Bright Nights is a welcoming, affirming space for all queer identities, expressions, and lived experiences (and supportive allies). This monthly gathering centers LGBTQIA+ artists, of all ages through art, storytelling, and community connection. Each month, a featured host artist shares their story and creative practice, followed by guided, hands-on multi-media art making. Join us for a joyful, reflective evening rooted in creativity, care, and connection within the queer community.  

Snacks, beverages, and supplies provided.

**In creating inclusivity for younger generations, we ask that the youth be ages 15+yrs.**

Although this class will build on the concepts introduced in August in Beginning Oil painting where we focused on our brushwork to build form and value, it is not a prerequisite to take this session; however, you should already have started with your oil painting. Now confident in our control of the medium, and gaining a rudimentary brushwork style, I will show you how to build layers over an underpainting adding complexity.

As Intermediate students, you are free to choose the size and type of your support. Freedom to work with size and shape allows exploration. This is a critical part of defining your style. We will discuss some options and how this is part of yforour development.

Subjects our work can be but are not limited to: a still life, photo reference (get 2-3 enlargements at Office Max) of a landscape or even copying an old master painting. The most important thing is that you are excited about it and can discuss why. More specifics on the first day.

Materials not provided. Please bring the following:

4 11 x 14 gesso boards or stretched canvas of similar size.

Student grade set of oil paints, any brand.

Set of natural bristle brushes ¼ inch, ½ inch, 1 inch approximately.

Palette knife for mixing paint.

odorless mineral spirits.

palette – can be a piece of plywood or disposable paper ones.

5 or more lint free cotton rags.

Soup cans for cleaning brushes

My class isn’t designed around having everyone paint the same subject. Each student is in a different place creatively, so I work with them individually, meeting them where they are in the moment. In the final 30 minutes of class, we come together to share our work and practice offering thoughtful, constructive critiques. The focus is always on positive, meaningful feedback. As a result, students become more confident and relaxed about their work. They learn to articulate their intentions clearly and develop a stronger sense of when a painting feels complete.

Materials not provided. Please bring the following:

acrylic paints

paper towels

canvases and/or watercolor paper

Acrylic Painting Studio has been a staple for several years. Painters explore independent goals, or work from studio still life, or create acrylic painted transcriptions of past artworks from reproductions and collected images. Explore color mixing, value painting, composition and intentions through the use of this water-based medium on paintable paper or canvas. Lively group discussion of works in progress, foster fun and support. Learning to SEE like an artist comes with the territory.

Snacks welcome!

Materials are not included; please bring your choice of the following supply list:

Acrylic Paints: Liquitex Basics recommended for economy. Phthalo blue, naphthol red, medium hue, hansa or AZO yellow, white gesso, and mars black.

Brushes: Acrylic vinyl brushes, medium and small, 2" gesso brush.

- Some chalk pastels are helpful.

- Strathmore Mixed Media Paper, 18" x 24" or other paintable paper

- Pencil, eraser, apron, palette. Cynthia suggests white styrofoam plates ad Viva signature paper towels.

Painterpretations, founded in 2019 by Randiesia Fletcher, MEd.,is an intergenerational social and cultural arts class that has gained international attention for its innovative approach to dialogue and creative expression. The program engages participants across generations in critical conversations sparked by culturally relevant topics, guiding them to write and create visual responses—“Painterpretations”—that reflect personal and collective narratives. Through the integration of sound clips, video, poetry, mapping, and the study of artists and techniques from the African Diaspora, Painterpretations creates a dynamic space where storytelling, history, and art converge.

Pastels are a beautiful, direct way of creating a colorful drawing.This class will focus on color theory, techniques and approaches in soft pastel. Step-by-step instruction on working with shape, creating form, choosing colors and down to the details. This class is intended for beginner to intermediate skill level. Some drawing experience recommended, but all levels of experience are welcome.

Each week we’ll work on a different image. We’ll start by looking at inspiring images from art history that demonstrate the techniques. Then I’ll demonstrate that week’s techniques and then you’ll try them out. This class is great for beginners/intermediate, but I'll work with more advanced students to help you hone your skills.

Materials not included. Please bring the following:

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

Beginner class! Great for someone just starting out with acrylic paint. I'll walk you through the basics: what to buy, using the materials, simple techniques and approaches, as well as clean-up and storage. This class will focus on mixing paints, working with layers and discovering what makes acrylic so special and versatile. Everything from how to hold the brush to how to create a sophisticated image with step-by-step instructions.

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 materials and basic 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 with one-on-one feedback on your artwork This class is perfect for beginners and those who want a refresher course.

Materials not provided. Please bring the following:

Canvas:

Canvas boards - 5 pack of 9”x12” or pad of canvas paper

Stretched canvas - 4 smaller 11”x14” or 16”x20”, one big 18”x24” or larger

Media:

Acrylic set of 12 (good brands: Liquitex Professional Heavy Body Acrylic, Golden Professional Acrylic, Utrecht Artists' Acrylic Paints, Winsor Newton Galeria Acrylic, Holbein Heavy Body Acrylic)

Acrylic Glazing Medium

Graphite pencil for sketching 2B or No. 2

Tools:

Set of brushes - Rounds (Sizes 1, 6, and 12) and one each Liner 2, Angular Shader 1/2, and Wash 3/4 - or similar synthetic set with round, angle, and flat

Palette Knife

Water cup

Rags and wipes

Smock

Try colored pencils and get the feel for this is a medium you can easily fall in love with!

Materials are included with class tuition.