Adult art classes currently enrolling for:
Spring Session
April 22 - June 8Weekly classes support in-depth learning of fundamental skills and techniques for adults of all levels of ability and experience, and in a variety of media.
We offer five levels of study suited to everyone from absolute beginners to those developing their own body of artwork. Students may remain in any level for as long as they would like; instructors will adjust lessons to accommodate new and returning students. Our diverse faculty pool allows students to study painting, drawing and other media with instructors from many backgrounds and perspectives.
We want to help choose a class that’s right for you. Weekend workshops also available.
Beginning classes—are for people who may have never taken an art class before. The instructor will explain suggested materials on the first day of class. Foundations classes are for those who have taken one or more beginning level classes; instructors offer lessons which build off beginning level concepts. Students may remain in either level for several sessions.
Intermediate classes—are for those who have taken some classes and would like more focused and complex study. Many students remain in intermediate level for a year or more. Advanced classes are for those who have been studying for several years and seek instruction which will expand current skill and content goals.
Independent and Professional—classes are for those who have a body of work and would like individualized critique to help develop specific personal artistic goals.
Join Lois as she gives a tour of her own incredible exhibit, Material Vocabulary, in the museum followed by a group critique upstairs at the art school. Limited to 8 participants, this workshop will be invaluable to those who are just launching a career in art, or those who wish to take advantage of the wealth of experience and expertise that Lois offers. Plan to bring up to five pieces of your work for the critique. Please note there are no discounts available for this workshop.
Register For ClassesJoin Lois as she gives a tour of her own incredible exhibit, Material Vocabulary, in the museum followed by a group critique upstairs at the art school. Limited to 8 participants, this workshop will be invaluable to those who are just launching a career in art, or those who wish to take advantage of the wealth of experience and expertise that Lois offers. Plan to bring up to five pieces of your work for the critique. Please note there are no discounts available for this workshop.
Register For ClassesOther courses taught by Paula: Foundations of Acrylic Painting, Collage:Painting, Drawing and Printmaking
Learn to paint! This is an introduction to the materials and techniques of painting in acrylic for beginning students. Working from direct observation and a variety of subject matter, this class will focus on color and basic concepts of form, light, and composition. No previous experience required. All supplies included for the first class. Students will receive a modest supply list at the first class meeting.
Register For ClassesOther courses taught by Leslie: Beginning Acrylic Painting
This class is suitable for anyone who has taken several painting classes and wants to develop on foundational skills acrylic paint. Students will explore painting concepts using still life, landscape, or other teacher-generated subject matter. Intermediate Acrylic Painting Supply List
Register For ClassesOther courses taught by Wilbur: Advanced Painting, Clothed Figure Drawing and Painting workshop
This class is designed for the student who seeks to develop their painting practice while receiving individual critical feedback from the instructor. Work alongside peers to further develop your personal approach. Bring a sample of your work (in oil or acrylics) to first class. Bring any supplies and materials you prefer to work with.
Register For ClassesOther courses taught by Susan: Beginning Watercolor, Professional Development for Art Teachers
This class is for those who have taken a few watercolor classes but would like to refine their skills and learn to create more detailed and finished pieces. Through direct instruction, demonstrations, and specialized still life arrangements, students will have the opportunity to expand their options for techniques while creating beautiful representational work. This class is suitable for anyone who has taken at least two watercolor classes. Foundations of Watercolor Supply List
Register For ClassesOther courses taught by Paula: Foundations of Watercolor, Collage: Painting, Drawing and Printmaking
If you have taken a few painting classes and want to try something new – this class is for you. Delve into color relationships, learn new techniques to apply paint, and experiment with creating images from a different viewpoint. Your instructor will guide you through a variety of techniques to expand your options for self-expression. Bring acrylic paint materials and tools that you normally use and a recent painting to the first class. Foundations of Acrylic Painting-Experimental Techniques Supply List
Register For ClassesOther courses taught by Ruth: Advanced Painting
In this observational painting class, you will use a palette knife instead of a brush to focus on clearly defining planes as they wrap around forms. Work to find the correct color and value for each plane, and your resulting paintings will be strong and sculptural with little (if any) blending. An excellent class for intermediate students who want to improve the color, form and sense of light in their paintings. Intermediate Painting – Palette Knife Supply List
Register For ClassesOther courses taught by Sue: Beginning Acrylic Painting, Painting IV
This class is suitable for anyone who has taken several painting classes and wants to develop on foundational skills acrylic paint. Students will explore painting concepts using still life, landscape, or other teacher-generated subject matter. Intermediate Painting Supply List
Register For ClassesOther courses taught by Susan: Advanced Painting, Foundations of Drawing, High School Drawing: Figure Studies
This relaxed introductory class is for anyone who wants to learn how to draw, or how to draw better. No previous experience needed! Learn basic drawing techniques, how to arrange a composition, and the variety of line and tones used to bring a drawing to life. All supplies included for the first class. Students will receive a modest supply list at the first class meeting.
Register For ClassesOther courses taught by Ron: Beginning Drawing, Intermediate Painting
This class is designed for the student who seeks to develop their painting practice while receiving individual critical feedback from the instructor. Work alongside peers to further develop your personal approach. Bring a sample of your work (in oil or acrylics) to first class. Bring any supplies and materials you prefer to work with.
Register For ClassesOther courses taught by Susan: Beginning Drawing, High School Drawing: Figure Studies
Students in this drawing class will explore a broad range of drawing ideas, focusing on line, value, texture, proportion, composition and expression. This class is suitable for anyone who has taken at least one drawing class and wants to continue to develop foundational skill with this practice. Foundations of Drawing Supply List
Register For ClassesOther courses taught by Sue: Intermediate Acrylic Painting, High School Painting
Learn to paint! This is an introduction to the materials and techniques of painting in acrylic for beginning students. Working from direct observation and a variety of subject matter, this class will focus on color and basic concepts of form, light, and composition. No previous experience required. All supplies included for the first class. Students will receive a modest supply list at the first class meeting.
Register For ClassesOther courses taught by Paula: Beginning Acrylic Painting, Foundations of Acrylic Painting: Experimental Techniques
Create unique experimental collages in this class. Students will be introduced to exciting methods of combining drawing, painting, and basic printmaking techniques with assemblage. The collage process (layering/adhering) will be explained and demonstrated with consideration given to color and composition. This class is open to beginners as well as more experienced artists. Collage- Painting, Drawing and Printmaking Supply List
Register For ClassesOther courses taught by Wilbur: Advanced Painting, Clothed Figure Drawing and Painting workshop
This class is designed for the student who seeks to develop their painting practice while receiving individual critical feedback from the instructor. Work alongside peers to further develop your personal approach. Bring a sample of your work (in oil or acrylics) to first class. Bring any supplies and materials you prefer to work with.
Register For ClassesRegistration process—all registration is done using Framingham State University’s class registration portal.
Weekend workshops for adults
Our workshops are meant to provide a one or two-day immersive experience for adults in a specific medium or process.
Workshops are a great way to try something new, spending a whole day experimenting and sharing with fellow artists. They also allow our instructors to offer more unusual and expansive art-making opportunities to our students.
Other courses taught by Jill: Advanced Painting, Pastels Workshop*
Spend the day with us enjoying the Danforth’s new museum space and learning about landscape painting. Join acclaimed artist, Jill Pottle, as she demonstrates techniques for working outside and rendering a sense of place in your surroundings. A visit to the museum galleries will provide context for understanding how artists have captured views of the outside both near and far. Our lovely setting here allows students to work with a variety of views of green space, historic buildings and vegetation. This workshop is suitable for anyone who has taken at least a few art classes. Easels, stools and boards will be provided. Landscapes Explored- From the Museum to the Studio and Beyond Supply List
Registration process—all registration is done using Framingham State University’s class registration portal.
Ruth takes the time to really teach me about how to see color in a new way student in Ruth Scotch's Palette Knife Painting class—read more about Ruth here
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