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Sedona Arts Center — More Art Classes and Workshops to Explore!

by Community Contributor • March 2, 2023 • Comments Off

Art Classes & Workshops at Sedona Arts Center
Sedona is surrounded by a magical landscape of red rock formations and high desert hills with beautiful Oak Creek meandering through it all. Come experience the Shangri-La of the Southwest, a beautiful learning environment with Art Colony roots going back nearly 100 years.

Click here to see all of our classes and workshops

Drip, Drag, Scrape:
Introduction to Encaustic Painting
with Helene Farrar
March 11 – 14

Drip, pour, drag, layer, heat, and incise! This extended workshop will allow participants to dip deep into the medium to develop their own voice. Encaustic is an evocative medium that lends itself into varying approaches and topics. Investigate the art of encaustic painting in this very hands-on workshop using pigmented wax, and a heated palette! Explore a rich variety of marks and surfaces while doing image transfer, etching, and collaging in this seductive medium. Take your flat collections of drawings, collected papers, pictures, and incorporate found objects. Class time will be divided between demonstrations, individual work time, and discussion about historical and contemporary practices. We will also touch on proper studio ventilation, wax safety, and how to “finish” artworks in terms of framing and care. Students will leave with multiple finished pieces and the understanding of proper studio set-up.

DRIP DRAG SCRAPE : LEARN MORE / SIGN UP

Towards Amazing Color
with Carol Douglas
March 20 – 24

This workshop is aimed at helping painters refine their personal technique in watercolor, pastel, oils and acrylics. It will help you find your own voice and style without becoming anyone’s clone. This is an intensive class, with morning and afternoon on-site painting sessions and lunch-time discussions and demos. Classes are kept small so every student gets the attention they deserve.

We will cover:

Color theory
Accurate drawing
Composition
Mixing colors
Finding your own voice
Authentic brushwork

TOWARDS AMAZING COLOR : LEARN MORE / SIGN UP

Intuitive Expressive Painting
with Jesse Reno
March 30 – April 2

In this mixed-media painting class you will learn to create paintings that emerge from an abstract base of markings, colors, line, and shape to form expressive and organic creations. You will learn painting and mark-making techniques that will encourage imagery and connection to your work. Through a series of painting exercises, you will explore and express your ideas by imagining what could be created from abstraction rather than confining your ideas to predetermined outcomes.

Within the process, we will create narrative dialogue by noting what we see and feel in our work. Through the practice of subtractive painting we will remove the parts that are no longer relevant or keep us trapped from progress. This teaches us choice and freedom to change direction in our work. We continually build layers within our paintings combining fragments of past ideas with the new until we arrive at a feeling of completion. Through this engagement we learn to experiment, take risks, re-associate our work from perspectives unconfined by our expectations. This allows us to see things clearly and move to a more expressed and personal engagement when painting.

INTUITIVE EXPRESSIVE PAINTING : LEARN MORE / SIGN UP

Narrative Abstraction:
The Confluence of Imagery and Materials
with Lisa Pressman
April 17–20

All art is narrative. Whether it is a rejection of contemporary culture or processing a personal life happening, we respond to these events and they appear in our artwork – consciously or unconsciously. In this workshop, life is our subject and abstraction is our expression.

This 4-day workshop will provide a series of experiments to manifest the realization of personal imagery. Exercises will include drawing and markmaking sketches, using a viewfinder and an iPhone to discover compositional ideas. We will explore finding personal color, layering concepts and personal writing assignments. Questions to discuss include: “How do you start a painting?” – “What do you do when you are stuck?” – and “How do you know when a painting is finished?”

The material focus in this workshop is R&F Pigment Sticks, Oil Paint, Cold Wax, Drawing Materials and more. Each day, Lisa will provide demonstrations on techniques, including layering, excavating, monoprinting, glazing, color mixing, texture, markmaking, and editing. Students will receive individualized attention on their art process with the aim of expanding their own artistic practice. The class will focus on content, how to see, and how to move work forward. Some may find keeping a written journal useful during this workshop. The journals will not be shared but you may find your words as touchstones to generating imagery.

THE CONFLUENCE OF IMAGERY AND MATERIALS : LEARN MORE

Design for Success: Online!
with Alexis Lavine
April 19 – 21

Superb DESIGN is essential in making art that excels. An unremarkable painting can be elevated into one that is powerful and engaging with the application of strategic, thoughtful, and dynamic DESIGN. During this workshop, we will focus on designing superior paintings. We will learn the all-important concepts of design and how to integrate them into our paintings … to take our paintings to that next level. We’ll explore a variety of subjects together and see how we can turn them into exciting, emotional, fascinating, and unique works of art – with the right combination of creative design … solid drawing, effective painting techniques, and imagination.

DESIGN FOR SUCCESS: ONLINE! : SIGN UP / LEARN MORE

Painting: Celebrating Glass
with Gretchen Lopez
April 28

Experience: Beginning to Intermediate. Some prior drawing experience is required. Questions? Email Gretchen at gretchenlopezart@gmail.com.
Medium: Students may work with any of the following – traditional oils; water-soluble oils; acrylics.
Materials List: Click the tab above for a list of materials students need to bring with them.
Registration: Each student needs to enroll individually.
In-Person class at the Sedona Arts Center, North Studio.

Learn to paint glass and achieve the impression and beauty of transparency. It is all in the technique of your brush, how you mix color and contrast of values!

PAINTING: CELEBRATING GLASS : SIGN UP / LEARN MORE

Waxing Poetic: Cold Wax & Oil Painting
with Lori Roll
April 21 – 22

We will explore the expressive nature of oil paint mixed with cold wax medium to create layers, textures, mark making and personal expressions. Work can be abstract or representational.

Lori will provide all paint, wax medium and multi-media supplies and reference materials – there is a $40 materials fee payable directly to the instructor on the first day. Students may bring additional supplies if they wish. Click on the Materials List tab above for more complete information.

After the introduction and demonstration, students will have plenty of time to explore and paint! On day-two we will come back to our work with fresh perspectives to edit or create new work. An understanding of design and color mixing is helpful and creative problem solving is encouraged. This dynamic class is limited to 12 participants to allow for one-on-one attention. At the end of each day we will share our experiences and pieces with the class.

WAXING POETIC: COLD WAX & OIL PAINTING : LEARN MORE

Paper Paintings: Fabulous Florals!
with Elizabeth St Hilaire
April 24 – 26

We will be drawing florals from a still life setup and modifying it to create a compelling, FUN composition. We’ll cover how to paint your life drawing with a full range of fun, bright colors and shading. You will then learn how to hand-paint your own collage papers through a series of gel plate mono printing techniques in the color palette from your under-painting. Once you have created your paper palette you’ll follow along and learn how to rip and glue and apply your papers in a painterly manner over the top of your underpainting. Elizabeth will cover how to tear with and without white edges, how to keep your pieces perfectly flat without cockling, and how to vary your paper brush marks in size and shape.

PAPER PAINTINGS: FABULOUS FLORALS : LEARN MORE / SIGN UP

Mixed Media Transfer Techniques
with Michelle Sales
April 28

Artists from the past and present have often used images taken from existing materials such as magazines, postcards, old books, photocopies, and more to enhance their artwork. There now exists a multitude of transfer techniques available to artists.

In this six-hour workshop you will learn to transfer images from various sources such as magazines, photographs, and ink or laser jet images onto cradled wood board and canvas utilizing transfer paper. Many of the transfers created in this workshop can be incorporated into other images. We will explore various methods of layering images using acrylic paint, stamps, and other mixed media to create dimensional effects.

MIXED MEDIA TRANSFER TECHNIQUES : SIGN UP / LEARN MORE

Abstract Figurative Online Workshop
with Robert Burridge
April 28 – 30

This workshop pushes you out of your safe zone and into a brand new, looser, abstract direction drawing, painting and collaging the contemporary nude. You will learn expressive painting techniques for the modern painter. If you ever wanted to learn how to paint the freestyle abstract figure, this workshop is for you. Color is explained and explored. You will learn the 12 Design Compositions for a successful painting. Your “drawing the nude” skills are not a prerequisite.

The second day of the workshop will include working directly with the live model in a variety of undraped, partially draped and nude poses. You will do lots of paint sketching, gestural drawing and finger painting techniques.

The third day – be prepared to paint looser, bolder, freer, lighter and more intuitively. The model will transform into one of Burridge’s “Lounge Ladies” with imaginative sets and playful costumes!

ABSTRACT FIGURATIVE ONLINE : LEARN MORE / SIGN UP

Dusty Trails
with Christine Debrosky
May 4 – 6

Experience Level – All Levels, but students should have a firm grasp of drawing, and basic knowledge of painting techniques. Pastel beginners are fine, if drawing skills are in place.

The rich jewel tones of pastel are perfect for the drama of red rock glow as well as the nuanced facets of the high desert. Under the tutelage of a master pastellist, you will learn how to best capture the essence of our surroundings.

We will go out one or two days, (weather dependent) gathering reference and being immersed in Sedona inspiration.

In studio, we will take a more contemplative approach to the landscape, as well as work on design and technique.

Some of the points covered will be :

Making the most of your sticks…make every stroke count.
How to identify and render light and shadow patterns.
Color and light -the magic tools of the pastel landscape painter.
Design your painting to entice the viewer…

DUSTY TRAILS : LEARN MORE / SIGN UP

Painting: It’s all about your Brush
with Gretchen Lopez
May 12

Get to know what your brushes can do in this one session course.

Your brushes are an extension of you. Gain more confidence in your paintings by understanding all the techniques which go into the handling of your brushes!

Instructor demonstrations and lots of individual attention provided.

IT’S ALL ABOUT YOUR BRUSH : LEARN MORE / SIGN UP

Mosaic Collage Pendants
with Michelle Sales
May 12

This one day class will incorporate beads and/or found objects to create two beautiful and unique pendants. Participants will learn how to utilize a non-toxic epoxy clay to embed objects and beads into a metal pendant tray. Proper placement of beads, design, and composition will be explored. Several examples of finished pendants and necklaces will be provided for reference. This is a fun and inspirational class that can be used as a spring board for the creation of many types of jewelry and collage work. The class is appropriate for all skill levels.

MOSAIC COLLAGE PENDANTS : LEARN MORE / SIGN UP

Painting Crash Course
with Gretchen Lopez
May 25 – 26

Get to know your brushes and how they can work for you, with a bolder and looser approach to painting. If you want to loosen up and learn to build your skills of observation, this crash course is for you. Learn how simple shapes and a limited palette of color, can help build a landscape. Students will leave with small studies and a finished painting, and also with the inspiration to paint more.

With materials included, all barriers have been removed so that you can explore the fun of painting! All you bring is yourself and clothing that you could get some paint on!

PAINTING CRASH COURSE: LEARN MORE / SIGN UP

Capturing the Glow of Sedona
with Paul George
May 11 – 13

During this three-day plein air/studio workshop, Paul will cover all the basics of painting: Composition, Shape, Values, Color, and Edges. But in the magical light of Sedona, he will focus on how to make your paintings glow and to create maximum impact for award-winning work.

Paul creates a fun, enjoyable and friendly environment to learn and grow. You will paint en plein air and in the studio, not to reproduce what you see but to interpret the scene, using your creativity and inspiration. Each day will include demonstrations and lots of one-on-one instruction, as he circulates through the class working with each student at their own level.

This workshop will leave you feeling inspired and enthusiastic, ready to bring your paintings to a new level. The video below is a short clip of Paul talking about and demonstrating a bit of his technique.

CAPTURING THE GLOW OF SEDONA : LEARN MORE / SIGN UP

Texture, Color Feeling
with Jan Sitts
May 14 – 16

Jan’s experience and enthusiasm create an atmosphere of fun and spontaneity inspiring new directions and discovery through innovative combinations of design and materials. By combining aggressive textures and unusual mediums with various “raw” materials in the abstract painting we get surprising results. The layering method yields a magnetism that is particular to mixed media. Many techniques, materials, compositions and above all emotion, play off each other in creating the work. Part of the adventure is not knowing where you are going until you get there! You will become thrilled with possibility as you journey through this process. You will learn to let go of painting habits and gain the knowledge of layering textures, colors and feelings while executing shapes utilizing a structure of positive and negative space.

TEXTURE : COLOR : FEELING : LEARN MORE / SIGN UP

A Tapestry Retreat: Plein Air Style
with Doris Florig
May 18 – 20

Learn or improve your tapestry skills while surrounded by the natural beauty of Sedona, Arizona. While weaving on our nomadic, Navajo style looms, you will have the opportunity to select fibers hand-dyed by Doris Florig from plants and minerals . These wool yarns will play an important part in your tapestry design. Weaving Plein Air Style will allow you to capture the effects of weather and light that would otherwise be difficult to capture while producing art in a studio environment.

A TAQPESTRY RETREAT: PLEIN AIR STYLE : LEARN MORE

Creating the Abstract Landscape
with Amanda Hawkins
May 22 – 24

This workshop will help you transform Sedona’s beautiful scenery into loose and expressive abstract landscape paintings. Amanda’s approach to abstraction is both structured and intuitive, meant to give attendees the tools and confidence to take risks and make informed decisions on the canvas, both in the workshop and long after the class. Each morning the workshop will open with warm-up exercises, and each afternoon will be used as open studio time with ample individual attention. All artists can expect to leave the workshop with several color studies, a series of miniature abstracts, and 1-2 larger abstract landscape paintings; all led by demonstration.

CREATING THE ABSTRACT LANDSCAPE : LEARN MORE

Painting Knife Explained
Realistic to Abstract Exploration
with Daryl Urig
May 26 – 28

Playing with paint can help us appreciate what we develop on canvas and enjoy the new processes we have learned. Focusing on the big picture we can create beautiful form on any subject that we fancy. Any tools may be used. Design, color, simple shapes, and unique representation of any form is key.

As a painter I have explored many different avenues in my career. I am not looking for one technique to accomplish over and over again. Isn’t that the definition of insanity? I like to break new ground as often as I can.

The workshop will cover my basic learnings over a lifetime of experimenting with paint. Highlighting design, color mixing, paint application, creative mark making, what can we do with lighting while understanding the basics of overall image capturing to showcase personality on canvas.

PAINTING KNIFE EXPLAINED WITH DARYL URIG : LEARN MORE