SUMMER 2008 ART PROGRAMS

Monday July 14 - Monday September 8 (8) weeks

Register before June 9th and save $25 on each 8 week class! Members save an additional $35 on classes and workshops!

Reg dates for summer: Pre-Reg: May 19-24 Early Reg: May 27-June 9 Gen Reg: June 10-28 Late Reg: begins June 29 Summer 2008 Schedule & Forms Summer 2008 Registration Forms & Policies Mixed Media Watercolor Drawing Jewelry Painting Summer Workshops Members Only Workshops

MIXED MEDIA

In this course, students will become acquainted with one of the most painterly methods among the printmaking techniques. Monoprints and monotypes are essentially printed paintings. Although images can be similar, editioning is not possible – no two images can be exactly the same. The monotype process creates a translucency and a quality of light very different from a painting on paper or a print. There is beauty in its spontaneity and combination of printmaking, painting, and drawing. For more information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 10.

In this course, students will discuss the historical uses of collage, from its utilitarian uses by the old masters to its pervasive use in celebrated contemporary art. Students will look at a wide range of styles from revolutionary artists such as Picasso and Matisse, Rauschenberg and Cornell, to current artists like Wangechi Mutu and Misaki Kawai. Various transfer techniques will be utilized to create several complete pieces. There will be an emphasis on composition, design, drawing and painting integration. Students are required to bring source material as a starting point for each project. Class is open to all levels. For more information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12.

WATERCOLOR

Through a series of exercises carefully designed to teach specific concepts, students will learn key ways to improve their watercolor techniques. Beginners and advanced painters will better understand how to create more successful pieces. Lessons learned through these exercises can be applied to any painting style or skill level. Students will be equipped to take their work to a new level. For more information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12.

Students will learn to add new dimension to their watercolors using Laurie Humble’s unique techniques. Students will learn key ways to say "goodbye" to flat-looking pieces. Both beginning and advanced students will leave with a new understanding of how to create a sense of visual depth. Lessons learned can be applied to any painting style or skill level. Students will be amazed at the new levels of dimension they create! For more information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12.

DRAWING

This fun, hands-on class will focus on the fundamentals of drawing, with tailored instruction to strengthen the student’s individual skill set. Students will focus on the fundamentals of “seeing”: gauging accurate proportions, correct foreshortening, using negative space, seeing angles, etc. Students will also focus on the basics “mark-making”: line variation, lost and found edges, searching lines, tone variation, gradation, wrapping lines around form, etc. By the end of this class students will be able to draw what they see more accurately and more beautifully! For more information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12

Students are introduced to the French Atelier training to draw the human figure accurately. The method of "sight size", a fundamental scale system, is used to reproduce the figure accurately. Students work from a live model focusing on outline, proportion, shadow, shape and value. *Model fee due first day of class, fee varies by class size. For information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 8

JEWELRY

The basic construction techniques covered in this class include: piercing, drilling, bezel settings, soldering, roller texturing, and hydraulic forming, as well as design, forging , stretching inlay, reticulation, and die forming. Advanced and intermediate students pursue projects of their choice with instructor supervision. Basic hand tools may cost approximately $310 depending on the vendor. Students may share tools if planned ahead of time. For information orto register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12

This class will serve to thoroughly introduce beginning jewelry makers to Art Clay Silver and enhance the skill level and techniques of intermediate and advanced metal clay enthusiasts. The course will cover a variety of topics including the construction various forms of jewelry, creating custom textures for designs, various methods of stone setting, various methods of ring making, mirror finishing and other finishing techniques, patinas, torch and kiln-firing, and much more. Students will leave this class with at least 3 to 5 pieces of finished jewelry. Supplies may be purchased in advance or from instructor. For information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12.

PAINTING

Students paint in a manner that matches their mood. Throughout this course, students will begin to intuitively consider formal design, color, composition and mark making, while learning about pivotal artists in abstract history. Students will learn to paint boldly and instinctively with precise marks. The instructor will give regular critiques and demonstrations. For information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 10

Students will learn the essentials of abstract art. Students will learn a variety of creative techniques in the use of mixed media, texture, paints, and pigments. Students will begin with jewel tones and a monochromatic pallete. This will allow students to explore the harmony between backgrounds and foregrounds, as well as color placement. Students will then progress through texture building, effective use of mediums, and ways to create illumination. Students will gain an understanding of composition, structure, color, texture, and the use of selective vision. Nightly demonstrations will be given. For information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12

In this modern method students use oil over acrylic paint. The painting progresses in layers, first in layers of acrylic followed by layers in oil. The simplicity of this method makes this class ideal for the beginner and a boost for the advanced student. Using this technique helps create paintings with a unique luminosity and a sense of depth. It is recommended that the extreme beginner use only acrylics to learn the layering method quickly. After learning the basics of layering, they may progress to oils. For information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12

Students will begin painting in “Grisaille" (painting executed entirely in monochrome, usually in shades of grey or brown). This will help students eliminate the obstacles of color and value in order to concentrate on the accuracy of their drawing and the effects of light on the the figure. The second half of the course utilizes a limited palette, allowing students to explore and understand the harmony and unity of light. For intermediate to advanced students. *Model fee due first day of class, fee varies by class size. For information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit: 8

This class is designed for beginners and experienced artists alike. Each week students start with short, anyone-can-do, exercises in both structure and style. After these brief studies students move on to long poses from a live model. Students are encouraged to explore different mediums and techniques as they focus on developing a strong sense of personal style. *Model fee due first day of class, fee varies by class size. For information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12

Although this class is open to all levels, some previous painting experience is recommended. Learn to make fresh, finished oil paintings using your sketches, outdoor photographs, and memory. Students learn the essentials of utilizing memory and personal experience in their work to express something interesting and compelling about their subject. Practicing this method, students achieve a unique sense of abstraction, and will see their subject with fresh perspective. Instructor will offer techniques and specific methods to guide students through various technical concerns during painting sessions. Students will also be introduced to different oil mediums and what their effective use can lend to a painting. Class includes informal lectures ranging from painting methods to texts on the inspiration and techniques used by celebrated artists. Given class consensus and pleasant weather, students may paint outdoors. For information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12

This course is recommended for intermediate students or as a continuation of Landscape into Art. Instructor will give demonstrations and discussions, both in class and during outdoor painting sessions. Learning to make paintings and studies on site is essential to creating a more convincing and expressive landscape. Painting locations will be selected by class consensus. Weather conditions permitting, class will meet outdoors during at least four sessions. For information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12

Using the ancient method of mixing oil paint and beeswax, students will develop a cohesive body of work and discover the exciting possibilities of abstract art. Students will experiment with layers while combining papers, scratching textures and powders, and incorporating found objects such as screen, beads, and glass. During this course, the instructor will give encaustic demonstrations and critiques. For more information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12

This class is an open studio, designed for the advanced art student. Students may be working with a variety of materials--from live models, set up still lives, photos, sketches, or even from the mind's eye. Development of individual style will be encouraged as you practice the experience of making art. You will enjoy the collaborative environment of other artists sharing ideas, techniques and energy. Students will provide their own materials and provide model fee, if applicable, after the first class. For information or to register call (713) 523-9530 . Limit 12

SUMMER WORKSHOPS

Students will learn new techniques in using realism with a pour. This course includes combining acrylic, watercolor, stamping and collage as well as charcoal, colored pencils, prisma colors, crayons and thick gesso layers. Appropriate for beginning and advanced students. Limit 12

Students will familiarize themselves with the elements of texture for use in abstract or realistic projects and will learn to achieve unique effects by combining various media. Appropriate for beginning and advanced students. For more information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12

In this one-day workshop students will learn to layer and use negative space in a way that adds greater visual depth to watercolor paintings. This is a great technique for complicated areas such grass or hair! For more information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12

Students will create 3 abstract paintings using a variety of mixed media techniques. Students will use their choice of found objects and color to explore the abstract elements of painting and composition. This course is appropriate for beginners. For more information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12

Students will learn their way around art supply stores, salvage yards, junk stores, resale shops, and mannequin hideouts. Students will learn about the quality of glues, paints, varnishes, and paper. Workshop includes tours at various locations. Students will be provided a list of addresses, store hours, and phone numbers. Students must provide their own transportation. For information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12

This workshop is a great way for beginning students to develop abstract art skills. Students will explore impasto, impressionism, and the use of line using a variety of color palettes including fauve, Tuscany, and earth tones. Students will learn techniques in scumbling, layering, and use of the palette knife. Students will complete at least three paintings. High school students and art teachers are welcome. For more information or to register call (713) 523-9530 Limit 12.

In this fun and informative oneday workshop students will learn in a relaxed atmosphere how colors work together and the secrets of creating and strengthening a focal point within a painting. For more information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12

This opportunity is for intensive development of jewelry skills whether you are a beginner or advanced. Studio experiences will include: embossing by hand with the rolling mill, sawing, inlay soldering, bezel setting both faceted stones and cabochons, and hydraulic forming. This class will be of special interest to teachers if you have ever considered incorporating jewelry into your classroom. Discussion of basic tools, procedures and safety considerations will be covered. For students who have previously taken the Intensives, this summer will introduce cuttlefish bone and/or sand casting. Field trip to Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, to see the Craft Texas Exhibition one afternoon after class. The metals market has been unstable lately. All project work except casting can be accomplished in copper. Sterling Silver may be used at the student’s discretion. For more information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12

MEMBERS ONLY WORKSHOPS

Students will learn to make their own unique and multi-colored dichroic fused-glass pendants with a silver wire self-bail. Students may make either two medium sized pendants or one larger pendant, and will leave with either one or two unique ready-to-wear unique pendants. All necessary supplies will be provided. For information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 9

In this workshop, students will learn about “thumbnails”--smaller sketches which help to plan compositions. Photographs will be provided for students who do not have them. Students will start with 4-6 small sketches in pencil to resolve composition and simple values before moving on to color compositions. Using this method, students will learn to effectively prepare studies for a larger painting in any medium. Students need to bring 8”x10” or 12”x14” Bristol board pad. For more information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12

In this workshop, students will learn about “thumbnails”--smaller sketches which help to plan compositions. Photographs will be provided for students who do not have them. Students will start with 4-6 small sketches in pencil to resolve composition and simple values before moving on to color compositions. Using this method, students will learn to effectively prepare studies for a larger painting in any medium. Students need to bring 8”x10” or 12”x14” Bristol board pad. For more information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12

This practical class will teach both beginners and advanced students how to turn realistic images into abstract expressionist paintings. Instruction will include demonstrations, an informative history of the Abstract Expressionist movement, and an overview of the influences, differences, and methods among seminal figures of the movement, including Jackson Pollock, William De Kooning, Joan Mitchell, Franz Kline, and Mark Rothko. Students are encouraged to bring images that they would like to work from, such as photos, landscapes, sketches, etc. Instructor demos will teach the student to paint intuitively, with an emphasis on color and line. For more information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 10

Students get an introduction to the art of monotype printing in this free workshop.
Known as the most painterly method among the printmaking techniques, monoprints and monotypes are essentially printed paintings. Although images can be similar, editioning is not possible--no two images can be exactly the same. The monotype process creates a translucency and a quality of light very different from a painting on paper or a print. Students can expect to complete two unique monotypes by the end of class. Registration is on a first come, first serve basis. *Supply fee payable to instructor at the beginning of class. All supplies provided by instructor. For information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 10