WINTER 2025 ADULT/TEEN CLASSES
In-Person Winter 2025 Adult/Teen Classes
$10 discount on any class when you register prior to December 1. This allows teachers enough time for planning and preparation of any necessary materials. If you know you want to take a class with us this winter, take advantage of this special discount – it helps us plan and it helps you save money! Click on the blue links to register. Use code: winter25 at checkout. To receive the discount for multiple classes, please register for each class separately and use the code.
Essentials of Building a Painting
Instructor: Lisa DePinto
This class is well suited for someone wanting to continue to paint with instruction and encouragement or someone aspiring to learn the process of starting and bringing a painting to completion. Discussions and exploration of what inspires as far as subject matter, painting approaches as well as handling of the medium. All painting mediums are welcome. Whether composing a painting from life (still life) or a photograph, the strong basics of composition, drawing, light and dark patterns and color are essential. Class will include demos, discussions of each other's work, masterworks and contemporary painters.
When: 1/6-3/17 (10 classes)
No class 1/20
Time: 9:30am-12:30pm
Cost: $350
Instructor: Fran Vail
Discover the limitless possibilities of the wonderful world of watercolors and pastels. Frequent demonstrations will enhance your knowledge of the mediums and advance your level of comfort by studying various materials, composition, techniques and useful tips as they relate to your individual projects.
When: 1/6-3/24 (8 classes)
No class 1/20, 2/24, 3/3, 3/10
Time: 1:00-4:00pm
Cost: $294
Virtual Class via Zoom
Instructor: Thomas Trausch
Thomas Trausch, a career artist since 1975, works in both oils and watercolor where he is a Master Signature member of TWSA.
This 6-week ZOOM class (all water media and oils are invited) will stress proven
designs, sensible use of color and the dominance of values to produce stronger paintings. These elements of art apply to all media and your personal voice will be highly encouraged and respected. A demonstration begins each session (1 in oil and 1 in watercolor) with a
an explanation of the decisions being made. Questions are encouraged. Please use supplies you now own and any reference materials you would like to work with. We will be doing a painting a day, so choose the appropriate size for you i.e., 9”x 12" to 16" x 20".(You will receive a suggested supply list)
When: Mondays, 1/6-3/17 (10 classes)
Time: 10:00-12:30
No class 1/20
Cost: $295
TUESDAY
Oil & Acrylic/ Oil Pastels - Tuesdays
Instructor: Nancy Behles
Develop painting skills related to composition, brushwork and color mixing. Bring your own projects to work on, work from photographs, or paint from still life set-ups in the studio. Beginners welcome.
When: 1/7-3/18 (11 classes)
Time: 9:00am-noon
Cost: $378
Instructor: Janet Trierweiler
Come learn essential abstract methods and techniques to enhance your understanding of Abstract Composition. Students work in series in order to evolve through an investigation of your own work and explore personal expression in line, form and color. These new skills help you achieve a new level of creativity and give you the confidence to develop an exciting and cohesive body of work. All levels are welcome.
When: 1/7-3/18 (11 classes)
Time: 1:00-4:00pm
Cost: $378
NEW!
Plein Air Primer – Techniques to Bring your Studio Outside
Instructor: Mark Cleveland
Plein air painting (or the act of painting outside in the natural world) has become very popular enticing studio and amateur artist to find enjoyment in this journey. Whether a professional or novice, this class will teach you time honored techniques and short-cuts learned by painting alongside prominent Chicago plein air artists. My primary medium is Oil, but you can apply these techniques to acrylic and to gouache to a degree (watercolor not recommended). Classes will be held in the studio with supporting text, assignments and weekly voluntary critiques to help you learn and practice these “Plein air fundamentals.”
Artistic Emphasis: I’ll be teaching a framework to achieve the best execution “en plein air”.
1. Composition: The unity of a painting, design, balance, movement, rhythm.
2. Craftsmanship: We’ll emphasize fundamentals of drawing, values, skill with the medium, paint handling, presentation.
3. Challenge: We’ll cover methods artists use to meet the challenges of painting outside. Special techniques to manage weather, fleeting light effects and wet on wet painting.
4. Color: We’ll experiment with color harmony, relationships, balance.
5. Perspective: I’ll emphasize the proper use of single and multiple perspectives where applicable
6. Compelling: Techniques we use to create irresistible visual impact, make the painting memorable and tell a story.
Concepts we’ll cover:
Use of field sketching, stepping outside your routine, equipment, creating a journey for the viewer, perspective, design principles (like the rule of 3rds and golden ratio.
When: 1/7-3/11 (10 classes)
Time: 7:00-9:30pm
Cost: $350
WEDNESDAY
The Path to Painting Success (Offering two – 5-week sessions)
Instructor: Michael Van Zeyl
Open to all levels, we will explore painting techniques from classical masterworks and also learn about more contemporary methods, providing fundamentals that will help each student gravitate to their own personal painting style. This class will empower students to make creative decisions that will launch or refine the development of a unique artistic vision. Students will learn about the essentials of the picture-making process including: composition and design, value structure, color harmony and paint application. Find out how to approach the entire process and select appropriate surfaces to achieve a desired result.
When: Two, 5-week sessions
Time: 10:00am-3:00pm
Cost: $360 each 5-week session
Three special figure sessions!
Drawing & Painting from Live Clothed Model - Portrait/Figure
Join notable artist and faculty member Michael Van Zeyl for a 3-hour live model session. Individual instruction aimed at sharpening draftsmanship or improving painting skills. We will study from the live model and work on the fundamentals of proportion, construction, and block-in techniques. We will explore the different approaches while using light and shadow. Model fee included in tuition.
When: 1/8, 2/26, 4/9
Time: 1:00-4:00pm
Cost: $165 all three; OR $65 one session
Instructor: Nina Weiss
Delve deep into your painting practice! Master composition, gesture, line, color study & expressive color usage. Techniques such as broken brushstroke, optical color mixing, layering and glazing will be studied. Individual instruction and group critique will enhance the students' learning experience.
When: 1/8-3/12 (10 classes)
Time: 7:00-9:30pm
Cost: $350
THURSDAY
Instructor: Lisa DePinto
Figurative work is the most challenging and stimulating form of drawing-a great addition to any art portfolio! In this class you will learn to draw the human form from direct observation, beginning with short and working to longer poses, exploring line, tonal value, proportions, personal expression and perspective…all essential to seeing and translating the figure as a whole. All levels of experience are welcome as well as all mediums. Class will include preparation and demonstration. Students are also welcome who wish to transition from drawing to painting, looking for a starting point to painting or just looking to delve deeper into painting. Model fees included with tuition!
When: 1/9-3/13 (10 classes)
Time: 9:30am - 12:30pm
Cost: $410
Oil & Acrylic/ Oil Pastels - Thursdays
Instructor: Nancy Behles
Develop painting skills related to composition, brushwork and color mixing. Bring your own projects to work on, work from photographs, or paint from still life set-ups in the studio. Beginners welcome.
When: 1/9-3/20 (11 classes)
Time: 1:00-4:00pm
Cost: $378
Virtual Class via ZOOM
Innovative Approaches to Pen/ink and Watercolor
Instructor: Thomas Trausch Thomas Trausch, a career artist since 1975, works in both oils and watercolor where he is a Master Signature member of TWSA.
Using pen and ink techniques, you will create textures and emphasize the important parts of your work. Bold and beautiful washes in watercolor will be painted to balance the ink line drawings. Combining these 2 mediums creates a pleasing balance between line and color masses. Edge variations as well as value manipulation will be emphasized for greater depth. Open to all students, no need to have taken previous virtual classes – always new material to be covered! Short supply list.
When: Thursdays, 1/9-2/27 (8 classes)
Time: 1:00-3:30pm
Cost: $250
Instructor: John Fleck
John is an accomplished painter, comfortable with oil, acrylic, gouache, pastel, and a variety of drawing media. Work on the painting project of your choice, using your own reference, or paint a still life set up in class. You will be guided and encouraged with suggestions for your process. You will learn new techniques and ways to improve. Spend class time growing as an artist in a welcoming and creative atmosphere! Open to beginners through seasoned artists.
When: 1/9-3/20 (11 classes)
Time: 6:00-8:30
Cost: $378
FRIDAY
Portrait/Figure- Independent Study
Monitor: Samantha Younis
This open studio option has a clothed model with a monitor, no instruction. Come work in the medium of your choice. Sessions will start with quick poses for warm up, then long pose for 3 weeks. Model fees included in tuition.
When: Fridays, 1/10-2/28 (8 classes)
Time: 1:00-4:00pm
Cost: $250
ANY DAY----Independent Study NSAL Faculty
Private, one-on-one instruction and critique for those wanting personalized attention. Time is flexible. Schedule one lesson or a series. Cost: $75 per hour
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In-Person Fall 2024 Adult/Teen Classes
MONDAY
Essentials of Building a Painting
Instructor: Lisa DePinto
This class is well suited for someone wanting to continue to paint with instruction and encouragement or someone aspiring to learn the process of starting and bringing a painting to completion. Discussions and exploration of what inspires as far as subject matter, painting approaches as well as handling of the medium. All painting mediums are welcome. Whether composing a painting from life (still life) or a photograph, the strong basics of composition, drawing, light and dark patterns and color are essential. Class will include demos, discussions of each other's work, masterworks and contemporary painters.
When: 9/16-12/16 (13 classes)
No class 9/30
Time: 9:30am-12:30pm
Cost: $411
Virtual Class via ZOOM
Painting with a Purpose…how to use Colors, Values, and Design more effectively to step-up your work
Instructor: Thomas Trausch
This 6-week ZOOM class (all water media and oils are invited) will stress proven
designs, sensible use of color and the dominance of values to produce stronger paintings. These elements of art apply to all media and your personal voice will be highly encouraged and respected. Questions are encouraged. Please use supplies you now own and any reference materials you would like to work with. We will be doing a painting a day, so choose the appropriate size for you. You will receive a suggested supply list.
When: Mondays, 9/23-10/28 (6 weeks)
Time: 10:00am-12:30pm
Cost: $195
Watercolor and Pastels - FULL
Instructor: Fran Vail
Discover the limitless possibilities of the wonderful world of watercolors and pastels. Frequent demonstrations will enhance your knowledge of the mediums and advance your level of comfort by studying various materials, composition, techniques and useful tips as they relate to your individual projects.
When: 9/16-12/16 (13 classes)
No class 9/30
Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm
Cost: $416
TUESDAY
Oil & Acrylic/ Oil Pastels - Tuesdays
Instructor: Nancy Behles
Develop painting skills related to composition, brushwork and color mixing. Bring your own projects to work on, work from photographs, or paint from still life set-ups in the studio. Beginners welcome.
When: 9/17-12/17 (13 classes)
No class 10/1
Time: 9:00am-noon
Cost: $416
Instructor: Janet Trierweiler
Come learn essential abstract methods and techniques to enhance your understanding of Abstract Composition. Students work in series in order to evolve through an investigation of your own work and explore personal expression in line, form and color. These new skills help you achieve a new level of creativity and give you the confidence to develop an exciting and cohesive body of work. All levels are welcome.
When: 9/17-12/17 (13 classes)
No class 10/1
Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm
Cost: $416
WEDNESDAY
The Path to Painting Success (Offering two – 5-week sessions)
Instructor: Michael Van Zeyl
Open to all levels, we will explore painting techniques from classical masterworks and also learn about more contemporary methods, providing fundamentals that will help each student gravitate to their own personal painting style. This class will empower students to make creative decisions that will launch or refine the development of a unique artistic vision. Students will learn about the essentials of the picture-making process including: composition and design, value structure, color harmony and paint application. Find out how to approach the entire process and select appropriate surfaces to achieve a desired result.
When: Two, 5-week sessions
Session 1: 9/11-10/16, no class 9/25
Time: 10:00am-3:00pm
Cost: $355 each 5-week session
One special figure session!
Drawing & Painting from Live Clothed Model - Portrait/Figure
Join notable artist and faculty member Michael Van Zeyl for a 3-hour live clothed model session. Individual instruction aimed at sharpening draftsmanship or improving painting skills. We will study from the live model and work on the fundamentals of proportion, construction, and block-in techniques. We will explore the different approaches while using light and shadow. Model fee included in tuition.
When: 12/11 (1 class)
Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm
Cost: $65
Instructor: Nina Weiss
Delve deep into your painting practice! Master composition, gesture, line, color study & expressive color usage. Techniques such as broken brushstroke, optical color mixing, layering and glazing will be studied. Individual instruction and group critique will enhance the students' learning experience.
When: 10/2-12/11 (10 classes)
No class 11/27
Time: 7:00pm-9:30pm
Cost: $335
THURSDAY
Instructor: Lisa DePinto
Figurative work is the most challenging and stimulating form of drawing-a great addition to any art portfolio! In this class you will learn to draw the human form from direct observation, beginning with short and working to longer poses, exploring line, tonal value, proportions, personal expression and perspective…all essential to seeing and translating the figure as a whole. All levels of experience are welcome as well as all mediums. Class will include preparation and demonstration. Students are also welcome who wish to transition from drawing to painting, looking for a starting point to painting or just looking to delve deeper into painting. Model fees included with tuition!
When: 9/19-12/19 (11 classes)
No class: 9/26, 10/3, 11/28
Time: 9:30am - 12:30pm
Cost: $397
Oil & Acrylic/ Oil Pastels - Thursdays
Instructor: Nancy Behles
Develop painting skills related to composition, brushwork and color mixing. Bring your own projects to work on, work from photographs, or paint from still life set-ups in the studio. Beginners welcome.
When: 9/19-12/19 (11 classes)
No class 9/26, 10/3, 11/28
Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm
Cost: $362
Virtual class via Zoom
Innovative Approaches to Pen/Ink and Watercolor
Instructor: Thomas Trausch
A very popular class – Thomas is always teaching new techniques! Using pen and ink techniques, you will create textures and emphasize the important parts of your work. Bold and beautiful washes in watercolor will be painted to balance the ink line drawings. Combining these 2 mediums creates a pleasing balance between line and color masses. Edge variations as well as value manipulation will be emphasized for greater depth. Open to all students, no need to have taken previous virtual classes – continually covering new material! Short supply list.
When: Thursdays, 11/7-12/19 (6 weeks)
No class: 11/28
Time: 1:00pm-3:30pm
Cost: $210
Instructor: John Fleck
John is an accomplished painter, comfortable with oil, acrylic, gouache, pastel, and a variety of drawing media. Work on the painting project of your choice, using your own reference, or paint a still life set up in class. You will be guided and encouraged with suggestions for your process. You will learn new techniques and ways to improve. Spend class time growing as an artist in a welcoming and creative atmosphere! Open to beginners through seasoned artists.
When: 10/10-12/19 (10 classes)
No class 11/28
Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm
Cost: $335
FRIDAY
Monotype Gelli Printing and Collage
Instructor: Janet Trierweiler
Create exciting collage papers with a Gelli plate.
Explore Gelli printing techniques with water-based inks and acrylic paint.
We'll combine these Gelli prints with other collage materials to make
distinctive abstract collage paintings.
When: 10/4-11/8 (6 classes)
Time: 9:30am-12:30pm
Cost: $242
Portrait/Figure- Independent Study
Monitor: Miss Sam
This open studio option has a clothed model with a monitor, no instruction. Come work in the medium of your choice. Sessions will start with quick poses for warm up, then long pose for 3 weeks. Model fees included in tuition.
When: Fridays, 10/11-12/6 (7 classes)
No session 11/15, 11/29
Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm
Cost: $220
ANY DAY---- Independent Study NSAL Faculty
Private, one-on-one instruction and critique for those wanting personalized attention. Time is flexible. Schedule one lesson or a series. Cost: $75 per hour.
Join us!
We invite you to become a member of the NSAL and register for one of our winter 2025 adult classes.