March 7, 14 and 21st

This intermediate wheel-throwing class is perfect for those who have mastered the basics. We'll delve deeper into advanced techniques, such as centering, pulling thinner walls, and trimming. You'll learn to create more complex forms like vases, bowls, and mugs.

This class is ideal for those who want to take their wheel-throwing skills to the next level. Let's get creative and push your limits!

Ages 13+ 

Sunday, March 9th, 2:00 - 4:00 pm

Unleash Your Inner Artist!

Unleash the potential of a single color in this unique watercolor class, where we'll explore the art of creating varying values by adjusting water levels.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this class will deepen your understanding of watercolor techniques and help you create stunning, value-rich paintings.

In this class, you'll:

Learn the Basics: Understand how to mix paint with different amounts of water to create a range of values from light to dark.

Master Value Creation: Explore the "tea, coffee, milk, cream, and butter" method to achieve consistent and varied washes.

Practical Exercises: Practice these techniques through a series of exercises designed to build your confidence and control.

The class will culminate in a final project where you'll apply what you've learned to paint a subject using just one color. You'll focus on creating a captivating piece with depth and dimension, showcasing your mastery of values.

Perfect for all skill levels, this class offers a hands-on approach to watercolor that will leave you with valuable skills and a beautiful, monochromatic painting. 

  In the following weeks we will play with different watercolor techniques as we paint.

Join the Art Critique Group!

A Supportive Space for Artists

The Art Critique Group is a welcoming community for artists of all levels. Bring in a piece of your artwork, share your creative process, and receive constructive feedback from fellow artists. You'll also have the opportunity to learn from others and gain new insights.

When: Once a month, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Where: Picket Fence Art Studio

Cost: Free

Registration: Required

Bring one piece of art and beverages and snacks to share.

Don't miss this chance to connect with other artists, grow your skills, and inspire your creativity!

Ages 18+

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.

SUPPLY LIST

Saturday, March 15th 

10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Whether you're a seasoned painter or just starting out, this drop-in class offers a relaxed and inspiring environment to explore the magic of oil painting.

What to Expect:

Flexible Learning: Work on your own projects at your own pace, with guidance and support from the instructor.

All Supplies Included: Everything you need for your painting journey is provided.

All Levels Welcome: Beginners are encouraged to attend multiple sessions to build a strong foundation.

Personalized Instruction: Receive individual attention and tailored guidance to help you achieve your artistic goals.

Bring Your Inspiration:

Please email your reference images before class begins.

Please note: Oil painting is a journey of discovery. For the best learning experience, consider attending multiple drop-in sessions or enrolling in one of our monthly oil painting courses.

Sunday, March 23rd, 2:00 - 4:00 pm

Unleash Your Inner Artist!

Join us for an enlightening watercolor class where we'll delve into the world of paper types, focusing on the differences between hot press and cold press paper.

Using birds as our beautiful and varied subjects, you'll discover how each type of paper can impact your painting style and results.

In this class, you'll:

Understand Paper Types: Learn the characteristics of hot press and cold press paper, including texture, absorbency, and how they affect watercolor techniques.

Hands-On Comparison: Paint with both types of paper, observing how your brush strokes, color blending, and overall results differ.

Bird Studies: Apply your skills by painting a series of birds, each showcasing the unique qualities of hot and cold press paper.

Perfect for all skill levels, this class will deepen your understanding of watercolor paper and enhance your painting abilities. 

All supplies are included. 

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

SUPPLY LIST

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. 

Oil Painting Open Paint 

April 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29th

Tuesdays, 3:30 - 5:30 pm

This class welcomes both experienced artists and curious beginners (ages 14+) to explore the rich and rewarding world of oil painting.

What to Expect:

Personalized Instruction: Learn at your own pace with guidance from Jamie.

All Supplies Included: Everything you need for your painting journey is provided (canvas, paints, brushes, etc.).

Focus on Fundamentals: New students will begin with a foundational color mixing exercise to understand how colors interact.

Work on Your Own Projects: Explore your own creative vision! Bring your own reference photos or choose from our collection.

Tips for Success:

Plan for Multiple Sessions: Most oil paintings require several sessions to complete.

Image Preparation: In advance, email your reference images to jamie@picketfenceartstudio.com. iPads are ideal for viewing.

Dress Comfortably: Wear old clothes as oil paints can be a bit messy!

Stay Informed:

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