SUMMER SEMESTER 2025

Adult Painting & Drawing Classes

7846 Abstract Painting for All Artists
Instructor: Cynthia Pareja Dubin
Mondays, 6:30–9 PM
In this class, students will have the opportunity to explore the potential of abstract painting through different techniques, concepts, and mediums. The instructor will present examples of abstract art from history to inspire student’s creativity. The class will begin with small drawing exercises, aimed at experimenting with the deconstruction of representational forms. Then, students will be encouraged to approach their canvas with a “no sketch” approach for their abstract painting. This class is taught by an instructor who is bilingual in Spanish and English. For questions or additional information, please email us at studioschool@artcenternj.org and we will connect you with the instructor for translation assistance in your preferred language. Este curso lo dictará un instructor bilingüe en español e inglés. Si usted tiene alguna pregunta o necesita más información, no dude en enviarnos un correo electrónico a studioschool@artcenternj.org. Lo pondremos en contacto directamente con el instructor para asistirlo en su idioma (Spanish).
6 session(s): 7/14–8/18
Tuition: member $222, non-member $242

7847 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.
6 session(s): 7/14–8/18
Tuition: member $222, non-member $242

7882 NEW! The Art of Imitation: Oil Painting Studies
Instructor: Aimee Armstrong
Tuesdays, 6:30–9 PM
In this class, students will elevate their painting skills by exploring the creative decisions and techniques of renowned artists! Art reproduction is one of the most effective ways to gain a deeper understanding of how master artists use elements like color, composition, and perspective to create exceptional works of art. Students will focus on creating oil painting studies of works by famous artists such as John Singer Sargent, Mary Cassatt, Edward Hopper, Henri Matisse, and many others. This class offers a fantastic opportunity for artists of any skill level to learn new techniques and strengthen their abilities.
6 session(s): 7/15–8/19
Tuition: member $222, non-member $242

7853 Sketching for Every Artist
Instructor: Mary Jean Canziani
Tuesdays, 6:30–9 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.
6 session(s): 7/15–8/19
Tuition: member $222, non-member $242

7857 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. The materials fee covers the live model.
6 session(s): 7/15–8/19
Tuition: member $222, non-member $242
Materials fee: $46

7859 Watercolor: Pure & Simple
Instructor: Mark de Mos
Wednesdays, 6:30–9 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.
6 session(s): 7/16–8/20
Tuition: member $222, non-member $242

7862 NEW! Draw it Like You See it!
Instructor: Aimee Armstrong
Wednesdays, 6:30–9 PM
This introduction drawing class made for beginners will focus on providing students with a strong drawing foundation by learning the basic building blocks while working from life. The main emphasis will be on drawing what one sees versus what one thinks they see. Working in both graphite and charcoal, students will be taught how to use drawing tools, line and shape, gesture drawing, proportions and perspective, and light and shadow. Drawing from still lives will be the main focus, with the final class being an introduction to portraiture (self-portraiture) using all of the elements we learned in the previous classes.
6 session(s): 7/16–8/20
Tuition: member $222, non-member $242

7854 Introduction to Pastel
Instructor: Mark de Mos
Thursdays, 6:30–9 PM
In this introductory pastel class, students will learn to use the expressive and colorful medium of pastel sticks to their full potential. Over the course of the semester, students will gain techniques such as color mixing and blending, while working on simple paintings, still lifes, and subject matter of their own choice.
6 session(s): 7/17–8/21
Tuition: member $222, non-member $242

7863 NEW! Introduction to Comics & Graphic Novels
Instructor: Ashley McCammon
Thursdays, 6:30–9 PM
Interested in making art inspired by your favorite graphic novels or manga series, but not sure where to begin? Already making comic art, but want to improve your skills? Explore the art of making a comic, from story concepts and designing characters, to panel composition and best practices for page layouts. Students will brainstorm ideas and take them from concept to a 1-4-page story, with all the tools to expand them further at home!
6 session(s): 7/17–8/21
Tuition: member $222, non-member $242

7865 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 use various reference photos of their choice to work from.
6 session(s): 7/17–8/21
Tuition: member $222, non-member $242