Online Learning
SPRING MINI SEMESTER PART 2
Announcing more online art classes from the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey starting the week of May 11th! After a successful pilot of online classes, we’re offering even more options for kids, teens, and adults. Many of your favorite teaching artists are making the online transition. Most virtual classes will be five weeks long and we’ve also added single-session online workshops for adults based on student requests. There are new pre-recorded video lessons available on-demand so you can create art anytime. Plus, member discounts are now available for most online options! All online classes will be conducted through Zoom, a free user-friendly video meeting platform. Prior to the first class, students will receive a Zoom link via email to participate. Online registration starts on April 28.
ADULT ONLINE CLASSES
3520 Digital Media Refresher (online class)
Instructor: Don Polzo
Tuesdays, 9:30–11:30 AM
Keeping up to date with the newest features and remembering the effective legacy of Adobe image editing software features requires constant practice. This course is intended to give the student a refresher in Photoshop Creative Cloud (CC) and Lightroom Classic Creative Cloud. We will review the basics that have been around for a long time and get up to date on the newest features of both CC applications. Students will have hands-on practice during class. Students should have prior experience with either or both applications.
To participate, students will need to have access to the following materials/tools in their home:
- Computer, tablet, or phone with internet and access to Zoom
- Computer with Photoshop or Lightroom Classic
5 sessions: 5/12–6/9
Tuition: member $50, non-member $55
3539 Landscape Painting at your Kitchen Table (online class)
Instructor: Gerry Heydt
Tuesdays, 12:30–3 PM
Led by instructor Gerry Heydt, work at home to explore landscape painting from your photos with small canvases and a limited palette. This online class will cover: simplifying the landscape into a dark and light study, mixing realistic colors with a more limited palette, and representing scale and perspective to capture the essence of the landscape. Learn how to handle skies, grasses, trees, water, and other landscape elements by simplifying and using expressive brushwork and palette knife. Instructor will provide both demonstrations and one-on-one feedback.
To participate, students will need to have access to the following materials/tools in their home:
- Computer, tablet, or phone with internet and access to Zoom
- Art materials:
- Oil paints recommended: Ultramarine blue; viridian green; cadmium yellow light; cadmium red light; alizarin crimson; white, either titanium or blended titanium/zinc white
- Canvas or canvas boards, sizes 5” x 7” to 9” x 12”—Canvas board will be easier to paint on than many of the economy stretched canvases.
- Bristle brushes or synthetic brushes for oil paints (ex. Golden Taklon): brights and filberts, sizes 1, 2, 4
- Painting knife with raised handle and 1”–2” blade
- Two cups: one for mineral spirits and one for medium
- Mineral spirits: artist’s grade such as Turpenoid (blue can) or Gamsol.
- Oil painting medium
- Small ruler
- Absorbent paper towels
- Table top or easel
Note: New non petroleum-based oil painting solvents are now available such as lavender spike oil for cleaning brushes or thinning paint. Alkyd walnut oil, available online at Blick Art Materials, can replace quick drying alkyd mediums.
5 sessions: 5/12–6/9
Tuition: member $140, non-member $145
3521 Introduction to Watercolor Pencils (online class)
Instructor: Traci Zaretzka
Tuesdays, 6–8:30 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 workshop will involve a series of small drawings applying the different techniques. In the second part of the workshop, students will have the opportunity to create their own small watercolor paintings using any or all of the techniques learned in class.
To participate, students will need to have access to the following materials/tools in their home:
- Computer, tablet, or phone with internet and access to Zoom
- Art materials:
- One set of watercolor pencils (recommended 12 colors minimum)
- One small pad of watercolor paper
- One set of watercolor brushes
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Water container
5 sessions: 5/12–6/9
Tuition: member $135, non-member $140
3522 Experimenting with Art (online class)
Instructor: Katie Truk
Wednesdays, 1–3 PM
Join Katie Truk live online for an exploration of different art media. Love to experiment with materials? Don’t mind making a bit of a mess? Get ready to use what you can find around the house to get your mixed media juices flowing! This class is open to students of all levels, ages 16+. Returning and new students are welcome!
To participate, students will need to have access to the following materials/tools in their home:
- Computer, tablet, or phone with internet and access to Zoom
- Art materials:
- May 13: soda can (cleaned), scissors, pins, labels, decorative paper, aluminum foil, wire, cardboard, any inspiring junk around the house!
- May 20: newspaper or pages from books; glue; scissors; aluminum foil; small box or mint tin; ruler; pencil and eraser; watercolors, liquid inks. or food coloring; paint brushes
- May 27: VHS or audio cassette tape (or you can use paper and cardboard as a substitute), paper or cardboard, glue or hot glue, pencil and eraser, wire, scotch tape
- June 3: white paper (multimedia paper or watercolor is a plus); pencil and eraser; paintbrushes; markers; liquid ink, watercolors, food coloring, or coffee/tea
- June 10: white paper; pencil and eraser; watered-down glue, Mod Podge, or glue stick; scissors; decorative paper or magazines
5 sessions: 5/13–6/10
Tuition: member $135, non-member $140
3523 Painting in Color & Light (online class)
Instructor: Andrea Gianchiglia
Thursdays, 12:30–3 PM
Join Andrea Gianchiglia live online for demos and instruction. Each week, Andrea will feature a different painting medium, but students are welcome to work in the colored medium of their choosing. Work from a still life or reference photo and receive 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. Open to students of all levels, ages 16+.
To participate, students will need to have access to the following materials/tools in their home:
- Computer, tablet, or phone with internet and access to Zoom
- Art Materials: any colored medium of your choice and related surface/canvas and tools
5 sessions: 5/14–6/11
Tuition: member $135, non-member $140
3524 Art Appreciation 103 (online class)
Instructor: James Adkins
Thursdays, 7–8:30 PM
This easy-to-understand discussion series covers cultural influences, ideas, and times that informed artists’ and architects’ great works throughout history. Beginning with the dramatic Baroque period with its theatrical works in sculpture, painting and architecture, we’ll then move through the 18th- and 19th-centuries, overflowing with masterful painters in competing movements. Finally, we’ll conclude with the modern art of the 20th-century including Cubist and Pop Art. We’ll see how an ever-churning world and new technologies shaped and directed the trajectory of art. All students welcome; there is no required pre-requisite.
To participate, students will need to have access to the following materials/tools in their home:
- Computer, tablet, or phone with internet and access to Zoom
5 sessions: 5/28–6/28
Tuition: member $95, non-member $100
3525 Art Making for Relaxation: Zentangle Drawing (online workshop)
Instructor: Moriah Mylod
Friday, 12:30–3 PM
Join Moriah Mylod live online for a single session workshop focused on mindfulness and stress relief. Zentangle is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Through simple, yet powerful line-work and repetitious patterns we can achieve a state of “zen.” By using structured shapes, (circles, stars, hearts, etc.) you can create Zentangles anywhere and at any time. This class is open to students of all levels, ages 16+.
To participate, students will need to have access to the following materials/tools in their home:
- Computer, tablet, or phone with internet and access to Zoom
- Art Materials:
- pencil
- colored pencils
- skinny/fine tip marker or pen
- 8×10 inch drawing paper, or toned paper, or blank printer paper
1 session: 5/15
Tuition: $45
3526 Art Making for Relaxation: Watercolor Exploration (online workshop)
Instructor: Moriah Mylod
Friday, 12:30–3 PM
Join Moriah Mylod live online for a single session workshop focused on mindfulness and stress relief. Watercolor’s versatility allows for nearly limitless applications. In this class, we’ll explore until we find the one right for you, taking advantage of the medium’s inherent meditative qualities while we experiment. This class is open to students of all levels, ages 16+.
To participate, students will need to have access to the following materials/tools in their home:
- Computer, tablet, or phone with internet and access to Zoom
- Art Materials:
- pencil
- dry or wet watercolors
- cup for water
- various size paint brushes
- watercolor paper
- table salt
1 session: 5/29
Tuition: $45
3527 Art Making for Relaxation: Mandala Making (online workshop)
Instructor: Moriah Mylod
Friday, 12:30–3 PM
Join Moriah Mylod live online for a single session workshop focused on mindfulness and stress relief. A mandala is a geometric configuration of symbols, the creation of which is often employed for focusing attention or as an aid to meditation. In this class, you’ll learn to create your own mandala, using the process to reflect on your current state of mind and help you achieve a more grounded and centered sense of self. This class is open to students of all levels, ages 16+.
To participate, students will need to have access to the following materials/tools in their home:
- Computer, tablet, or phone with internet and access to Zoom
- Art Materials:
- pencil
- colored pencils
- skinny/fine tip marker or pen
- 8×10 inch drawing paper, or toned paper, or blank printer paper
1 session: 6/12
Tuition: $45
TEEN ONLINE CLASSES
3528 Cartooning & Art Journaling (ages 11–17) (online class)
Instructor: Sarah Maxwell
Mondays, 6–8 PM
Learn to express yourself through drawings and cartoons, then learn how to assemble them into an art journal. In addition to covering drawing and cartooning techniques, students will be able to document the interesting times they are living through in their completed books.
To participate, students will need to have access to the following materials/tools in their home:
- Computer, tablet, or phone with internet and access to Zoom
- Art materials:
- pencil
- eraser
- coloring materials of some kind: markers, crayons, colored pencils
- black pen
- black Sharpie (thin or thick)
- cardboard (recycled materials from boxes are good)
- tape
- needle and thread
- paper (of any kind)
5 sessions: 5/11–6/14 (no class 5/25)
Tuition: member $130; non-member $135
3529 Just Drawing (ages 12–17) (online class)
Instructor: Stephen Yavorski
Tuesdays, 4–6 PM
Build up your confidence in your drawing skills! Learn how to take what you see in the 3D world and successfully translate it to a 2D paper surface. Whether you are an experienced artist preparing to create a portfolio or are new to the art world, students will receive individual attention appropriate to their level.
To participate, students will need to have access to the following materials/tools in their home:
- Computer, tablet, or phone with internet and access to Zoom
- Art materials:
- Pencil sharpener (this model recommended)
- 5 x 6B black General’s charcoal pencils
- 2 x white Generals Charcoal pencils
- Art paper—instructor recommends “Sky Blue” or “Flannel Grey” Canson Mi-Tientes pastel paper
- 1/2 inch foamboard that is at least the size of the paper you will be working on (or larger) or a drawing board that is at least as large as your paper
- Masking tape
- Kneaded eraser
5 sessions: 5/12–6/9
Tuition: member $130; non-member $135
3530 Fundamentals of Drawing & Painting (ages 11–17) (online class)
Instructor: Andrea Gianchiglia
Saturdays, 10–11:30 AM
Join Andrea Gianchiglia live online for her popular Fundamentals of Drawing & Painting class for tween and teen students. Build a foundation! Study composition, perspective, proportion, color theory, and values while creating still lifes, landscapes, portraiture, figure drawing, and more. Talk about art concepts with demonstrations and step-by-step lessons to gain an understanding of what makes strong drawings and paintings.
To participate, students will need to have access to the following materials/tools in their home:
- Computer, tablet, or phone with internet and access to Zoom
- Drawing materials:
- pencils
- erasers
- charcoal
- paper
- Painting materials:
- acrylic or craft paints
- brushes
- surface to paint on (if no canvas is available you can always use a piece of wood, the cardboard on the back of a pad, etc.)
5 sessions: 5/16–6/20 (no class 5/23)
Tuition: member $125; non-member $130
KID ONLINE CLASSES
3536 Explore Drawing & Painting (ages 6–9) (online class)
Instructor: Sam Matthews
Mondays, 4:30–5:30 PM
Join Sam Matthews live online to be creative while experimenting with art. Explore the principles of drawing and painting in this hands-on, multi-media class. Learn about 2D fundamentals such as line, shape, composition, and color. Students will explore a variety of materials and techniques. Please wear play clothes or an art smock.
To participate, students will need to have access to the following materials/tools in their home:
- Computer, tablet, or phone with internet and access to Zoom
- Art materials:
- paper
- pencil and eraser
- markers
- crayons
- black Sharpie
- watercolor paint set
- paint brushes
- watercolor paper
5 sessions: 5/11–6/15 (no class 5/25)
Tuition: member $110; non-member $115
3531 Travel the World with Art (ages 9–13) (online class)
Instructor: Lauren Kaiser
Mondays, 4–5 PM
Join Lauren Kaiser live online for a travel-themed art class. Even though students will all work from their homes, art provides the creative space for us to “travel” to distant locations and create landscapes different than our own. Students from the previous online session, as well as newcomers, are welcome to participate!
To participate, students will need to have access to the following materials in their home:
- Computer, tablet, or phone with internet and access to Zoom
- Art Materials:
- Pencil and eraser
- Blank paper
- Any color medium you prefer: crayons, markers, paints, or pastels, or a combination
5 sessions: 5/11–6/15 (no class 5/25)
Tuition: member $110; non-member $115
3532 Mixed Media Critters (ages 6–8) (online class)
Instructor: Katie Truk
Tuesdays, 4–5 PM
Join Katie Truk’s live, online adaptation of her Clay Critters class! Each week we will be using materials from around the house to make fun, character-filled creations! Students from the previous online session and newcomers alike are welcome to participate. This session students will be making recycled fantasy creatures, cardboard animals, crazy plant creatures, cardboard slotted sculptures, and honeycombs with bees.
To participate, students will need to have access to the following materials/tools in their home:
- Computer, tablet, or phone with internet and access to Zoom
- Art Materials:
- May 12: aluminum foil; tape; recycled items, such as wire, caps, or spools; watered-down glue or Mod Podge; paint brush for glue: brown paper bag or white paper; scissors
- May 19: cardboard packages, masking tape, scissors, paper, watered-down glue or Mod Podge, craft paper or newspaper
- May 26: scissors, aluminum foil, wire (if you have it, otherwise no worries!), a container for your “plant,” tape, cardboard, newspaper
- June 2: scissors, cardboard from food packages, pencil and eraser, tape
- June 9: an old container (small cardboard box, mint tin), scissors, glue (liquid or glue stick), aluminum foil, newspaper or book you can rip pages from, colored pencils or watercolor, beads or sharpie markers
5 sessions: 5/12–6/9
Tuition: member $110; non-member $115
3533 Drawn to Drawing (ages 7–11) (online class)
Instructor: Katie Truk
Tuesdays, 6–7 PM
Join Katie Truk live online for her popular Drawn to Drawing class! Love to draw but just need a little inspiration and guidance? Katie Truk will break everything down to basic shapes and shadows, with a splash of fun and imagination! Students from the previous online session and newcomers alike are welcome to participate. In this class, students will be making art inspired by foxes, daffodils, dragons, seahorses, alligators, and plants.
To participate, students will need to have access to the following materials/tools in their home:
- Computer, tablet, or phone with internet and access to Zoom
- Art Materials:
- For all sessions: white paper, pencil, and eraser
- Optional items for each week:
- May 12: brown paper, chalk, charcoal
- May 19: markers, colored pencils
- May 26: brown paper, chalk, pastels
- June 2: blue paper, white and black colored pencils
- June 9: watercolors or liquid inks
5 sessions: 5/12–6/9
Tuition: member $110; non-member $115
3540 Drawn to Drawing Small Group Instruction (ages 7–11) (online class)
Instructor: Katie Truk
Tuesdays, 7–8:30 PM
Looking for more attention and instruction? This special online version of Drawn to Drawing has a small class size for young artists looking for a more focused art experience. Love to draw but just need a little inspiration and guidance? Katie Truk will break everything down to basic shapes and shadows, with a splash of fun and imagination! Students from the previous online session, as well as newcomers, are welcome to participate. In this class, students will be making art inspired by foxes, daffodils, dragons, seahorses, alligators, and plants.
To participate, students will need to have access to the following materials/tools in their home:
- Computer, tablet, or phone with internet and access to Zoom
- Art Materials:
- For all sessions: white paper, pencil, and eraser
- Optional items for each week:
- May 12: brown paper, chalk, charcoal
- May 19: markers, colored pencils
- May 26: brown paper, chalk, pastels
- June 2: blue paper, white and black colored pencils
- June 9: watercolors or liquid inks
5 sessions: 5/12–6/9
Tuition: member $160; non-member $165
3541 Environmental Art (ages 9–13) (online class)
Instructor: Lauren Kaiser
Wednesdays, 4–5 PM
Join Lauren Kaiser live online for an environmental-themed art class. Caring about the environment is more important than ever, and art provides us ways to communicate important messages and raise awareness about issues affecting our Earth. Students will do a variety of art projects in this class, such as a mini-mural, painting, drawing, and product design.
To participate, students will need to have access to the following materials/tools in their home:
- Computer, tablet, or phone with internet and access to Zoom
- Art Materials:
- Pencil and eraser
- Blank paper
- Any colored medium you prefer: crayons, markers, paints, or pastels, or a combination.
- scissors, tape, glue, or glue stick
5 sessions: 5/13–6/10
Tuition: member $110; non-member $115
3534 Intro to Drawing and Painting (ages 6–8) (online class)
Instructor: Katie Truk
Wednesdays, 5–6 PM
Join Katie Truk live online for her popular Intro to Drawing and Painting class! Like to draw and paint? Want to learn the basics but still have some fun? Shapes, shadows, and perspective will all be discussed without losing imagination! Students from the previous online session and newcomers alike are welcome to participate. In this class, students will create projects inspired by traveling on the road, foxes, lighthouses, hanging plants, and seahorses.
To participate, students will need to have access to the following materials/tools in their home:
- Computer, tablet, or phone with internet and access to Zoom
- Art materials:
- May 13: white paper (multimedia paper or watercolor preferred); watercolors, ink, or food coloring; paper towels; paint brushes; water; oil pastels or crayons
- May 20: white paper or brown paper, charcoal or pencil, eraser, sidewalk chalk or dry pastels
- May 27: white paper (multimedia paper or watercolor preferred); watercolors, ink, or food coloring; paper towels; paint brushes; water; Sharpie
- June 3: white paper, pencil and eraser, pen or Sharpie, colored pencils or liquid ink, a paint brush
- June 10: white paper; pencils and erasers; plastic wrap; watercolors, liquid ink, or food coloring; scissors; glue; pen or Sharpie; paint brush
5 sessions: 5/13–6/10
Tuition: member $110; non-member $115
3535 Creative Drawing (ages 9–12) (online class)
Instructor: Moriah Mylod
Thursdays, 4–5:30 PM
Join Moriah Mylod live online for a drawing class for young artists. This class uses basic art materials and explores a range of drawing topics and techniques. Over three sessions, students will create a variety of projects including Zentangles, a type of art that uses simple yet powerful line-work and repetitious patterns. Students will also create a contour drawing/self-portrait project that will test their hand and eye coordination while applying observation skills to their artwork. In a session inspired by music, students will explore art in a different way by emphasizing the feeling of music translated into art. Moriah will guide students to tap into their authentic expression through music, movement, and art materials. Students from the previous online session and newcomers alike are welcome to participate!
To participate, students will need to have access to the following materials/tools in their home:
- Computer, tablet, or phone with internet and access to Zoom
- Art materials:
- pencil
- skinny/fine tip marker or pen
- colored pencils
- 8×10 inch drawing paper, toned paper, or blank printer paper
- Mirror
- Oil pastels, chalk pastels, or crayons
- Any paper larger than 8×10 inches
5 sessions: 5/14–6/11
Tuition: member $125; non-member $130
3537 Clay Creations (ages 7–11) (online class)
Instructor: Shelley Rosen Howard
Fridays, 3–4 PM
Let’s make our favorite food out of clay! Join the instructor live online from your home to create our favorite foods out of clay while learning a variety of handbuilding techniques. Parents are welcome to join to help students with their projects.
To participate, students will need to have access to the following materials/tools in their home:
- Computer, tablet, or phone with internet and access to Zoom
- Art Materials:
- 5 lbs. of air-dry clay, recommended brand is Amaco Marblex. Other brands will work as long as the product is labeled air-dry. (Available for purchase at Amazon, Blick Art Materials, or Consumer Crafts)
- Assorted items gathered from around the home, such as leftover chopsticks, toothpicks, old sponges, and plastic utensils
- Your choice of coloring materials for finishing the pieces: acrylic paints, watercolors, paint brushes, markers
5 sessions: 5/15–6/12
Tuition: member $115; non-member $120
3538 Art Exploration (ages 6–10) (online class)
Instructor: Sarah Maxwell
Saturdays, 10–11:30 AM
Join instructor Sarah Maxwell live online to learn basic techniques and skills in drawing, painting, and more. Through weekly projects, students will learn about the elements of art including line, shape, composition, and color.
To participate, students will need to have access to the following materials/tools in their home:
- Computer, tablet, or phone with internet and access to Zoom
- Art materials:
- pencil
- eraser
- paper
- coloring materials such as markers, crayons, or colored pencils
5 sessions: 5/16–6/20 (no class 5/23)
Tuition: member $125; non-member $130
ONLINE MENTOR SESSIONS
3505 Virtual Mentor Session (online class)
Instructor: Varies
If you’re looking for ways to continue your art practice at home, the Art Center is here to help! We’ve reimagined our mentor sessions as a virtual offering that allows for personal connection and social distance. This program is one-on-one art instruction offered remotely for students looking to explore a specific medium or receive personalized art instruction. Virtual mentor sessions can be done through an online video platform such as Zoom or Google Hangout, or via phone call. Our faculty members will share their expertise and help you refine your art skills during your time at home.
Virtual mentor sessions are available in two-hour blocks and will be scheduled at a time mutually convenient for students and faculty. Please contact us at studioschool@artcenternj.org for more information or enroll online and we will reach out to connect you with a mentor.
Tuition: $200/2 hour session
VIDEO LESSONS ON DEMAND
Instructor: Andrea Gianchiglia
These will be available to view at any time via a private YouTube link. Videos are pre-recorded and not live, so you can watch as often as you like. When visiting the link to enroll, please mention that you heard about the lesson from The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey. Tuition for each download is a one-time payment of $20. Once payment is received through Venmo or PayPal (please include specifications of which class you are registering for) you will receive the link and reference photo via email from the instructor.
How to Paint a Dog: Lessons 1 & 2 (Creating a Strong Foundation)
This course is about 40 minutes long and covers drawing the subject and creating a tonal underpainting. Lesson 1 covers elements such as form, proportion, measuring, and some tips and tricks for how to begin to map your drawing out. Lesson 2 covers how to achieve a sense of three dimensions through values and monochromatic tones. These lessons will help you create a strong foundation for your painting. The demonstration uses a pencil and acrylic paint for an underpainting (oil is fine too). You can use any painting medium for this course. Click here to register.
How to Paint a Dog: Lessons 3 & 4 (Mindful Painting)
This course is about 60 minutes long and covers how to successfully and mindfully lay down a first opaque layer of paint. The instructor uses oil paint but you can use any opaque paint of your choosing. Lesson 3 covers color recipes, techniques on application, soft and hard edges, and focus on the features. Lesson 4 touches on background tone, value, and softening edges. Click here to register.
How to Paint a Dog: Lessons 5, 6, 7, 8 & a bonus! (Finalizing the Details)
This is the final section of this course and is 50 minutes long which covers developing texture and details in a painting. Lesson 5 covers glazing while Lessons 6 and 7 emphasizes texture and fine lines such as whiskers. Lesson 8 covers features like the nose and includes bonus footage with tips on how to execute your signature! You can use any painting medium for this course. Click here to register.
Perspective for the Petrified: 1 (Basics and Beyond)
This is a 60-minute course that includes four lessons, beginning with the basics and progressing all the way to developing an exterior city space. These lessons focus on one-point perspective and cover structure, execution for shapes, building, and some details such as windows, doors, letters and wording, and more. Students are encouraged to email the instructor progress pictures of the exercises. All you need is a pencil, eraser, paper, and a ruler, and you are ready to go! Click here to register.
Perspective for the Petrified: 2 (Basics and Beyond)
This is a 45-minute course with three lessons still focusing on one-point perspective. Lesson 5 is all about diving right into interior spaces and designing your dream kitchen. Lesson 6 discusses pitched rooftops and chimneys; and in lesson 7 we discuss stairs. Exercises are given during each lesson and students are encouraged to share progress with the instructor. All you need is a pencil, eraser, paper, and a ruler to follow along! Click here to register.
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