Have you ever wondered how good painters make a rose look so real you could pick it, or an apple so round and shiny you want to eat it? In this four day workshop we’ll learn to see and paint every nuance of color, light, shadow, reflection and form. This course will prepare you for mastering more complex subjects and will serve as an introduction to the luscious medium of oil paint. All materials included.

Mon-Thurs, July 29-Aug.1

This class is for students with some experience with watercolor painting who want to grow in their mastery of the medium and further develop their individual style. The class will include instructor guided projects as well as self directed work, supported by class discussions and individualized instruction.  Students will be able to expand their horizons in watercolor through trying unconventional and experimental techniques.  These activities will alternate with sessions in which students can work on their own projects. Please bring watercolor supplies and some examples of your work to the first class. 

8 Tuesdays: April 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21, June 4 (no class 5/28)

This class is specifically designed for intermediate to advanced level student artists who have previous experience drawing and painting from life, but wish to deepen their basis of studio inquiry and material mastery through structured demonstrations and concentrated one-on-one instruction. While there are no shortcuts for developing beautiful figurative paintings, there are however, a number of simple, observation-based material processes that will transform the way you think about light, color, and the human form. Please see the attached document for a more in-depth course description, a supply list, and to find out more about the teaching philosophy and work of instructor Nick Farrell.

8 Thursdays: April 11, 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23, June 6 (no class 5/30)

This course offers beginning students as well as established artists the opportunity to focus on the figure and work from nude models in a long pose. With guided instruction, strengthen your ability to effectively express your creative point of view, and develop beautiful, well-finished works. The choice of painting and/or drawing medium is yours, suggested supplies will be discussed at the first class.

6 Mondays: July 22, 29, August 5, 12, 19, 26 

Discover the fresh and transparent medium of watercolor in this class for beginners. In a fun and relaxed atmosphere, students will learn the basics about pigments and papers, color and value, and glazes and washes.  Each session will feature a series of exercises that build skills and confidence, and students will learn a variety of techniques. Classes held at the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living, 3941 Research Park Dr., AA, 48108.

This class is made possible through a partnership with the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living (CIL), and all materials are included. The CIL is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the success of children, youth and adults with disabilities at home, at school, at work and in the community. The class is open to all, and hopes to connect a broad range of people interested in art.

Learn more at annarborcil.org

6 Saturdays: April 13, 20, 27, May 18, 25, June 1 

Learn to beautifully capture the plants, flowers, and landscape in one of Ann Arbor’s premier gardens this spring. Work in the medium of your choice for six weeks on location at Matthaei Botanical Gardens.  Emphasis is placed on learning to simplify your compositions while organizing form, value, and color. Discover tips to strengthen your work all while enjoying the abundance of color. Class meets indoors in case of inclement weather. Bring your preferred medium, supplies, and a portable easel. Please note that all day parking at the Botanical Gardens is $5, so we\\\'ve reduced the cost of the class to cover your out of pocket expense.

Students meet on the front steps of the Gift Shop at Matthaei Botanical Gardens on Dixboro Rd.

6 Wednesdays: May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, June 5 

Learn how to master the medium of oil in this class for both beginning and advanced students. Group demonstrations will be given on a weekly basis, and tailored individual instruction will support each student\'s needs. Explore oil painting techniques associated with different time periods in art history, and learn about under painting, layering, painting objects and the figure from life, and landscape techniques. Group and individual critiques will be given in each class to help students achieve their best work.

This class is offered as a part of Washtenaw Community College LifeLong Learning series. Registration is processed on the WCC website in mid-March, copy and paste: http://tinyurl.com/buycnhh

8 Tuesdays: May 14, 21, June 4, 11, 18, 25, July 9, 16 (no class 5/28 or 7/2).This class is held at the Ann Arbor Art Center. 

Learn how to master the medium of acrylic in this class for both beginning and advanced students. Group demonstrations will be given on a weekly basis, and tailored individual instruction will support each student\'s needs. Explore under painting, layering, painting objects and the figure from life, and landscape techniques. Group and individual critiques will be given in each class to help students achieve their best work. Supplies will be discussed at the first class.

This class is offered as a part of Washtenaw Community College LifeLong Learning series. Registration is processed on the WCC website in mid-March, copy and paste: http://tinyurl.com/c8zy3x5

8 Wednesdays: May 15, 22, June 5, 12, 19, 26, July 10, 17 (no class 5/29 or 7/3). Class is held at the Ann Arbor Art Center.

This course is an introduction to the basic tools and techniques of the medium of watercolor and will include topics such as color, texture and composition.  Classes will include informal lectures and demonstrations, practice techniques, in class painting time and critiques.  Students will be encouraged to be self expressive while experimenting with various techniques and working from still life.  Students will also have the option to work on self directed projects. An initial supply list will be sent out before the start of this class, and additional materials will be discussed on the first day.

8 Saturdays: July 13, 27, August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, September 7 (no class 7/ 20 due to Art Fair)

Using the landscape as a jumping off point, this class will look at the landscape, compositional issues, and visual languages that venture into abstraction.  Students will develop their own vocabulary of mark making along with the tools of non-representational painting traditions.  While this class will focus primarily on the use of painting with oils, some drawing, collage, and mixed media will also be explored. We will look at artistic traditions and art historical reference points to better understand the abstract elements found in the landscape, and students will make paintings and preparatory drawings from sites both chosen by them as well as the instructor. Demonstrations will be given on a weekly basis along with tailored individual instruction, and   group and individual critiques will help students achieve a better understanding and more nuanced approach to discussing their work. This class is for students who have a basic understanding of both drawing and painting. Please see the attached supply list. Additional supplies will be discussed in class.

8 Sundays: July 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11, 18, 25, September 1

This course offers beginning students as well as established artists the opportunity to focus on the figure and work from nude models in a long pose. With guided instruction, strengthen your ability to effectively express your creative point of view, and develop beautiful, well-finished works. The choice of painting and/or drawing medium is yours, suggested supplies will be discussed at the first class.

6 Mondays: July 22, 29, August 5, 12, 19, 26 

Learn how to master the medium of acrylic in this class for both beginning and intermediate students. Group demonstrations will be given on a weekly basis, and tailored individual instruction will support each student\\\'s needs. Become comfortable with the fundamentals of color, color mixing, composition, underpainting, layering, and brush handling.  Group and individual critiques will be given in each class to help students achieve their best work. Supplies will be discussed at the first class.  

6 Thursdays: July 25, August 1, 8, 22, 29, September 5 (no class 8/ 15)

Bring your walking shoes for this class on the move. For each session, we will first meet at the Art Center and make a short walk to a new location in and around the edge of downtown Ann Arbor to paint and/or draw the urban environment. Explore aerial perspective, nature and architecture, and investigate new spaces with your brush.  Students will have the freedom to experiment with and choose different mediums to work with. Please come prepared with an easel or something else to work on, as well as the drawing and painting media of your choice. 

6 Thursdays: July 25, August 1, 8, 22, 29, September 5 (No class 8/15)

In this six week course students will explore a variety of painting media such as oil and acrylic and learn how to incorporate photography and collage to produce interesting abstract works. Students will also become familiar with contemporary artists and relevant movements in art history. Group and individual instruction will be given with emphasis on building personal style. Classes will include an art vocabulary, which will be used throughout the course. Positive critiques will be given to encourage students to make their paintings be the best they can be. Materials will be discussed in class.

6 Tuesdays: July 30, August 6, 13, 20, 27, September 3

Inspired by the exhibition Isamu Noguchi / Qi Baishi / Beijing 1930, this brush painting workshop gives participants of all skill levels a chance to investigate the beauty of ink. Explore gestural drawing and painting by working directly from a clothed model, and experiment using large format paper laid on the floor. All materials will be provided. This class meets at the Universitiy of Michigan Museum of Art (in the multi-purpose room located in the Frankel Wing). Must register at least 3 days in advance