North Shore Art League

(847) 446-2870

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    • HOME
    • Classes
      • Adult Classes
      • Workshops
      • Youth Classes
      • 2026 Youth Summer Camps
      • Spring 2026 Schedule
      • Winter 2026 Schedule
      • Categories
      • Supply Lists
    • EXHIBITS
      • Exhibits Calendar 2025-26
      • Water! 2026
      • inchworks 2025
      • Members' Show 2025
      • GO BIG! 2025
      • "Inspired by..." 2025
      • TIPS for Online Images
      • Disclaimer
    • ABOUT US
      • History
      • Faculty
      • Board of Directors/Staff
      • Contact
      • Job Opportunities
      • Policies
    • SUPPORT
      • Become a Member
      • Make a donation!
      • Volunteer
      • Sponsors
    • EVENTS
      • 2026 ART IN THE VILLAGE
      • 101st Annual Benefit

(847) 446-2870

North Shore Art League
  • HOME
  • Classes
    • Adult Classes
    • Workshops
    • Youth Classes
    • 2026 Youth Summer Camps
    • Spring 2026 Schedule
    • Winter 2026 Schedule
    • Categories
    • Supply Lists
  • EXHIBITS
    • Exhibits Calendar 2025-26
    • Water! 2026
    • inchworks 2025
    • Members' Show 2025
    • GO BIG! 2025
    • "Inspired by..." 2025
    • TIPS for Online Images
    • Disclaimer
  • ABOUT US
    • History
    • Faculty
    • Board of Directors/Staff
    • Contact
    • Job Opportunities
    • Policies
  • SUPPORT
    • Become a Member
    • Make a donation!
    • Volunteer
    • Sponsors
  • EVENTS
    • 2026 ART IN THE VILLAGE
    • 101st Annual Benefit

WORKSHOPS

eheWPlease 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.


“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, 2/22

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

Cost: $195


Advanced Monotype Printing with a Gelli Plate

Instructor: Janet Trierweiler

Experienced with Gelli Printing and want to learn more advanced techniques? This workshop is for you! We’ll practice block printing, collage and unique painting processes to mono-printing skills. Learn how to create and collect tools for texture, line and stamping. Experiment with trace monotype and a variety of papers. Water-based ink, Golden Open Acrylics or fluid acrylics can be used with the Gelli Plates. Short supply list.

When: Saturday, 2/28

Time: 12:30pm-5:30pm

Cost: $195


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, 3/7

Time: 12:30-5:30 PM

Cost: $195


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, 3/14

Time: 12:30-5:30 PM

Cost: $195


Painting Snow in Watercolor: Capturing Light, Shadows and Mood 

Instructor: Fran Vail

Join us for this special workshop! Snow may appear white at first glance, but for watercolorists, it’s a dance of light, shadows and reflected color. In this five hour workshop, we’ll explore how to paint convincing and atmospheric snow scenes without ever relying in white paint. With addition of Fran’s demos, students will learn to use the white of the paper, transparent layers and subtle temperature shifts to capture the luminous quality of snow under different lighting conditions. Most supplies included; short supply list.

When: Sunday, 3/29

Time: Noon-5:00 PM

Cost: $195


Colored Pencil: BOTANICALS! all supplies included 

Instructor: Lyndsay Murphree

Using live floral specimens, you will learn the principles of botanical art in this beginner friendly workshop. Choosing the right colored pencils for drawing botanicals can be overwhelming!  In the second half of class, we will cover colored pencil techniques such as layering and blending to finish off your drawing in vibrant color. We will work with the pencils to gain a better understanding of how to mix and layer, and begin to build a deeper understanding of color. Whether you are looking for realism, or want to be a little more creative, understanding color will help you achieve the results you want. This workshop is suitable for beginners, or intermediate students. All supplies included! 

When: Saturday, 4/18

Time: 12:30-4:30pm

Cost $195 


WATERCOLOR BOOTCAMP: Basics for Absolute Beginners! - most supplies included!

Instructor: Kris Van Stockum
Curious about watercolor but not sure where to start? This gentle, beginner-friendly bootcamp is designed to take the fear out of watercolor and replace it with confidence, play, and real skills you can use right away.

We’ll break watercolor down into simple, approachable steps—learning how water and pigment work together, practicing essential brushstrokes, exploring core techniques like wet-on-wet and layering, gaining confidence with color mixing (without overwhelming color theory), and the how’s and why’s of selecting paper, brushes and pigments. Through guided exercises and supported mini-projects, you’ll move from practice to a few small finished paintings in a relaxed, encouraging environment.

No prior experience is needed. This workshop is perfect for first-time painters or anyone who has “tried watercolor before” but felt frustrated or stuck. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of how watercolor works and the confidence to keep painting on your own. Short supply list; most supplies included. All levels welcome. Absolute beginners encouraged.

(There will be a 30-minute lunch break. Feel free to bring a lunch or stop in one of the many close-by restaurants for carry-out. There is a refrigerator in the studio)

When: Sunday, April 26

Time: 9:30am-3:30pm

Cost: $225


Don’t miss a chance to study with a nationally-known artist, speaker, children’s book author and illustrator David Michael Slonim! 

Deep Dive: Color Structure 

Instructor: David Michael Slonim

This workshop unlocks secrets of color/structure so you can paint with more freedom and confidence than ever before.  Over time I came to understand that master painters don't paint what they see. Instead, they intentionally design structured color harmonies. And just like musical chords, these common color structures have names; they can be learned. Learning them changed me as an artist, and it changed how people responded to my art. As you practice using the 12 most common color structures found throughout art history, your color choices will immediately result in more beautiful and expressive paintings.  I will share color principles that apply whether you paint landscapes, still life, portraits, or abstracts. Whatever your style, this is for you! I won’t teach how to paint like me, but how to paint like you, better than ever. Come ready for an upbeat, encouraging course, and go home energized to paint your best work yet. All styles welcome. Oils, acrylics, and watercolors welcome. Space is limited – grab your spot! 

Topics include: 

· How to Create Structured Color Harmonies

· Image Structure: Key Concepts

· The Power of Hierarchy in Color

· The Secret of Color Transitions 

· Seeing Color in Nature, Film, and Pop Culture 

· Staying Open to Wonder, Curiosity, and Surprise

· Overcoming Personal Obstacles 

· Painting with Confidence and Freedom

When: Saturday & Sunday, May 9th & 10th

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Cost: $495 


Back by popular demand!

Spring Blossoms in Watercolor - all supplies included!

Instructor: Fran Vail

Join us for this special workshop! 

Working with live blooms, you’ll learn to mix colors that capture the exquisite hues of delicate blossoms and the natural greens of foliage in all their variety. Fran will demonstrate subtle shading techniques, color palettes and floral textures. She’ll discuss backgrounds and compositions that will make your floral paintings stand out and get noticed. Join her for a joyful, workshop that will move your floral paintings to a new level of artistic skill and enthusiasm. 

When: Sunday, 5/17

Time: Noon-5:00pm

Cost: $195

Join us this spring!


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