WORKSHOPS

Please sign-up at least three (3) days before the scheduled dates of workshops to allow teachers enough time for planning and preparation of any necessary materials. Participants signing up after that point will be accommodated if space is available. NSAL Membership is not required for workshops.

Oil Painting with Cold Wax - bring your art to the next level, adding layers and texture!

Instructor: Maria Sundqvist

Maria is an accomplished artist who has been using cold wax with her oil paint as a method of adding depth and atmosphere to her paintings. Building your current skills and if you like layers and texture- Maria will share techniques on how to create translucency and interest in your paintings.

Using traditional and non-traditional tools (like brayers, sticks, cards, etc.) you will learn how to create other-worldly images as well as being able to add a fresh look to your paintings.  This workshop is best for experienced students with a knowledge of oil painting and composition. Maria will make this a fun day dedicated to exploring your art, further your skill and expanding your ability to create your works.  You will leave with a completed piece!

When: Saturday, 10/11

Time: 12:30pm-5:30pm

Cost: $220

Monotype Printing with a Gelli Plate

Instructor: Janet Trierweiler

Experimenting with Gelli Plate monotypes has added a fun and exciting new dimension to my painting practice. Working in layers, students will learn to work with mark-making, stencils, masking and making creative tools out of common household items. Learn how to use the right paper to get the affects you desire. Water-based ink, Golden Open Acrylics or fluid acrylics can be used with the Gelli Plates. Short supply list. 

When: Saturday, 10/18 

Time: 12:30pm-5:30pm

Cost: $195

“Painting with Paper” Workshop – all supplies included! 

Enter the Colorful World of Paper ART! 

Instructor: Joyce Elias

Artist, Joyce Elias’ new collages are inspired by the work of Henri Matisse. The focus of this workshop is color, form and design. The class will begin with a discussion about Matisse and other inspirational artists. A variety of techniques and fine art paper material options will be presented. Students will create their own colorful, next-level art pieces to take home. The workshop will wrap up with a gentle critique session. All supplies included. 

This art form can be done anywhere you are inspired! 

When: Sunday, 10/26

Time: 10:00am-3:00pm(includes 1/2 hour lunch break)

Cost: $195

Noted Pastel Artist Terri Ford will be here for a special two-day workshop! Offered in partnership with the Chicago Pastel Painters.

Illuminate Your Pastel Paintings!

Instructor: Terri Ford

In this 2-day workshop Terri will be explaining and demonstrating her Deeper, Darker, Richer Mantra combined with her Thin to Thick, Dark to Light process. Her under-paintings are designed to establish strong value patterns and composition while capturing essential lighting conditions and spatial qualities within the painting.  She then proceeds with the painting using layers of pastel applied with varying pressure to create different conditions and texture. Layering the pastel with a light touch to begin with and incrementally increasing the light and pressure adds greatly to the depth and luminosity of the painting.

On Day 1 Terri will do an underpainting describing why she chooses the colors she uses, the amount of pressure and how she is composing the painting. She will then do an alcohol (Denatured or Isopropyl) wash that sets this layer of pastel. She will then apply a few spots of the first layer explaining all the way. Participants will then start their own underpainting and first layer for the rest of the day.

On Day 2 Terri will proceed with her demonstration adding more layers and increasing pressure as she goes. Participants will follow suit. For faster workers Terri encourages multiple paintings.

The Workshop will end with a thorough discussion of the paintings.

When: Saturday and Sunday, 11/8 & 11/9  

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Cost: $360 ($350 prior to 8/31/25 with Early Registration Discount: pastel)

Block Printmaking - Without a Press!  

Instructor: Janet Trierweiler

Learn easy-carve block printing to create bold graphic art and pattern design. You’ll learn about designing for the block, using the tools and how to print without a press. We’ll practice and discuss how to combine block prints with painting, textile and other printmaking processes such as Gelli prints. This experimental process will add a fun and exciting new dimension to your work.

When: Saturday, 11/15

Time: 12:30pm-5:30pm 

Cost: $195

Back by popular demand!

Watercolor – Clouds and Skies - all supplies included!

Instructor: Fran Vail

Join us for this special workshop! We’ll study the many moods of skies, an essential aspect of landscapes. Using washes, dry-brush and other techniques, we’ll explore dramatic clouds, storms and sunsets. Painting is all about color, applying it in different ways to create the effect your painting needs, placing one hue next to another to enhance the mood you wish to convey. Fran will demonstrate and guide you through painting a cloud-laden sky over ocean waves.

You’ll explore light on water and clouds, and discuss forms of clouds and waves, composition, color and painting techniques to capture the drama. 

When: Sunday, 11/16

Time: Noon-5:00pm

Cost: $195