Instructor - Zach Mendoza

All Levels
Sunday mornings, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
July 20 - August 31
7 weeks
$450 public / Pay-What-You-Can

Studio 1

In this course, students will learn portrait drawing fundamentals. Emphasis will be placed on facial proportions, various views, building a likeness, and more. The course will involve working from photo-reference with graphite, charcoal, and precision ink tools like micron pens or crow-quill pens. Optional personal assignments will be suggested throughout the term as well. Learning outcomes include learning to draw portraits from life and photos to build mileage in numerous drawing mediums.

Note: registration for this class will open on Monday, June 9th

This program has limited seating. Once registered, attendance to these courses is highly encouraged. Membership discounts are not applicable to Flexible Access courses. All courses take place at Art League Houston unless noted otherwise. If a payment option isn’t available, contact the ALH School during office hours for assistance at school@artleaguehouston.org or 713.523.9530 ext. 3. By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - Christian Toledo

All Levels
Sunday mornings, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
July 27 - September 7
7 weeks
$450 public / pay-what-you-can

Studio 3

In this class, participants will learn the basics of film photography and how to develop their own film at home using coffee and other house-hold materials. This workshop will include photowalks, mixing your own developer, scanning your work and constructive feedback/criticism.

This workshop was inspired by a conversation with a friend who asked about environmentally friendly ways to develop film at home. That question sparked Christian’s interest in Caffenol — a method of developing film using coffee — and in the broader movement toward more sustainable practices in film photography. The workshop was first held during the Liberties Were Taken exhibition at the Blaffer Art Museum, where it also drew connections to the struggles faced by coffee farmers. This connection was deepened by Christian’s sister’s thesis, which explored the many challenges faced by coffee farmers in the Philippines; from exploitation through international trade agreements to the murder of union leaders in coffee factories. The aim of this workshop is not only to learn the basics of analog film photography, but to cultivate mindfulness of our surroundings through photography and the developing process.

May the use of our hands to develop our film connect us to the hands that harvest our coffee.

Note: registration for this class will open on Monday, June 9th

This program has limited seating. Once registered, attendance to these courses is highly encouraged. Membership discounts are not applicable to Flexible Access courses. All courses take place at Art League Houston unless noted otherwise. If a payment option isn’t available, contact the ALH School during office hours for assistance at school@artleaguehouston.org or 713.523.9530 ext. 3. By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - Nancy Rios

All Levels
Tuesday afternoons, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
July 15 - August 26
7 weeks
$500 public / $465 member

Studio 1

In this hands-on class, students will explore the art of hand-building through techniques like pinching, soft slab construction, and coiling. While functional pottery is welcome, this course also encourages sculptural and expressive forms, allowing you to follow your own artistic voice. Nancy will work closely with each student, offering personalized feedback and guidance to help you build confidence, refine your skills, and bring your ideas to life. You’ll also explore surface design using underglaze techniques such as sgraffito, inlay, and transfers, and receive glaze instruction to help you finish your pieces with intention and beauty.

Whether you're new to clay or looking to expand your practice, this class is open to all levels.

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - Martha Ferguson

All Levels
Wednesday evenings, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
July 16 - August 27
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member

Studio 1

This course focuses on the introductory metalsmithing skills of sawing, filing, drilling and sanding as students create three-dimensional sculptures and containers from flat sheet metal. Students will create a pop-up sculpture while learning fundamentals of metalsmithing through three-dimensional design. While honing their skills in both design and craftsmanship student will progress to making a container from flat sheet metal while learning the additional skills of texturing and riveting. This class is a great beginner course for those interested in metalsmithing and also for those more experienced that want to sharpen their skills.

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - Nancy Rios

Beginner / Intermediate
Sunday afternoon, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
July 27
1 Day
$160 public / $125 member

Studio 2

Join ceramic artist Nancy Rios for a one-day, hands-on workshop focused on the art of ceramic mask-making. Rooted in both creative exploration and cultural storytelling, this workshop invites participants to shape expressive masks that reflect personal identity, emotion, or imagination. Using hand-building techniques and surface decoration methods, you'll learn how to construct and design your own clay mask from start to finish. Nancy will guide you through form, texture, symbolism.

Perfect for beginners and experienced makers alike, this workshop offers a space to create meaningful, sculptural works in a supportive and inspiring studio environment.

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - Mary Rogers

Intermediate / Advanced
Saturday mornings, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
August 16 + 23
2 Days
$330 public / $295 member

Studio 1

This is an introduction to the process of cuttlefish bone casting, a method of gravity casting. Cuttlefish bone is an organic material that is soft enough to carve a negative mold. Once the mold is cut and both sides are marked for alignment, a sprue channel is cut into the material and molten sterling is poured into the negative area. The texture of the soft bone surface is very organic. Once the casting is complete it can be cut, filed, and soldered to create a distinctive piece of jewelry.

This class requires intermediate jewelry skills such as sawing, filing and basic torch skills. Students will be casting in sterling silver and will need 2-3 ounces of sterling scrap or sterling casting grain. Sterling scrap will be available for purchase from the instructor in ½ ounce packets.

Please note: For safety reasons while casting all students must wear leather shoes.

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - Shelby Craze

All Levels
Wednesday afternoons, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
July 16 - August 27
7 weeks
$480 public / $445 member

Studio 1

This class is an introduction to fiber sculpture with an emphasis on recycled/upcycled materials. All levels are welcome! Students will develop foundational skills in hand sewing, dry needle felting, and building armatures to create three-dimensional objects and sculptures. Skill building exercises will include things like hand sewing on different types of fabric, developing patterns for three dimensional objects, needle felting onto flat surfaces and three-dimensional surfaces, and using craft wire and chicken wire to build armatures for fiber sculpture. Over the course of the 7-week class, students will work on a few small-scale projects as they learn the foundational skills of sewing and hand felting before transferring these skills to three-dimensional objects. The final project will be open ended in any media worked on in the class, including mixed media.

All materials will be provided by the instructor, but students are welcome to bring in their own fiber for reuse from things like old clothes, old blankets, sheets, etc. Students are encouraged to come in curious about creative reuse of materials and working three-dimensionally.

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - Naomi Kuo

All Levels
Tuesday evenings, 6:30 PM -  9:30 PM
August 5 - August 26
4 weeks
$305 public / $270 member

Studio 3

In this workshop, students will learn all the steps to create a T-shirt quilt by hand, no sewing machines needed. They will complete a portion of a quilt with personal textiles in the "quilt-as-you-go" method and have all the tools they need to finish the quilt after the workshop. Give your sentimental clothing a second life in the form of a quilt!

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - John Davis

All Levels
Thursday evenings, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
July 17 - August 28
7 weeks
$460 public / $425 member

Studio 1

Learn how to use watercolor in unexpected ways to create bold results. Initial steps in using the medium will focus on value, layering, creating forms and then color relationships. Create a foundation for working and then go beyond traditional watercolor by experimenting with different techniques. Discover how to take advantage of unexpected "mistakes" for your own benefit. Imagery for this course will be mostly representational while encouraging atmospheric effects and the looser side of the medium.

This class is for All Levels. Previous painting experience is not required, however an understanding in value drawing is helpful.

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - Rafael Gamero

Beginner / Intermediate
Wednesday evenings, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
July 16 - August 27
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member

Studio 2

This class is all about the creative process, where experimentation with materials takes center stage. Using pastels, paint, and collage, we’ll explore different surfaces and techniques, allowing the journey of creation to shape your work. While prior experience with painting or drawing can be helpful, it's not necessary—this class encourages both figurative and abstract explorations. The focus is on discovering new approaches, embracing texture, and allowing the materials to guide you, with the final piece being a reflection of your creative exploration.

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - Preetika Rajgariah

All Levels
Wednesday evenings, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
July 16 - August 27
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member

Studio 3

Fabric and textiles are tied to all of us: from family heirlooms that hold nostalgic meaning to scraps of hot pink fur from Joann’s art supply. In this class, students will create mixed media, collage paintings using their own background and photos as a point of inspiration.  Students will learn about contemporary collage artists and painters such as Deborah Roberts and Hugo McCloud, and work to improve color theory, build dynamic compositions, and use good craftsmanship with mixed media techniques. This will be a fun and creative way to explore a range of materials, take risks in the studio, and preserve our memories from this time.

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - Lucinda Cobley

Beginner / Intermediate
Thursday mornings, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
July 17 + July 24
2 Days
$175 public / $140 member

Studio 1

In this studio-based watercolor and mixed media workshop we will explore painting and drawing with tube watercolors and watercolor pencils. Various experimental effects will be employed to depict light and shadow and contrast using warm and cool colors with the addition of applications of translucent layers of collage, applied subtle textures and use of open unpainted spaces. Demos and exercises will incorporate further use of mixed media into watercolor painting, including resist mediums, different grounds, such as gesso and acrylic medium, and collage with acid free tissue paper and rice paper onto watercolor paper. The subject focus will be on natural elements such as water, rocks, and insects using photographic sources, for example, lily ponds and streams and small still life set ups in the studio of water vessels and flowering plants to make mixed media studies. Contemporary and historical artists will also be referenced.

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor: Leslie Cuenca

All Levels
Thursday afternoons, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
July 17 - August 28
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member

Studio 3

The goal of this class is to cultivate mindfulness and inner calm while learning to paint with ink. Using painting as a therapeutic tool for self discovery and emotional release, students will explore different ways of expressing reality and inner dimensions. Activities will include guided meditations focused on grounding and centering, breathing techniques to enhance focus and relaxation, and gentle body movement to make the body comfortable and fluid for painting. We will also cover ink painting preparation and technique to create a beautiful work of art, using brushstrokes to convey emotion and movement. Students will come away with an understanding of the interaction between water, ink and paper, as well as traditional and innovative ink painting principles (simplicity, balance and asymmetry).

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - Polly Liu

Intermediate / Advanced
Monday afternoons, 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
July 14 - August 25
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member + additional live model fee

Studio 2

In this class, students are introduced to French Atelier training to draw the human figure. 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. The non-refundable model fee is due the first day of class and ranges from $150 - $175 for the whole session depending on class size. Please note: enrollment for this course is limited to 5 students.

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - Mike Stovall

All Levels
Monday evenings, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
July 14 - August 25
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member

Studio 3

Cartooning is a process, a language and an art form. This class will provide students with the means for creative self-discovery and the exploration of complex ideas through visual, sequential storytelling. Students will record their observations, experiences and memories in their sketchbook and then translate that material into pictographic narratives...some only one panel and some multiple pages. The class is essentially a writing and an art class rolled into one. The class focuses much more on story and process than drawing skills.

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - Polly Liu

Intermediate / Advanced
Tuesday mornings, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
July 15 - August 26
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member + additional live model fee

Studio 2

In this class, students are introduced to French Atelier training to draw the human portrait. The method of sight size, a fundamental scale system, is used to reproduce portraits accurately. Students work from a live model focusing on outline, proportion, shadow, shape, and value. The non-refundable model fee is due the first day of class and ranges from $150 - $175 for the whole session depending on class size. Please note: enrollment for this course is limited to 5 students.

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - Peter Broz

All Levels
Tuesday evenings, 6:30 PM -  9:30 PM
July 15 + July 22
2 Days
$175 public / $140 member

Studio 3

Bring your drawings to life by exploring toned paper with colored pencil! This workshop is for artists who want to gain a deeper understanding of value and how to isolate shadows, mid-tones and highlights, giving your drawings a more convincing sense of form. These in-depth monochromatic exercises will help create the illusion of three-dimensionality in your drawings. In the second session of this workshop, you will have the option to work from your own source material and get individualized one on one feedback.

In addition to understanding how to approach toned paper, we will also be covering some fundamental colored pencil techniques. We will go over tips for erasing color pencil as well as tips for blending and controlling the opacity of your shaded and tinted areas.

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - Myke Venable

Beginner
Thursday mornings, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
July 17 - August 28
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member

Studio 3

This class sets aside time to develop, practice, and refine your drawing skills! Students will explore the fundamentals of drawing through various hands-on activities and class discussions. This class will touch upon observation, shapes, volume, value, line and texture. This class is intended for students with little or no previous drawing experience or those that want to sharpen their fundamental skills.

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - Peter Broz

All Levels
Thursday evenings, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
July 17 - August 28
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member + additional live model fee

Studio 2

Depicting the human face has been a subject of fascination for centuries. Even with the development of photography, hand-drawn portraiture continues to be a relevant and expressive form of art. This course is meant to encourage your curiosity and help you better understand the underlying anatomy of the face and how to achieve accurate proportions.

The goal of this 7 week course is to make drawing portraiture less daunting by using systematic methods that encourage students to tackle any obstacles they may encounter. Students can expect individualized feedback throughout the course, as it can be very helpful in the learning process. We will be working from live models in both short and long pose formats. By simplifying the face to its most essential components, students will be able to create a solid foundation with proportions in mind. We will be using both graphite pencil and color pencil and exploring white drawing paper as well as toned paper. At the end of the course students will be able to more confidently render the face with a clear set of strategies and objectives in mind.

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - Myke Venable

Intermediate / Advanced
Thursday evenings, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
July 17 - August 28
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member

Studio 3

Intermediate Drawing is for the student with some knowledge of shape, volume, value, line and texture. We will work from still life objects, portrait photographs and cover basic linear perspective. The materials for this course will range from graphite pencils, charcoal pencils and Prismacolor on paper. The overall objective of this class is to build a stronger foundation in drawing.

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - Myke Venable

Beginner
Saturday mornings, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
July 19 - August 30
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member

Studio 3

This class sets aside time to develop, practice, and refine your drawing skills! Students will explore the fundamentals of drawing through various hands-on activities and class discussions. This class will touch upon observation, shapes, volume, value, line and texture. This class is intended for students with little or no previous drawing experience or those that want to sharpen their fundamental skills.

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - Myke Venable

Intermediate / Advanced
Saturday afternoons, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
July 19 - August 30
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member

Studio 3

Intermediate Drawing is for the student with some knowledge of shape, volume, value, line and texture. We will work from still life objects, portrait photographs and cover basic linear perspective. The materials for this course will range from graphite pencils, charcoal pencils and Prismacolor on paper. The overall objective of this class is to build a stronger foundation in drawing.

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - Peter Broz

All Levels
Sunday mornings, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
July 20 - August 31
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member + additional live model fee

Studio 2

Intro to Figure Drawing is a comprehensive course designed to introduce students to the fundamental principles and techniques of drawing the human figure. This course is suitable for beginners and intermediate artists who wish to develop their skills in capturing the human form accurately and expressively. The classes will be centered around working from a live model.

Throughout the course, students will explore various aspects of figure drawing, including anatomy, proportion, gesture, and form. They will learn to observe and analyze the human body, understanding its underlying structure and how it moves. Students will also study the principles of light and shadow, enabling them to create a range of values that create the illusion of form.

By the end of the course, students will have acquired a solid foundation in figure drawing, enabling them to depict the human form with accuracy and expressiveness. They will have developed their understanding of anatomy, proportions, and the principles of light and shadow. Additionally, students will have honed their observational skills, allowing them to capture the essence and gesture of a figure.

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - Polly Liu

Intermediate / Advanced
Monday mornings, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
July 14 - August 25
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member

Studio 2

In this class, students begin painting in grisaille – painting executed entirely around monochrome and usually in shades of gray or brown – to eliminate the problems of color and value and to concentrate on accuracy of drawing and the effects of light. The second part of the class utilizes a limited palette, allowing students to explore and understand the harmony and unity of light. The non-refundable model fee is due the first day of class and ranges from $150 - $175 for the whole session depending on class size. Please note: enrollment for this course is limited to 5 students.

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - John Davis

All Levels
Monday afternoons, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
July 14 - August 25
7 weeks
$460 public / $425 member

Studio 1

This course will explore using geometric shapes as a method to create reduced landscapes with acrylic paint. Images will be laid out in plains of color that will desaturate or shift in value as they recede into space, invoking depth. Processes will include establishing foreground, middle-ground, and background spaces, hard edge painting, layering, and understanding color relationships. Students are encouraged to invent their own image or use a landscape picture to be translated into a simplified abstraction.

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - Maureen Lax

Beginner / Intermediate
Monday evenings, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
July 14 - August 11
5 weeks
$325 public / $290 member

Studio 2

In this class we will learn all about the basics of painting with acrylics! Students will be introduced to a range of painting techniques, working primarily from still life, copies of existing paintings, and photos. This class will cover all stages of the painting process, from composing an image and “blocking out” a painting, all the way to embellishing a painting with expressive mark-making. Students will come away from the course with a broad understanding of acrylic painting approaches, and a foundational knowledge of color, value and composition. This class is geared towards beginners, but all experience levels are welcome.

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - Laura Lawson

All Levels
Tuesday mornings, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
July 15 - August 5
4 weeks
$295 public / $260 member

Studio 1

Painters love color! We go to the art store and are like kids in a candy store and we end up with all kinds of tubes of color in our tool box. In this class we will use different variations of a very limited palette to create harmonious paintings. Learn how to push ourselves to learn what our paints can do or not do in our painting practice. Here we take the time to get to know them, to play with them, and to see what they have to offer. We will do some exercises and we will work on some small paintings, using your photo references or mine. Oil and acrylic painters are welcome to join us on this journey.

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - Polly Liu

Intermediate / Advanced
Tuesday afternoons, 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
July 15 - August 26
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member + additional live model fee

Studio 2

In this class, students begin painting in grisaille – painting executed entirely around monochrome and usually in shades of gray or brown – to eliminate the problems of color and value and to concentrate on accuracy of drawing and the effects of light. The second part of the class utilizes a limited palette, allowing students to explore and understand the harmony and unity of light.  The non-refundable model fee is due the first day of class and ranges from $150 - $175 for the whole session depending on class size. Please note: enrollment for this course is limited to 5 students.

2 SEATS REMAINING

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - Steve Parker

All Levels
Tuesday evenings, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
July 15 - August 26
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member

Studio 2

This class is primarily concerned with painting the individual elements of landscape: trees, water, etc. The instructor will demonstrate week-to-week and students will be encouraged to make studies of these essential components necessary in a successful landscape painting. The primary medium is oil, although acrylic and water-based oil paint is accepted.

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - Steve Parker

Intermediate / Advanced
Wednesday afternoons, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
July 16 - August 27
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member

Studio 2

This course is a continuation of "Landscape into Art," but with an emphasis on composing a painting to be non-representational or abstract. There will be plenty of latitude to continue the methods already undertaken in the previous landscape classes as well. The instructor will demonstrate and discuss these approaches as used by current and past masters. This class is offered for all levels, however, students are expected to have a basic knowledge of drawing and composition. Among all levels, beginners will be encouraged to draw. The primary medium is oil, although acrylic and water-based oil paint is accepted.

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - Steve Parker

Intermediate / Advanced
Thursday afternoons, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
July 17 - August 28
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member

Studio 2

This class is recommended for intermediate and advanced students and/or as a continuation of "Landscape into Art." The instructor will demonstrate and discuss techniques used in landscape painting in the first class session. Painting and making studies on site is essential in creating a convincing and expressive landscape. This will be further discussed in class. The primary medium is oil, however, acrylic and water-based oil paint is accepted. Watercolor is not accepted.

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - Steve Parker

All Levels
Saturday mornings, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
July 19 - August 30
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member

Studio 2

Utilizing memory and personal experience, students are encouraged to render their own impressions of the subject. Individual elements of the landscape are explored and demonstrated. The instructor will offer techniques and specific methods in landscape painting. The class includes informal discussions ranging from painting methods to basic color theory. The primary medium is oil, however, acrylic and water-based oil paint is accepted.

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - Zach Mendoza

Beginner / Intermediate
Sunday afternoons, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
July 20 - August 31
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member + additional live model fee

Studio 1

In this course, students will learn how to paint portraits in acrylic. They will cover the structure of the face, light and shadow, color temperatures, and expressive mark-making techniques that apply to oil as well. The course will address the logistical challenges and advantages of working in acrylic and how to maximize the latter while working from photos. The second part of the class will involve using the acrylic medium to develop larger-scale works from photos.

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - Laura Lawson

All Levels
Saturday, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
July 19
1 Day
$175 public / $140 member

Studio 1

Dive into the art of pet portraiture and bring your beloved pet to life on canvas using the alla prima technique, also known as "direct painting" or "wet-on-wet" oil painting. In this workshop, you'll create an 8x10 portrait of your pet, learning how to capture that unique spark that makes your pet truly your own. Whether you’re looking to create a special keepsake for yourself or a unique gift for someone else, this class will guide you through the process of painting a vibrant, lively portrait of your favorite furry subject.

Students are recommended to have some drawing and painting experience but not required. Note: Supply rentals are available from the instructor for a small fee. Students must notify instructor at least 2 days before the workshop in order to reserve supplies.

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - Laura Lawson

Beginner / Intermediate
Saturday afternoons, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
July 26 + August 2
2 Days
$190 public / $155 member

Studio 2

Curious about oil painting but unsure where to start? Join us for a risk-free introduction to the world of oils! This class is designed for beginners who want to explore oil painting without the pressure of a long-term commitment. You’ll receive an overview of essential oil painting materials and tools, including brushes, paints, and surfaces. We’ll also dive into the basics of color theory and mixing, helping you understand how to create harmonious color palettes. With guidance, you’ll create your first oil painting, choosing from a selection of instructor-provided photographs, including still life, landscapes, and more. This class is perfect for those who want to dip their toes into oil painting, learn the basics, and walk away with a completed piece of art—all in a supportive, low-pressure environment.

All painting supplies for this class will be provided, so you can fully immerse yourself in the creative process. A small fee to cover the cost of supplies is included in the price.

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).

Instructor - Laura Lawson

All Levels
Saturday, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
August 9
1 Day
$175 public / $140 member

Studio 1

Let’s explore flowers! In this workshop we will be painting a loose impressionistic floral. We will be using the alla prima technique, also known as "direct painting" or “wet-on-wet”. My goal is to teach and equip my students with the tools to break down a subject into big shapes then add just a few details to round out the painting to bring it to life. We will talk about design, value, drawing and color. I will demonstrate a painting to help give students a visual example before students choose a floral design provided to create their own. Painting supplies can be reserved for an additional fee directly from the instructor.

By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).