Classes

6:00 PM - 9:00PM CDT on Wed. Class activities include art anatomy presentations with discussion, active learning through quick sketch drawing from live models, muscle and skeletal models. Structures covered include bones, bony landmarks, muscle compartments and individual muscles. Layman’s terms will augment or replace scientific terminology whenever possible. Class goals are for the student […]

Time : 10:00AM - 1:00PM CDT on Thur --- Oil Painting — Still Life introduces layered painting techniques perfected by Dutch and Italian masters of the 17th century. Each session begins with an instructor's demonstration of form rendering, warm and cool color applications, and use of scumbling and glazing. Working from the instructor's still life […]

In this class, students will draw four different nude figures or portraits from life in graphite (one drawing per week). Students can decide whether they wish to draw the figure or portrait each week. Instruction will include demonstrations and individual critiques, and will focus on understanding the gesture, structure, and perspective of the model in space as […]

The course explores methods of capturing the essentials of rhythm, weight-bearing, and balance of the figure in line and tone. Recognition of anatomical 'landmarks’ provides the basis of forms that describe action, tension, and motion in the body—the essentials in constructing convincing and expressive form in drawing. Each session begins with instructor's demo that covers […]

In this class, students can choose between drawing one cast the entire 6 weeks or painting 6 still lives (1 per week). Cast drawing instruction will focus on the principles of proportion and value as well as the mechanics of form, light, and shadow. Students will learn to combine 2D and 3D thinking in order […]

Time : 2:00PM - 5:00PM CDT on Sun --- How can one improve pictorial ideas and techniques? What are essential tools and concepts employed by visual artists? This course covers the basics of composition, perspective drawing, and color theory and application. Through a series of short projects, students investigate ideas and techniques used by painters […]

6:30 PM - 9:00PM CDT on Mon. & Wed. This class is designed for anyone, from beginning level to advanced level, who wishes to systematically learn to draw and paint. (Anyone can learn to draw and paint as long as they have desire and patience, and willingness to work at it!) Class will focus on […]

Time : 10:00AM - 1:00PM CDT on Wed --- This is a class designed to help with painting the portrait in Oil and Pastel, although other media are welcome. Different techniques and procedures will be demonstrated throughout the class and close, hands on instruction will be given. Drawing is an important component of painting as […]

This class looks to celebrate the botanical diversity of our parks with drawings that distinguish the species and a multitude of shapes. It will concentrate more on nature than buildings, but not exclusively. Between the gardens of Millenium Park and the ponds of Lincoln Park we have a wealth of plants, some still in bloom. […]

Time : 6:30PM - 9:30PM CDT on Wed --- The purpose of this class will be to develop your confidence and a way of seeing the figure as a whole, utilizing basic anatomical landmarks and a sense of comparative proportion. Together, we will examine the physical landmark relationships inherent in the human subjects we choose […]

Four three-hour classes over four weeks Have you been tied in knots trying to draw human hair and the myriad ways it's cut, layered, combed and coiffed? Do you sweat trying to unravel the puzzle of French braids? Are you in the weeds with Keef Richard shags? Are you lost in the labyrinth of dread […]

Time : 10:00AM - 1:00PM CDT on Fri --- Throughout history, artists have used sketchbooks to develop their ideas, and as outlets for the simple pleasure of recording memorable places, people and objects. In this course, the instructor discusses and demonstrates methods to make sketchbooks. Watercolor and drawing techniques are covered by demonstrations at each […]

Time : 9:30AM - 12:30PM CDT on Sat --- If you have never tried oil or want to improve your abilities to handle this beautiful but complex medium, this course is for you! Basic Oil Painting introduces the essentials: laying out a palette, best ways to mix colors, matching the colors you see, applying paint with a […]

Time : 1:30PM - 4:30PM CDT on Sat --- Discover the pleasure of drawing! This course introduces essential ideas and processes used by artists working from observation. Students investigate the use of freehand drawing to capture proportion, communicate form, and express emotion. Essentials of shading, composition, and color are considered through various drawing media, including […]

1:30 PM - 4:30PM CDT on Sun. The course will focus on drawing with perspective and finding a likeness, beginning at a fundamental level and increasing in complexity as the student advances. The students' goals for this class are to gain confidence and understand their drawing. There will be a demo at the start of the […]

A hands-on sculptural journey into the expressive language of clay. Working from a live model, students explore form, structure, proportion and surface while developing both technical skill and a personal artistic voice. Sculpture is not just learned—it is experienced. In real time, your eye develops. Your hands understand. Through individual guidance, observation and focused studio […]

A hands-on sculptural journey into the expressive language of clay. Working from a live model, students explore form, structure, proportion and surface while developing both technical skill and a personal artistic voice. Sculpture is not just learned—it is experienced. In real time, your eye develops. Your hands understand. Through individual guidance, observation and focused studio […]

Time : 10:30AM - 1:00PM CDT on Thur --- In this online class, you will learn to implement key concepts and watercolor painting techniques that will allow you to have a deeper understanding of the medium. Each art lesson includes one-on-one guidance with focus on the top principles of creating a solid painting: • How […]

Time : 6:30PM - 9:00PM CDT on Thu --- Unleash your inner artist with Oil Painting: Basics & Beyond! From innovations in color approaches to novel painting methods, this course is your shortcut to canvas perfection. In this class, we traverse a spectrum of ideas and processes, including the ‘essence’ technique, inspired by French painters […]

Time : 10:00AM - 12:30PM CDT on Sun --- In this class, students will work from a live model and complete a 1/3 life size sculpture using water-based clay. Special focus will be given to bone and muscle structure as well as expression conveyed through the model’s pose. Special Notes No class on 10/11/2026. There’s […]

Program Description Open to all levels, this class will introduce various painting materials including: surfaces, grounds and oil painting media. With emphasis on chiaroscuro painting (the dramatic distribution of light and shadow in a picture), students will learn the essentials for creating dimensional, life-like paintings including: composition & design, values, edges, color harmony & color […]