In class, students will create a mixed media portrait using collage, drawing, and painting. The process is guided in clear stages, allowing each student to build a cohesive artwork step by step while making personal choices along the way.

Students will explore how to combine materials, layer imagery, and add visual storytelling through color, texture, and mark-making. Prompts are simple and flexible, supporting both beginners and experienced artists without overwhelming the process.

The art is the outcome, but the experience is where the magic resides. This is identity work, storytelling, documentation. Each participant will leave with a completed portrait that reflects their perspective, identity, and creative voice. One portrait, built in layers. Each phase adds something new, allowing students to choose how within each phase.

Materials not provided. Please bring the following supplies:

-Journals or loose paper for writing

-Pens for writing prompts

-Printed portraits (We will take and print the portraits during the first class session)

-Magazine images or materials they connect with

-Props (fabric, jewelry, objects, symbolic items) or change of clothes for styling (Session 1)

-Any meaningful text, poems, or writings they want to include

-Markers (optional)

-Anything else that makes the portrait more personal and intimate to you

In this 6-week class, we will begin with the basics of Copper Plate Etching. In the first class, we will learn line etching, later adding shading and textures through the application of aquatint and soft ground. 

This is an introductory class intended for beginners. No supplies needed for the first class. The Drawing Studio has supplies at cost for this class--price and needs will be discussed at the first class session. 

This class will focus on form and depth. In this class you will learn different techniques and approaches for creating simple cityscapes. Pastel is a wonderful medium for quickly adding color to buildings and capturing the scene. Step-by-step I’ll walk you through pastel techniques and approaches. The goal is to create a believable urban space. We’ll cover the basics of working with pastels, layering to create depth, and a bit of art history. Day 1 will be more technical, with art history and techniques: We’ll start by looking at inspiring images from art history that explore the techniques. Then I’ll demonstrate the process and then you’ll try them out. Day 2-4 will be work days, with the whole time for applying the techniques and feedback on your projects. This class is great for beginners/intermediate, but I'll work with more advanced students to help you hone your skills.

Materials not provided. Please bring the follow:

Pastel Paper: Assorted SENNELIER : PASTEL CARD (11"x14") or equivalent brand. If you have a favorite paper, feel free to use it. Link to article on pastel paper: https://finearttutorials.com/guide/best-pastel-paper/

Colors: We will use soft pastels for these classes. It's absolutely fine if you choose to use what you already have instead of buying a new set. In either case, you may want to buy more individual colors as you go along. Set of 24 soft pastels (Sennelier, Schminke, Art Spectrum, Holbein, Sennelier, Great American or the Dick Blick)

Detail Work: Pastel Pencils (Faber Castel Pitt Pastel pencils, Carbothello has a set of 12, Conte soft pastel pencils are also great also.) -OR- Hard/semihard pastels can also be used for finishing strokes and detail work. I recommend you purchase a small set of 24 or 36. Set of 24 hard pastels (Nupastel, CretaColor, Derwent, Holbein, Sargent or Sennelier)

Optional Materials:

Painters tape or artist tape (similar to masking tape, but with less tack)

Fixative or reworkable fixative (to set the pastels when done)

*Wet wipes

*Blending stumps or tortillons

*Small hand towel (old) or chamois cloth

*2b pencil and sketchbook

No Class On 11/26

Materials not provided. Please bring the following supplies:

- #1 darning needle or needle with large eye and dull point (required)

- 1 curved needle can be very helpful

-1 cutting mat or other cutting surface, minimum 8.5x12 inches (required)

-1 bookbinding awl or other sharp tool to push through paper and board (required)

-1 bonefolder (required)

-1 craft knife (required)

-1 ruler: 12, 18, or 24 inches, cork preferred (required)

-1 flat paint brush, foam brush, or glue brush for glue, 1.5 to 2 inches wide (required)

-scissors 

-pencil or pen

-binder clips

Friday Print Lab is where our intergenerational printmakers, with an established practice, meet with others, share work, tips, and life's journeys! Enjoy access to 3 manual roll-top etching/relief presses for your self-directed projects! This studio session is not a regular instructional class, so we recommend beginners start with one of our various printmaking classes.

Membership with The Drawing Studio is required for Print Lab participation. Membership dues allow us to keep cost low. 

Folks are welcome to bring in anything that they wish, just so long as it goes back home with you! A Studio Monitor is available to answer questions and orient you on materials. Some materials are available at cost, so bring cash for additional supplies.

No Class On 11/29

Build layers to add depth, information, and insight to a work of art. We will start with a blank canvas and add washes, writings, rice paper, collage papers, photographs, and hand drawn images to create a more interesting composition. In the process, explore how colors work in layering, and learn from other artists to incorporate new techniques into several finished pieces. 

Materials not provided. Please bring the following supplies:

-  3 pieces of 11 inch x 15 inch watercolor paper

- Personal writings

- Photographs

- Magazine photos

- Old pieces of artwork to upcycle/recycle 

- Personal collage papers (The instructor will also be bringing plenty of collage papers to share)

Friday Print Lab is where our intergenerational printmakers, with an established practice, meet with others, share work, tips, and life's journeys! Enjoy access to 3 manual roll-top etching/relief presses for your self-directed projects! This studio session is not a regular instructional class, so we recommend beginners start with one of our various printmaking classes.

Membership with The Drawing Studio is required for Print Lab participation. Membership dues allow us to keep cost low. 

Folks are welcome to bring in anything that they wish, just so long as it goes back home with you! A Studio Monitor is available to answer questions and orient you on materials. Some materials are available at cost, so bring cash for additional supplies.

The idea of Sumi-e is the Art of Leaving Out.  The aim to simplify a subject to it's basic Essence. There is an honoring of the viewer"s own imagination by stripping away all but the most essential spirit of a subject. 

Materials provided by The Drawing Studio.