Drawing & Painting | Art Classes & Art Lessons

Summer

OIL OR ACRYLIC PAINTING

Kenneth Freed / Studio 6
(A) Mon 6/10-7/29
6:30-9pm / 8 weeks
Prerequisite: Drawing Basics or equivalent
$245 / Members: $225

Explore oil or acrylic painting from ala prima painting to layered techniques involving underpainting and overpainting. All styles, directions and content encouraged. Bring whatever painting materials you have.

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OIL OR ACRYLIC PAINTING

Kenneth Freed / Studio 6
(B) Wed 6/12-7/31
1-3:30pm / 8 weeks
Prerequisite: Drawing Basics or equivalent
$245 / Members: $225

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OPEN MODELING

/ Studio 6
Thu 6/13-8/1 *No class July 4
6:30-9pm / 7 weeks
$220 / Members: $200

Live models will pose for students and professionals. Students must be 18 years of age or have written parental permission.

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THE PAINTED WORD

Hank Mattson / Boardroom
Tue 6/11-7/30
1-3:30pm / 8 weeks
$235 / Members: $215

From Dante to Hunter S. Thompson, visual art has played an integral role in the development of literature. In this class, we will discuss the historical intersections of visual art with the written word while learning a variety of artistic techniques employed by illustrators. Start thinking of which books you would most like to illustrate!

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URBAN SKETCHING

Hank Mattson / Boardroom
Wed 6/12-7/31
1-3:30pm / 8 weeks
$235 / Members: $215

Spend your summer afternoons in Kalamazoo with fellow artists as you sketch the local scenery and learn about perspective, composition, and quick sketching techniques. Class time will be divided between studio instruction in some basic sketching skills, and time spent outdoors in downtown Kalamazoo to practice what you have learned. Please bring a sketchbook and some of your favorite drawing tools.

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INDEPENDENT STUDY: GRAPHITE AND COLORED PENCIL

Olivia Mendoza / Multi-Purpose Classroom
Wed 6/12-7/31
1-3:30pm / 8 weeks
Prerequisite: Drawing Basics or equivalent
$235 / Members: $215

Expand your drawing abilities by pursuing the subject matter of your choice using graphite or colored pencils, with individual attention and guidance given. Projects will be self-driven and exercises in technique and method will be offered for practice. This class will serve as an environment to focus on your personal artistic growth.

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COLORED PENCIL TECHNIQUES IN REALISM

Olivia Mendoza / Multi-Purpose Classroom
Thu 6/13-8/1 *No class 7/4
6-8:30pm / 7 weeks
$235 / Members: $215

Learn methods and techniques from exercises and demonstrations designed for colored pencil realism that can be applied to a variety of subject matter. Class will begin with basic skills and then advance towards greater complexity, with the final weeks focusing on a self-chosen project.

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PET PORTRAITS IN COLORED PENCIL

Olivia Mendoza / Multi-Purpose Classroom
Thu 6/13-8/1 *No class 7/4
1-3:30pm / 7 weeks
Prerequisite: Drawing Basics or equivalent
$235 / Members: $215

Create a memorable piece capturing the spirit of your beloved pet using colored pencils! Learn various methods and receive personal guidance to illustrate your four-legged, feathered, or scaly friend. Please bring photo references with you to class.

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CALLIGRAPHY: COPPERPLATE

Kathy McCreedy / Studio 4
Wed 6/12-7/31
6:30-8:30pm / 8 weeks
$180 / Members: $160

Learn and practice the beautiful bridal hand called Copperplate. This style of calligraphy can be used on formal and informal invitations, cards for friends, and certificates. We will cover the history of Copperplate, study examples, and learn the upper and lower case letter forms in a systematic manner to simplify the process. Towards the end of the semester, we will learn a contemporary Copperplate script that is popular for correspondence, as well as experiment with colorful and metallic ink.

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BEFRIENDING DEATH: GRIEF IN NATURE

Brent Harris / KNC Visitors Center, Cooper’s Glen Auditorium
Wed 6/12-7/31
6:30-9pm / 8 weeks
$270 / Members: $250

We all have our personal and shared experiences of grief. Death of a loved one, climate anxiety, illness, and life transitions are just a few examples. Memorializing these events through ritual, community, and art making has been an important, but forgotten, part of human history. In this class, we will explore our understanding of life/death and its relationship to ourselves and the natural world. In a secluded wooded property, our class will engage in group discussions, nature walking meditations, writing reflections and create personal memorials of grief and loss using clay and natural materials.

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COLOR THEORY

Rynita McGuire / Studio 4
Wed 6/12-7/31
5:30-8pm / 8 weeks
$245 / Members: $225

Expand your arts practice with this study of color theory and application. Create artwork that emphasizes the interactions of color and its resulting perceptual effect on form and value. Learn about physical and psychological aspects of color, how to interpret color relationships, and how to apply color systems in your artwork. This class is for artists of all media to understand how color will enhance their work. Students will create color studies and artwork that demonstrates an understanding of color mixing.

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BEGINNING WATERCOLOR

Susan Badger / Online
Thu 6/13-8/1 *No class 7/4
1-3:30pm / 7 weeks
$220 / Members: $200

We will focus on the absolute basics of watercolor, and students will gain valuable information that will allow them to proceed in watercolor with the confidence that comes with a firm start.

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PAINTING FUNDAMENTALS

Hank Mattson / Studio 6
Tue 6/11-7/30
6:30-9pm / 8 weeks
$245 / Members: $225

Come learn the basics of acrylic painting! This course will cover aspects such as composition and color mixing as well as what tools are available and how to use them. Learn how to stretch and prepare a canvas, how to use acrylic mediums, and how to give your work good bones by starting off with an underpainting. No painting experience necessary. Please bring materials and reference images to class.

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ILLUSTRATE WITH PROCREATE

Rynita McGuire / Studio 4
Thu 6/13-8/1 *No class 7/4
5:30-8pm / 7 weeks
Prerequisite: iPad with Procreate and an iPencil or stylus
$215 / Members: $195

Discover the world of digital illustration with Procreate, a drawing, painting, and illustration app or the iPad. Learn how to use its tools and gestures as a fine art medium and explore the limitless techniques it has to offer.

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BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATION

Olivia Mendoza / Multi-Purpose Classroom
Wed 6/12-7/31
6-8:30pm / 8 weeks
$235 / Members: $215

Learn to render realistic illustrations of plant life using colored pencils. Lessons will have an emphasis on examining details, capturing accuracy, and using color theory to create vibrant depictions of nature. Students can provide their own reference images or use provided materials.

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PAINTING FUNDAMENTALS

Hank Mattson / Studio 6
Thu 6/8-7/2
6:30 - 9 pm / 8 weeks
$220 / Members: $200

Come learn the basics of acrylic painting! This course will cover aspects such as color mixing, application of paint, and how to use acrylic mediums. Students will get to experience painting on multiple surfaces and explore the many aspects of this fun and versatile medium. No painting experience necessary. Please bring materials and reference images to class.

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WATERCOLOR REALISM

David Yeider / Studio 6
Tue 6/11-7/30
10am-12:30pm / 8 weeks
$235 / Members: $215

This class introduces watercolor painting techniques with an emphasis on realism and artistic expression. Students will be guided to ensure individual aesthetic objectives are met. Please bring images or objects to class.

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SOFT AND OIL PASTELS

Rynita McGuire / Studio 2
Tue 6/11-7/30
5:30-8pm / 8 weeks
Prerequisite: Drawing Basics or equivalent
$245 / Members: $225

Explore oil and soft pastels and all their unique qualities. This class is suitable for both beginners and advanced students, and will explore the different kinds of pastels, blending tools, how to create layers, suitable surfaces, techniques and more.

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WATERCOLOR WITH EXPRESSION

Susan Badger / Online
(B) Wed 6/12-7/31
1-3:30pm / 8 weeks
Prerequisite: Watercolor experience
$235 / Members: $215

Develop and express your creativity with watercolor techniques including wet into wet, color mingling, and layered transparent washes. Composition, simplification of shape, color, and value will also be explored.

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WATERCOLOR WITH EXPRESSION

Susan Badger / Online
(A) Tue 6/11-7/30
6:30-9pm / 8 weeks
Prerequisite: Watercolor experience
$235 / Members: $215

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DRAWING BASICS

Pick up the pencil and learn basic drawing techniques including observational line drawing, composition, and value with a focus on black and white media. Students will receive feedback on their work, including at-home assignments and discussions on draughtsmanship, style, and visual literacy. Please bring a newsprint pad, 18” x 24” drawing pad, black markers, and pencil types 2H, HB, 2B, 6B.

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DRAWING BASICS

(B) Hank Mattson / Studio 6
Mon 6/10-7/29
6:30-9pm / 8 weeks
$235 / Members: $215

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DRAWING BASICS

(A) David Yeider / Studio 6
Tue 6/11-7/30
1-3:30pm / 8 weeks
$235 / Members: $215

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Fall