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.
Colored Pencil: FALL PUMPKINS, GOURDS & MORE! 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, 10/17
Time: 12:30-4:30pm
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: Sunday, 10/18
Time: 12:30-5:30pm
Cost: $195
Abstract Landscape Painting with Oil & Cold Wax -bring your paintings 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. 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 get to explore the medium in quicker and smaller paintings on paper before spending longer time painting on a gesso board. You will leave with a completed piece or more!
When: Saturday, 10/24
Time: 12:30-5:30pm
Cost: $230
Colorful Autumn - Watercolor Workshop – all supplies included!
Instructor: Fran Vail
Embrace the rich palette of fall by painting a moody, expressive autumn landscape or a vibrant botanical. This workshop will focus on maximizing brush control, layering luminous fall colors, and using contrast to create the illusion of glowing autumn sunlight.
Participants learn essential wet-on-wet techniques, color mixing, and blending to create their own stunning masterpieces. Working with live blooms, you’ll learn to mix colors that capture the exquisite hues of fall foliage in all their variety. Fran will demonstrate subtle shading techniques, color palettes and textures. She’ll discuss backgrounds and compositions that will make your paintings stand out and get noticed. Join her for a joyful, workshop that will move your watercolor paintings to a new level of artistic skill and enthusiasm.
When: Sunday, 10/25
Time: Noon-5:00pm
Cost: $195
Watercolor Rescue Mission - How to Fix, Transform & Finish a Painting
Instructor: Kris Van Stockum
Every watercolor artist has a painting that starts with promise and then somehow goes off the rails. In this hands-on workshop, students will learn how to diagnose what isn't working and discover creative strategies for bringing a struggling painting back to life. Through demonstrations, guided exercises, and individual problem-solving, we’ll explore how to strengthen weak values, revive muddy color, improve composition, simplify overworked areas, and redirect the viewer’s eye. Students will learn when to lift, glaze, soften, sharpen, crop, simplify—or even completely rethink—a painting. The goal is not simply to "fix" a painting, but to develop the confidence and artistic judgment to respond creatively when things don't go as planned. All supplies included.
When: Saturday, 11/14
Time: 12:30-3:30pm
Cost: $198
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
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, March 13 & 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, May 14, 15, & 16, 2027
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Cost: $525
Join us this fall!