Adult Painting

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• WS-209 Watercolor Fundamentals: Wash Control (FA25)

  • When
    September 07, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    7

  Register

  Registration deadline: Aug 31

  Ages 16+

  Whether you are just starting out or looking to hone existing skills, this workshop offers tools to help you gain more control in your work.  We will learn basic watercolor physics, practice 3 foundational wash techniques and learn to avoid the watercolorist's most common pitfall.

  Instructor: Saige Runyan

  
  

  Date: Sunday 9/7

  1 session

  Time: 10:00 am - 12:30 pm

  Materials:

  The following materials are suggestions, and do not need to be followed to the letter. Bring what you have. You will get the best experience out of the workshop if your materials are fairly similar. This is also a decent starting kit for watercolor painting in general.

  I recommend shopping online at Blick Art Materials, Cheap Joe's Art Stuff, or Jerry's Artarama, as they will have the best prices. Alternatively, you should be able to find these supplies on Amazon or at any art supply store.

  Feel free to contact the art center if you have questions.

  • Large round watercolor brush (such as size 12).
  • 11"x14" sheet of 100% cotton cold or rough press watercolor paper. Although it can be pricey, quality watercolor paper will make wash control significantly easier. I usually use Arches cold press 140 lb paper. For the best value, purchase a full sheet (22"x30") and I can show you how to tear it down to the desired size.
  • Watercolor mixing palette.
  • Pencil and eraser.
  • 1" roll of masking or painter's tape.
  • Watercolor paint in the primary colors (red, blue, and yellow). Pans work just fine, but tubes provide more paint for the price, and may be squeezed into empty pans to dry. For example:
  • • Indian Yellow (a warm yellow)
    • Pyrrol Scarlet (a warm red)
    • Cobalt Blue (a neutral blue)

  For examples of appropriate materials, click here.

  Because this class is after office hours, please use the red side door to enter.
  

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• A-209 Exploring Watercolors (FA25)

  • Start
    September 08, 2025
  •  
  • End
    October 27, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    8 sessions
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    5

  Register

  Registration deadline: Sept 1

  Ages 18+

  
  

  Douglas Brown paints with a focus on controlled realism, and you can learn the secrets of his technique. Each class will start with a short demo of the subject of the week. Students will receive individual attention and will work at his or her own pace. Some watercolor knowledge recommended. 

  Materials list here. If you have your own supplies, feel free to bring them to class instead. Watercolor Kits are available through the NHAC - Order by registration deadline.

  
  

  Instructor: Douglas Brown

  
  

  Dates: Mondays 9/8 - 10/27

  8 sessions

  Time: 10:30 am  - 1:30 pm 

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.
  

  Show details
• A-218 Mushroom Magic (FA25)

  • Start
    September 08, 2025
  •  
  • End
    September 29, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    4 sessions
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    2

  Register

  Registration deadline: 9/1

  Ages 16+

  Relax and transport yourself into the ethereal world of the forest while illustrating some mushrooms! We will be using watercolor and colored pencil on illustration board or watercolor paper. Make room in your schedule for some 'shrooms! Please bring a hard copy of a reference, NOT from your phone. All other materials included. Optionally, students may bring their own supplies.

  
  

  Instructor: Susan Vincent

  Please note that the below dates are corrected from the paper catalog.

  Dates: Mondays 9/8 - 9/29
  4 sessions

  Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

  Because this class is after office hours, please use the red side door to enter.

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.

  Show details
• A-201 Painless Painting - Tuesday Mornings (FA25)

  • Start
    September 09, 2025
  •  
  • End
    October 21, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    0

  Registration deadline: June 10

  Ages 16+

  Can't make this day and time? Look here.

  Explore oil and acrylic painting in a relaxed atmosphere. Experienced painters can work to develop their personal style or try a new technique. New artists will be taught the basics of composition, color theory, and painting techniques. Paint from a provided still life or bring a photo/picture to paint. Each class includes demos and individual instruction. Materials list can be found below or if you have your own supplies, feel free to bring them to class instead. Oil and Acrylic Kits available through the NHAC and can be picked up the first day of class.  Must order one week prior: 

  Oil Kit

  Acrylic Kit

  
  

  Materials List

  
  

  Instructor: Kim Freithaler

  
  

  Dates: Tuesdays 9/9 - 10/21 (no class 9/16)

  6 sessions

  Time: 10:00 am - 12:30 pm

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.
  

  
  

  Show details
• A-204 Beginner Painting for Adults (FA25)

  • Start
    September 09, 2025
  •  
  • End
    October 21, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    7

  Register

  Registration deadline: Sept 2

  Ages 18+

  
  

  Also consider the second session beginning Oct 28!

  
  

  Students will focus on blending with value studies and the process of preparing a canvas before painting it. We will discuss the ways in which you can find multiple colors within a picture. If requested, skin tones will also be discussed and students will be taught to blend their own. By the end of this class, students will have a better understanding of color theory.

   

  Instructor: Jamie Monaghan

   

  Dates: Tuesdays 9/9 - 10/21 (NO CLASS 9/16)

  6 sessions 

  Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

  Because this class is after office hours, please use the red side door to enter.
  

  
  

  Materials List:

  
  

  For paint, you can use oil or acrylic. The list of colors I teach with are:

  - Titanium White

  - Mars Black

  - Raw Umber

  - Burnt Sienna

  - Alizarin Crimson

  - Naphthol Crimson

  - Cobalt Blue

  - Phthalocyanine Blue

  - Yellow Ochre

  - Cadmium Yellow Deep or Medium Hue

  
  

  For your brushes, please be sure to get brushes with a good spring to it and a variety of sizes. The types I use most in my classes are listed below, but feel free to get all types if you would like.

  - Angled

  - Flat

  - Filbert

  - Round

  
  

  Additionally, please bring a glass or paper palette.

  
  

  If you are painting in oils, you will need linseed oil or lean medium.

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.
  

  Show details
• A-219 Portrait Painting in Acrylics (FA25)

  • Start
    September 10, 2025
  •  
  • End
    October 15, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    6

  Register

  Registration deadline: Sept 3

  Ages 18+

  This class will help painters with some experience dive into painting portraits in acrylic from photo references. Students will learn many topics, including selecting and cropping reference photos, mixing realistic skin tones, creating different textures, judging values, and tips for fixing mistakes or investigating their work when something just seems "off." The course will be structured around working on one portrait over the course of six sessions. Materials list below.

  
  

  Instructor: Cheryl Templeton

  Dates: Wednesdays 9/10 - 10/15
  6 sessions

  Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

  MATERIALS LIST:

  I will have some supplies for students to try out during class, including many brushes, palette paper, a mister, additional paint colors, and painting mediums.

  Your reference photos! I will send more information on choosing reference photos.

  A 16"x20" or 18"x24" stretched canvas pre-primed and ready to use.

  Recommended paint colors (I use Liquitex Heavy Body Acrylics):
  

  • Burnt Sienna
  • Titanium White
  • Ultramarine Blue
  • Cadmium Red Medium
  • Naples Yellow
  • Yellow Ochre/Yellow Oxide
  • Burnt Umber
  • Raw Umber

  Acrylic glazing medium and slow-dry medium.

  A range of brush sizes, including one quite large 1.5"-2" brush for background work (like you might get at a home improvement store). I tend to use bright brushes, but flats and filberts can also come in handy.

  Stay-wet palette is recommended, such as Masterson Sta-Wet Red Premier Palette 12"x16".

  Palette paper in grey, such as Jack Richeson Grey Matters Paper Palette.

  Small misting spray bottle to moisten paint on a palette.

  Grayscale value finder. You can purchase one or create your own (I'll send a YouTube link).

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.

  Show details
• A-202 Painless Painting - Wednesday Evenings (FA25)

  • Start
    September 10, 2025
  •  
  • End
    October 22, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  Registration deadline: Sept 3
  Please note: Ages 21+

  Can't make this day and time? Look here.

  
  

  Explore oil and/or acrylic painting in a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying a glass of wine. It's optional, but you can bring your favorite wine to share. Seasoned painters can work to develop their personal style or try a new technique. New artists will learn the basics of composition, color theory, and painting techniques. Paint from a provided still life or bring a photo/picture to paint.

  
  

  Materials list can be found below or if you have your own supplies, feel free to bring them to class instead. Oil and Acrylic Kits available through the NHAC and can be picked up the first day of class. Must order one week prior:
  

  Oil Kit

  Acrylic Kit

  
  

  Materials List

  
  

  Instructor: Kim Freithaler

  
  

  Dates: Wednesdays 9/10 - 10/22 (no class 9/17)

  6 sessions

  Time: 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

  Because this class is after office hours, please use the red side door to enter.
  

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• A-310 Soft Pastels (FA25)

  • Start
    September 15, 2025
  •  
  • End
    October 20, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    6

  Register

  Registration deadline: Sept 8

  Ages 16+

  
  

  Soft pastels are a vibrant and rewarding painting medium! This class will cover using the pastels in a variety of techniques and with a variety of surfaces.  All levels are welcome as we explore the pastel sticks and pan pastels. All materials included. 

  
  

  Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

  
  

  Dates: Mondays 9/15 - 10/20

  6 sessions

  Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

  
  

  Because this class is after office hours, please use the red side door to enter. 

  
  

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.
  

  Show details
• WS-202 Loose Impressionist Watercolor (FA25)

  • Start
    September 18, 2025
  •  
  • End
    September 25, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    4

  Register

  Registration deadline: Sept 11
  

  Ages 14+

  Discover the magic of light and color. We will develop a loose and spontaneous style to develop the feeling and atmosphere rather than the intricate details. Create beautiful, expressive watercolor paintings using Loose Impressionist style. All materials included. 

  Instructor: Sheila Hawthorne Klotz

  
  

  Date: Thursdays 9/18 & 9/25

  2 sessions

  Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

  
  

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.
  

  
  

  Show details
• WS-210 Watercolor Fundamentals: Color Mixing (FA25)

  • When
    September 21, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    8

  Registration is closed

  Registration deadline: Sept 14

  Ages 16+

  In this focused workshop, we will explore color mixing and color theory so that you can feel confident in creating harmonious and intentional color palettes in your work.  See the color wheel in a whole new way and discover the full spectrum of hues you can create using only three pigments. 

  Instructor: Saige Runyan

  Date: Sunday, 9/21

  1 session

  Time: 10:00 am - 12:30 pm

  Materials:

  The following materials are suggestions, and do not need to be followed to the letter. Bring what you have.

  I recommend shopping online at Blick Art Materials, Cheap Joe's Art Stuff, or Jerry's Artarama, as they will have the best prices. Alternatively, you should be able to find these supplies on Amazon or at any art supply store.

  Feel free to contact the art center if you have questions.

  • Watercolor brush. A 1/2" flat brush works well, or around a size 10 round.
  • 11"x14" sheet watercolor paper.
  • Watercolor mixing palette.
  • Pencil and eraser.
  • Watercolor paint in the primary colors (red, blue, and yellow). Pans work just fine, but tubes provide more paint for the price, and may be squeezed into empty pans to dry. For example:
  • • Indian Yellow (a warm yellow)
    • Pyrrol Scarlet (a warm red)
    • Cobalt Blue (a neutral blue)

  For examples of appropriate materials, click here.

  Because this class is after office hours, please use the red side door to enter.

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.

  Show details
• WS-207 Palette Knife Acrylic Painting (FA25)

  • Start
    October 02, 2025
  •  
  • End
    October 09, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    8

  Register

  Registration deadline: Sept 25
  

  Ages 14+

  Learn and fall in love with palette knife painting! The loose and abstract look, texture, and style of it brings so much freedom and fun to a painting. It is relaxing and freeing and feels like you're breaking the rules a little. Come join in the fun. All materials included. 

  Instructor: Sheila Hawthorne Klotz

  
  

  Date: Thursdays 10/2 & 10/9

  2 sessions

  Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

  
  

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.

  Show details
• WS-215 Textured Animal Painting (FA25)

  • When
    October 11, 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    6

  Register

  Registration deadline: 10/4

  Ages 13+

  We will be focusing on the texture of animals, using acrylic paint on a leather-like canvas. This surface really lends itself to creating wonderful fur and scales and is very easy to do! Great to try on boots, shoes, and purses! All skill levels welcome. Please bring a hard copy of a reference, NOT from your phone. All other materials included. Optionally, students may bring their own supplies.

  
  

  Instructor: Susan Vincent

  Date: Saturday 10/11
  1 session

  Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

  Because this class is after office hours, please use the red side door to enter.

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.

  Show details
• A-211 Watercolor Painting (FA25)

  • Start
    October 13, 2025
  •  
  • End
    November 17, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    12

  Register

  Registration Deadline: Oct 6

  Ages 16+

  
  

  Spontaneous, luminous, unpredictable—all words to describe watercolor painting. Take a break from your daily routine and channel your creativity as we explore this medium. Follow along with the instructor's demonstration or work on your own project. All skill levels welcome. Materials list below or bring supplies you have. Watercolor Kits available through the NHAC - order by the registration deadline.

  Instructor: James Warmbrodt

  
  

  Dates: Mondays 10/13 - 11/17

  6 sessions

  Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

  Because this class is after office hours, please use the red side door to enter.

  Materials List:

  Students are encouraged to use materials already in their possession and to replenish supplies, using this list as a guide:

  Paper: 140 lb. cold-pressed (9x12 or larger)

  Brushes: flat tipped (1/2” or larger); round (varying sizes, at least one large and one small)

  Paints: (tubes not cakes; student grade or artist grade) ultramarine blue; Prussian blue; burnt sienna; raw sienna; cadmium red; cadmium yellow

  Painting surface: drawing board; Masonite board; watercolor block

  Pencil

  Soft eraser

  Hair dryer

  Masking tape

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• WS-214 Impressionist Acrylic Painting (FA25)

  • Start
    October 16, 2025
  •  
  • End
    October 23, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    1

  Register

  Registration deadline: Oct 9

  Ages 14+

  Do you want to have fun while learning to paint like the French Impressionist Masters? Join us for an informal class learning style and using small, visible brush strokes that offer the bare impression of form, unblended color and an emphasis on the accurate depiction of natural light. All materials included.

  Instructor: Sheila Hawthorne Klotz

  Dates: Thursdays 10/16 & 10/23

  2 sessions

  Time: 2:00 - 4:00 pm

  Show details
• A-204.2 Beginner Painting for Adults (FA25)

  • Start
    October 28, 2025
  •  
  • End
    December 09, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    9

  Register

  Registration deadline: Oct 21

  Ages 18+

   

  Students will focus on blending with value studies and the process of preparing a canvas before painting it. We will discuss the ways in which you can find multiple colors within a picture. If requested, skin tones will also be discussed and students will be taught to blend their own. By the end of this class, students will have a better understanding of color theory.

   

  Instructor: Jamie Monaghan

   

  Dates: Tuesdays 10/28 - 12/9 (No class 11/25)

  6 sessions 

  Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

  Because this class is after office hours, please use the red side door to enter.
  

  
  

  Materials List:

  
  

  For paint, you can use oil or acrylic. The list of colors I teach with are:

  - Titanium White

  - Mars Black

  - Raw Umber

  - Burnt Sienna

  - Alizarin Crimson

  - Naphthol Crimson

  - Cobalt Blue

  - Phthalocyanine Blue

  - Yellow Ochre

  - Cadmium Yellow Deep or Medium Hue

  
  

  For your brushes, please be sure to get brushes with a good spring to it and a variety of sizes. The types I use most in my classes are listed below, but feel free to get all types if you would like.

  - Angled

  - Flat

  - Filbert

  - Round

  
  

  Additionally, please bring a glass or paper palette.

  
  

  If you are painting in oils, you will need linseed oil or lean medium.

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.
  

  Show details
• A-213 Georgia O'Keeffe Color Mixing Studies (FA25)

  • Start
    November 03, 2025
  •  
  • End
    November 17, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    5

  Register

  Registration deadline: Oct 27

  Ages 18+

  Using Georgia O'Keefe's landscapes, we will explore color mixing and the importance of values in a painting. We will use acrylic paints and canvases to expand our color mixing skills. The first paintings will be done as a class. Students will work from their own reference photo for the second painting. All materials included.

  
  

  Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

  Date: Mondays 11/3 & 11/17
  3 sessions

  Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.

  Show details
• A-208 Watercolor Basics (FA25)

  • Start
    November 05, 2025
  •  
  • End
    December 10, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    9

  Register

  Registration deadline:  Oct 29

  Ages 16+

   

  Painting with watercolors is such a fluid and exciting process. We will explore the unique qualities of watercolors as we create our paintings. All skill levels welcome as we review the supplies and processes to complete works of art. Students will be able to work along with the instructor, as well as work on individual projects. We will master a variety of watercolor techniques. 

  Materials list below.

   

  Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

   

  Dates: Wednesdays 11/5 - 12/10

  6 sessions 

  Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

  
  

  Materials list:

  
  

  - Tube watercolors with color names

  - Watercolor paper (140 lb. weight)

  - Round and flat watercolor brushes

  - Palette

  - Any other supplies you have

  
  

  Click here to purchase a watercolor kit!

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.

  
  

  Show details
• A-217 The Science of Watercolor (FA25)

  • Start
    November 05, 2025
  •  
  • End
    December 17, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    10

  Register

  Registration deadline:  April 25

  Ages 16+

   

  Watercolor is a luminous, challenging, and rewarding medium.  Its apparent unpredictability can be both intriguing and frustrating; but there is a science behind the magic! Come study watercolor physics, learn valuable techniques, and work individually with the instructor to develop your practice. All levels welcome.

   

  Instructor: Saige Runyan

   

  Dates: Wednesdays 11/5 - 12/17 (No class 11/26)

  6 sessions 

  Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

  
  

  Materials:

  The following materials are suggestions, and do not need to be followed to the letter. Bring what you have. This is also a decent starting kit for watercolor painting in general.

  I recommend shopping online at Blick Art Materials or Jerry's Artarama, as they will have the best prices. Alternatively, you should be able to find these supplies on Amazon or at any art supply store.

  Feel free to contact the art center if you have questions.

  • Large round watercolor brush (such as size 12).
  • Medium round watercolor brush (such as size 8).
  • Small round watercolor brush (such as size 2).
  • Cold or rough press watercolor paper, preferably 100% cotton. Although it can be pricey, quality watercolor paper will make wash control significantly easier. I usually use Arches cold press 140 lb paper. For the best value, purchase in full sheets (22"x30") and I can show you how to tear it down to the desired size.
  • Watercolor mixing palette. (optional, studio palettes available for use)
  • Water jar. (optional, studio palettes available for use)
  • Pencil and eraser.
  • 1" roll of masking or painter's tape.
  • Watercolor paint in at least the primary colors (red, blue, and yellow). A Payne's Gray or other neutral may also be helpful. Pans work just fine, but tubes provide more paint for the price, and may be squeezed into empty pans to dry. For example:
  • • Indian Yellow (a warm yellow)
    • Pyrrol Scarlet (a warm red)
    • Ultramarine Blue (a warm blue)

  For examples of appropriate materials, click here.

  
  

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.

  Show details