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.

FALL SEMESTER 2026

Adult Painting & Drawing Classes

8766 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.
8 session(s): 9/14 – 11/9 (no class on 9/21)
Tuition: member $310, non-member $340

8762 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 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): 9/14 – 10/19 (no class on 9/21)
Tuition: member $210, non-member $230

8763 Treasured Paintings from Photos
Instructor: Mary Jean Canziani
Mondays, 9:30 AM – 12 PM
Have you ever wanted to make big changes to a reference photo for a better composed painting? Students will learn how to add balance, depth, and a supported focal point by making adjustments, such as moving mountains, adjusting horizon lines, or making the sky larger. Students will first plan their painting by creating a sketch focusing on basic shapes and values. Weekly, the instructor will show videos and discuss them as part of a demonstration and provide individual support to each student along the way. Students can work in the medium of their choice.
5 session(s): 11/2 – 11/30
Tuition: member $210, non-member $230

8767 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.
11 session(s): 9/14 – 11/30 (no class on 9/21)
Tuition: member $435, non-member $465

8773 Exploring Color in Painting
Instructor: Alicia Cotter
Mondays, 12:30 – 3 PM
Explore all there is to know about color, including color theory, mixing, layering, usage, and more through demonstrations, exercises, and free–paint sessions using acrylic, oil or watercolor. Get a better understanding of color by experimenting and building new concepts to develop as an artist. This class is designed for students who already have some experience in their painting medium.
10 session(s): 9/14 – 11/30 (no class on 10/12)
Tuition: member $392, non-member $422

8772 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 session(s): 9/14 – 11/9 (no class on 9/21)
Tuition: member $310, non-member $340

8780 Paint & Passion in Oils
Instructor: Timothy Jahn
Mondays, 3:30 – 6 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.
11 session(s): 9/14 – 11/30 (no class on 9/21)
Tuition: member $435, non-member $465

8786 Portrait Painting in Oil
Instructor: Timothy Jahn
Mondays, 6:30 – 9 PM
Join us for an exciting journey into the art of realistic portraiture! Perfect for adults eager to deepen their artistic skills, this class offers hands-on experience in both drawing and painting with oils or charcoal. Throughout all class sessions, students will be working from a live model. The instructor will provide support and constructive feedback along the way. You’ll develop core skills like likeness, color mixing, value, and edge control, gaining a solid foundation to enhance all your future art endeavors. Let’s explore, learn, and grow together in a positive and encouraging environment! The materials fee covers the cost of sessions with a live model.
11 session(s): 9/14 – 11/30 (no class on 9/21)
Tuition: member $435, non-member $465
Materials fee: $78

8787 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.       11 session(s): 9/14 – 11/30 (no class on 9/21)
Tuition: member $435, non-member $465

8796/8797 Drawing & Painting Open Studio (Intermediate & Advanced)
Instructor: Mary Jean Canziani
8796/8797 Tuesdays, 9:30 AM – 12 PM
This drawing and painting 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 following media: acrylic, oil, watercolor, gouache, graphite, pen and ink, charcoal, colored pencils, oil, or chalk pastels.
8796 5 session(s): 9/15 – 10/13
8797 5 session(s): 10/27 – 11/24
Tuition: member $210, non-member $230

8795 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.
11 session(s): 9/15 – 11/24
Tuition: member $435, non-member $465

8802 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.
8 session(s): 9/22 – 11/10
Tuition: member $310, non-member $340

8818 NEW! The Art of a Limited Color Palette in Oil Painting
Instructor: Stan Kim
Tuesdays, 6:30 – 9 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.
11 session(s): 9/15 – 11/24
Tuition: member $435, non-member $465

8788/8881 Drawing the Figure with Confidence
Instructor: Joel Tidey
8788 Tuesdays, 7 – 9:30 PM
8881 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.
8788 11 session(s): 9/15 – 11/24
8881 11 session(s): 9/18 – 12/4 (no class on 11/27)
Tuition: member $435, non-member $465
Materials fee: $78

8825 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 session(s): 9/16 – 11/4
Tuition: member $310, non-member $340

8821 Introduction to Colored Pencils
Instructor: Sandy Ruda
Wednesdays, 9:30 AM – 12 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.
11 session(s): 9/16 – 12/2 (no class 11/25)
Tuition: member $435, non-member $465

8824 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.
11 session(s): 9/16 – 11/25
Tuition: member $440, non-member $470

8829 Watercolor Paintings in Florals
Instructor: Kat Block
Wednesdays, 12:30 – 3 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.
5 session(s): 9/16 – 10/14
Tuition: member $210, non-member $230

8834 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.
8 session(s): 9/16 – 11/4
Tuition: member $310, non-member $340

8833 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.
11 session(s): 9/16 – 11/25
Tuition: member $440, non-member $470

8830 NEW! The Fundamentals of 2D Design
Instructor: Manasi Keni
Wednesdays, 12:30 – 3 PM
This is an introduction 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.
5 session(s): 10/28 – 11/25
Tuition: member $210, non-member $230
Materials fee: $37

8831 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): 9/23 – 11/11
Tuition: member $310, non-member $340

8850/8862 Watercolor: Pure & Simple
Instructor: Mark de Mos
8850 Wednesdays, 6:30 – 9 PM
8862 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.
8850 11 session(s): 9/16 – 11/25
8862 11 session(s): 9/17 – 12/3 (no class on 11/26)
Tuition: member $435, non-member $465

8852 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.
11 session(s): 9/16 – 11/25
Tuition: member $435, non-member $465

8855 Portraits by Design
Instructor: Mary Jean Canziani
Thursdays, 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): 9/17 – 10/15
Tuition: member $210, non-member $230

8856 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 fine lines of fingerprints. 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): 10/29 – 12/3 (no class on 11/26)Tuition: member $210, non-member $230

8859 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.
11 session(s): 9/17 – 12/3 (no class on 11/26)
Tuition: member $440, non-member $470

8864 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.
11 session(s): 9/17 – 12/3 (no class on 11/26)
Tuition: member $440, non-member $470

8876 Introduction to Watercolor Pencils
Instructor: Traci Zaretzka
Thursdays, 6:30 – 9 PM
Watercolor pencils are a versatile medium that can easily be transported, 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): 9/17 – 10/15
Tuition: member $210, non-member $230

8877 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.
11 session(s): 9/17 – 12/3 (no class on 11/26)
Tuition: member $435, non-member $465

8880 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. Addtional supplies to purchase for class is on the materials list online.
10 session(s): 9/18 – 11/20
Tuition: member $392, non-member $422
Materials fee: $145

8890 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 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.
11 session(s): 9/19 – 12/12 (no class on 10/3)
Tuition: member $435, non-member $465