Instructor - Maureen Lax
Beginner
Monday evenings, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
July 13 - August 24
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member (+additional $15 late registration fee after July 5)
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 and styles, working primarily from still life, copies of existing paintings, and photos. This class will cover all stages of the painting process, from sourcing reference material, composing an image and blocking out a painting using simple values, all the way to embellishing your artwork with details and 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 proportion. This class is geared towards beginners, but all experience levels are welcome.
THIS CLASS IS FULL. TO JOIN A WAITLIST, PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM.
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 - Max Guarnaccia
All Levels
Tuesday evenings, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
July 14 - August 25
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member (+additional $15 late registration fee after July 5)
Studio 2
As landscape painters we are primarily concerned with creating a sense of light and atmosphere within our pictures. While we will focus extensively on the individual elements that constitute the landscape: trees, water, sky, etc., we will never lose sight of maintaining the larger light effect.
Each week I will present students with what I call a “painting infographic” (see course thumbnail) that will thoroughly demonstrate these micro and macro landscape principles in the form of a weekly project. Each project has a beginner and an advanced landscape reference based on the week’s theme. Students at all levels of painting proficiency are encouraged to enroll.
THIS CLASS IS FULL. TO JOIN A WAITLIST, PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM.
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 - Max Guarnaccia
All Levels
Wednesday afternoons, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
July 15 - August 26
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member (+additional $15 late registration fee after July 5)
Studio 2
This unique class was born out of the mind of legendary landscape painter and long term Art League instructor Steve Parker. As a friend and student of Steve Parker's I have endeavored to keep his vision alive for this special class. Each meeting will focus on a fundamental tenet of successful picturemaking that possesses equal relevance to both the landscape painter and the abstract painter. While each class will have a specific focus and an accompanying project, students are encouraged to bring in their own projects and use this as open studio time to challenge their conceptions of representation and abstraction in landscape.
Each lesson will be joined by an art book that will encourage art historical and theoretical dialogue amongst the 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 - Max Guarnaccia
Beginner / Intermediate
Wednesday evenings, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
July 15 - August 26
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member (+additional $15 late registration fee after July 5)
Studio 2
This 7-week class is carefully designed to provide beginner level painters a solid foundation in the essential skills needed to build a confident and competent oil painting practice. Students will start by learning about safe studio practices and the basic properties of oil pigments and mediums before advancing to lessons on value, edge, composition, color and painting theory. From there, students will apply these concepts to a variety of traditional motifs including still lifes, landscapes, and portraits. By the end of the quarter, students will have gained confidence in oil paint handling, a solid understanding of basic painting fundamentals in still life, landscape and portrait construction, and a clearer sense of direction for their creative development as oil painters.
THIS CLASS IS FULL. TO JOIN A WAITLIST, PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM.
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 afternoons, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
July 16 - August 27
7 weeks
$460 public / $425 member (+additional $15 late registration fee after July 5)
Studio 2
This course is designed for students who are already painting and want feedback. Open studio painting provides a flexible, self-directed environment for artists of all levels to work on personal projects. It focuses on developing individual techniques in a collaborative space. This course will enhance your development by providing guidance through critique and suggestions. Every week, a new painting technique is introduced, addressing color, pictorial space, layering, glazing, and surface effects to enhance your approach to picture making.
If you know what you want to paint and wish to do it in a classroom setting, this class is for you. Open to acrylic or oil painters.
REGISTRATION FOR THIS COURSE IS CLOSED
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
Intermediate / Advanced
Thursday evenings, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
July 16 - August 27
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member + additional live model fee (+additional $15 late registration fee after July 5)
Studio 2
This 7 week course offers an in depth look at painting portraits in oil using a direct painting method, also known as alla prima. This method allows the artist to paint more efficiently by strategically placing opaque colors on the canvas, resulting in a completed painting using a single layer of paint. The alla prima technique eliminates the need for underpainting or glazing. In addition, it allows artists to work faster, requiring less or even no solvent during the painting process. The Zorn palette offers a convenient and versatile way to create an array of hues and skin tones using just four colors. By adopting a limited color palette, color mixing is made more approachable and easier to understand. As we will be focusing mainly on painting, this course will be best fit for students with a solid foundation in drawing. We will work from both printed reference material as well as live models.
THIS CLASS IS FULL. TO JOIN A WAITLIST, PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM.
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 - Max Guarnaccia
Intermediate / Advanced
Friday mornings, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
July 17 - August 7
4 Weeks
$310 public / $260 member (+additional $15 late registration fee after July 5)
OFF-SITE / Studio 2
This 7-week course explores landscape painting in oil through direct observation, emphasizing the unique challenges and rewards of painting outdoors. Students will learn how painting on location differs from studio practice, particularly in responding to changing light, weather, and other variables.
Each week students will be introduced to essential plein air painting techniques such as how to situate their easels, blocking in masses, designing light and shadow patterns, and rendering key landscape elements including trees, skies, and atmospheric effects. Lessons will include clear instruction to further students’ understanding of compositional and technical approaches.
Weather permitting, all class sessions will take place outdoors at locations such as the Hermann Park and Bear Creek Park.
DISCLAIMER: We will always paint in the shade but it will be very hot. Please do not sign up for this if you are not comfortable painting outside during the months of July and August for 3+ hours.
REGISTRATION FOR THIS COURSE IS CLOSED
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 - Max Guarnaccia
All Levels
Saturday mornings, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
July 18 - August 29
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member (+additional $15 late registration fee after July 5)
Studio 2
Utilizing memory and personal experience, students are encouraged to render their own impressions of the given landscape. Individual elements of the landscape are demonstrated but never at the expense of maintaining the overall unity of the scene. As landscape painters we are focused on creating a sense of light and atmosphere within our rendered worlds. With this in mind I will offer techniques and specific methods that address both the micro (tree, sky, hill) and the macro (light, depth, atmosphere).
The primary medium is oil, however, acrylic and water-based oil paint is accepted. Each project has a beginner and an advanced landscape reference based on each week’s theme. Students at all levels of painting proficiency are encouraged to enroll.
THIS CLASS IS FULL. TO JOIN A WAITLIST, PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM.
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 18
1 Day
$185 public / $150 member (+additional $15 late registration fee after July 5)
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.
Some drawing and painting experience is recommended, but not required. All are welcome to join and explore this rewarding technique. 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.
3 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 - Laura Lawson
Beginner
Saturday + Sunday afternoons, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
July 25 + 26
2 Days
$200 public / $165 member (+additional $15 late registration fee after July 5)
Studio 2
Curious about oil painting but unsure where to start? Join us for a risk-free introduction to the world of oils! Led by Laura 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. Watch as your instructor demonstrates an oil painting from start to finish, offering tips and techniques along the way. 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.
No need to worry about purchasing materials—I’ve got you covered! All painting supplies will be provided, so you can fully immerse yourself in the creative process.
THIS CLASS IS FULL. TO JOIN A WAITLIST, PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM.
By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).