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!

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!

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.