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.
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, 12/5
Time: 12:30-5:30pm
Cost: $200
Colored Pencil Workshop
Let There Be Light! Capturing light through luminous layers
Instructor: Lyndsay Murphree
Using professional layering techniques in colored pencil, ignite your creativity by mastering the illusion of radiant light and rich warmth against a dramatic dark backdrop. We will render a glowing lantern or candle directly on black paper. By capturing the vivid shift from fiery ambers to deep shadows, you will discover how to make your artwork appear genuinely illuminated from within. All supplies included.
When: Saturday, 2/6
Time: 1:00-4:00pm
Cost: $195
Escape the Winter Chill! - beach, sand and sea watercolor workshop
Instructor: Fran Vail
Trade the frosty Midwest Winter for a sundrenched shore and turquoise waters. This five hour Sunday watercolor workshop will give you time to master several watercolor techniques to create a warm, sunny seascape. Wash away the winter blues as we dive deep into the vibrant, fluid world of tropical watercolor painting. Whether you are looking to capture a memory of a favorite vacation or simply want to surround yourself with bright, tropical hues while the snow flies outside, this extended session will give you the perfect amount of time to master watercolor techniques without feeling rushed.
You’ll master dry brushing, wet-in-wet and strategic paper preservation for brilliant whites. After practicing your color mixing and brush techniques, Fran will paint step-by-step demonstrations for your final painting. She’ll provide personalized one-on-one guidance to help you refine your details and final high contrast highlights.
Skill level beginner to intermediate. All supplies provided.
When: Sunday, February, 7
Time: 12:30-5:30pm
Cost: $198
NEW!
Eco-Conscious Creativity Workshop
Instructor: Janet Trierweiler
After years of researching and testing non-toxic alternatives to both acrylic paint and oil paint solvents, I found a solution that gives outstanding results. I now work with acrylic, oil and mix media techniques in a non-toxic studio! No plastics from acrylic paint going down the drain and into the environment. I have created an eco-conscious environment for myself and you can too! Keeping both my inside and outside environments safe, puts my mind at ease while creating. The Natural Earth Acryliks I use work with regular acrylic paint so you can make a gradual change by replacing your supplies as needed. In this workshop you'll try out and learn about these and other eco-conscious materials, techniques and healthy ways to enhance your creativity. All supplies included.
When: Saturday, 2/20
Time: 12:30-5:00pm
Cost: $198
Explore the World of Colorful Collage!
Instructor: Joyce Elias
Explore the art of collage using a variety of handmade paper and printed materials. We’ll begin with making a collage sketchbook. This is a project that can be continued on your own. During the workshop we will focus on creating a collage on a wood panel. The finished work will be ready to hang in your home! We will conclude with a review of collage supplies and a gentle critique. You’ll leave with a confidence to continue to create collages at home.
All skill levels are welcome!
When: Sunday, March 7
Time: 12:30-5:30pm
Cost: $198
Internationally acclaimed pastel artist/teacher
Simplifying a Complex Subject - 2 Day Workshop
Instructor - Susan Kuznitsky
All that detail can be daunting! But I love it! It comes down to simplifying shapes.
What you will learn:
1. Choosing and cropping your photo reference – composition and size.
2. What to leave in and what to leave out – how much detail is enough.
3. Gridding method to lay out your drawing.
4. Underpainting with large shapes.
5. Working into the large shapes to create the illusion of detail.
6. Refining your painting – lost and found edges
About the class:
Each day there will be a Demo and PowerPoint presentations in the morning and help at your easel in the afternoon. Work from my photo references or your own. Short supply list.
When: Saturday and Sunday, 3/13 & 3/14, 2027
Time: 10:00am-4:00pm
Cost: $425
Instructor: David Michael Slonim
All great art is structured--whether films, novels, poetry, plays, dance, music, or painting. Unstructured paintings go to hotel lobbies to die! Learning image structure will elevate your art beyond describing what you see. I will not teach you to paint like me, but to paint YOUR way, with YOUR voice and vision, only better. This workshop is for all painters, whether representational or abstract; oils, watercolors, collage, and acrylics are welcome. Risk-taking will be celebrated. Timeless principles, illustrated by many master examples of many genres from art history, will ignite your creativity! Come be encouraged and inspired in a fun, upbeat atmosphere and go home equipped to paint your best work yet.
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 5/14, 5/15, & 5/16, 2027
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Cost: $525
Join us this winter!