WINTER SEMESTER 2025

Adult Painting & Drawing Classes

7350 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 session(s): 1/13–3/3
Tuition: member $295, non–member $325

7351/7393 Painting from A–Z
Instructor: Sandy Ruda
7351 Mondays, 9:30 AM–12 PM
7393 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.
7351 9 session(s): 1/6–3/3
7393 9 session(s): 1/7–3/4
Tuition: member $330, non–member $360

7540 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.
9 session(s): 1/6–3/10 (no class on 1/13)
Tuition: member $330, non–member $360

7359 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): 1/13–3/3
Tuition: member $295, non–member $325

7367 Learning to Paint in Oils
Instructor: Duane Lutsko
Mondays, 3:30–6 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.
9 session(s): 1/6–3/10 (no class on 2/17)
Tuition: member $330, non–member $360

7374 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 introduced to them. The instructor will present examples of abstract art from history such as Kandinsky to inspire student’s creativity. The class will begin with small drawing exercises to experiment with the deconstruction of representational forms and pull from new sources. 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.
10 session(s): 1/6–3/10
Tuition: member $372, non–member $402

7484 NEW! 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.
10 session(s): 1/6–3/10
Tuition: member $372, non–member $402

7539 NEW! Dedicated to Drawing
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. All levels welcome.
9 session(s): 1/7–3/11 (no class on 1/14)
Tuition: member $330, non–member $360

7485 NEW! Expressive Figure Painting
Instructor: Duane Lutsko
Tuesdays, 12:30–3 PM
In this class, students will dive into the principle conventions of figure painting, such as light, composition, proportion, environment, and narrative. Projects will focus on working from photographs and from direct observation. Students will gain technical proficiency with materials such as grounds and imprimaturas (underpaintings), grisaille, pigments, and color mixing to achieve realistic skin tones. The instructor will provide readings, lectures, and slide presentations that will investigate both historic and contemporary artists working with representational paintings and the figure. Students will have the opportunity to set portfolio goals that will be guided and reflected in instructions, discussions, and critiques. 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): 1/7–3/11
Tuition: member $372, non–member $402
Materials fee: $44

7385 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 session(s): 1/14–3/11
Tuition: member $330, non–member $360

7559 How to Paint Like the Impressionists 
Instructor: Duane Lutsko
Tuesdays, 3:30–6 PM
Learn to paint with the same palette of colors and brush strokes as the Impressionists. In class you can paint sunflowers, bowls of fruit, drapery, and still life, or you can opt for starry nights, snowy streets, rivers, hills, and mountains. Recreate luminous portraits and figures from the Impressionist period. Explore how colors are used for atmospheric effect and amazing light.
10 session(s): 1/7–3/11
Tuition: member $372, non-member $402

7394/7468 Drawing the Figure with Confidence
Instructor: Joel Tidey
7394 Tuesdays, 7–9:30 PM
7468 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.
7394 10 session(s): 1/7–3/11
7468 10 session(s): 1/10–3/14
Tuition: member $372, non–member $402
Materials fee: $73

7399 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): 1/15–3/5
Tuition: member $295, non–member $325

7398 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.
10 session(s): 1/8–3/12
Tuition: member $372, non–member $402

7404 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.
10 session(s): 1/8–3/12
Tuition: member $372, non–member $402

7416/7417 Watercolor: Pure & Simple
Instructor: Mark de Mos
7416 Wednesdays, 6:30–9 PM
7417 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.
7416 10 session(s): 1/8–3/12
7417 10 session(s): 1/9–3/13
Tuition: member $372, non–member $402

7544 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 lives and landscapes.
9 session(s): 1/8–3/12 (no class on 1/15)
Tuition: member $330, non–member $360

7490 NEW! 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 mediums 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 out, this class is designed to inspire creativity and elevate your artistic skills.
10 session(s): 1/9–3/13
Tuition: member $372, non–member $402

7423 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.
9 session(s): 1/16–3/13
Tuition: member $330, non–member $360

7427 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 reference photo. All colored media welcome.
10 session(s): 1/9–3/13
Tuition: member $372, non–member $402

7426 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 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.
9 session(s): 1/9–3/6
Tuition: member $330, non–member $360

7492 NEW! 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.
10 session(s): 1/9–3/13
Tuition: member $372, non–member $402