ActonArt

Drawing School

 

Adult and HomeSchool Classes - Spring

 

In addition to the regular Foundation Classes, Advanced/Specialty Classes, and Manga & More Classes that are available to everyone on weeknights and Saturdays we also offer these daytime classes.

• SIX, EIGHT, OR TWELVE CLASSES per Trimester depending on the class. Please note what is listed in descriptions
Monday March 17 through Monday, June 16 (last Saturday class June 21)
• Many classes are available IN-STUDIO or as SIMULTANEOUS (in-studio or online) classes

DRAWING CLASSES
ADULTS (and TEENS)

ADULT DRAWING 1 with CHRIS
Da Vinci Horse Drawing
  • WEDNESDAY: 1–3pm

• 12 weeks of class
• No critiques, criticism, or comparisons
• No prior skills needed

ADULT DRAWING 1

Have you ever wished you could draw but didn't know where to begin? Perhaps you even feel intimidated by the idea of taking a drawing class because you don't believe you have "talent" or don't already know how to draw. Drawing is a skill that can be taught and learned and it's never too late to learn. ActonArt's Drawing for Adult Beginners course will introduce you to the concepts and visual perceptions that are the basic foundation of realistic / representational drawing in a relaxing, no-critique environment. Guided projects and exercises will cover the use of line (edges), tone (light and shadow), spaces (negative and positive), and relationships (perspective, proportion, etc.) A variety of mediums may be used, including graphite, charcoal, marker, soft pastel or colored pencil. No experience is necessary or expected. All high quality materials are included in the course fee.
ADULT BEGINNER PASTEL DRAWING ONLINE with TRACY
Onion Drawing
  • TUESDAY: 10am-12pm ONLINE

• 6 Classes Starting April 2nd
• No prior drawing experience necessary

ADULT BEGINNER PASTEL DRAWING ONLINE

Beginner Pastel Drawing - Ever wanted to learn how to paint with soft pastels but didn't know where to start? This is the class for you! This virtual adult beginner pastel class will teach both how to "see to draw" to develop and fine-tune your drawing skills as well as the beautiful blending properties of soft pastels. The class focus will be on the introduction of pastel painting techniques to develop the ability to see and represent a full range of light, shadow, and color on paper.

As in all ActonArt classes, there is no critique, commentary, or competition, and students are encouraged to assess their own work.

This virtual class allows you to learn in the comfort of your own home and will enable you to access our class recordings for use at your convenience.

You can see what materials we recommend on our supplies page.
ADULT PORTRAIT DRAWING with JULIE
charcoal portrait study
  • TUESDAY: 10:30am-12:30pm

• 12 weeks of class
• For Intermediate students
• No critiques, criticism, or comparisons

ADULT PORTRAIT DRAWING

Portrait drawing is designed to teach the fundamental structure of portraiture. While faces in general have near infinite variety the approach to drawing a face is actually quite simple. We'll explain how the relationships of eyes, nose and mouth can be used to make accurate and realistic drawings. But line-work alone will not make a realistic drawing, so we'll also be working with light and shadow, texture, and even a bit of perspective.

We'll use graphite and charcoal primarily for projects and may have time for some pastel. You can see what materials we recommend on our supplies page.

Students who wish to join this class should have some experience with drawing. While it's not an advanced class, having basic skills in place will make your experience much more enjoyable.
ADULT DRAWING 2 with CHRIS
Da Vinci Horse Drawing 2
  • THURSDAY: 1–3pm

• 12 weeks of class
• No critiques, criticism, or comparisons
• For Intermediate students

ADULT DRAWING 2

Drawing for Adults 2 offers a continuing focus on visual training, planning and process. Students seek both naturalistic realism and an opportunity for creative expression. Class projects develop visual perception and drawing skills while exposing students to a wide variety of techniques and media. Subject matter may include: animals, landscape, still life, the human form, as well as various artists and art periods. Students will be encouraged to develop their own style and creative approach.

This class is intended for students who are:
• moving up from ADULT DRAWING 1,
• prior drawing experience with another program

• STUDENTS coming in as a new student without prior experience should join the ADULT DRAWING 1 class.

• STUDENTS WITH A FULL YEAR or more of experience at the ADULT DRAWING 1 level should join the LEVEL 2 class. This assumes they can fully engage with projects and need minimal help completing a basic drawing.
ADULT FACES, FEATURES & FIGURES with JULIE
charcoal hand study
  • MONDAY: 11:30am-1:30pm

• For Intermediate to Advanced students
• 8 weeks of class

ADULT FACES, FEATURES & FIGURES

Our FFF class is for students who are engaged with their artwork at a more serious level. Students who feel they want a more complete and hands-on learning experience. This 3-part class will offer guidance in developing skills needed for realistic/representational drawing of people. The 1st trimester will introduce the skills and techniques of drawing faces/heads. The 2nd trimester will present some of the most unique challenges including hands, feet, hair, fabric folds, body foreshortening and distortion, plus any specific features that students identify as personal challenges. The 3rd and final trimester will address complete bodies, some light anatomy and live model (clothed) figure drawing.

Part 1: Faces — 8 classes, Early Sept. to Early Dec.
Front view, 3/4 view, profile, foreshortened, highlighted, shadowed, with expressions, male, female, you name it...

Part 2: Features — 8 classes, Early Dec. to mid-March
Hands, feet, hair, fabric folds, body foreshortening and distortion, overall integration of faces, figures and features.

Part 3: Figures — 8 classes, Mid-March to late Jun.
Stick-figure, point to point, gestural, anatomy (light), bodies in motion, perspective, proportion, and more...

ADULT DRAWING 3 - BARGUE'S DRAWING with JULIE
Da Vinci Horse study
  • WEDNESDAY: 10:30am-12:30pm

• Recommended for experienced participants
• 8 weeks of class

ADULT DRAWING 3

The Charles Bargue Drawing Course is the collected set of knowledge from centuries of academic art education. It is being used in classical art academies throughout the world. It was developed and widely used in the mid-19th century as a foundational exercise for fine art training. Traditional art schools and academies have long followed this proven approach to demonstrate and teach the principles of shape, proportion, value and form.

This class will present a number of Charles Bargue classic drawing projects. We recommend that students have a complete understanding of drawing concepts prior to beginning this class.

PAINTING CLASSES
ADULTS (and TEENS)

ADULT INTRO TO PAINTING with JULIE
Intro to painting Still Life
  • FRIDAY: 1–3pm In-Studio

• 8 weeks of class
• Watercolor, Acrylic and Oil paints
• No critiques, criticism, or comparisons
• Prior drawing skills recommended

ADULT INTRO TO PAINTING

We have had many requests for a general painting instruction class over the years. Since we’ve recently expanded our studio space—resulting in more blocks of teaching time—we can finally fit it in!

Introduction to Painting is a beginner to intermediate level painting class. This is NOT to say it’s appropriate for beginner artists however. Students with an intermediate level drawing ability are ideal candidates for this class because we will not be able to provide drawing instruction. Since many artists prefer to have a simple drawing in place when starting a painting, students must have basic drawing skills in place already.

Students will learn about watercolor, acrylic and oil paint and materials, and variety of techniques.

Because each medium is distinctly different in the way it is used, technique is extremely important, and that’s what we’ll be teaching.

If you’ve always wanted to try painting this is the perfect class to learn the foundation skills of these various mediums — or to take what you already know to a higher level.

Call 978-266-1600 for more information, or register online today!

Julie Ripley, the instructor for this class, is a John Peto National Trompe L’oeil competition award winner.

ADULT ACRYLIC PAINTING with JULIE
Acrylic Horse painting
  • FRIDAY: 10:30am-12:30pm IN STUDIO

• 8 weeks of class
• No critiques, criticism, or comparisons
• Prior drawing skills recommended

ADULT ACRYLIC PAINTING

Explore the different mediums and techniques available for acrylic painting. Including direct painting, glazing with gel mediums, and palette knife paintings. Subject matters will include portraits, animals, landscapes, and still lives. This class will explore different surface textures and how to incorporate materials into your paint and paintings.

ADULT WATERCOLOR PAINTING with JULIE
watercolor flower and fruit
  • TUESDAY: 1–3pm In-Studio

• 8 weeks of class
• No critiques, criticism, or comparisons
• Prior drawing skills recommended

ADULT WATERCOLOR PAINTING

Watercolor Painting for Adults is a beginner to intermediate level painting class. This is NOT to say it’s appropriate for beginner artists however. Students with an intermediate level drawing ability are ideal candidates for this class because we will not be able to provide drawing instruction. Since many artists prefer to have a simple drawing in place when starting a painting, students must have basic drawing skills in place already.

Students will learn about watercolor using variety of techniques. - Blending, masking, wiping out, also combining watercolor paint with Pen and watercolor pencils.  Subject matter will range from still lives, to portraits, to landscapes.

If you’ve always wanted to try watercolor painting this is the perfect class to learn the foundation skills.

Julie Ripley, the instructor for this class, is a John Peto National Trompe L’oeil competition award winner.

ADULT OIL PAINTING with JULIE
oil painting bird
  • THURSDAY: 10:30am-12:30pm IN-STUDIO

• Prior drawing skills required
• 8 Weeks of Classes

ADULT OIL PAINTING

LEARNING TO PAINT WITH OILS is far easier than you might think and incredibly satisfying. This full trimester introductory class is designed for teens and adults. The class will be presented by Julie Ripley, a superb professional oil painter and also a regular drawing instructor at ActonArt. Julie has an MFA from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design and is frequently featured in galleries throughout New England. Julie is also a John Peto National Trompe L’oeil competition award winner.

THESE CLASSES WILL PRESENT A SERIES OF PROJECTS, most of them multi-week, designed to teach and guide students through basic processes that are common to many oil paintings. Students will typically be able to choose their own subject matter but reference materials will always be available to assist them if needed.  We recommend that students have some drawing ability however since we will be making simple underdrawings that our paintings will be developed upon.

It’s easy to see why so many people equate oil painting with “fine art.” So many of the master artists we commonly think of worked primarily in oil paint and the iconic masterworks of centuries past tend to be paintings done in oils. It doesn’t take an art conservator to understand why oils have claimed the mantle of popularity among artists. They are remarkably versatile to work with providing artists a broad range of creative options on the canvas. The pigments mix cleanly providing rich colors with clarity and depth. Once cured the medium is stable and capable of enduring many hundreds of years without severe aging effects. The surface can even be cleaned to remove airborne grime and contaminants.

We provide all needed supplies including water soluble oil paints that allow for easy soap and water clean-up at the end of a day of painting. No more toxic solvents and noxious fumes. Life is good, and oil painting is great!

If you have ever found yourself attracted to the idea of learning to paint with oils this is a perfect opportunity. The price is right, the instructor is top notch and the curriculum is serious but completely approachable for beginners. We hope you'll join us!

ADULT STUDIO ART with JULIE
Sunset over water painting
  • THURSDAY: 10:30am-12:30pm

• Recommended for intermediate to more experienced participants
• 8 weeks of class

ADULT STUDIO ART

This class has been designed for people who have some experience and would like studio time for independent work/experimentation while having he benefit of professional guidance when working with new materials and techniques. All high quality materials are included in the course fee.

Now you can feed your artistic brain, be guided through the use of new materials and techniques, and have complete freedom to work independently all in the same class! Register today and come have some fun!

HOMESCHOOL
CLASSES

HOMESCHOOL DRAWING 1 ONLINE with TRACY
Temple Drawing
  • WEDNESDAY: 1-2pm ONLINE

AGES 5-8.5 Years Old
• 12 Weeks of classes

HOMESCHOOL DRAWING 1 ONLINE

HOMESCHOOL-1 introduces students to a structured drawing process which includes learning how to "see to draw," plan and follow through.

The class projects are designed to guide students toward developing drawing skills while encouraging personal expression and creativity. While many of the projects are guided, each student is allowed and encouraged to work with his or her own vision and produce a unique finished piece.

As in all ActonArt classes there is no critique, commentary or competition and students are encouraged to assess their own work. In this safe environment students learn that they can follow their instincts, explore new ideas and take chances in their work without fear of criticism.

Placement of children in the appropriate class level is subject to Director's recommendation.

You can see what materials we recommend on our supplies page.
HOMESCHOOL DRAWING 1 with CHRIS
Koala Drawing
  • MONDAY: 2-3pm

AGES 5 to 8.5 Years Old
• 12 Weeks of classes

HOMESCHOOL DRAWING 1

HomeSchool 1 introduces students to a structured drawing process which includes learning how to "see to draw," plan and follow through.

The class projects are designed to guide students toward developing drawing skills while encouraging personal expression and creativity. While many of the projects are guided, each student is allowed and encouraged to work with his or her own vision and produce a unique finished piece.

As in all ActonArt classes there is no critique, commentary or competition and students are encouraged to assess their own work. In this safe environment students learn that they can follow their instincts, explore new ideas and take chances in their work without fear of criticism.

Placement of children in the appropriate class level is subject to Director's recommendation.
HOMESCHOOL DRAWING 2 ONLINE with TRACY
Blue Footed Boobies Drawing
  • TUESDAY 1-2:30pm ONLINE

AGES 8 (minimum) & up
• 12 Weeks of classes

This class level is for students who are a MINIMUM of 8 years of age. We cannot place students under the minimum age in this class level.

HOMESCHOOL DRAWING 2 ONLINE

HOMESCHOOL-2 drawing offers a continuing focus on visual training, planning and process. These older students seek both naturalistic realism and an opportunity for creative expression. Class projects develop visual perception and drawing skills while exposing students to a wide variety of techniques and media. Subject matter may include: animals, landscape, still life, the human form, as well as various artists and art periods. Students will be encouraged to develop their own style and creative approach. Placement of students in the appropriate class level is subject to Director's recommendation.

These classes are intended for students who are:
• 8 years old at a minimum, and moving up from either the BASIC-1 DRAWING or HOMESCHOOL 1 DRAWING CLASSES,

You can see what materials we recommend on our supplies page.
HOMESCHOOL DRAWING 2 with CHRIS
Koala Drawing 2
  • FRIDAY 2-3:30pm

AGES 8 (minimum) & up
• 12 Weeks of classes

This class level is for students who are a MINIMUM of 8 years of age. We cannot place students under the minimum age in this class level.

HOMESCHOOL DRAWING 2

HOMESCHOOL-2 drawing offers a continuing focus on visual training, planning and process. These older students seek both naturalistic realism and an opportunity for creative expression. Class projects develop visual perception and drawing skills while exposing students to a wide variety of techniques and media. Subject matter may include: animals, landscape, still life, the human form, as well as various artists and art periods. Students will be encouraged to develop their own style and creative approach. Placement of students in the appropriate class level is subject to Director's recommendation.

These classes are intended for students who are:
• 8 years old at a minimum, and moving up from either the BASIC-1 DRAWING or HOMESCHOOL 1 DRAWING CLASSES,
HOMESCHOOL - MEET the MASTERS with TRACY
Orange Cow Drawing
  • WEDNESDAY 2:30-4pm ONLINE

AGES 8 (minimum) & up
• 12 Weeks of classes

This class level is for students who are a MINIMUM of 8 years of age. We cannot place students under the minimum age in this class level.

HOMESCHOOL- MEET THE MASTERS

HOMESCHOOL - MEET the MASTERS Learn like a master artist! This class provides a unique opportunity to introduce students to a variety of master artists throughout history. Each week will introduce one master artist, the art movement of their time, as well as their own personal style, process, and artistic journey. Just as artists have learned from each other throughout history, we too, will make observations about the master artist's choices including color, composition, proportion, light and shadow, and texture while we create our own masterpieces in their likeness through this guided drawing class. The virtual class will focus on both instruction and discussion to help us learn from each other. As in all ActonArt classes, there is no critique, commentary, or competition, and students are encouraged to assess their own work.

These classes are intended for students who are:
• 8 years old at a minimum, and moving up from either the BASIC-2 DRAWING or HOMESCHOOL 1 DRAWING CLASSES,

You can see what materials we recommend on our supplies page.


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