WINTER SEMESTER 2024

Adult Painting & Drawing Classes

6502 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: 1/8–3/18 (no class on 1/22)
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384

6498 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 abstracted 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: 1/8–2/5
Tuition: member $190, non-member $210

6499 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: 2/19–3/18
Tuition: member $190, non-member $210

6501 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: 1/8–2/5
Tuition: member $190, non-member $210

6636 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 principles 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: 1/15–3/11 (no class on 1/22)
Tuition: member $280, non-member $310

6637 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: 1/15–3/4
Tuition: member $280, non-member $310

6511 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.
10 sessions: 1/8–3/11
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384

6515/6516 Landscape Painting
Instructor: Valeri Larko
6515 Mondays, 3:30–6 PM
6516 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. This class is suitable for both beginners and advanced painters.
10 sessions: 1/8–3/11
Tuition: member $364, non-member $394

6532 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: 1/9–3/12
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384

6538/6539 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 in 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.
6538 5 sessions: 1/9–2/6
6539 5 sessions: 2/20–3/19
Tuition: member $190, non-member $210

6541 Fundamentals of Gouache
Instructor: Alicia Cotter
Tuesdays, 12:30–3 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 to the world of gouache, the subject matter of this class will change each week.
10 sessions: 1/9–3/12
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384

6544 Learning to Paint in Oils
Instructor: Duane Lutsko
Tuesdays, 12:30–3 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-portraits 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: 1/9–3/19 (no class on 2/20)
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384

6634 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.
9 sessions: 1/16–3/12
Tuition: member $312, non-member $342

6552 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: 1/9–3/12
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384

6557/6558 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.
6557 5 sessions: 1/9–2/6
6558 5 sessions: 2/20–3/19
Tuition: member $190, non-member $210

6559/6594 Drawing the Figure with Confidence
Instructor: Joel Tidey
6559 Tuesdays, 7–9:30 PM
6594 Fridays, 12:30–3 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.
6559 10 sessions: 1/9–3/12
6594 10 sessions: 1/12–3/15
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384
Materials fee: $73

6737 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.
9 sessions: 1/10–3/13 (no class on 1/24)
Tuition: member $312, non-member $342

6638 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: 1/17–3/6
Tuition: member $280, non-member $310

6639 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: 1/17–3/6
Tuition: member $280, non-member $310

6738 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.
9 sessions: 1/10–3/13 (no class on 1/24)
Tuition: member $312, non-member $342

6513 The Beautiful Art of Chinese Brush Painting
Instructor: Diana Hsu Kung
Wednesdays, 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.
8 sessions: 1/10–2/28
Tuition: member $280, non-member $310

6560/6574 Watercolor: Pure & Simple
Instructor: Mark de Mos
6560 Wednesdays, 6:30–9 PM
6574 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.
6560 10 sessions: 1/10–3/13
6574 10 sessions: 1/11–3/14
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384

6561 Exploring Painterly Painting
Instructor: Duane Lutsko
Wednesdays, 6:30–9 PM
This class will challenge painters to loosen up and explore the potential of painterly painting! Through a variety of projects, students will be encouraged to be spontaneous and incorporate expressive mark-making into their own paintings. Also, students will learn about the advantages of painting from direct observation.
10 sessions: 1/10–3/13
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384

6563 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 progresses to your medium of choice. 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 sessions: 1/10–3/13
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384
Materials fee: $73

6571 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. With 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.
10 sessions: 1/11–3/14
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384

6570 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 to 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: 1/11–3/14
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384
Materials fee: $53

6565 Loosen Up Your Paintings
Instructor: Mary Jean Canziani
Thursdays, 9:30 AM–12 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 some 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: 1/11–2/8
Tuition: member $190, non-member $210

6566 Inner Landscapes
Instructor: Mary Jean Canziani
Thursdays, 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, 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 students’ ideas on how to approach their own painting. Students are encouraged to bring images of rooms they are inspired by or use photos of their personal space. Work in your choice of painting media.
5 sessions: 2/22–3/21
Tuition: member $190, non-member $210

6576/6577 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 pencil! 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.
6576 5 sessions: 1/11–2/8
6577 5 sessions: 2/22–3/21
Tuition: member $190, non-member $210

6579 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 welcome.
9 sessions: 1/11–3/14 (no class on 1/25)
Tuition: member $312, non-member $342

6578 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: 1/11–3/14
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384

6585 Painting with Pastels
Instructor: Sandy Ruda
Thursdays, 3:30–6 PM
Learn how to layer pastels with a focus on composition, value, 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: 1/11–3/14
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384

6590 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 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, and more if desired.
10 sessions: 1/11–3/14
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384
Materials fee: $22

6589 Techniques in Watercolor & Watercolor Pencil
Instructor: Traci Zaretzka
Thursdays, 6:30–9 PM
This class will explore a variety of techniques that can be used with traditional watercolors and with watercolor pencils, such as creating washes, glazing and layering, and creating textural effects. We will look at the specific properties of watercolors versus watercolor pencils, exploring when to use each and how to use them together to create even more effects. 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 sessions: 1/11–3/14
Tuition: member $354, non-member $384

6603 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 workshop will be 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.
5 sessions: 1/13–2/17 (no class on 1/20)
Tuition: member $190, non-member $210