In this class, we’ll explore the indirect painting process—building your painting in layers to create depth, luminosity, and subtle detail. Working from a photo of your pet or an animal that inspires you, you’ll learn techniques for underpainting, glazing, and developing lifelike textures like fur and feathers. We’ll discuss color theory, composition, and how to use layering to bring character and emotion to your subject. This class is perfect for artists and beginners alike who want to slow down, refine their technique, and capture the spirit of an animal through rich, layered oils.

Dates: 1/8, 1/15, 1/22, 1/29

What You'll Learn:

Materials and Tools: What makes oil paint so special and different from other mediums? Why must a canvas be primed? Why should you not finger paint with oils (and why we do anyways)?

Basic Techniques: Learn fundamental techniques of indirect oil painting, starting from a grisaille (under painting) and moving to glazing (transparent washes of paint) and scumbling (opaque application of paint).

Composition: Discover how to direct your viewer's eye through placement of objects and colors in your painting.

Color Theory: Understand the basics of color theory and how to create harmonious palettes in your paintings.

Personal Expression: Discover ways to express your unique artistic voice through the medium of oil paint.

Class Format:

This hands-on course combines demonstrations, practical exercises, and individualized instruction to help you build confidence and proficiency in oil painting. We will examine still life paintings from art history and see how to use their techniques for our own works.

Who Should Attend:

This class is perfect for beginners with no prior experience in oil painting and intermediate artists looking to build on their techniques.

Materials:

A list of required materials will be provided upon registration.

Price: $200 for all 4 classes, or $55 per class

Inquire below to register and receive the materials list.

This is an open figure drawing session with a nude model where we focus on the anatomy and gesture of the human form. The model will start with quick poses (1 minute, 5 minutes, 20 minutes) and end with a long pose. All levels welcome.

This class is held on the second Monday of the month. Dates for 2025:

January 13 - female model

February 10 - female model

March 10 - male model

April 16*- female model

May 12 - Female Model

June 2 - Male model

July 21 - Female model

August 11 - male costume model

September 15 - female model

October 13 - Male model

December 15 - Female Model

$30 plus tips for the model. $5 off if you bring a friend! Please register below.

Hands are one of the most expressive—and challenging—parts of the figure. In this three-week class, we’ll begin with drawing, anatomy, and movement to understand structure and gesture, then spend the final two weeks painting hands in oil. Emphasis will be placed on form, color, and psychological expression rather than photographic detail. Ideal for painters looking to build confidence and deepen their figurative work.

Week 1: drawing the hand. We will study the basic shapes and building blocks of what makes a hand a hand.

Week 2 - 3: Painting the hand. How do we think of the hand as a form? What can we say with the hand? How can we simplify it in paint?

Materials: sketchbook, drawing pencils. Small canvas (9 x 12), oil paint (titanium zinc white, yellow ochre, earth red, ultramarine blue or cold black), mediums (gamsol, linseed oil, liquin), glass jar, paintbrushes, paper towels (or pay a $25 materials fee for all materials, or $15 for just paint/mediums)

Cost: $55 per class or $150 for all three

Are you interested in learning how to draw or paint in a private setting? Come study with Caroline. Styles include drawing with graphite or charcoal, oil painting, soft pastel techniques, and plein air painting. Students can choose to focus on still life, portrait painting, designing a narrative work, copying master works, etc. We will look at how works from the past have informed the art world today and how artists today are in conversation with the story of art as a whole. The course can be as structured or unstructured as desired. Contact Caroline to get started today!

Adults: $65 for a 90 minute session or $250 for a package of four 90 minute classes

Kids: $40 for an hour long session. $150 for a package of 4 hour long classes.

Semi-Private Painting Classes -

Adults: 2 - 3 students: $60 per 90 minutes or $215 (split between the students) for a package of 4 classes.

Kids: 2 - 3 students: $35 per child per hour.