Drawing + Painting
May Intensives
[30] Figure Drawing Intensive
Marjorie Perrin
Tues, 9:30 am-12:30 pm, May 1-22 (4 sessions)
Studio School, 2nd floor
$130 (VMFA members $110) | Enrollment limit: 10
Prerequisites: Basic drawing skills
This intensive class examines approaches to drawing the human form as students work directly from the model to gain an understanding of form, proportion, and anatomy. With guidance from the instructor, students learn from observing the skeleton, structural. and anatomical charts, and reproductions of master drawings.
[31] The Portrait Sketch in Oil Painting May Workshop
David Tanner
Sat & Sun, 10 am – 4 pm, May 12 & 13 (2 sessions)
Studio School, 2nd floor
$140 (VMFA members $125) | Enrollment limit: 10
Prerequisites: Drawing-from-life skills and classroom oil-painting experience
Download supply list PDF
In this class for intermediate and advanced students, explore observation-based alla prima painting in oil from the live model. Alongside the instructor, students learn to paint a head and shoulders with a new model and different pose each day. The goal is to quickly capture the basics of anatomy and expression. As the instructor paints, he will describe how to simplify the face into basic color and value masses by observing light and shadow patterns on the model. Individual critiques of the student paintings provided.
Summer Day Classes
[1] Basic Drawing: Step One
Marjorie Perrin
Tue, 1 – 3:30 pm, Jun 5 – Jul 24 (8 sessions)
Studio School, 2nd floor
$170 (VMFA members $150) | Enrollment limit: 16
Download supply listPDF
Want to create art but don't know where to begin? This class helps students develop basic drawing skills through various techniques and materials, working from the model and other subjects. Class discussions and individual and group critiques round out the course. No experience is required—an excellent prerequisite for painting courses.
[2] Creative Ideas Intensive* NEW!
Sara Clark
Thu, 1 – 4 pm, Jun 7 – 28 (4 sessions)
Studio School, 2nd floor
$130 (VMFA members $110) | Enrollment limit: 16
Prerequisite: basic drawing skills
Learn strategies to unleash your creativity, encourage your imagination, and explore all the possibilities! Participate in a wide range of exercises, while using your choice of familiar drawing and painting media. By the end of class, students will have a portfolio of studies to use as inspiration for future work.
[3] Painting & Pastel Studio
Sara Clark
Wed, 1 – 4 pm, Jun 6 – Jul 18 (6 sessions)
Studio School, 2nd floor
$160 (VMFA members $140) | Enrollment limit: 16
Prerequisites: basic painting, pastel
Download supply listPDF
This class is a great way for artists to expand their painting and pastel skills. Students learn to generate ideas, choose subjects, and adopt approaches to using media. They also work on independent projects, with guidance and individual critiques from the instructor.
[4] Drawing & Painting the Portrait
Marjorie Perrin
Tue, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, Jun 5 – Jul 24 (8 sessions)
Studio School, 2nd floor
$180 (VMFA members $160) | Enrollment limit: 16
Prerequisites: basic drawing, painting
Download supply listPDF
This class focuses on the oil-paint, chalk-pastel, and watercolor portrait. Students also learn about the rich history of the portrait in art.
[5] Introduction to Watercolor*
Dawn Flores
Mon, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, Jun 4 – Jul 23 (8 sessions)
Studio School, 2nd floor
$180 (VMFA members $160) | Enrollment limit: 16
Prerequisites: basic drawing skills
Download supply listPDF
Using watercolor and related drawing media, students work directly from the still life and other subject matter to learn a wide variety of watercolor techniques. The class includes discussions of color and watercolor masterworks. Individual and group critiques are provided to students.
[6] Watercolor: The Next Step* NEW!
Dawn Flores
Wed, 1 – 4 pm, Jun 6 – Aug 1 (8 sessions)
Studio School, 2nd floor
$180 (VMFA members $160) | Enrollment limit: 10
Prerequisites: basic drawing, watercolor
Download supply listPDF
Learn and refine a wide variety of watercolor techniques in this course designed for experienced watercolor students. Participants will work directly from the still life, landscape, and other subject matter. Individual and group critiques provided.
[7] Introduction to Painting
Marjorie Perrin
Mon, 1 – 4 pm, Jun 4 – Jul 23 (8 sessions)
Studio School, 2nd floor
$180 (VMFA members $160) | Enrollment limit: 16
Prerequisites: basic drawing
Download supply listPDF
Learn to use direct observation when painting from life. Through demonstrations, observation-based painting exercises, and instruction, beginning and intermediate artists strengthen their ability to see color and value relationships, and mix colors accordingly. Students learn to simplify any subject matter by reducing it into simple color masses to develop realistic paintings. Please note: Before taking this or any painting class, it is important to have experience in drawing from life.
[8] Painting Studio*
Diego Sanchez
Wed, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, Jun 20 – Jul 18 (4 sessions)
Studio School, 2nd floor
$130 (VMFA members $110) | Enrollment limit: 16
Prerequisites: basic drawing, painting
Explore oil painting from direct observation, photos, or drawings of various subjects including the still life, human figure, and landscape. Students develop a more personal approach to imagery and painting style by examining the formal and expressive aspects in their work and that of classical to contemporary painters.
[9] Color & Abstraction in Painting* NEW!
Sally Bowring
Thu, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, Jun 7 – Aug 2 (8 sessions)
(no class Jul 5)
Studio School, 2nd floor
$180 (VMFA members $160) | Enrollment limit: 16
Prerequisites: oil or acrylic painting
Expand technical and critical skills and learn to develop new ideas and imagery. This class includes studio experience with students working from a variety of subjects, focusing on color and abstraction. Students participate in critical exchange with fellow participants and the instructor as well as discussions of contemporary painting. Some out-of-class projects assigned.
[10] Oil Painting: Independent Study
Joan Elliott
Fri, 10 am – 1 pm, Jun 8 – Jul 13 (6 sessions)
Studio School, 2nd floor
$160 (VMFA members $140) | Enrollment limit: 16
Prerequisites: basic drawing, oil painting
Download supply listPDF
This is a great studio course for intermediate-level students who are working to develop their own personal painting style and approach to imagery. Through individual guidance, students explore painting strategies and working methods.
Summer Evening Classes
[11] Basic Drawing: Step One
Marjorie Perrin
Thu, 7 – 9:30 pm, Jun 7 – Jul 26 (8 sessions)
Studio School, 2nd floor
$170 (VMFA members $150) | Enrollment limit: 16
Download supply listPDF
Want to create art but don't know where to begin? This class helps students develop basic drawing skills through various techniques and materials, working from the model and other subjects. Class discussions and individual and group critiques round out the course. No experience is required—an excellent prerequisite for painting courses.
[12] Intermediate Drawing NEW!
Marjorie Perrin
Tue, 7 – 10 pm, Jun 5 – Jul 24 (8 sessions)
Studio School, 2nd floor
$180 (VMFA members $160) | Enrollment limit: 16
Prerequisites: basic drawing skills
Download supply listPDF
A great way for artists to advance their drawing skills. Learn to employ concepts, interpret subjects, and adopt approaches using various drawing media. Students may also work on independent projects with guidance and individual critiques from the instructor.
[13] Introduction to Watercolor*
Dawn Flores
Wed, 7 – 10 pm, Jun 13 – Jul 25 (6 sessions)
Studio School, 2nd floor
$160 (VMFA members $140) | Enrollment limit: 10
Prerequisites: basic drawing skills
Download supply listPDF
Using watercolor and related drawing media, students work directly from the still life and other subject matter to learn a wide variety of watercolor techniques. The class includes discussions of color and watercolor masterworks. Individual and group critiques are provided to students.
[14] Introduction to Painting
Joan Elliott
Wed, 7 – 10 pm, Jun 6 – Jul 18 (6 sessions)
Studio School, 2nd floor
$160 (VMFA members $140) | Enrollment limit: 16
Download supply listPDF
Learn to use direct observation when painting from life. Through demonstrations, observation-based painting exercises, and instruction, beginning and intermediate artists strengthen their ability to see color and value relationships, and mix colors accordingly. Students learn to simplify any subject matter by reducing it into simple color masses to develop realistic paintings. Please note: Before taking this or any painting class, it is important to have experience in drawing from life.
[15] Painting Studio
Joan Elliott
Mon, 7 – 10 pm, Jun 4 – Jul 9 (6 sessions)
Studio School, 2nd floor
$160 (VMFA members $140) | Enrollment limit: 16
Download Supply listPDF
Explore oil painting from direct observation, photos, or drawings of various subjects including the still life, human figure, and landscape. Students develop a more personal approach to imagery and painting style by examining the formal and expressive aspects in their work and that of classical to contemporary painters.
Summer Workshops
[16] A Crash Course in Oil Painting
David Tanner
Sat & Sun, 10 am – 4 pm, Jun 9 & 10 (2 sessions)
Studio School, 2nd floor
$140 (VMFA members $125) | Enrollment limit: 10
Prerequisites: drawing from life, basic drawing
Download supply listPDF
A crash course in observation-based painting in oil, this workshop provides demonstrations and instruction on “seeing” the world through a painter’s eyes. Technical demonstrations stress line, shape, value, and color. Students learn to simplify any subject by reducing it into simple color masses to develop realistic oil paintings.
[17] Color Journey Workshop*
Mim Golub Scalin
Sat & Sun, 10 am – 4 pm, Jun 9 & 10 (2 sessions)
Studio School, 2nd floor
$140 (VMFA members $125) | Enrollment limit: 10
Learn about the origins of color, including historical information about pigments and dyes, by creating a journal with pigment and found paper. Students learn to be more color sensitive—a valuable asset whether you are making art, painting your home, or choosing apparel and accessories. No experience required.
[18] Portfolio Preparation* NEW!
Sally Bowring
Sat, 10 am – 4 pm, Jun 16 (1 session)
Studio School, 2nd floor
$85 (VMFA members $70) | Enrollment limit: 10
Prerequisites: basic drawing skills
This workshop helps students prepare a strong visual art portfolio as part of their application package for college. (A sample list of college and university portfolio requirements is provided.) If possible, students should bring their current portfolios with up to ten of their best pieces. Individual critiques and group discussions included.
[19] Encaustic Painting & Mixed Media Lab
Karen Eide
Sat, 10 am – 4 pm, Jun 23 (1 session)
Studio School, 2nd floor
$100 (VMFA members $85) | Enrollment limit: 10
Download supply listPDF
Encaustic painting is an ancient process using molten, pigmented beeswax to create layered and luminous art. This workshop, designed for both new and experienced painters, teaches classic encaustic techniques and ways to combine them with contemporary painting techniques and mixed media. Discover collage, incising, texturizing, surface embellishment, and relief work, as well as how to combine oil paint, pastels, inks, watercolors, and gouache with the encaustic. Returning students may begin exploring larger scale works. Some materials included.
[20] Dog Portrait Workshop* NEW!
Matt Lively
Sat & Sun, 10 am – 4 pm, Jun 23 & 24 (2 sessions)
Studio School, 2nd floor
$140 (VMFA members $125) | Enrollment limit: 10
Prerequisites: basic drawing skills
Start by exploring a variety of dog portraits by other artists. Then with guidance from the instructor and working from photographs, learn to create accurate, detailed or expressive portraits of your own pet using drawing materials and oil or acrylic paints.
[21] A Drawing Primer
Marjorie Perrin
Sat & Sun, 10 am – 4 pm, Jun 30 & Jul 1 (2 sessions)
Studio School, 2nd floor
$140 (VMFA members $125) | Enrollment limit: 10
Download supply listPDF
In this workshop, beginning artists and those wanting to brush up on their skills discover the basics of drawing, including pattern and composition, light and shade, proportion, three-dimensional form, and perspective. Learning through demonstrations, class discussions, and individual instruction, students complete multiple drawings working from the still life and landscape images. Soft vine charcoal (assorted sizes), 18" x 24" sketch pad, and kneadable eraser required.
Collage & Assemblage Workshop
Chuck Scalin
[22] Sat & Sun, 10 am – 4 pm, Jun 30 & Jul 1 (2 sessions) FULL
[23] Sat & Sun, 10 am – 4 pm, Jul 21 & 22 (2 sessions)
Studio School, 2nd floor
$140 (VMFA members $125) | Enrollment limit: 10
Explore the innate beauty of found material as you produce collages and assemblages from pieces discovered in your attic or studio, junk shops, or streets and alleyways. This workshop helps students of all levels of experience develop their own personal vision.
[24] Image & Text: Finding Essential Meaning* NEW!
Kris Iden
Sat & Sun, 10 am – 4 pm, Jun 30 & Jul 1 (2 sessions)
Studio School, 1st floor
$140 (VMFA members $125) | Enrollment limit: 10
Explore the use of literature as a catalyst for visual art-making. Beginning with a brief discussion and examples, this workshop guides participants in creating a two- dimensional work, inspired by a personally meaningful piece of writing, in the media of their choice.
[25] The Portrait Sketch in Oil Painting
David Tanner
Sat & Sun, 10 am – 4 pm, Jul 7 & 8 (2 sessions)
Studio School, 2nd floor
$140 (VMFA members $125) | Enrollment limit: 10
Prerequisites: drawing from life, classroom oil painting
Download supply list PDF
In this workshop for intermediate and advanced students, explore observation-based alla prima painting in oil, working from the live model. Alongside the instructor, students learn to paint a head and shoulders with a new model and different pose each day. The goal is to quickly capture the basics of anatomy and expression. As the instructor paints, he will describe how to simplify the face into basic color and value masses by observing light and shadow patterns on the model. Individual critiques provided.
[26] A Crash Course in Watercolor*
Dawn Flores
Sat & Sun, 10 am – 4 pm, Jul 14 & 15 (2 sessions)
Studio School, 2nd floor
$140 (VMFA members $125) | Enrollment limit: 10
Prerequisites: basic drawing skills
Download supply listPDF
This workshop provides step-by-step instruction on a variety of watercolor techniques, including special effects, glazing, wet on wet, washes, and more. Working from colorful photographs or still lifes of flora and fauna, students explore the full range of watercolor painting.
[27] How to Market Yourself as a Professional Artist
Jeffrey Allison
Sat, 10 am – 3 pm, Jul 14 (1 session)
Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room
$75 (VMFA members $60) | Enrollment limit: 10
Gain the promotional tools needed for today’s challenging art market. This work- shop for the individual visual artist covers photographing artwork with both traditional and digital methods, devising fund- ing opportunities, developing professional relationships with galleries and publications, and marketing with Internet models.
[28] New Ideas in Drawing & Painting
Diego Sanchez
Sat & Sun, 10 am – 4 pm, Jul 14 & 15 (2 sessions)
Studio School, 2nd floor
$140 (VMFA members $125) | Enrollment limit: 10
Download supply listPDF
Discover approaches and materials that can inspire ideas and add a fresh new dimension to your work. Students learn techniques that reinforce the importance of the painting and drawing process to the finished product.
[29] The Painted Photograph
Pam Fox
Sat & Sun, 10 am – 4 pm, Jul 14 & 15 (2 sessions)
Studio School, 1st floor
$140 (VMFA members $125) | Enrollment limit: 10
Download supply listPDF
Explore using photography (digital or traditional prints, photocopies, found imagery, or old photographs) combined with oil paint to produce new and exciting mixed-media imagery. The instructor will demonstrate the following: surface supports and preparation, gluing techniques, surface alterations, paint application, varnishing, cold wax, and other surface treatments. Students of all levels of experience are welcome.
[30] Figure Drawing Workshop*
Marjorie Perrin
Sat & Sun, 10 am – 4 pm, Jul 21 & 22 (2 sessions)
Studio School, 2nd floor
$140 (VMFA member $125)
Prerequisites: basic drawing skills
Download supply listPDF
This intensive class examines approaches to drawing the human form as students work directly from the model to gain an understanding of form, proportion, and anatomy. With guidance from the instructor, students learn from observing the skeleton, structural and anatomical charts, and reproductions of master drawings.