Scottsdale Artists' School

01/05/2024

Simplified Beginnings - Mixing Color for Portraits with a Limited Palette

Jean Hildebrant

February 5 - 26

In this class, students will concentrate on mixing flesh tones from only three colors, discovering the beautiful array of color that only the primaries provide. Time will be spent seeing the correct values and mixing those values in color. The portrait will be divided into a pattern of light and shadow and you will be shown how to mix an average flesh tone for each. Next students will mix an array of half tones, accents and highlights, following Jean’s demonstration. Beautiful flesh tones are easier than you think! Join Jean for a fun, friendly and informative day where you will receive individual attention to the areas you struggle with most. Let this award-winning painter help you bring your skills to a new level. Jean will be providing photo references, and if you have any personal images you would like to use, kindly send them to her via email so she can ensure they align with the class.

Register: https://www.scottsdaleartschool.org/events/46/

01/04/2024

Figure and Light: Tonal Figure Drawing in Charcoal

Mike Garcia

February 3 - 24

Using a live model, this class will explore a lucid approach to drawing with charcoal based on critical observation of tonal relationships. Employing plain tools and logical principles, students will learn to plot accurate proportions, identify and reproduce value relationships, consider underlying rhythms to maintain the existing dynamism of the pose, and handle their materials to produce controlled yet painterly work. Once mastered, the methods surveyed in class will foster sensitive results that depict an accurate tonal impression of the model. Instructor demonstrations and individual guidance will aid students in their objectives.

Register: https://www.scottsdaleartschool.org/events/40/

01/04/2024

Working in Series

David Michael Slonim

March 4 - 8

Should you work in series? The masters have left an unmistakable and resounding answer: YES! Working in series is essential to unlocking your potential both creatively and with your audience. Finding your unique voice will happen faster, and galleries will be more likely to take notice. David will coach you through the development of a painting series of your own. We will discuss how to set up visual problems, how to ask the right questions, and how to fully unleash your native curiosity and creative gift. Are you ready to develop a series of paintings instead of one-offs? Join us for a fun, uplifting, and encouraging workshop where risk-taking is celebrated, genuine discovery is the target, and your unique voice is the focus.

Register: https://www.scottsdaleartschool.org/events/155/

01/03/2024

Oil Painting 101

Dustin Klassen

February 1 - 15

Have you ever wanted to learn how to paint but were too afraid to enter a class with people who have been at it for years? Have you dabbled in painting but feel that you may have started out on the wrong foot? This class is designed to go through the fundamentals and solidify a foundation from which to build upon! Learn about different kinds of brushes, mediums, surfaces and how they will affect a painting result. Learn the methods of direct and also indirect painting (glazing) to see which style resonates with your artistic strengths! Working with a limited palette, students will learn to mix colors that are truer to life to develop a color system that will propel you into the wonderful world of painting!

Register: https://www.scottsdaleartschool.org/events/241/

01/03/2024

Plein Air Painters of America Week

March 3 - 7

MItch Baird | Cindy Baron | Eric Jacobsen | Mike Hernandez

Ready to take your landscape painting skills to the next level? Join us for an immersive four-day workshop that will give you the foundational principles to create stunning landscape art. There will be two leading artist teams Eric and Mitch, and Cindy and Mike and attendees will have the opportunity to spend two days with each team. Gain valuable insights from all four experts in an all-day lecture series on Sunday.

Complete your experience with an optional three-day painting excursion to the Vermillion Cliffs in Northern Arizona. Please note this excursion is separate from the workshop and does not include formal instruction. We'll provide additional details such as travel dates and painting activities upon enrollment.

Register: https://www.scottsdaleartschool.org/exhibitions/16-plein-air-painters-of-america/

Fine art training for artists and aspiring artists of all ages and skill levels.

01/02/2024

Quick Sketch Portraits with a Limited Palette

Dominique Medici

March 1 - 3

Gaining the ability to work quickly and precisely is key to development as a painter. Alla Prima painting with a timer forces one to simplify and focus on big shapes. This is the secret behind all great work. In this workshop, Dominique will provide frequent demos, breaking down the process of painting into clear and consecutive steps, as well as critique and instruct each session. Students will work with a systematic technique and use a limited palette of seven colors – a chromatic palette that will help refine their understanding of color relationships. The focus will be on the four main aspects of a portrait: Proportion, Value, Color, and Edge. Practicing this way will sharpen the student’s observation and take skills to the next level.

Register: https://www.scottsdaleartschool.org/events/154/

12/30/2023

Intuitive Painting

Stan Kurth

January 30 - February 1

This workshop is designed to teach all levels of students to paint intuitively, starting without preconceived notions or outcomes. There will be no preliminary planning or drawing. Process will dictate direction as students use watercolor, ink and gouache to implement elements and principles of design. Instruction will start with random ink marks, then color using a mixture of ink, watercolor and gouache to create a library of design elements. There will be regular comments and evaluations of work in progress concerning relationships between elements and principles. It is entirely possible finished work may be representational, but the goal is work that is compositionally pleasing and aligned with the artist's personal aesthetic.

Register: https://www.scottsdaleartschool.org/events/240/

12/29/2023

Landscape Painting in the Studio

G. Russell Case

February 28 - March 1

Russell teaches the keys to painting landscapes. Students will learn about composition, color relationships and color harmony through the use of a limited palette in this studio class, adding depth and character to their work. The focus will be on finding the essence of what one wants to express in their painting. Students should bring their own references, whether field studies or photographs to work from in the studio. There will be individual instruction as well as critiques throughout the workshop.

Register: https://www.scottsdaleartschool.org/events/141/

12/28/2023

Painting the Dog as Fine Art

Johanne Mangi

February 26 - 29

A teacher’s teacher, Johanne brings innovative ways to learning - she keeps the material fresh while instilling basic principles to make better painters. There are plenty of demos to draw upon and fun painting projects that clearly illustrate how to recognize value and color. You can hardly call these exercises when they are so much fun! This workshop is all about creating better, stronger paintings whether for your own pleasure, a gallery, or a commission. Live dogs are a priority and form the basis for informed painting - the only way to grow artistically.

Register: https://www.scottsdaleartschool.org/events/140/

12/27/2023

Painting the Organic Still Life

Grace Devito

February 26 - 29

Join nationally acclaimed artist Grace DeVito for this four-day oil painting workshop and learn her process of multi layered still life painting by lecture, demonstration, and critiques. The focus will be given to technique, paint application and creating form. Individual instruction will be given throughout the workshop and will be tailored to the painter's need whether beginner, intermediate, or advanced. Curated still lifes will be set up to work from or bring your own favorite organic elements to create a beautiful painting. Lectures and demos will take place in the morning. In the afternoons students will paint as Grace gives individual critiques. Day 1 will cover the gesture and drawing of shapes, and block in. Day 2 will be painting the first layer. Day 3 will be the second layer and Day 4 will be about stumbling, glazing and refinement.

Register: https://www.scottsdaleartschool.org/events/139/

12/26/2023

Capturing the Light

Timothy Horn

February 26 - March 1

Tim began his career painting outside but now spends much of his time painting in the studio. In this workshop, most of the time will be spent indoors, with some painting time spent outdoors as well, weather permitting. Tim is best known for the light in his paintings coupled with strong composition. The primary focus will be how to convey the sense of strong sunlight in a painting by identifying, clarifying, and pushing the values. Exercises will be used to help simplify these concepts. Students will also work on achieving clean colors in their paintings and utilize value patterns to aid in developing successful compositions. During the workshop, Tim will create a demonstration painting each day and work with students individually on their paintings throughout the day. Tim will also present slideshows, using examples of his work and the work of others to illustrate key concepts.

Register: https://www.scottsdaleartschool.org/events/137/

12/23/2023

Painting the Desert Mountain Landscape

Matt Ryder

February 26 - 29

This workshop will cover all aspects of approaching this challenging subject, ranging from effective color mixing techniques, composition that draws viewers into a painting, atmospheric and linear perspective, painting rocks and shrub convincingly, understanding the value structure of any image and getting the effect of natural light. All four days will be spent in the studio where Matt will walk students through his entire process, from capturing reference through plein air painting and photography, editing images to make better compositions and transferring concepts to canvas. Also included in the four days will be a lively discussion on marketing and promoting yourself as an artist in today's modern world.

Register: https://www.scottsdaleartschool.org/events/105/

12/22/2023

Painting the Environment

Stacy Kamin

ONLINE on Zoom | 10am-1pm Arizona Time (*always on Mountain Standard Time) | 3 Fridays Jan 19, 26, Feb 2, 2024

Come join Stacy Kamin's class and explore the world of painting the environment. Whether you're interested in the peaceful atmosphere of a church, the lively energy of a farmer’s market, or a busy kitchen. We will start by sketching and creating thumbnails, and value studies. We'll then dive into color studies. We will focus on creating a visual abstract idea. Trying to keep the painting abstract as long as possible. You'll gain a solid grasp of crucial elements like massing in your painting, the art of color mixing, creating stunning brushwork, and mastering the interplay of values and color temperature Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this class offers professional guidance to elevate your artistic abilities and bring interior environments to life on canvas. Join us on this creative journey, with Stacy as your mentor, and let your artistic talents flourish. The meetings will be recorded and available to the students via streaming for up to two months.

Register: https://www.scottsdaleartschool.org/events/280/

12/21/2023

Expressive Portraits in Watercolor

Annette Smith

ONLINE on Zoom | 10am-1pm Arizona Time (*always on Mountain Standard Time)

3 Tuesdays January 16, 23, 30, 2024

Splash, splatter, drips and streaks, watercolor is a fun and exciting medium for painting loose and expressive portraits! In this 3-week course, Annette will demonstrate her process of drawing and painting expressive portraits in watercolor. Each session will begin with a demo, drawing the portrait from a photo image and then bringing it to life with watercolor. Annette will cover how to use proportion and facial structure to draw a convincing likeness. After the drawing, she will develop the painting explaining her use of color, mixing flesh tones, brushwork, and how to control edges. There will be a different photo for each session. Students are encouraged to use the photo provided for at home exercises but are welcome to use their own photo reference if they choose. Students will receive critiques. The class will be recorded and available via streaming for an additional two months.

Register: https://www.scottsdaleartschool.org/events/279/

12/21/2023

Bringing Animals to Life

William Suys

February 19 - 23

Building artistic excellence while bringing an animal to life is both joyful and powerful. This class will teach you how to paint more effectively through daily demonstrations, examples, and individual attention. This five-day workshop will enhance the student’s ability to develop and execute paintings that will bring animals to “life.” Most importantly, students will leave with a better awareness and understanding of seeing, drawing, and painting, while building a deeper appreciation of ways to breathe spirit and personality into the characters that populate their paintings. Bill will address the keys to both artistic and technical growth that will apply to all facets of the student’s work while bringing greater joy to the process, and improving the resul.

Register: https://www.scottsdaleartschool.org/events/136/

12/19/2023

Watercolor: Bold and Loose!

Grace Haverty

January 19 - 20

During this workshop, students will learn to paint exciting and expressive watercolors! Students will be painting flowers from fresh arrangements that Grace will bring in on the first day; students are encouraged to bring some as well. On the second day, Grace will demonstrate her process of painting people. Grace will supply the photos to paint from on this second day. This short workshop is sure to be fun and lively for anyone who wants to get bold and sassy in their watercolor painting.

Register: https://www.scottsdaleartschool.org/events/239/

12/19/2023

Constructing a Painting in the Studio

Joseph Lorusso

February 19 - 23

In this workshop, Joseph will guide students through his process of constructing a painting in the studio setting. The workshop will be structured to show the various phases a painting goes through from conception to completion. Joseph will guide students in a step-by-step process that encompasses the proper use of materials. He will speak on the proper use of photo reference, how to develop a concept as a tool for storytelling, as well as the technical challenges on how to compose and design a painting. Joseph will work one-on-one, as well as paint along with students in order to demonstrate his process. Students will primarily work from appropriate photographs provided by the instructor, each working in the same process as Joseph does in his studio setting. The goal of the workshop is to complete one to two full-sized paintings within the week. A class critique will be given on the final afternoon.

Register: https://www.scottsdaleartschool.org/events/135/

12/18/2023

The Right Shape, the Right Color, the Right Value

Allen Garns

January 13 - 27

My teacher, Dan McCaw, used to say that all you need for a good painting is the right shapes with the right color and the right value. Simple but powerful idea. This class will focus on those fundamentals. Through specific exercises, you'll learn to see shapes, simplify values and develop a stronger color sense. We'll work from photos and setups in the classroom. I will do some general demonstration but most of the time you will be painting with individual attention, tailored to your needs.

Register: https://www.scottsdaleartschool.org/events/238/

12/18/2023

12/18/2023

Alla Prima Portrait Painting: Color Your Expression

Zin Lim

February 19 - 23

Are you tired of painting portraits that look too tight and controlled? Do you crave the unpredictable texture and color blends that come from rough brush strokes? Look no further than this portrait painting workshop! Led by the talented and experienced instructor Zin Lim, this workshop is designed for artists of all levels who want to learn the exciting process of creating loose, expressive portraits with a unique personal style. Over the course of the workshop, students will delve into the fundamentals of head painting, including proportion, gesture, and value systems. They will also explore the creative process of making interesting brush marks, choosing a limited color palette, and designing a captivating composition that showcases their personal voice. Throughout the workshop, students will create five alla prima paintings from a live model, using expressive application techniques and stage breakdowns to bring their portraits to life. Whether you're a seasoned portrait artist looking to expand your skills or a beginner hoping to develop a new style, this workshop has something for everyone. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn from Zin Lim and take your portrait painting to the next level!

Register: https://www.scottsdaleartschool.org/events/134/

12/16/2023

Cure the Blues...And Whites

Nancy Chaboun

January 13 - 20

In this class, we will focus on answers to the problems of painting patterns on pottery and porcelain, giving you the tools, you need to be successful. The critical elements of a well-designed painting will be practiced and discussed as they relate to the still life. The lessons of composition, form, value, edges, paint quality, subtlety and personal interpretation will be ongoing topics. Demonstrations, discussions and fun are also very important aspects of the class. Students will receive plenty of individualized instruction to help them reach their personal goals.

Register: https://www.scottsdaleartschool.org/events/237/

12/15/2023

Color Mixing

Jessica Garrett Lawrence

January 12 - 13

The ability to understand color can easily be broken down into logical methodical elements. First, we will learn how to mix what we see by defining a color in terms of hue, saturation, and value. With this method, students will gain the capability to match any color with ease. Next, we will discuss the use for a split primary palette, and the effects of transparent color. Students will understand the strengths and limitations of every color on and off their palette. Students will then see how to choose their palette for each painting to support their specific color goal.

Register: https://www.scottsdaleartschool.org/events/236/

12/15/2023

Portrait Painting FAQ

Rose Frantzen

February 15 - 17

This advanced workshop will explore “Alla Prima” portrait painting and the frequently asked questions that can best help artists to navigate what they are seeing. What questions can artists ask themselves to better see the colors, values, edges, and proportions of the model? How can these questions contribute to a sensitive relationship between seeing, attention, and the quality of the experience with the model? Along with a demo, there will be a great deal of one-on-one instruction at the student’s easel. This intensive workshop will also avail students with opportunities for open discussions of questions that sincere, passionate portrait painters encounter. Students will be asked to explore what they wish to bring to their portrait paintings, using the model as a conduit for discovering what painting problems (e.g., drawing, anatomy, paint quality, color, edges) or perhaps, what conceptual questions and creative directions intrigue them. Together with Rose, students will navigate what it is to be a painter who strives to be an artist.

Register: https://www.scottsdaleartschool.org/events/133/

12/14/2023

Extended Studies: Painting II

Jerry Salinas

January 11 - March 14

In this session, Jerry will expand on the core elements from Painting I. Students will be introduced to a full palette of colors which they will use to paint portraits, figures and still life. Students will experiment with their palette to see the vast amount of colors they can mix. This fun and educational class is designed to push skills to a higher level. Painting I is not required for students with Intermediate skills.

Register: https://www.scottsdaleartschool.org/events/34/

12/14/2023

Principles of Painting

Robert Moore

February 13 - 16

This workshop is an intense four days of inspiration, hard work, and productive learning. The main principles Moore covers are design, color, composition, and edges. Beginning with slide lectures in the morning, he isolates each element with the help of computer technology and focuses on a different principle each day. Lectures are followed by painting exercises and/or demonstrations of the principles being taught. Students are encouraged to apply lessons to the subject matter of their choice, whether landscapes, still life, or figure. Exercises are geared toward learning the principles, not toward producing a finished painting. Demos will be in oil.

Waitlist: https://www.scottsdaleartschool.org/events/132/

12/13/2023

Developing Dramatic Landscapes

David Flitner

January 11 - 25

Landscape drama in nature is an eye-catcher! An artist who wants to paint such a captivating scene on canvas must use painting strategies to help communicate its story, power, and emotion. This class will explore processes and techniques to develop that visual drama in a painting. Ways to create atmosphere and mood, color transitions, and depth and dimension will be shown. Students will explore color and compositional strategies that are impactful, pull their paintings together with the right dramatic touch, and simplify their painting process. Effective use of light and shade will be a focus. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but it should be purposeful. Join us for a few new ideas! Colorful light-filled paintings with impact are the goal! David demonstrates in oils. Students bring a selection of their own landscape photos and should have experience in their medium.

Register: https://www.scottsdaleartschool.org/events/233/

12/13/2023

Painting Still Life with a Strong Light and Shadow Concept

Elizabeth Robbins

February 12 - 15

In this workshop, Elizabeth will discuss the concept of painting strong light and shadows, along with painting with emotion and not just copying what is seen. Elizabeth will do daily demonstrations and discuss important concepts such as composition, temperature changes, edges, and seeing things as shapes. There will be a strong emphasis on painting florals and vases.

Register: https://www.scottsdaleartschool.org/events/131/

12/13/2023

Extended Studies: Studio Painting & Drawing

Michael Little

January 9 - March 12

This is an observationally based course designed to reinforce and develop skills beyond basic drawing and painting. Students will work with a variety of subjects: still-life, portrait and figure. In addition to working from direct observation, photographs also provide great source material. Students will have the opportunity to experiment with size and subject, as well as to explore their media as a tool for invention, conceptualization, and idea development. The course also affords students an opportunity to take a look at materials in more breadth and depth.

Register: https://www.scottsdaleartschool.org/events/207/

12/12/2023

Peeps on the Beach

Kim Johnson Nechtman

January 11 - 12

This two-day class will emphasize painting people in their surroundings-specifically on the beach! Students will learn flesh tones, getting good shapes within the human form, and putting people in their environment, while using the water and beach as a supporting actor. Learn to work wet into wet, dry brush, and graded washes. Kim will encourage students to experiment and take on new challenges!

Register: https://www.scottsdaleartschool.org/events/234/

12/12/2023

The Figure: Arriving at Full Color

Rose Frantzen

February 8 - 12

This advanced workshop will explore alla prima painting in a progressive study from bold, accurate, monochromatic structure, reinterpreting this into color temperature, followed by directly relating these practices to a sensitive full-color understanding. There will be two short demos and one longer demo, along with a great deal of one-on-one instruction at the student's easel. This intensive workshop will also avail students with opportunities for open discussions of questions that sincere, passionate figural painters encounter. Students will be asked to explore what they wish to bring to their paintings of the figure. They will use the model as a conduit for discovering what painting problems (e.g., drawing, anatomy, paint quality, color, edges), or perhaps, what conceptual questions and creative directions intrigue them. Together with Rose, students will navigate what it is to be a painter who strives to be an artist.

Waitlist now available: https://www.scottsdaleartschool.org/events/129/

12/12/2023

Extended Studies: Drawing I & II

Michael Little

January 8 - March 3

This is an introductory drawing course simplified to help students further their representational artistic endeavors. Students will develop basic drawing skills, enhancing their ability to translate visual relationships, helping them organize and develop a two-dimensional story. Included will be an important focus of light and shadow on form and how to relate that information to your drawing and painting interpretation. Students will work from photos and drawings, as well as direct observation of still-life and models.

Register today by visiting our website (link in the bio) or call 480-990-1422