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Adult Multi day Workshops
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Continuing Watercolor with Amanda Schuster
with Amanda Schuster
Fridays, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Mar 14, 21, 28 and Apr 4th
For watercolor artists who are ready to move to their own subject matter but would like the support of an instructor, Amanda will offer guidance on good reference photos, composition, and planning a painting.
Short demonstrations and lessons focused on color mixing will be included. This Course Requires the Prerequisite of Beginning Watercolor with Amanda or the approval of the instructor.
Please bring 2-4 reference photos for first class and all items listed on the Supply List.
Will run
Landscape Essentials for Oil Painters: Smart Starts: Underpainting with Composition, Value, and Color with Mitch Albala
with Mitch Albala
March 29th and 30th from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm with a 1.5 hour lunch break
We have lots of concerns about how to finish a painting, but a successful finish depends in large part on the decisions we make at the start. This workshop will help you build a practice of “smart starts.”
We will not only cover the technical side of underpainting, but also the theory — how it can lay a solid foundation of composition, value, and even color direction.
By properly working out these issues at the start, you can avoid costly mistakes and the need to rework the painting later on. A well thought out underpainting can take you 50% of the way to the finish line.
The workshop begins with the first act of composition: applying a limited focus. By considering shape size and the arrangement of light and dark masses, you’ll be able to find the strongest possible composition.
On Day 1, you’ll start two paintings, each with a different underpainting approach.
Monochromatic, 1-color underpainting - Serves as a primer on value relationships and simplification. Learn how the single color chosen for the underpainting supports the painting’s color direction.
Color underpainting - This more advanced form of underpainting applies different colors to the major shapes. How those color masses relate is the foundation of the color strategy.
On Day 2, you’ll work toward a finish on your two underpaintings, and see how additional layers of color are applied to the underpainting.
Level: Intermediate. This is not a workshop for first-time painters (those who have never painted or mixed color at all); however, it is ideally suited for those who want to learn more about building stronger foundations in their landscape paintings.
Medium: Oil and Oil Pastels
ABOUT MITCH ALBALA
Mitchell Albala is an award-winning landscape painter, workshop instructor, and author. His semi-abstract and atmospheric landscapes have been exhibited nationally and are represented in corporate and private collections.
He is the author of two best-selling books on landscape painting: Landscape Painting: Essential Concepts and Techniques for Plein Air and Studio Practice (Watson-Guptill, 2009), with over 60,000 copies in print; and The Landscape Painter's Workbook: Essential Studies in Shape, Composition, and Color (Rockport Publishers, 2022), which is currently the #1 selling book on landscape in the nation. Mitchell leads plein air workshops in Italy and teaches workshops throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Expressive Oil Painting with Henry Stinson
with Henry Stinson
Don't miss this great opportunity to learn the fundamentals of Russian portrait and still-life impressionistic painting with a contemporary flare from a highly respected artist and instructor.
Join us for a two-and-a-half-day workshop taught by Award Winning Artist Henry Stinson.
When: April 25th, 26th and 27th
Friday Night Demonstration - 6:30 - 9:0 pm
Saturday and Sunday Workshop - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Henry will lecture on the impressionistic approach to painting, helping you gain a maximum understanding of color and temperature relationships as you develop a solid foundation for creating paintings.
In each session, students will be given individual instruction and will work directly from life. This workshop is a must for artists of all levels interested in improving their painting abilities. All mediums are welcome.
Students must bring their own supplies. SUPPLY LIST
IMAGES FROM OUR LAST WORKSHOP HERE
About Henry Stinson
Henry Stinson, a renowned artist and educator, has dedicated his life to the world of art, nurturing budding talents and crafting mesmerizing works of art. Born in Anchorage, Alaska, he was drawn to the four seasons and vibrant community of the Pacific Northwest. This love for the region and a passion for outdoor painting brought him back to the place he now calls home.
With over three decades of experience as an artist, Henry's journey in art education began at Washington State University, where he embarked on his creative path. His formal training continued at the Art Institute of Seattle, but it was his four years of intense apprenticeship with Russian impressionist painter Ron Lukas that truly shaped his artistic vision.
Henry Stinson has left an indelible mark as an educator, teaching the intricate arts of drawing and painting for more than 35 years. His career has spanned various colleges and privately owned institutions, impacting countless aspiring artists. His unique gift lies in his ability to convey practical knowledge and inspire students to create vivid and captivating art on canvas.
A gifted instructor, Henry's teaching philosophy centers on helping students uncover their unique gifts and abilities through the language of art. He firmly believes in laying a strong foundation by imparting the fundamentals, enabling students to connect prior knowledge with new skills and make informed artistic decisions. His classroom is a space where experimentation replaces fear, and mistakes are celebrated as essential steps in the learning process.
Henry encourages his students to embrace the idea that art is not about perfection but about the harmonious fusion of hand, eye, and mind. He understands that true art transcends mere technique and aims to evoke emotion, fostering a deep connection between the artist and their audience.
Henry Stinson has used innovative methods to expand his students' perspectives throughout his teaching career. He challenges them to experience art physically, using their entire body to create lines and form. This unconventional approach enhances their comfort and instills the confidence needed to be fully present in the creative process. Henry guides them towards a deeper understanding of the truth in their observations by breaking preconceptions and occasionally encouraging students to experience drawing with their non-dominant hands.
Henry's passion for art and teaching is fueled by his own artistic journey, which has taught him perseverance, courage, and unwavering faith in the unseen. He constantly strives to improve his craft, never forgetting his profound influence on future artists.
As an artist, Henry Stinson's work transcends ordinary sight, capturing unique moments that linger on the edge of memory. His ability to translate these moments onto canvas has garnered recognition in the United States and abroad. His pieces grace the collections of corporate leaders and private art enthusiasts alike.
Oil Painting Demonstration with Henry Stinson
with Henry Stinson
Don't miss this great opportunity to learn the fundamentals of Russian portrait and still-life impressionistic painting with a contemporary flare from a highly respected artist and instructor.
If you cannot attend the Weekend Workshop, join us for a demonstartion painting on Friday Evening.
Friday Night Demonstration - April 25th, 6:30 - 9:00 pm
Join us in person for light snacks and beverages and an evening with Henry.
Can't join in person? Register for the live stream. The demonstration will be live streamed and everyone who registers will receive a downloadable copy. We will send out information on how to watch the demonstration on line and how to receive your copy.
About Henry Stinson
Henry Stinson, a renowned artist and educator, has dedicated his life to the world of art, nurturing budding talents and crafting mesmerizing works of art. Born in Anchorage, Alaska, he was drawn to the four seasons and vibrant community of the Pacific Northwest. This love for the region and a passion for outdoor painting brought him back to the place he now calls home.
With over three decades of experience as an artist, Henry's journey in art education began at Washington State University, where he embarked on his creative path. His formal training continued at the Art Institute of Seattle, but it was his four years of intense apprenticeship with Russian impressionist painter Ron Lukas that truly shaped his artistic vision.
Henry Stinson has left an indelible mark as an educator, teaching the intricate arts of drawing and painting for more than 35 years. His career has spanned various colleges and privately owned institutions, impacting countless aspiring artists. His unique gift lies in his ability to convey practical knowledge and inspire students to create vivid and captivating art on canvas.
A gifted instructor, Henry's teaching philosophy centers on helping students uncover their unique gifts and abilities through the language of art. He firmly believes in laying a strong foundation by imparting the fundamentals, enabling students to connect prior knowledge with new skills and make informed artistic decisions. His classroom is a space where experimentation replaces fear, and mistakes are celebrated as essential steps in the learning process.
Henry encourages his students to embrace the idea that art is not about perfection but about the harmonious fusion of hand, eye, and mind. He understands that true art transcends mere technique and aims to evoke emotion, fostering a deep connection between the artist and their audience.
Henry Stinson has used innovative methods to expand his students' perspectives throughout his teaching career. He challenges them to experience art physically, using their entire body to create lines and form. This unconventional approach enhances their comfort and instills the confidence needed to be fully present in the creative process. Henry guides them towards a deeper understanding of the truth in their observations by breaking preconceptions and occasionally encouraging students to experience drawing with their non-dominant hands.
Henry's passion for art and teaching is fueled by his own artistic journey, which has taught him perseverance, courage, and unwavering faith in the unseen. He constantly strives to improve his craft, never forgetting his profound influence on future artists.
As an artist, Henry Stinson's work transcends ordinary sight, capturing unique moments that linger on the edge of memory. His ability to translate these moments onto canvas has garnered recognition in the United States and abroad. His pieces grace the collections of corporate leaders and private art enthusiasts alike.
Sammamish Valley: Farms, Fields and Flowers with Anton Nowels
with Anton Nowels
Elevate Your Landscape Painting: A Journey from Observation to Abstraction with Anton Nowels
Four Day Workshop, June 19th - 22nd, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Join us June 19th-22nd, 2025 for a four-day painting workshop exploring the beauty of the Sammamish Valley. Learn techniques in both plein air and studio settings to capture the essence of farms, fields, and flowers.
Capture the essence of a place and translate it into a powerful work of art. This workshop with award-winning artist Anton Nowels will guide you through the process of moving fluidly between plein air observation and studio abstraction. Learn how to:
- Gather essential "color notes" and impressions directly from nature.
- Integrate these observations into both representational and abstract studio paintings.
- Harness the power of memory to create more inventive and personal artwork.
- Explore the approaches of artists who have masterfully blended plein air and abstraction, including Richard Diebenkorn, Eric Aho, Sergei Bongart, Maynard Dixon, Franz Kline, Monet, Josef Albers, Joan Michell and more.
The workshop will include studio time and time plein air painting in the beautiful Sammamish Valley.
Anton will provide demonstrations in both plein air landscape painting and studio-based representational abstraction. All 2D mediums are welcome (instructor will teach in oils). Open to all levels.
Day 1: Plein Air – Color Notes and Form
Day 2: Plein Air - Harmony and Design
Day 3: Studio – Memory and Deconstruction
Day 4 – When a painting is finished.
About Anton Novels
Anton Nowels is a nationally recognized artist whose work spans a variety of subjects, from representational landscapes to abstract impressionism. His paintings explore the dynamic interplay between observation and interpretation, inviting viewers to experience the world through his unique artistic lens.
A Signature Member of both the Oil Painters of America (OPA) and the American Impressionist Society (AIS), Anton's work has garnered significant acclaim, most recently earning him a Landscape Painting award at the OPA National Exhibition. His dedication to artistic growth and exploration led him to participate in the prestigious Brinton Museum's Residency program in Big Horn, Wyoming, this year.
Anton is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience with aspiring artists. As a sought-after workshop instructor at esteemed institutions like the Scottsdale Artists’ School and the Winslow Art Center, he delves into color theory approaches inspired by masters such as Charles Hawthorne, Henry Hensche, Sergei Bongart, and Josef Albers. He encourages his students to experiment with diverse painting techniques and find their own individual voices.
The Maynard Dixon Legacy Museum in Mt. Carmel, Utah, proudly represents Anton's work and has welcomed him as a guest artist at their Maynard Dixon Country events, further solidifying his connection to the rich tradition of American art.
Anton's artistic journey is rooted in a strong foundation of both contemporary and fine art. He earned scholarships to study with renowned artists Ned Mueller, Camille Przewodek, and Romel de la Torre at the Scottsdale Artists’ School. His academic pursuits at Arizona State University allowed him to explore contemporary art practices, including performance, installation, and video, providing a broad perspective that informs his current work.
Currently, Anton is immersed in creating a series of large-scale paintings that push the boundaries between representation and abstract impressionism, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to innovation and artistic evolution.
Oil Painting Workshop with Yelena Lamm - Florals in Oil
with Yelena Lamm
Join us for a two-and-a-half day workshop taught by Award Winning Artist Yelena Lamm.
Demonstration -September 12th from 6:30 - 9:00 pm
Workshop: September 13 and 14th
10:00 am to 5:00 pm (with a one hour lunch break)
I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers.
Claude Monet
Flowers, as artistic subjects, offer infinite variety in form and color, carry deep symbolic meanings, evoke a wide range of emotions, foster a connection to nature, and allow for artistic freedom in terms of interpretation and style.
Join me for an immersive and vibrant 2-day workshop focused on painting flowers from life. This dynamic course will guide you through the essential techniques of alla-prima oil painting and help you master your approach to composition, color harmonies, and values. You will work with a limited primary palette and can expand this palette to boost your skills in crafting rich, cohesive artwork, explore your creativity, and enhance your artistic abilities.
Some experience is recommended, but beginners and first-time oil painters are welcome and encouraged to join.
Students required to bring their own supplies.
Artist Bio:
Yelena Lamm was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and received formal art training from the N. K. Roerich Fine Arts School. Since 1995, she lives in Pittsburgh, PA.
Yelena is painting primarily in oil. She loves to reflect on her subjects’ characters and personalities in her lively and colorful portraits of pets and animals. Yelena recently joined the Society of Animal Artists and was immediately accepted as a signature member.
Yelena’s works were selected for and won awards in juried group exhibitions, including Oil Painters of America (OPA), Society of Animal Artists (SAA), and National Oil and Acrylic Painters’ Society (NOAPS) national shows. She was a finalist in the 15th ARC Salon and a semi-finalist in the 16th ARC Salon. Her list of awards includes the recent Most Original Award of Excellence in OPA 2023 Eastern Regional Exhibition and Outstanding Achievement Animals in AWA 2023 Annual Online Juried Show.
Britain’s most popular magazine for practicing artists, Artists, and Illustrators, featured Yelena’s animal portraits in a 6-page article and on the cover of their June 2023 issue. Yelena’s works are represented by galleries and acquired by collectors in the U.S. and abroad.
Oil Painting Demonstration with Yelena Lamm - Florals in Oil
with Yelena Lamm
I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers.
Claude Monet
Flowers, as artistic subjects, offer infinite variety in form and color, carry deep symbolic meanings, evoke a wide range of emotions, foster a connection to nature, and allow for artistic freedom in terms of interpretation and style.
When: September 12th
Friday Night Demonstration - 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Join us in person for light snacks and beverages and an evening with Yelena.
Can't join in person? Register for the live stream. The demonstration will be live streamed and everyone who registers will receive a downloadable copy.
Artist Bio:
Yelena Lamm was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and received formal art training from the N. K. Roerich Fine Arts School. Since 1995, she lives in Pittsburgh, PA.
Yelena is painting primarily in oil. She loves to reflect on her subjects’ characters and personalities in her lively and colorful portraits of pets and animals. Yelena recently joined the Society of Animal Artists and was immediately accepted as a signature member.
Yelena’s works were selected for and won awards in juried group exhibitions, including Oil Painters of America (OPA), Society of Animal Artists (SAA), and National Oil and Acrylic Painters’ Society (NOAPS) national shows. She was a finalist in the 15th ARC Salon and a semi-finalist in the 16th ARC Salon. Her list of awards includes the recent Most Original Award of Excellence in OPA 2023 Eastern Regional Exhibition and Outstanding Achievement Animals in AWA 2023 Annual Online Juried Show.
Britain’s most popular magazine for practicing artists, Artists, and Illustrators, featured Yelena’s animal portraits in a 6-page article and on the cover of their June 2023 issue. Yelena’s works are represented by galleries and acquired by collectors in the U.S. and abroad.
Unleash Your Inner Expressionist with James Swanson A 3-Day Oil Painting Workshop: Fur and Feathers
with James Swanson
October 17th - 19th
9:30 am to 4:30 pm
James Swanson is excellent at painting all types of animals but is best known for his paintings of dogs moving in water. He is also a sought-after painting instructor, teaching hundreds of online and in-person classes. He's known for his upbeat teaching style, which is filled with encouragement and humor. He enjoys sharing his knowledge and passion for art with aspiring artists.
In this workshop, you will discover James Swanson's unique approach to capturing energy and movement in his oil paintings. The format includes step-by-step instruction, painting demonstrations, discussions, critiques, and plenty of painting time. By the end, participants will have gained the skills andconfidence to express their artistic vision.
All skill levels are welcome. This workshop is designed to be both challenging and rewarding for artists of all backgrounds.
About James Swanson:
James is an accomplished artist whose paintings have received widespread acclaim. He is particularly renowned for his captivating depictions of dogs moving through water. His paintings continue to win many awards, including:
- The Best in Show Award for “The Water Guardian” in the 2024 National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society’s America’s Best Small Works National Exhibit at the Sugarman Gallery in Santa Fe NM.
- The prestigious $20,000 Dorothy Driehaus Mellin Fellowship Award at the Oil Painters of America's 2023 National Exhibit
- OPA’s Most Original Award at the Oil Painters of America's 2023 National Exhibit
- "Best in Show" at the 36th Annual Northern National 2023
James is also a highly regarded instructor, having taught hundreds of online and in-person classes. He is known for his positive and encouraging teaching style, making learning enjoyable for all.