Instructor - Laura Lawson
All Levels
Monday mornings, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
October 12 - November 30 (No class Nov 23)
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member
Studio 2
Color is one of the most powerful—and often most challenging—aspects of painting. In this seven-week course, students will develop confidence by learning how to mix clean, vibrant, and accurate color rather than relying on paint straight from the tube. Through demonstrations, guided exercises, and practical painting assignments, you'll gain a deeper understanding of individual pigments, color temperature, value, chroma, transparency, and opacity, while learning why some color mixtures succeed and others fall flat.
As the course progresses, students will apply these concepts through increasingly complex painting exercises, culminating in a finished painting that reflects a thoughtful and intentional use of color. Ideal for beginning and intermediate oil painters, this class emphasizes practical application over theory, giving students the knowledge and confidence to mix color accurately and make stronger color decisions in every painting they create.
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
Intermediate
Monday evenings, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
October 12 - November 9
5 weeks
$325 public / $290 member
Studio 2
This course is for students who want to dive further into the incredibly versatile world of painting with acrylics! In this class, students will complete projects that are designed to push you out of your comfort zone and experiment with your creative process, while simultaneously developing your technical skills in composition, color, and mark-making. This class is recommended for students with some painting experience in any medium - students who are new to working with acrylics are also 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).
THIS CLASS IS FULL. TO JOIN A WAITLIST, PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM.
Instructor - Laura Lawson
All Levels
Tuesday mornings, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
October 13 - December 1 (No class Nov 24)
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member
Studio 1
Enhance your painting skills and learn to see the world through the eyes of an artist in this supportive, open-format painting class. Designed for representational and impressionistic painters of all skill levels, this course offers individualized instruction tailored to each student's goals while strengthening the fundamental principles of successful painting. Students are welcome to begin a new work or bring paintings in progress for personalized guidance as they develop a stronger understanding of color harmony, value, light and shadow, composition, color temperature, and expressive brushwork.
This session will include instructor demonstrations, practical problem-solving, and one-on-one coaching to help students overcome challenges and continue growing as painters. Work from the instructor's reference photos or bring your own, allowing you to explore subjects that inspire you while receiving individualized instruction in a supportive 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).
THIS CLASS IS FULL. TO JOIN A WAITLIST, PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM.
Instructor - Max Guarnaccia
All Levels
Tuesday evenings, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
October 13 - December 1 (No class Nov 24)
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member
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 never lose sight of maintaining the larger 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 project. Each project has a beginner, intermediate and advanced landscape reference based on each week’s theme. Students at all levels of painting proficiency are encouraged to enroll.
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
Beginner / Intermediate
Wednesday afternoons, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
October 14 - December 2 (No class Nov 25)
7 weeks
$460 public / $425 member
Studio 1
Acrylic painting is the simplest way to learn how to paint. Initial steps in understanding the medium will focus on value and how color shapes can inform depth and space. Processes covered include underpainting, blocking, layering, and glazing while working abstractly. Enhance your artistic development by understanding how acrylics function and learning essential techniques via demonstrations and personal critique. Acrylic paints are fast-drying, water-soluble, and easy to clean up.
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
October 14 - December 2 (No class Nov 25)
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member
Studio 2
This unique class was born out of the mind of Houston 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 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 accompanied by an art book that will encourage art historical and theoretical debate 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).
THIS CLASS IS FULL. TO JOIN A WAITLIST, PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM.
Instructor - Max Guarnaccia
Beginner / Intermediate
Wednesday evenings, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
October 14 - December 2 (No class Nov 25)
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member
Studio 2
This 7-week class is 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.
At the conclusion 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.
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 afternoons, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
October 22 - December 10 (No class Nov 26)
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member
Studio 2
This course is for those who would like to explore botanical subjects through painting. The course will not be limited to just one particular approach to painting, but rather encourage each individual artist’s creativity and intentionality. We will be covering various technical considerations such as developing control and confidence with brushwork and how to use painting mediums to achieve desired effects. We will also explore how to practically apply color theory concepts to create stronger, more cohesive works as well as design and conceptual considerations to further strengthen the work. The class will be project based and is ideal for students who want to improve their skills but also desire the flexibility to bring their own creative ideas to fruition. We will primarily be working from printed reference material and still life subjects. Acrylic paint will be the default medium, but other mediums including oil paints will be allowed for anyone who wishes to use them.
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
October 17 - December 5 (No class Nov 28)
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member
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, intermediate and advanced landscape reference based on each week’s theme.
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
Intermediate
Sunday afternoons, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
October 18 - December 6 (No class Nov 29)
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member (+additional live model fee)
Studio 2
This course is designed to strengthen each student's understanding of figurative painting through a balance of traditional academic methods and contemporary approaches. Working primarily from a live model, students will develop observational skills while exploring composition, color, value, edges, and paint handling.
The first half of the course emphasizes academic painting techniques, guiding students through the complete process of developing a sustained figure painting from life. The second half builds upon these fundamentals by encouraging students to develop a more contemporary and personal approach to figurative painting while continuing to work from a sustained live pose. Students will explore abstraction, expressive mark-making, compositional experimentation, and other contemporary painting practices as they begin to cultivate their own artistic voice.
Students of all experience levels are welcome. Individual instruction, demonstrations, and critiques will be provided throughout the course.
By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).
THIS CLASS IS FULL. TO JOIN A WAITLIST, PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM.
Instructor - Max Guarnaccia
Intermediate / Advanced
Sunday afternoons, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
October 18 - November 8
4 weeks
$310 public / $275 member
OFF-SITE/ Studio 3
This 4-week workshop 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 to outdoor painting. Weather permitting, all class sessions will take place outdoors at locations such as Hermann Park and Bear Creek Park.
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
Sunday afternoons, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
October 25 + November 1
2 days
$185 public / $150 member
Studio 1
In this class you will learn the fundamentals of working with ink, including brush handling, ink dilution, line quality and composition. Through guided exercises and tutorials we will explore traditional techniques as well as innovative ink play methods focusing on observation, body movement, relaxation and flow. We will explore a variety of themes: history, symbolism and philosophy of subject matter to create a beautiful composition that is filled with expression. No prior experience is required- just curiosity and a willingness to experiment. All levels 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).