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 Featured Artist: 

Shauna McChesney

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Watercolor Painting

    • January 28, 2026
    • March 04, 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • North Hills Art Center
    • 0
    Registration is closed

    Registration deadline:  Jan 21

    Ages 16+

    This class is for the student who wants to start painting but doesn't know where or how to start and doesn't want to invest in supplies until they've tried them out. We will sample acrylic, oil, and watercolors during this 6 weeks. All materials included.

    Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

    Dates: Wednesdays 1/28 - 3/4 (6 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.

    • January 28, 2026
    • March 04, 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • North Hills Art Center
    • 0
    Registration is closed

    Registration deadline: January 21

    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 cover a variety of watercolor techniques. Materials list below.

     

    Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

     

    Dates: Wednesdays 1/28 - 3/4

    6 sessions 

    Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 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.



    • February 09, 2026
    • March 16, 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • North Hills Art Center
    • 0
    Registration is closed

    Registration deadline: Feb 2

    Ages 16+

    Spontaneous, luminous,  and totally 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. Use the materials you have, or purchase a starter kit from NHAC. Some experience is recommended for this class.  Materials list below or bring supplies you have. Watercolor Kits are available through the NHAC - order by the registration deadline.


    Instructor: James Warmbrodt

    Dates: Mondays 2/9 - 3/16

    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.


    • February 15, 2026
    • March 22, 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • North Hills Art Center
    • 2
    Registration is closed

    Registration deadline: February 8

    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: Sundays 2/15 - 3/22

    6 sessions 

    Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm


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

    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.



    • April 13, 2026
    • May 18, 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • North Hills Art Center
    • 14
    Register

    Registration deadline: April 6

    Ages 16+

    Watercolors offer a unique opportunity to unleash an artist’s spontaneity and creativity. By simplifying subject matter and employing basic techniques, satisfying results can be achieved in a short time. Students may follow along with the instructor’s demonstration or work on their own projects. While some watercolor experience is useful, it is not required; all skill levels are welcome. Materials list below or bring supplies you have. Watercolor Kits are available through the NHAC - order by the registration deadline.

    Instructor: James Warmbrodt

    Dates: Mondays 4/13 - 5/18 (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.


    • April 15, 2026
    • May 20, 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • North Hills Art Center
    • 11
    Register

    Registration deadline: April 8

    Ages 16+

     

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

     

    Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

     

    Dates: Wednesdays 4/15 - 5/20 (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.


    • April 18, 2026
    • April 25, 2026
    • 2 sessions
    • North Hills Art Center
    • 12
    Register

    Registration deadline: April 11

    Ages 14+

    Can't make this day and time? Try the second session!

    This fun workshop focuses on expressive strokes, impasto effects and color mixing in layers to create  expressive freedom in your work. This is a fast paced, exciting experience that comes with ease after just a few minutes. All levels welcome! All materials included. 

    Instructor: Sheila Hawthorne Klotz


    Dates: Saturdays, 4/18 & 4/25 (2 sessions)

    Time: 12:30 pm - 2:30 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.


    • May 07, 2026
    • May 28, 2026
    • 4 sessions
    • North Hills Art Center
    • 8
    Register

    Registration deadline: April 30

    Ages 14+

    This fun class focuses on the feeling, rather than the photographic detail, using expressive brush strokes and “skips” overworking the details. This gives you the freedom to create some-thing impressionistic rather than “perfect.” All levels welcome.  All materials included. 

    Instructor: Sheila Hawthorne Klotz


    Dates: Thursdays 5/7-5/28 (4 sessions)

    Time: 1:30 pm - 3:30 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.


    • May 18, 2026
    • June 08, 2026
    • 3 sessions
    • North Hills Art Center
    • 9
    Register

    Registration deadline: May 11

    Ages 18+

    Spring is the perfect time to create magic. Basic drawing and anatomy skill will be introduced as well as watercolor techniques. Colored pencil will be used to detail and finish. Bring 2 references; 1 for fairies and 1 for flowers or fruit. All materials included.

    Instructor: Susan Vincent

    Dates: Mondays 5/18 - 6/8 (3 sessions)
    No class 5/25
    Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 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.


    • June 03, 2026
    • June 10, 2026
    • 2 sessions
    • North Hills Art Center
    • 11
    Register

    Registration deadline: May 27

    Ages 14+

    This fun workshop focuses on expressive strokes, impasto effects and color mixing in layers to create  expressive freedom in your work. This is a fast paced, exciting experience that comes with ease after just a few minutes. All levels welcome! All materials included. 

    Instructor: Sheila Hawthorne Klotz


    Dates: Wednesdays, 6/3 & 6/10 (2 sessions)

    Time: 1:0 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.


North Hills Art Center

3432 Babcock Blvd | Pittsburgh, PA 15237

(412) 364-3622 

info@northhillsartcenter.org


© 2026 North Hills Art Center

The NHAC is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization

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