Alexandria Public Schools Community Education

Are you stuck on a painting or drawing and would like a concentrated period of time to receive feedback and work on it? Then this might work for you! Each session will begin with a 30 minute demonstration on a technique and subject of choice by the instructor. Students will then receive individual critiques and input on a drawing or watercolor painting they are working on. Bring your own supplies and the painting or drawing you want to begin or have an opportunity to finally finish!

If your goal is to become a published freelance writer by selling a magazine article, short story, poem, or even a novel to a traditional publisher, this comprehensive workshop will guide you to, then past the editor's desk. You will discover how to: become a “published” writer overnight submit manuscripts the correct way find the right publisher for your work write irresistible query letters determine when and how to get an agent 100 ways to make money as a freelance writer If you really want to succeed, this step-by-step workshop is a must! A detailed tutorial will be emailed to set up your free Zoom account, then the webinar login information and materials will be sent the day of class.

Artists are observers who see the world around them in different ways. Learning how to draw requires first learning to "look" with preconceptions. Students will practice the instructor's way of looking and drawing from observation and experiment with a number of drawing techniques that have been used by artists for centuries. This class is geared toward beginners but is suitable for those who wish to refresh their drawing skills or just need a class assignment to get them started. All supplies provided by instructor.

This course will teach you how to use plants as the subject of art with easy approaches and many visual examples. You will learn how to observe and approach subjects for drawing, creatively transfer what you see to paper, how to use elements of line, shape, and space to make a composition and layer color pencil for tonal accuracy. All drawing abilities are welcome-including beginning drawing!

Self Publishing is all the rage, but is it the best option for YOU? (participants must attend “Beginner’s Guide to Getting Published”) And, can you do both? You will discover the pros and cons of all the self publishing options, including print-on-demand and e-book publishing, as well as Amazon options. You will leave with a rated description of 50 self publishing companies. A detailed tutorial will be emailed to set up your free Zoom account, then the webinar login information and materials will be sent the day of class.

In this comprehensive session, you will learn about special screenwriting terms and formats for television and the big screen. You will also learn how to plot a story, develop characters, and execute your work in the proper screenwriting format. You will discover the difference between a Treatment, a Spec Script and a Shooting Script and when to do each. And, you’ll get an inside look into the business of selling your script to agents and producers. A detailed tutorial will be emailed to set up your free Zoom account, then the webinar login information and materials will be sent the day of class.

The best way to learn or to improve your drawing skills is to get lots of practice! If you’re a beginner needing guidance, or have some experience but need a refresher, this class is designed to get you on the right track. You will receive individual help with the skills you most need to practice: line, value, proportion, texture — whatever you need to further develop your confidence and artistic eye. This class is designed to advance your individual progress, in a fun and supportive environment. Each week a different drawing theme with useful techniques will be explored. (Still life, landscape, botanical, and more).

This class is for students who have learned the basic watercolor skills and are ready to take the next step in developing their own work and style. This class develops the student's confidence in developing original paintings from photographs. Students will work on compositional design, creating an area of focus, value planning and color harmony. Students will receive individual coaching to help them realize their visions and work at their own pace. Bring your regular watercolor materials and ideas (photos) for the first painting.

New to painting? The introductory workshop in the art of watercolor welcomes all beginners. This workshop will help participants discover what happens when paint meets paper! Topics will cover the selection of paints, brushes and paper; mixing color; loading and handling the brush; and application styles. By the end of the workshop, students will be creating simple watercolor compositions.