Art

The class introduces students to this marvelous medium with the jewel-like colors. Martha calls the careful and methodical approach required for colored pencils 'meditative.' Students are taught basic color theory along with specific ways to handle the pencils - varied strokes and color mixing methods, including layering, scumbling and burnishing. The course is recommended for the committed art student who has taken Martha’s basic drawing and portraiture classes and is interested in augmenting class work with work at home. Half of the introductory class sessions are general. The second half focuses on colored pencil portraiture. Please bring a box (minimum of 48) of PRISMACOLOR SOFTCORE PENCILS - Martha finds these pencils easiest to use and the most satisfying. Class will not meet May 28.

This course uses a broad edged nib and ink to learn the letterforms of the 15th century 'Italique Hande.' Developed as an improvement over the more slowly written hands of that time, for example, the Blackletter style, Italic is graceful, legible and is a basic hand for every calligrapher. Italic is useful for quotes, poems, prayers, and posters – and lends itself easily to variations from formal and classical to casual and whimsical. In this nine week introductory class, students will progress from learning the basic letterforms to writing sentences. Intermediate students will continue to fine-tune their lettering skills and work on projects of their choice. How to address envelopes will also be covered, and students will be instructed in how to create a calligraphic piece using a short quote of their choosing. Class will not meet May 16.

This is an advanced class wherein students should be knowledgeable both in drawing portraits and in the use of colored pencils, as the primary focus is on portraiture. The prerequisite is COLORED PENCILS 1. Class exercises are consistently challenging - designed to help students see better, feel more deeply about their subjects, and render their compositions more proficiently and empathically. Further work at home is often required.

Beginners will learn oil painting techniques including how to choose and use equipment, mix colors, create light and shadow and prep a canvas or masonite. More experienced artists will cover dimension, tone, the importance of palettes, color mixing, textures and placement of subject matter. Canvas fee is $3, payable in class.

Explore local, public spaces with just your sketchbook and pens or pencils! Each of the 4 sessions will have a different subject and location, with portability being the key. The focus will be on improving your efficiency at capturing people, plants, animals and perspective 'in the field.' Although not our primary objective, work done in this class could become the inspiration for future drawings or paintings. Paper and clipboards will be available if you do not have your own sketchbook.Meeting locations will be emailed to participants.

For the beginning or 'returning to' watercolor artist - this class will open your artist’s eye to this beautiful and luminous medium. You will learn technique, composition and values while having fun learning to 'let go' and let the medium do it.