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.

SPRING SEMESTER 2026

Adult Painting & Drawing Classes

8436 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): 3/30–6/8 (no class on 5/25)
Tuition: member $372, non-member $402

8437 Painting from A–Z
Instructor: Sandy Ruda
8437 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.
8437 9 session(s): 3/30–6/8 (no class on 4/13, 5/25)
Tuition: member $330, non-member $360

8442 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.
8 session(s): 3/30–5/18
Tuition: member $295, non-member $325

8441 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): 3/30–6/8 (no class on 5/25)
Tuition: member $372, non-member $402

8545 NEW! 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.
10 session(s): 3/30–6/8 (no class on 5/25)
Tuition: member $372, non-member $402

8546 NEW! 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. Students will learn from two portrait opportunities. During the first half of the course, students will be working from reference photos, and during the second half of the course, students will work from the 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 some sessions with a live model.
10 session(s): 3/30–6/8 (no class on 5/25)
Tuition: member $372, non-member $402
Materials fee: $62

8460 Drawing 101: The Fundamentals
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.
9 session(s): 3/31–5/26
Tuition: member $330, non-member $360

8467 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): 4/7–5/26
Tuition: member $295, non-member $325

8482/8540  Drawing the Figure with Confidence
Instructor: Joel Tidey
8482 Tuesdays, 7–9:30 PM
8540 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.
10 session(s): 3/31–6/2
10 session(s): 4/3–6/5
Tuition: member $372, non-member $402
Materials fee: $73

8487 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): 4/1–6/3
Tuition: member $372, non-member $402

8486 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.
8 session(s): 4/1–6/3 (no class on 5/20, 5/27)
Tuition: member $295, non-member $325

8492 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.
8 session(s): 4/1–6/3 (no class on 5/20, 5/27)
Tuition: member $295, non-member $325

8588 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.
7 session(s): 4/15–5/27
Tuition: member $252, non-member $282

8507/8508 Watercolor: Pure & Simple
Instructor: Mark de Mos
8507 Wednesdays, 6:30–9 PM
8508 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.
8507 10 session(s): 4/8–6/10
8508 10 session(s): 4/2–6/4
Tuition: member $372, non-member $402

8506 NEW! Introduction to Cartoons & Comics: A Gateway to Visual Storytelling
Instructor: Lucas Vazquez
Wednesdays, 6:30–9 PM
Turn ideas into visual stories! Students will learn about the breakdown of how comics work, from beats and pacing to expressive character design. Students will get hands-on practice developing their own story and world from scratch. Dive into an exploration of diverse comic styles designed to broaden any artist’s creative toolbox! Come ready to draw, imagine, and build something uniquely yours.
10 session(s): 4/8–6/10
Tuition: member $372, non-member $402

8509 Painting in Acrylics for Beginners
Instructor: Alicia Cotter
Wednesdays, 6:30–9 PM
This class is made for beginners who would like to explore the potential of painting in acrylics. The instructor will provide step-by-step demonstrations on painting still lifes and landscapes.
8 session(s): 4/8–5/27
Tuition: member $295, non-member $325

8510 NEW! Depth & Dimension for Drawing
Instructor: Amanda Strassler
Wednesdays, 6:30–9 PM
Always wanted to try drawing environments, but never knew where to start? This class will introduce you to the fundamentals of drawing landscapes and buildings. We will learn about linear perspective, planes, shapes, and values. By the end of this course, you will be able to bring together all of these concepts to compose your own landscape drawing.
10 session(s): 4/8–6/10
Tuition: member $372, non-member $402

8528 Introduction to Oil Painting: The Fundamentals
Instructor: Asem Ahmed
Thursdays, 9:30 AM–12 PM
Discover the beauty and versatility of oil painting in this engaging class designed for artists of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your technique, this class provides a solid foundation in the fundamentals of oil painting. Students will explore essential techniques such as color mixing, brush handling, layering, and composition. Through guided exercises and hands-on projects, students will learn how to work with oil paints safely, understand different mediums, and develop their own artistic style. Subject matter will range from still life, landscapes, and portrait studies, allowing students to experiment and express their creativity. This class fosters a relaxed and encouraging environment where students can develop their skills at their own pace. The materials fee covers some class sessions with a live model.
10 session(s): 4/2–6/4
Tuition: member $372, non-member $402
Materials fee: $56

8519 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.
8 session(s): 4/2–6/4 (no class on 5/21, 5/28)
Tuition: member $295, non-member $325

8522 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.   8 session(s): 4/2–6/4 (no class on 5/21, 5/28)
Tuition: member $295, non-member $325

8539 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): 4/2–6/4
Tuition: member $372, non-member $402

8548 Techniques in Watercolor and Watercolor Pencil
Instructor: Traci Zaretzka
Saturdays, 10–12:30 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.
10 session(s): 4/4–6/13 (no class on 5/23)
Tuition: member $372, non-member $402