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Lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on experimentation introduce the medium of oils. Working from museum masterpieces, still-life arrangements, or your own favorite photos, explore basic painting techniques, including color-mixing, scumbling, and glazing, to gain the technical background and experience you need to get started as a painter.

IN PERSON: Tues., July 11–Aug. 15, 6:30 p.m.; Shahin Talishkhan; details and supply list on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1V0-0VM; Members $215; Nonmembers $245

Impressionism in the Franciscan Monastery Gardens

Cézanne-Inspired En Plein Air Landscape Intensive

Henna tattoos reflect an ancient and beautiful practice of body art. Explore the form’s history as you learn to apply simple traditional Indian henna designs.

IN PERSON: Sat., June 24, 12:30 p.m.; Sharmila Karamchandani; details and supply list on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1V0-0UV; Members $65; Nonmembers $75

By Sandra Gobar

Capture the nuances of the natural light in the gardens of the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America with water-based oils, watercolors, or acrylic paints on canvas as Impressionist artists would.

IN PERSON: Sat., Aug. 12 and 19, 10 a.m.; Sandra Gobar; details and supply list on website; Franciscan Monastery gardens; CODE 1V0-0XE; Members $195; Nonmembers $215

Introduction to Photography

Figure Sculpture

Students examine the materials and processes for sculpting a portrait, torso, or full figure using a live model. They learn clay sculpture techniques focused on tool use, armatures, anatomy, and proportions and have the opportunity to explore their own individual styles.

By George Tkabladze

IN PERSON: Wed., July 12–Aug. 9, 6:30 p.m.; George Tkabladze; details and supply list on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1V0-0WB; Members $215; Nonmembers $245

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On-Location Photography

Learn to capture this vibrant capital city and sharpen your way of thinking about shooting outdoors in a course that focuses on deploying a minimal amount of equipment and a lot of fresh perspective. Emphasis is placed on what happens before the shutter release is pressed and on truly previsualizing the photograph.

IN PERSON: Sun., July 9–Aug. 13, 1:45 p.m.; Joe Yablonsky; details on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1V0-0WJ; Members $195; Nonmembers $225

By Joe Yablonsky

By Andargé Asfaw

Introduction to Studio Portraiture

In Person

Whether you want to work in digital or film, this course offers a solid foundation for new photographers ready to learn the basics. Topics include camera functions, exposure, metering, working with natural and artificial light, and composition. Critiques of assignments enhance the technical skills you learn.

IN PERSON: Tues., July 11–Aug. 15, 6:30 p.m.; Andargé Asfaw; details and supply list on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1V0-0WM; Members $185; Nonmembers $215

Produce a portfolio of student and model portraits in this class that focuses on basics such as posing a subject; using highlight and shadow; high key and low key lighting; using a flash meter; and understanding strobe lighting.

By Marty Kaplan

IN PERSON: Tues., July 11–Aug. 15, 6:30 p.m.; Marty Kaplan; details on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1V0-0WN; Members $185; Nonmembers $215

On-Location Photography with Neutral-Density Filters

Neutral-density filters help achieve very slow shutter-speed photos in bright sun and capture streaking light at night. Appropriate camera controls and filter techniques are covered, and students get to apply what they’ve learned.

IN PERSON: Wed., Aug. 16–30, 6:30 p.m.; Joe Yablonsky; details on website; Ripley Center; CODE 1V0-0XJ; Members $125; Nonmembers $145

Art Sci Ence Studio Arts Culture Hi Story Studio Arts

Unless noted, all programs are presented on Zoom; listed times are Eastern Time. Online registration is required.

Online

Online classes are taught by professional artists and teachers. View detailed class descriptions and supply lists at SmithsonianAssociates.org/studio. View portfolios of work by our instructors at SmithsonianAssociates.org/art instructors.

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World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Composition

This workshop examines fundamental concepts of composition and their practical application in studio-art practice, offering participants tools to enrich their work as well as to analyze and appreciate visual art in general.

Moroccan Café by Matisse, 1913

ONLINE: Mon., Aug. 7–28, 10:30 a.m.; Shahin Talishkhan; details and supply list on website; CODE 1V0-0XC; Members $155; Nonmembers $175

Visual Journaling: Creativity Workout

Sketchbook Habit: The Art of Everyday Life

By Renee Sandell

In an afternoon of artistic experimentation, explore five modes of visual thinking: working from memory, observation, imagination, narrative, and experimental approaches. Create visual journaling pieces and engage in mark-making and mapping exercises.

ONLINE: Sat., Sept. 9, 1 p.m.; Renee Sandell; details and supply list on website; CODE 1V0-0XN; Members $75; Nonmembers $85

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Portrait Drawing

Students are introduced to the basic steps of how to create a convincing portrait using charcoal or graphite. Concepts such as the universal proportions of the face are explored, as are techniques to help observe and record features that make a particular subject unique.

Sold Out

ONLINE: Wed., July 5–Aug. 16, 7 p.m. (no class Aug. 2); Eric Westbrook; details and supply list on website; CODE 1V0-0VA; Members $205; Nonmembers $235

By Eric Westbrook

Focus on the essentials of starting a sketchbook habit. Practice “close looking” exercises as you fill your sketchbook with meditative contour drawings, watercolor sketches of the natural world, and quick but evocative images from travels. Some watercolor or drawing experience is recommended.

By Sue Fierston

ONLINE: Sun., July 9, Aug. 6, and Sept. 10, 10 a.m.; Sue Fierston; details and supply list on website; CODE 1V0-0VB; Members $185; Nonmembers $205

Beginning Drawing

This course, a valuable introduction for beginners, teaches the basic skills needed as a strong foundation for drawing. Working with a variety of materials and techniques, including charcoal and pencils, students explore the rendering of geometric forms, volume, and perspective, with an emphasis on personal gesture marks.

ONLINE: Mon., July 10–Aug. 28, 6:30 p.m.; Josh Highter; details and supply list on website; CODE 1V0-0VC; Members $255; Nonmembers $285

Anatomical Drawing

Learn the fundamentals of drawing the human body, starting with an exploration of the skeleton and planes of motion. Then review gesture drawing, musculature, body segments, and key anatomical features. Previous drawing experience is required.

ONLINE: Tues., Aug. 1–Sept. 5, 6:30 p.m.; Trisha Gupta; details and supply list on website; CODE 1V0-0XA; Members $215; Nonmembers $245

Drawing Heads, Hands, and Feet

This class focuses on the most challenging and expressive details of the human figure: heads, hands, and feet. Working from photographs, students use dry media to experiment with line, modeling, foreshortening, structure, expression, and varied rates of drawing.

ONLINE: Wed., Aug. 2–Sept. 6, 6:30 p.m.; Trisha Gupta; details and supply list on website; CODE 1V0-0XB; Members $215; Nonmembers $245

Complete Colored Pencils

Colored pencil, an often-overlooked dry medium, is coming into its own. Whether used in fine art or illustration, they can enliven work with rich, vibrant color and a dizzying range of effects. Learn basic to intermediate methods and strategies with colored pencils.

ONLINE: Thurs., Aug. 3–17, 1 p.m.; Lori VanKirk Schue; details and supply list on website; CODE 1V0-0VE; Members $135; Nonmembers $155

By Lori VanKirk Schue

Animal Portraits in Colored Pencil

Try your hand at animal portraiture, whether done in a realistic or slightly abstract style, while learning the proper use of the colored pencil medium. Instruction includes choosing a subject, reference photos, choice of paper and pencils, and, finally, framing a portrait to be proud of.

Introduction to Watercolor

By Lori VanKirk Schue

ONLINE: Thurs., Aug. 24 and 31, 1 p.m.; Lori VanKirk Schue; details and supply list on website; CODE 1V0-0VF; Members $85; Nonmembers $105

By Josh Highter

Beginning students as well as experienced painters explore new materials and techniques in watercolor painting. Working on still-lifes and landscapes from direct observation or photographs, they learn about basic watercolor techniques and new approaches to painting through demonstration, discussion, and experimentation.

ONLINE: Sun., July 9–Aug. 27, 10:15 a.m.; Josh Highter; details and supply list on website; CODE 1V0-0VJ; Members $245; Nonmembers $275

Watercolor Techniques and Textures

Learn several approaches to creating washes and contrasting textured areas using drybrush, splattering, and lifting. These techniques are particularly useful when painting scenery such as landscapes, tree trunks, rocks, grasses, and old barns. This class is designed for advanced beginner and intermediate watercolor students.

ONLINE: Tues., July 11–Sept. 5, 10:30 a.m. (no class July 25); Lubna Zahid; details and supply list on website; CODE 1V0-0VK; Members $265; Nonmembers $295

By Lubna Zahid

By Lubna Zahid

The Magic of Light and Shadow in Watercolor

The portrayal of light and shadow can be a challenge to painters of all levels. Through demonstrations and hands-on exercises, you gain confidence in creating these contrasting elements. You also learn how to create a strong focal point, unity, and balance in a painting.

ONLINE: Tues., July 11–Sept. 5, 5 p.m. (no class July 25); Lubna Zahid; details and supply list on website; CODE 1V0-0VL; Members $265; Nonmembers $295

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit Techniques in Modernist Painting

By Shahin Talishkhan

Students are invited to experiment with a variety of Modernist painting styles such as Cubism, Suprematism, and Abstract Expressionism. Through a series of exercises, including still-life setups and model sessions, participants learn practical applications of the concepts and techniques of Modernism.

ONLINE: Thurs., July 13–Aug. 17, 6:30 p.m.; Shahin Talishkhan; details and supply list on website; CODE 1V0-0VN; Members $195; Nonmembers $225

New Classes

Bienvenu à la Maison: French Architectural Details in Watercolor

A sunlit balcony, a window box filled with flowers, and a welcoming doorway—there is no mistaking when these architectural details are part of a home in France. Working from personal reference photos or ones provided by the instructor, students learn to capture these unique details in flowing watercolor.

By Cindy Briggs

ONLINE: Thurs., July 13 and 20, 6:30 p.m.; Cindy Briggs; details and supply list on website; CODE 1V0-0VP; Members $95; Nonmembers $115

Watercolor Workshop: QuickSketch for a Day

Sur la Plage: Painting the Beach

The light, movement, and colors of the beach have long been an inspiration for artists. In this workshop, explore the techniques of masters of seaside painting as preparation for creating your own beach memory.

By Joaquín Sorolla

ONLINE: Thurs., July 20–Aug. 24, 6:30 p.m.; Adrienne Wyman; details and supply list on website; CODE 1V0-0WZ; Members $205; Nonmembers $235

Botanical Illustration: Watercolor Flowers

Learn watercolor techniques specific to botanical illustration, including dry brushing and creating small details, while working from sketches or photos of real flowers. Previous drawing experience is required.

ONLINE: Tues., July 25–Aug. 15, 6:30 p.m.; Natalia Wilkins-Tyler; details and supply list on website; CODE 1V0-0XD; Members $125; Nonmembers $145

By Natalia Wilkins-Tyler

Color Stories Journal

Spend the day learning to capture your travels with loose lines and painterly colors. Learn to simplify a scene and to compose and draw more organically and confidently. This go-with-the-flow technique is perfect for studies, travel journals, and finished fine art.

By Cindy Briggs

ONLINE: Sat., July 22, 9 a.m.; Cindy Briggs; details and supply list on website; CODE 1V0-0VQ; Members $105; Nonmembers $115

By Sushmita Mazumdar

Explore your relationship to individual colors and how they connect to facets of your life. Practice simple, playful acrylic painting techniques incorporating all the colors of the spectrum, plus black and white. Then, begin to record personal stories in a journal to use every day.

ONLINE: Tues., July 25–Aug. 22, 6 p.m.; Sushmita Mazumdar; details and supply list on website; CODE 1V0-0VR; Members $165; Nonmembers $195

Abstract Watercolor for Beginners

Learn to embrace and celebrate the unpredictability, versatility, and beauty of watercolor. Class discussions cover supplies; color theory, palettes and pigment control; and exercises and experiments to achieve different effects. The use of other media such as water-based pencil and pastels is also addressed.