Use the code FIRST at check out to get 15% off your first class with us
Ongoing classes meet over a series of weeks to cover a specific topic. Students get unlimited open studio time during enrollment, daily from 10 am - 8 pm. Studio Rules are here.
Materials are not provided by Square One unless noted. You are expected to bring your own materials from the class info below.
Intro to Oil Painting
$190 | May 20 - June 24 | 6 - 8 pm | Tuesday evenings with Anya | 6 weeks
This class is suitable for absolute newbies to drawing and painting, as well as for people who have used acrylics or watercolors and want to learn how to paint with oil.
On week 1, we will discuss how oil is different from other painting mediums. The students will learn about supports, solvents, mixing colors, and the differences between glazing and alla prima painting. Our first project will be a simple still life. We will begin by doing a monochrome underpainting for glazing. Week 2: the students will apply glazes to the underpainting and begin another painting (alla prima) of the same setup. Week 3: the class will finish the two paintings. Weeks 3 to 6: The students will work on individual projects while continuing to practice representational painting. They may choose to set up a personal still life, work from photo sources, or do self-portraiture. I will teach color, shape, tone, proportions and perspective as needed. Week 6: the students will have the option to choose their best work for a show/critique.
Materials needed to start:
1. Sketchbook/pencil/eraser
2. Primed canvas or canvas board OR primed wood panel. (No smaller than 12”)
3. Oil paints. At minimum, you will need primary colors plus black and white. If you’re buying a paint set, I don’t recommend you get the cheapest one. Mid-priced will work fine!
4. Gamsol & jar
5. Brushes. A cheap brush set from Walmart will work just fine. Make sure there are different sizes.
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Foundations: Looking
$190 | May 21 - June 25 | 7 - 9 pm | Wednesday evenings with Alex | 6 weeks
In this class, we will develop basic drawing skills through close observation of objects and still life constructions.
Each week, we will meet for 2 hours, in which we will engage in a series of exercises designed to cultivate the artist’s observational facilities and strengthen the connection between eye and hand.
We will learn to recognize and interpret light and dark, proportionality, perspective, and methods for translating these observations into marks on the page with the aim of overriding inhibition through observation and action. By subjugating our interpretive minds to only what can be seen, we will open up pathways to creative expression and begin to explore what might make a successful picture.
While some technical demonstration will be offered, the class will primarily serve as a vehicle for participants to cultivate their observational abilities through prolonged focus, practice, and varied approaches. Participants will be given exercises to do outside of class should they wish to commit additional time to bolstering their skills, but it will not be required. One aim of the class is to encourage participants to develop their own practice, and by looking, become engaged in observing and representing the world around us.
Material list
1 (12-piece) set of graphite pencils with a full spectrum of hard to soft (approximately 6B - 4H)
1 mechanical pencil sharpener
eraser
1 medium-sized sketchbook & 1 medium-sized sketchpad
These can be purchased at any art supply store. The instructor will provide a demonstration of additional graphite tools during periodic in-class tutorials. The total cost of materials should be somewhere in between $30 - $50. https://www.dickblick.com/items/blick-studio-drawing-pencilsset-of-12/
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Intro to Painting - Still Life for Beginners
$190 | May 25 - July 6 | 10 am - 12 pm | Sunday mornings with Tania | 6 weeks (7 weeks with one break)
This class is for anyone who wants to learn how to paint but doesn't know where to start or is intimidated by the medium. Using simple still-life setups (like fruit, cups, or any of your favorite objects), you’ll learn the basic skills needed to feel comfortable with the painting medium of your choice and learn how to create a finished painting with step-by-step guidance and support.
In this class, we will cover all of the essentials: how to set up your workspace, how to mix colors, how to organize your palette, how to use different brushes, palette knife techniques, and most importantly, how to build up a painting from start to finish.
No experience necessary - just a willingness to try and have fun.
What You'll Learn in this class:
How to mix paint
Understanding color and how to use it
How to see shape, shadows, and color
How to begin and complete a simple painting
How to set up your own still life
How to fix a mistake and keep going
How to get more comfortable using oil and/or acrylic
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Figure Drawing
$210 | May 26 - June 30 | 6 pm - 8 pm | Monday evenings with Monika | 6 weeks
This class will take a traditional approach to figure drawing. While drawing a live figure model from observation, you will get an introduction to using dry and wet media and practice different techniques like contour drawing and shading to create volume. We will work on large paper to become acquainted with gesture, movement, scale, and composition while sketching and drawing short and long poses.
Cost of class includes some materials and model fee
Material list
Flat, long handled (easel) brushes
Kneaded erasers
Vine Charcoal
Compressed Charcoal
Jar (for provided tempera paint)
Drawing Paper about 18” x 24” (can be purchased as sheets or in a pad) not needed for the first class****