Adult Art Classes & Workshops

Fall 2010

MONDAY

WATER MEDIA! Painting Basics for Everybody with Carolann Dvorak Brewer
This is the class for EVERYBODY who's ever wanted to paint, EVERYBODY who used to paint, EVERYBODY who likes to paint now and EVERYBODY else, too. Learn to use watercolor, acrylic and water soluble oil paints - and decide which one is for you. Concepts such as shading, color mixing, subject selection and composition will be demystified. This is a terrific beginner opportunity and an excellent refresher, too.
6 weeks - September 20 - October 25, 9:00am - 12:00p.m. TUITION: $216

Pen & Ink Illustration on Paper with Eve Olitski
When you work with the Master you do what the master says working on exercises guided by a published illustrator. Many techniques of the pen are presented with demonstrations and application. Focus on creating your own style including cross-hatching, stippling and experimental approaches to this age-old medium. Create a portfolio of pages for presenting to editors for published print. The final project will be a creation of your horoscope sign utilizing the techniques learned in several varieties. See how different approaches and applications can create original and unique images.
4 weeks - September 20 - October 25, 1:30 - 3:30p.m. TUITION: $216

Begin Oil Painting with Deb Wadsworth
Learning the basics with a versed instructor that will set you on your path. Once you begin there is no stopping! Color theory, composition, under-painting methods and problem solving are just some of the topics discussed. Those looking to try painting or those aiming to become a master will have successful experiences with this summer session. Materials list available upon enrollment.
6 weeks - September 13 - October 17, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. TUITION: $216

TUESDAY

Acrylic/Oil Painting Boot Camp with Sheri Snedeker
This course offers beginners a chance to learn the basics of acrylic or oil painting. Study principles of composition, light and shade, color mixing, and painting techniques, with individual instruction at every level. Students with some experience will be encouraged and guided to develop their own distinctive look. Materials and an idea for a painting required at the first class.
6 weeks - September 14 - October 19, 9:30 - 12:30p.m. TUITION: $216
6 weeks - October 26 - November 30, 9:30 - 12:30p.m. TUITION: $216

Portrait Drawing/Painting Boot Camp with Sheri Snedeker
Questioning your capabilities? If you have ever wanted to draw a convincing portrait, this course is for you. Hone your talents with this course designed to teach you drawing fundamentals in a relaxed atmosphere. First three weeks the course will focus on the basic elements of drawing: line, proportion, shading, composition, perspective and volume. Learn to draw with accuracy and confidence with encouragement! Second half of the course students may continue to draw or bring acrylic/oil or pastels to explore light and color relationships through painting. All information will be explained in clear and simple terms.
6 weeks - September 14 - October 19, 12:30 - 3:30p.m. TUITION: $216
6 weeks - October 26 - November 30, 12:30 - 3:30p.m. TUITION: $216

Review and Critique with Paul Iezzi
Have to share your new piece? This group encourages the review and critique process by working with other artists for direct constructive criticism. Why let that piece sit without being seen? A painting, drawing, print or sculpture - it was created with a reason for appreciation and exposition. All levels encouraged offering introspective dialogue.
2 weeks - September 21 - 28, 7:00 - 9:00p.m. TUITION: $48

2 weeks - November 9 - 16, 7:00 - 9:00p.m. TUITION: $48

Story and Self with Melissa Croghan
If secretly you both dread and desire to tap your writing bones, and to discover the power of your own voice, then this course is for you. By means of fun exercises, we shall express ourselves through story. These classes are designed for the beginner, blocked writer, or longtime scribbler - and for the artist and writer alike. One medium tends to inspire and strengthen the other.
4 weeks - October 12 - November 2, 6:30 - 8:30p.m. TUITION $144

Clay Hand building with Jim Brunelle
Learn basic hand building techniques of slab and coil work. Use your techniques to create functional or decorative pieces that will be fired. Sessions appropriate for all levels of experience and ideal for those looking to discover clay techniques. A firing and materials fee will be payable to the instructor at the first class.
6 weeks - September 14 - October 19, 6:00 - 9:00p.m. TUITION: $216 Materials fee $34

WEDNESDAY

Pastel Painting - An Adventure in Color with Sheri Snedeker
If you enjoy working with a medium that's colorful and vibrant this course is for you. Designed for all levels this course will focus on basic pastel techniques such as layering, blending and color mixing. This is an ideal class for those who wish to establish their drawing and painting skills in a relaxed atmosphere, and for those who are looking to improve their skills and create more dynamic compositions. Materials and an idea for a painting required at first class.
6 weeks - September 15 - October 20, 9:30am - 12:30pm. TUITION: $216

Intuitive Collage with Deb Wadsworth
Work on a small canvas by learning the basics of composition, color and value. Mix your imagination and intuition with a group of powerful cut out images to create an intuitive collage card. Explore your inner self and nourish your precious soul by by accessing your deep spiritual wisdom.
4 weeks - September 15 - October 6, 12 :30 - 3:30 p.m. TUITION: $ 144
4 weeks - October 13 - November 3, 12 :30 - 3:30 p.m. TUITION: $ 144

Figure Drawing with Paul Iezzi
Learn to draw the figure using a variety of medium including charcoal, pastels, ink and pencil. Hone or begin your ability to "see" through an artist's eye. Through a series of exercises during each class meeting you'll practice self-expression. Beginner-friendly.
6 weeks - September 15 - October 20, 7:00 - 10:00p.m
TUITION: $240 model fees apply

Pet Lovers Draw with Susan Brereton
Interested in drawing your pet, but never really knew how to get started? Gain a solid foundation and understanding of the basics to drawing animals and capture that special friend for all time! Working from your own photo reference, you'll gain an understanding of how to break down your pet into basic shapes and then transform your drawing into a finish work of art by exploring the use of line, creating volume through shading and establishing a mood and feeling through composition and lighting. Great class for beginners and those more advance.
5 weeks - September and October, 9:00 - 12noon; 12:30-3:30pm; or 6-9:00pm. Tuition: $180

THURSDAY

Green NON-toxic Painting Basics for in the Home with Carolann Dvorak Brewer
This is the class for EVERYBODY who's ever wanted to paint, EVERYBODY who used to paint, EVERYBODY who likes to paint now and EVERYBODY else, too. Learn the environmentally friendly use of the new Green materials. Topics Include interior options in paint and decorating, color theory, design and decorative art will be discussed. Many demonstrations & paint projects for hands on fun. This is a terrific beginner opportunity and an excellent refresher, too.
4 weeks - September 16 - October 7, 1:00 - 4:00p.m. TUITION: $144
4 weeks - October 14 - November 4, 1:00 - 4:00p.m. TUITION: $144

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain with Deb Wadsworth
This introductory drawing class is based on the book "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" and if you've ever had the desire to draw, but thought you couldn't, then this is a course designed just for you. You will gain confidence and acquire the skills necessary to "see" and draw anything in the seen and unseen world. It is such a joy to experience the wonder of drawing and the exercises you'll be doing make it so easy to do. Please join us for this fun and dynamic class.
4 weeks  September 16 - October 7, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. TUITION: $144, or
4 weeks - October 14 - November 4, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. TUITION: $144

Intermediate/Advanced Drawing with Deb Wadsworth
This drawing class is for those who look to expand their intermediate and advanced drawing skills.  Topics and techniques including line, form, value and texture will be applied. The satisfaction of developing your skills sparks a new inspiration in your work while keeping your hands working at the pace of your thinking.
6 weeks - September 16 - October 21, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. TUITION: $216, or
6 weeks - October 28 - December 2, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. TUITION: $216

FRIDAY

1st Friday Studio Paint-a-thon with Deb Wadsworth
Bring your paints, canvas, lunch and inspiration for an open session in painting on your own. This session is great for dropping in on a day without making a long term commitment. Work along side Deb and rely on her painting wisdom to guide you through your next strokes.
Each first Friday of the month, 10:00-4:00 pm Daily TUITION: $75

Think Now Draw Later Illustration with Greg Orfanos
NEW at FVAC a series of sessions that break the ice with composing and creating stories through illustration. Work with brainstorming exercises and lessons designed to heighten awareness of perceptions. Generate your own style, character and sensibility in your works. Each week offers new exercises with the techniques conveyed with illustration.
6 weeks - September 17 - October 29, 6:00 - 9:00p.m. TUITION: $216 (no class Oct 1)

SATURDAY

Self Portrait with Melissa Croghan
This workshop will guide you through the process of creating a self-portrait and YOU have the choice of making your portrait with words or with art. You are the character study, and together we will describe self through writing or by a work of art, with exercises that teach the necessary techniques. Additionally, you may choose to try your hand at a combination of both writing and drawing. No experience required. Doodling encouraged and mirror provided!
2 week workshop - September 25 - October 2, 10:00 - 12noon TUITION $65

Portrait Sculpture in Clay with La Donna Alfano
Create and learn the basics while advancing skills with a series of sculpture sessions appropriate for all levels. Beginning from the inside out, sessions will touch on facial shapes, detail and expression. Focus and emphasis will be on body parts, figurative form, and surface detail using clay and tools provided by the instructor.
8 weeks - Sept 18 - Nov 6, 10:00a.m. - 1:00p.m.
TUITION: $288 Materials Fee $35 payable to the instructor.

Painting with Acrylics or Oils with Paul Iezzi
Get involved with a series of sessions of painting instruction for all levels and for those wanting to explore advancing their skills. Participants can get a fresh start on a new piece or choose to bring a work in progress to consult with the instructor. A session designed to offer an alternate recreation for your spring weekends.
5 weeks - October 2 - November 6, 2:00 - 5:00p.m. Tuition $180

SUNDAY

Sundays in the Park Plein Air Painting with Eve Olitski
Roll up a blanket with your watercolor pencils and pad or bring your easel and oils to an open air session in one of our local parks. Visit parks in Hartford, Farmington, Avon, and New Britain for a new perspective each week. All levels included in this hands on and critique session that guides you through new visionary objectives to get your painting to speak what you see. Participants are responsible to bring their own materials with lunch and commuting to each location for a working session.
4 weeks - September 19 - October 10, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. TUITION: $96

WEEKEND WORKSHOPS

SATURDAY

2 Paintings in 3 Hours with Deb Wadsworth
EVERY 4TH Saturday!
Intermediate and advanced artists work with own materials for a concentrated alla prima approach to painting. Guided through quick decisive execution to work in alternate comfort zones is for those that choose to explore more of what their conscious may be creating!
2:00 - 5:00p.m. September 25, TUITION: $50/materials NOT included

10:00 - 1:00p.m. October 23, TUITION: $50/materials NOT included

 

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

 

Jewelry Making: Glass Fusing with Dennis Peabody
What a great way to spend a weekend! Learn the basics of cutting and hot-fusing colorful, shining luminescent glass. You'll create beads, pendants and cabochons suitable for stringing or attaching to findings to create earrings. Experienced students who own glass grinders, scraps, jewelry findings, cutters, pliers, and safety goggles should bring them to class. Beginners to the medium are welcome to use tools supplied by FVAC and the instructor. A materials fee of $40 will cover glass and materials.
Saturday & Sunday, September 18 & 19, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Tuition: $144 Materials Fee $40

Felted Flower Workshop with Nancy Frodermann
Learn how to make these beautiful silk and merino wool flowers in a three hour workshop that will take you step by step through the wet felting process. Yield a flower you can use as is or embellish in any number of ways. Each participant will complete one flower with several different embellishing options. All supplies needed to complete a flower are provided. A moderate amount of physical strength and effort is required to complete the flower. An additional $25 materials fee for the flower kit, which includes the detailed instructions and enough silk/wool fiber for approximately 5-7 flowers, is payable to the instructor.
Saturday, October 30,10:00 am - 1:00 pm TUITION: $40 Materials Fee $25

Needle Felting Magic with Robin McCahill
A workshop for all ages! Using a special barbed needle and wool fleece participants hand sculpt an animal head to create a magic jester stick-puppet. This is also a wonderful pre-cursor to a full-bodied puppet or the start of a wire formed pose-able figure.
Saturday, November 13, 10:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. Tuition: $30 per student Material fee $10.00

Wet Felting Fun with Robin McCahill
A workshop for Teens and Adults! Experiment with wet felting techniques. If attending the morning session participants might choose to continue with the afternoon creating a body for the puppet or a cloak for the figure. This workshop will enable each to complete their character while learning the finer technique of seamless garment wet felting. Participants may alternately choose to fabricate a personal accessory, such as a purse, a satchel, a hat, a pair of mittens or a gossamer scarf. The afternoon workshop is designed for creating pieces for you! No prior experience necessary.
Saturday, November 13, 1:00p.m. - 4:00p.m Tuition: $40 per student Material fee $15.00

 

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

 

Marbled Paper Techniques and Collage with Eve Olitski
Discover the fascinating and spontaneous results of working with oils and marbling papers. Learn the art of paper marbling to create an amazing vocabulary of images and designs. One session will focus on creating and learning the technique of marbleing and other session uses the papers for unique and personal collages. Paper marbling is full of surprising results and can add to your artistic voice in improvisation and surprise. Creating papers for use in mixed media projects, book binding and collage are some of the options for using marbled papers. Collage is a great way to be free to interpret your inner creative self. All supplies provided with a materials fee of $15 each for paints and papers is payable to the instructor.
Saturday & Sunday, November 20 - 21, 10am - 1pm. TUITION: $75 Materials Fee $15

SUNDAY

Intermediate/Advanced Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain with Deb Wadsworth
This drawing class is based on the book "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain". You will gain confidence and acquire the skills necessary to "see" and draw anything in the seen and unseen world with greater ease and quality. The satisfaction of developing your skills sparks a new inspiration in your work while keeping your hands working at the pace of your thinking.
September 26, 10:00 - 4:00 p.m. TUITION: $75, or
October 17, 10:00 - 4:00 p.m. TUITION: $75