/4 – 3/8
Tuition: member $392, non-member $422

9003 Drawing & Painting Guided Open Studio (Intermediate & Advanced)
Instructor: Mary Jean Canziani
Tuesdays, 9:30 AM – 12 PM
This drawing and painting guided open studio is designed for intermediate to advanced students who already have experience in the medium of their choice. Students will be encouraged to pursue their individual drawing and/or painting practice with the support of the instructor. Each class will begin with a brief visual presentation on a particular artist or art movement to gain inspiration. Students are free to work in any of the folliwing media: acrylic, oil, watercolor, gouache, graphite, pen and ink, charcoal, colored pencils, oil, or chalk pastels.
9003 5 session(s): 1/5 – 2/2
9004 5 session(s): 2/16 – 3/16
Tuition: member $210, non-member $230

9002 Drawing 101: The Fundamentals in Charcoal & Graphite
Instructor: Alicia Cotter
Tuesdays, 9:30 AM – 12 PM
Are you eager to learn how to draw or want to refine your techniques? Then this class is for you! Students will gain confidence while working in graphite and charcoal to enhance their drawing skills. The instructor will provide demonstrations on the following: turning basic shapes into forms, experimenting with shading techniques, perspective, and more. Repeat students are welcome to register for this class to brush up on their techniques and work independently with the guidance of the instructor.
10 session(s): 1/5 – 3/9
Tuition: member $392, non-member $422

9070 The Art of a Limited Color Palette in Oil Painting
Instructor: Stan Kim
Tuesdays, 12:30 – 3 PM
Dive into the world of color using a limited palette. In this class, students will learn how to create strong color harmony and unity by viewing a variety of famous examples like the Zorn palette: Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Red (or Vermillion), Ivory Black, and White (great for portraits/muted tones); the Primary Triad palette: Cadmium Yellow Light, Cadmium Red Light, Ultramarine Blue, and White (for vibrant, broad ranges): and the Basic Landscape palette: Yellow Light, Winsor Red, Burnt Sienna, Ultramarine Blue, and White (plus optional Green). This approach will enhance your color mixing, tonal understanding, and achieve cohesion in complex scenes, making paintings feel more intentional and unified.
10 session(s): 1/5 – 3/9
Tuition: member $392, non-member $422

9008 Understanding Landscape Painting
Instructor: Gerry Heydt
Tuesdays, 12:30 – 3 PM
Learn to create atmospheric and painterly landscape paintings from your own photos. Instruction includes: how to structure a painting; mixing realistic colors; and capturing accurate perspective, scale, and atmosphere. Learn how to handle skies, grasses, trees, water, and other landscape elements by simplifying and using expressive brushwork. The instructor will provide both demonstrations and one-on-one instruction.
9 session(s): 1/12 – 3/9
Tuition: member $347, non-member $377

9017 Painting with Pastels
Instructor: Sandy Ruda
Tuesdays, 6:30 – 9 PM
Learn how to layer pastels with a focus on composition, value, and color theory. You will experiment with pastel application, color mixing, and blending while taking this class. There will be opportunities to enhance your skills using pastels to create landscapes and still lifes. Additionally, a demonstration will be given on underpainting, a painting technique that affects the brightness of a white canvas. A variety of materials for the class will be discussed, and you will be able to choose your favorite materials to use for your finished painting.
10 session(s): 1/5 – 3/9
Tuition: member $392, non-member $422

9018/9091 Drawing the Figure with Confidence
Instructor: Joel Tidey
9018 Tuesdays, 7 – 9:30 PM
9091 Fridays, 12 – 2:30 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 life (nude) models. Students under 18 years of age must have written permission from a parent or guardian to participate. Please contact studioschool@artcenternj.org for more information.
9018 10 session(s): 1/5 – 3/9
9091 10 session(s): 1/8 – 3/12
Tuition: member $392, non-member $422
Materials fee: $73

9024 Drawing & Pastels
Instructor: Andrea Gianchiglia
Wednesdays, 9:30 AM – 12 PM
This class is perfect for anyone looking to pursue a colored medium with a drawing mindset. Color theory, value, and form will be addressed and demonstrated in both step–by–step and exercise–based lessons to help students learn how to take their drawing skills to the next level while introducing color with pastels.
10 session(s): 1/6 – 3/10
Tuition: member $397, non-member $427

9186 Introduction to Abstract Painting
Instructor: Matthew Langley
Wednesdays, 9:30 AM – 12 PM
A painting doesn’t need to be realistic to be outstanding. Discover your voice as a painter as you explore non-representational painting techniques to express your visual ideas. Abstract painting is no different than painting from life. You will learn the structure of making images, including format, composition, rhythm, color, surface, and texture. A wide variety of painting styles and approaches will be addressed.
10 session(s): 1/6 – 3/10
Tuition: member $392, non-member $422

9021 Watercolor Paintings in Florals
Instructor: Kat Block
Wednesdays, 9:30 AM – 12 PM
In this class, students will learn both basic and uncommon watercolor techniques to create a variety of seasonal flowers, such as daffodils, lilies, and irises. The instructor will provide step–by–step demonstrations on how to draw each flower, focusing on color, composition, and perspective.
8 session(s): 1/6 – 2/24
Tuition: member $310, non-member $340

9029 Painting: Making Your Creative Mark
Instructor: Andrea Gianchiglia
Wednesdays, 12:30 – 3 PM
Whether you are an experienced painter or looking to brush up on your skills, this class is perfect for exploring new styles, techniques, and furthering your artistic creativity. Demonstrations in various media such as oil, pastel, acrylic, watercolor, and others will be given throughout the session. Every week a new technique or idea will be discussed and shown to expose students to new ways of tackling painting within their own practice. No matter what your style or medium, all artists will get exposure and inspiration throughout the course while picking up useful tips to experiment with along their painting journey.
10 session(s): 1/6 – 3/10
Tuition: member $397, non-member $427

9187 Sketching in Paint
Instructor: Matthew Langley
Wednesdays, 12:30 – 3 PM
Have you ever wanted to create freely? How about wanting to feel more confident in trying new ideas? If you are looking to discover and explore more possibilities in painting, this class will help you develop ideas quickly and refine them before going into your next complete painting. Students will unlock the ideas they have and leave this class with the ability to visualize and generate new artworks.
10 session(s): 1/6 – 3/10
Tuition: member $392, non-member $422

9028 Chinese Brush Painting (Sumi-e): Beautiful Art
Instructor: Diana Hsu Kung
Wednesdays, 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.
8 session(s): 1/6 – 2/24
Tuition: member $310, non-member $340

9027 The Fundamentals of 2-D Design
Instructor: Manasi Keni
Wednesdays, 12:30 – 3 PM
This is an introductory class for students to learn the elements and principles of 2D design. The process will start with idea development through quick sketches, using basic design elements to explore possible compositions. Then, students will refine and finalize their compositions and create color roughs to plan their artwork. The final project will be a small painting (10” × 10”) using poster paints. Throughout the course, the instructor will provide step-by-step instruction and guidance through the creative process.
10 session(s): 1/6 – 3/10
Tuition: member $392, non-member $422
Materials fee: $56

9071 NEW! The Art of Seeing: Still Lifes in Oil Painting
Instructor: Joseph Dunn III
Wednesdays, 3:30 – 6 PM
This class is designed for beginner students who are interested in oil painting and want to learn the foundational skills of still life painting. The instructor will go over how to set up a still life, with the focus being composition and lighting, and how to use comparative measurements to create a strong composition. Students will learn about color theory and how to use a limited color palette in order to capture an object realistically and enhance the mood of the still life. There will be lectures on the history of still life from the Renaissance to the modern era during class.
10 session(s): 1/6 – 3/10
Tuition: member $392, non-member $422

9038/9051 Watercolor: Pure & Simple
Instructor: Mark de Mos
9038 Wednesdays, 6:30 – 9 PM
9051 Thursdays, 12:30 – 3 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.
9038 10 session(s): 1/6 – 3/10
9051 10 session(s): 1/7 – 3/11
Tuition: member $392, non-member $422

9039 Techniques in Acrylics
Instructor: Alicia Cotter
Wednesdays, 6:30 – 9 PM
This class is designed for students with some experience in acrylic painting on canvas. The instructor will begin each session with a brief introduction to a painting technique or art movement, followed by offering students guidance and feedback on their individual artwork.
10 session(s): 1/6 – 3/10
Tuition: member $392, non-member $422

9043 Sketching for Every Artist
Instructor: Mary Jean Canziani
Thursdays, 9:30 AM – 12 PM
Every artist can improve their drawing abilities, whether as a basic foundation for work in another medium or for the simple pleasure of sketching itself. Develop your observational and rendering skills through sketching in charcoal and pencil from still lifes, photos, and plein air studies (weather permitting). Emphasis will be on creating accurate and simplified drawings as students learn to think in basic shapes and gestural lines. Principles such as line quality and tonal values will be addressed. Sketches by noted artists will be discussed to reinforce concepts in class.
5 session(s): 1/7 – 2/4
Tuition: member $210, non-member $230

9044 The Art of Drawing in Pen & Ink
Instructor: Mary Jean Canziani
Thursdays, 9:30 AM – 12 PM
Express yourself through lines and textures in ink! Students will work with a traditional dipping pen, reed pens, markers, and brushes to create a variety of lines and textures. Students will experiment with other ways of mark-making, perhaps even using the fine lines of their fingerprints in art. The instructor will show classic and contemporary artists who work in ink through videos, handouts, and books. Students may work from classroom images or their own reference.
5 session(s): 2/18 – 3/18
Tuition: member $210, non-member $230

9048 Create & Inspire: Empower Your Art Journey
Instructor: Andrea Gianchiglia
Thursdays, 9:30 AM – 12 PM
Explore your artistic potential in a fun and relaxed atmosphere! Each week, the instructor will provide a demonstration in various media, delving into form, value, color, texture, and more, which is applicable to the student’s choice of medium. Whether you are a seasoned artist or just starting, this class is designed to inspire creativity and elevate your artistic skills.
10 session(s): 1/7 – 3/11
Tuition: member $397, non-member $427

9052 Painting in Color & Light
Instructor: Andrea Gianchiglia
Thursdays, 12:30 – 3 PM
Add color to your canvas with instructions on achieving correct color, value, texture, temperature, soft and hard edges, atmospheric perspective, and much more. Demonstrations and topics enhance this fun and relaxed class, where you choose to work from either a still life or a reference photo. All colored media welcome.
10 session(s): 1/7 – 3/11
Tuition: member $397, non-member $427

9053 Introduction to Colored Pencils
Instructor: Sandy Ruda
Thursdays, 12:30 – 3 PM
Come learn the basics of rendering three-dimensional, lifelike images in colored pencils. Principles such as color theory, color observation, composition, and layering techniques will help students achieve painterly effects in this unique medium. Discussion of materials, including papers and the use of solvents and gel pens as complements to your colored pencil work, will be included.
6 session(s): 1/7 – 2/11
Tuition: member $235, non-member $255

9086 Introduction to Watercolor Pencils
Instructor: Traci Zaretzka
Thursdays, 6:30 – 9 PM
Watercolor pencils are a versatile medium that can easily be transported and is virtually mess-free. In this class, students will experiment with a variety of watercolor pencil techniques: using them as traditional watercolors, drawing with them and blending the colors with water, drawing on wet paper for bold, vibrant colors, and using them for fine details. The beginning of each class will focus on technique, then students will have the opportunity to apply what they have learned to create finished watercolor paintings.
5 session(s): 1/7 – 2/4
Tuition: member $210, non-member $230

9087 NEW! The Freedom of Abstraction
Instructor: Manasi Keni
Thursdays, 6:30 – 9 PM
Learn the style of American Abstract Expressionism, which involves dynamic brushstrokes, drips, and splashes. Students will have the opportunity to discover the inspiration behind the art movement while studying form and color that make these paintings unique. The class will begin with idea development through quick exercises, scribbles, and sketches, using basic design elements to explore possible compositions. Students will then refine their compositions and create color roughs to plan their artwork. The final artwork will be a small painting (15” × 20”) using poster paints or acrylic paints and black waterproof ink. Throughout this class, students will be guided step-by-step during the creative process, and the instructor will provide 1-on-1 feedback to each student.
10 session(s): 1/7 – 3/11
Tuition: member $392, non-member $422

9088 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.
10 session(s): 1/7 – 3/11
Tuition: member $392, non-member $422

9090 Encaustic Painting: the Basics & Beyond
Instructor: Chase Cantwell
Fridays, 12:30 – 3 PM
Encaustic is the art of painting with molten beeswax combined with colored pigments and resin. The results are like no other medium—mysterious, deep, and translucent. Gain fundamental knowledge of working with encaustics while receiving hands-on time for personal exploration. Informal critiques and discussions are encouraged so students can take risks, let go of preconceived ideas, and most of all, have fun with this beautiful and versatile medium. Some materials supplied.
8 session(s): 1/8 – 2/26
Tuition: member $310, non-member $340
Materials fee: $116

9096 Techniques in Watercolor and Watercolor Pencil
Instructor: Traci Zaretzka
Saturdays, 10 AM – 12:30 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 versus 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.
9 session(s): 1/9 – 3/6
Tuition: member $347, non-member $377