FALL SEMESTER 2023

Adult Painting & Drawing Classes

6331 Painting from A-Z
Instructor: Sandy Ruda
Mondays, 9:30 AM–12 PM
This general painting class places the emphasis on 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 sessions: 9/18–12/4 (no class on 9/25 & 10/2)
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384

6455 Self-Expression Through Painting
Instructor: Matthew Langley
Mondays, 9:30 AM–12 PM
Express yourself! This comprehensive class embraces all personal styles—figurative, expressionistic, and 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.
8 sessions: 9/18–11/13 (no class on 9/25)
Tuition: member $280, non-member $310

6354 Color & Shape: Abstract Portraits
Instructor: Mary Jean Canziani
Mondays, 9:30 AM–12 PM
Let your imagination run wild with color! In this class, students will be encouraged to explore abstract portraits where the focus will be more on design, color, and expression. Working from a photo, students will learn how to transform planes, areas, and features of a face into abstract shapes. An array of abstract portrait examples will be shown for students to gain some inspiration. Gouache is recommended, but students may work in their medium of choice.
5 sessions: 9/18–10/23 (no class on 9/25)
Tuition: member $190, non-member $210

6325 Sketching for Every Artist
Instructor: Mary Jean Canziani
Mondays, 9:30 AM–12 PM
Every artist can improve their drawing abilities, whether as a basic foundation skill 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 sessions: 10/30–11/27
Tuition: member $190, non-member $210

6330 Children’s Book Illustration
Instructor: Kat Block
Mondays, 9:30 AM–12 PM
Learn how to bring a story to life visually and create a look that is dynamic, compelling, attractive, and FUN! Join Kat Block, the artist of Little Mouse, to develop an illustration style for your own original story or existing nursery rhyme. Students will be instructed in the best ways to emphasize the most important aspects of their story using composition and page placement, color, values, and proportion. Students will also learn techniques for online researching of images to ultimately create more accurate and convincing drawings.
5 sessions: 9/18–10/23 (no class on 9/25)
Tuition: member $190, non-member $210

6336 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.
10 sessions: 9/18–12/4 (no class on 9/25 & 10/16)
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384

6456 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.
8 sessions: 9/18–11/13 (no class on 9/25)
Tuition: member $280, non-member $310

6432 Loosen Up Your Paintings
Instructor: Mary Jean Canziani
Mondays, 12:30–3 PM
Learn how to loosen up your paintings in a painterly way! Each week, students will study various artists to analyze what gives their work its loose character and vitality. The class will perform weekly painting exercises, after which they will apply learned techniques to their own canvas. Students are encouraged to bring in photos and ideas. Students may also bring in a painting they’ve finished and try again on a new canvas with looser results. The instructor will provide direction, support, and encouragement throughout the duration of the class.
5 sessions: 9/18–10/23 (no class on 9/25)
Tuition: member $190, non-member $210

6340/6341 Landscape Painting
Instructor: Valeri Larko
6340 Mondays, 3:30–6 PM
6341 Mondays, 6:30–9 PM
Learn the basics of creating a successful landscape painting through instruction on color, composition, light and shadow, paint application, and different atmospheric effects. We use oil paint and oil pastel, but all media are welcome.
6340/6341 10 sessions: 9/18–11/27 (no class on 9/25)
Tuition: member $364, non-member $394

6356 How to Draw for the Absolutely Terrified
Instructor: Stephen Yavorski
Tuesdays, 9:30 AM–12 PM
Build and refine basic drawing skills and gain self-confidence as you develop powers of observation, learning at your own pace in this structured class. Explore a broad range of drawing materials while defining your individual style.
10 sessions: 9/19–11/21
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384

6355 Painting from Photographs
Instructor: Mary Jean Canziani
Tuesdays, 9:30 AM–12 PM
Creating successful paintings from photographic references goes beyond simply copying. Learn how to analyze and redesign images to produce stronger compositions. By sketching basic shapes and values, decide what to leave in and what to edit out. Changing or introducing new colors will also be discussed. Students may work with their choice of wet media and use their own or copyright-free photos. Painting techniques, including how to transfer their finished sketch to canvas through the grid system, will be demonstrated and discussed.
5 sessions: 9/19–10/17
Tuition: member $190, non-member $210

6271 NEW! Inner Landscapes
Instructor: Mary Jean Canziani
Tuesdays, 9:30 AM–12 PM
In this class, students will be inspired by indoor spaces to create rooms that are imbued with much more than their actual furnishings. Interior rooms are spaces that can project many personalities or moods that have an effect on one’s feelings. Students will have the choice to include figures or be vacant, depict a whole room, or focus on a detail within the space. Each week, the class will view and discuss interior paintings from noted artists like Matisse, Vermeer, and Hopper. These will inspire their own ideas on how to approach their painting. Students are encouraged to bring images of rooms they are inspired by or take some photos of their personal space. Work in your choice of painting media.
5 sessions: 10/31–11/28
Tuition: member $190, non-member $210

6351 Learning to Paint in Oils
Instructor: Duane Lutsko
Tuesdays, 9:30 AM–12 PM
This foundational course will explore the essential concepts and techniques of oil painting, emphasizing the careful observation of subjects ranging from still life to self-portrait and the figure. Topics covered include basic technical control of materials and tools, methods of paint application, color mixing, and the preparation of the painting surface (paper, hardboard, and canvas). Visual presentations will help convey the medium’s nearly limitless expressive potential through a variety of historical and contemporary examples to inspire your own work.
10 sessions: 9/19–11/21
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384

6362 How to Paint Like the Impressionists
Instructor: Duane Lutsko
Tuesdays, 12:30–3 PM
Learn to paint with the same palette of colors and brush strokes as the Impressionists. In class, you can paint sunflowers, bowls of fruit, drapery, and still lifes, or you can opt for starry nights, snowy streets, rivers, hills, and mountains. Recreate luminous portraits and figures from the Impressionist period. Explore how colors are used for atmospheric effect and amazing light.
10 sessions: 9/19–11/21
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384

6361 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; mix realistic colors; and capture 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.
8 sessions: 9/19–11/21 (no class on 10/31 & 11/7)
Tuition: member $280, non-member $310

6410 Cartooning & Character Design
Instructor: Doug Baron
Tuesdays, 6–8:30 PM
An adult version of our popular youth cartoon drawing and character design courses is finally here! Join artist Doug Baron, creator of Sugar Ray Finhead, to learn the ins and outs of cartoon drawing, character design, inking techniques, and coloring with watercolor. Students will work on simple and effective techniques for creating their own character concepts. Master a unique style of creating cartoon, anime, and comic book art!
10 sessions: 9/19–12/5 (no class on 10/31 & 11/7)
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384

6416/6417 Painting from A−Z
Instructor: Sandy Ruda
Tuesdays, 6:30–9 PM
This general painting class places the emphasis on 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!
6416 5 sessions: 9/19–10/17
6417 5 sessions: 10/31–11/28
Tuition: member $190, non-member $210

6448 NEW! Pastel Sampler
Instructor: Amanda Ciurciu
Tuesdays, 6:30–9 PM
Learn the ins and outs of an incredibly accessible medium: pastels! Through reference-guided demonstrations where the subject matter changes weekly, students will be given the opportunity to explore pastels through a variety of lenses including still life, landscapes, and portraits. With an emphasis on the medium’s foundation techniques such as blending, color mixing, layering, texture, and composition, students will be encouraged to take the skills that they’ve learned and use them to pursue their own pastel masterpieces.
10 sessions: 9/19–11/21
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384

6418 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. Please contact studioschool@artcenternj.org for more information.
10 sessions: 9/19–11/21
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384
Materials fee: $73

6457 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.
8 sessions: 9/20–11/8
Tuition: member $280, non-member $310

6368 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 sessions: 9/20–11/22
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384

6371 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 sessions: 9/20–11/22
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384

6458 Experimental Drawing
Instructor: Matthew Langley
Wednesdays, 12:30–3 PM
Push the boundaries of what can be achieved with drawing media. Go beyond a traditional approach to drawing: this course is designed to spark questions of what drawing can be as students experiment with unfamiliar/unexpected materials, methods, theories, and techniques. There will be a variety of exercises and projects designed to expand your visual and critical thinking. The studies created during this class will be a means to an end, not the end itself, helping to grow your skills and perceptions beyond what you already know about drawing.
8 sessions: 9/20–11/8
Tuition: member $280, non-member $310

6284 NEW! Painting Contemporary
Instructor: Katherine Ivanova
Wednesdays, 12:30–3 PM
Get inspired and experiment! This class is designed to explore the world of contemporary art while gaining a fresh perspective, getting inspired, and creating wonderful art. Each week, students will get acquainted with the work of two to three contemporary artists. Afterward, students will execute paintings of their choice and be encouraged to experiment with newly acquired techniques. The class will analyze Impasto painting and its use of patterns, gestural expression, abstraction, and unusual colors.
10 sessions: 9/20–11/22
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384

6376/6377 Watercolor: Pure & Simple
Instructor: Mark de Mos
6376 Wednesdays, 6:30–9 PM
6377 Thursdays, 12:30–3 PM
Create loose, expressive watercolor works based on weekly demonstrations which focus on specific concepts. Work from your own original reference photos and/or sketches or from a reference provided by the instructor.
6376 10 sessions: 9/20–11/22
6377 10 sessions: 9/21–11/30 (no class on 11/23)
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384

6378 The Art of Portraiture
Instructor: Joel Tidey
Wednesdays, 7–9:30 PM
Examine the art of portraiture by drawing from a life model and/or photograph. Study key elements through a logical and informative approach by watching demonstrations and receiving individual instruction. Instruction begins with graphite and then progress to your medium of choice. Materials fee covers the cost of models.
10 sessions: 9/20–11/22
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384
Materials fee: $73

6383 Exploring the Potential of Soft Pastel
Instructor: Anita Gladstone
Thursdays, 9:30 AM–12 PM
Through landscapes and still lifes, students will have the opportunity to explore the beauty and potential of painting with soft pastels. Through demonstrations and one-on-one instruction, we will look at all aspects of pastel painting, including basic principles such as composition, color, value, techniques, and materials. Students will work on developing a solid foundation in pastel in an effort to find their individual creative voice.
8 sessions: 9/21–11/30 (no class on 10/5, 10/12, & 11/23)
Tuition: member $280, non-member $310

6382 Make Your Portraits Pop
Instructor: Stephen Yavorski
Thursdays, 9:30 AM–12 PM
Capturing your subject’s likeness with drawings and paintings can be tough. In this class, Stephen Yavorski will teach you multiple methods of approaching portraiture, including the French Academic method and the Loomis Method. As a class, we will learn these techniques and then apply them when drawing a live, clothed model.
10 sessions: 9/21–11/30 (no class on 11/23)
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384
Materials fee: $48

6446 Fundamentals of Gouache
Instructor: Amanda Ciurciu
Thursdays, 9:30 AM–12 PM
Learn how to paint with a vibrant, versatile medium—gouache! Spanning from realism to abstracts, to illustrations and beyond, this class will teach students the fundamental techniques of gouache while encouraging them to be as creative as possible. As an introduction into the world of gouache, the subject matter of this class will change each week.
10 sessions: 9/21–12/7 (no class on 11/2 & 11/23)
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384

6386 Painting in Color & Light
Instructor: Andrea Gianchiglia
Thursdays, 12:30–3 PM
Add color to your canvas with instruction 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 are welcome.
10 sessions: 9/21–12/7 (no class on 10/5 & 11/23)
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384

6384/6385 Introduction to Colored Pencils
Instructor: Sandy Ruda
Thursdays, 12:30–3 PM
Come learn the basics of rendering three-dimensional, life-like 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 will be included.
6384 5 sessions: 9/21–10/19
6385 5 sessions: 11/2–12/7 (no class on 11/23)
Tuition: member $190, non-member $210

6387 Propel Your Painting: Explorations in Oils
Instructor: Stephen Yavorski
Thursdays, 12:30–3 PM
Painting can be difficult, but it doesn’t need to be! Learn how to use oil paint effectively to create the artwork you want. We will explore techniques that can make your painting process easier, allowing you to make your work stronger and more realistic. Topics will include exploring various painting surfaces such as canvas and wood, learning about how oils function as a medium, and how different additives can change the way the paint is able to be applied.
10 sessions: 9/21–11/30 (no class on 11/23)
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384

6400 NEW! Painting with Pastels
Instructor: Sandy Ruda
Thursdays, 3:30–6 PM
Learn how to layer pastels with a focus on composition, values, 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 sessions: 9/21–12/7 (no class on 10/26 & 11/23)
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384

6407 Draw & Paint Everything with Confidence
Instructor: Stephen Yavorski
Thursdays, 6:30–9 PM
Build and sharpen foundational skills that will help you become a more proficient and self-sufficient artist. Subjects include but are not limited to, mastering perspective and understanding composition, gaining control over darks and lights, and breaking down complex forms into simple shapes. Beginning students will start with a drawing to gain confidence in rendering compositions successfully. Returning students can continue to sharpen their drawing skills and advance into working with color media such as oils, acrylic, watercolor, etc. if desired.
10 sessions: 9/21–11/30 (no class on 11/23)
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384

6402/6403 Encaustic Painting: The Basics & Beyond
Instructor: Chase Cantwell
6402 Thursdays, 7–9:30 PM
6403 Fridays, 9:30 AM–12 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.
6402 10 sessions: 9/21–11/30 (no class on 11/23)
6403 10 sessions: 9/22–12/1 (no class on 11/24)
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384
Materials fee: $125

6436 The Beautiful Art of Chinese Brush Painting
Instructor: Diana Hsu Kung
Fridays, 12:30–3 PM
Intrigued by Chinese brush painting? Learn to use simple brush strokes 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 sessions: 9/22–11/10
Tuition: member $280, non-member $310

6474 The Art of Portraiture
Instructor: Joel Tidey
Fridays, 12:30–3 PM
Examine the art of portraiture by drawing from a life model and/or photograph. Study key elements through a logical and informative approach by watching demonstrations and receiving individual instruction. Instruction begins with graphite and then progress to your medium of choice. Materials fee covers cost of the models.
10 sessions: 9/22–12/1 (no class on 11/24)
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384
Materials fee: $73

6440 Introduction to Watercolor Pencils
Instructor: Traci Zaretzka
Saturdays, 10 AM–12:30 PM
Watercolor pencils are a versatile medium. Experiment with a variety of watercolor pencil techniques: using them as traditional watercolors, drawing with them and blending colors with water, drawing on wet paper for bold vibrant colors, and using them for fine details. The first part of the class will be a series of small drawings applying the different techniques. In the second part of the class, students will have the opportunity to create their own small watercolor paintings using any or all of the techniques learned in class.
5 sessions: 9/23–10/21
Tuition: member $190, non-member $210