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.

WINTER SEMESTER 2026

Adult Painting & Drawing Classes

8183 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 session(s): 1/5–3/9
Tuition: member $372,
non–member $402

8249 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): 1/19–3/9
Tuition: member $295,
non–member $325

8188 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): 1/5–3/2 (no class on 2/16)
Tuition: member $295,
non–member $325

8250 Getting Started: Painting
Instructor: Matthew Langley
Mondays, 12:30–3 PM
Painting is a fun and enriching pastime once you get started. This class will 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 prepare you 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): 1/19–3/9
Tuition: member $295,
non–member $325

8335 NEW! From Start to Finish: Simple Approaches to Landscape Painting
Instructor: Jaron Newton
Mondays, 6:30–9 PM
This course is designed to guide students through the fundamental principles of landscape painting and give them simple methodology on bringing a painting from start to finish. The final three weeks are dedicated to a personal landscape painting project, culminating in a final critique on the last day of class. For more information, please view the class outline online.
10 session(s): 1/5–3/9
Tuition: member $372,
non–member $402

8199 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): 1/5–3/9
Tuition: member $372,
non–member $402

8207 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): 1/6–3/3
Tuition: member $330,
non–member $360

8216 Painting Through Art History
Instructor: Katherine Ivanova
Tuesdays, 12:30–3 PM
Do you enjoy painting and art history? Students will experiment with a variety of painting styles influenced by major historic art movements. Using a single subject matter or theme, students will create a series of small canvases (4–6 in total) in the following five styles: realism, impressionism, cubism, surrealism, and abstract art. Each lesson will include a review of a specific art movement and a painting session in its style. The class will revisit color selection and the mixing process, composition, paint application methods, and discover new approaches to painting.
7 session(s): 1/27–3/10
Tuition: member $252,
non–member $282

8252 Painting with Pastels
Instructor: Sandy Ruda
Tuesdays, 6:30–9 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 session(s): 1/6–3/10
Tuition: member $372,
non–member $402

8253/8313 Drawing the Figure with Confidence
Instructor: Joel Tidey
8253 Tuesdays, 7–9:30 PM
8313 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.
8253 10 session(s): 1/6–3/10
8313 10 session(s): 1/9–3/13
Tuition: member $372,
non–member $402
Materials fee: $73

8257 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): 1/7–3/11
Tuition: member $372,
non–member $402

8258 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): 1/21–3/11
Tuition: member $295,
non–member $325

8262 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): 1/7–3/11
Tuition: member $372,
non–member $402

8263 Sketching in Paint
Instructor: Matthew Langley
Wednesdays, 12:30–3 PM
Have you ever wanted to create freely? How about wanting to feel more confident in trying new ideas? If you are looking to discover and explore more possibilities in painting, this class will help you develop ideas quickly and refine them before going into your next complete painting. Students will unlock the ideas they have and leave this class with the ability to visualize and generate new artworks.
8 session(s): 1/21–3/11
Tuition: member $295,
non–member $325

8261 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.
6 session(s): 1/14–2/18
Tuition: member $222,
non–member $242

8276 Watercolor: Pure & Simple
Instructor: Mark de Mos
8276 Wednesdays, 6:30–9 PM
8294 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.
8276 10 session(s): 1/7–3/11
8294 10 session(s): 1/8–3/12
Tuition: member $372,
non–member $402

8277 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. Students will work on provided tabletop easels and the instructor will provide step–by–step demonstrations on painting still lives and landscapes.
9 session(s): 1/7–3/4
Tuition: member $330,
non–member $360

8278 The Art of Imitation: Oil Painting Studies
Instructor: Aimee Armstrong
Wednesdays, 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.
10 session(s): 1/7–3/11
Tuition: member $372,
non–member $402

8290 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 out, this class is designed to inspire creativity and elevate your artistic skills.
10 session(s): 1/8–3/12
Tuition: member $372,
non–member $402

8388 Introduction to Oil Painting: The Fundamentals
Instructor: Asem Ahmen
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 sessions: 1/8–3/12
Tuition: member $372, non-member $402
Materials fee: $56

8296 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.
10 session(s): 1/8–3/12
Tuition: member $372,
non–member $402

8311 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): 1/8–3/12
Tuition: member $372,
non–member $402

8312 Encaustic Painting: the Basics & Beyond
Instructor: Chase Cantwell
Fridays, 12:30–3 PM
Encaustic is the art of painting with molten beeswax combined with colored pigments and resin. The results are like no other medium—mysterious, deep, and translucent. Gain fundamental knowledge of working with encaustics while receiving hands–on time for personal exploration. Informal critiques and discussions are encouraged so students can take risks, let go of preconceived ideas, and most of all, have fun with this beautiful and versatile medium. Some materials supplied.
10 session(s): 1/9–3/13
Tuition: member $372,
non–member $402
Materials fee: $137

8320 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 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 session(s): 1/10–3/14
Tuition: member $372,
non–member $402