PREVIEW: WINTER 2026

january 20 - March 9, 2026

REGISTRATION TIMELINE

• Early Registration:  November 10 - 16, 2025

  (Open to Fall 2025 students - note: a unique password will be emailed directly to the student email address ALH has on file)

• General Registration: November 17, 2025 - January 11, 2026

• Late Registration: Begins on January 12, 2026 (additional non-refundable late fee of $15 per class and/or workshop)

• Course Schedule: January 20 - March 9, 2026 (unless noted otherwise). Note: ALH will be closed Monday, January 19 for MLK Day

• Make-up week: March 10 - 16, 2026

ART LEAGUE SCHOOL POLICIES:

Before registering for any class, students must carefully read the Art League School policies. Please review terms and conditions before registering, which are subject to change, by visiting:

https://www.artleaguehouston.org/school-policies

Please note:

The Art League School offers adult studio courses exclusively for individuals aged 17 and above.

Handcrafted Culture: Exploring Ethnic Techniques Through Intuitive Fiber Art  (FA-1) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Nela Garzón

All Levels
Tuesday evenings, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
January 20 - March 3
7 weeks
$450 public / Pay-What-You-Can

Studio 1

In this class, students will be guided through a variety of mixed-media fiber art techniques inspired by rich ethnic craft traditions such as Guna molas, Otomi embroidery, and Haitian and Native American beadwork. Together, we will explore intuitive composition methods to create a vibrant and expressive wall hanging.

We’ll begin by learning the principles behind molas, the colorful reverse appliqué technique traditionally crafted by the Guna people of Panama and Colombia. Students will start by hand-stitching creative designs, then learning to cut and restitch to reveal a bold, multi-layered composition. Next, we’ll dive into embroidery techniques inspired by the vivid textiles of the Otomi people of Mexico. Using basic stitches, students will intuitively "draw" on fabric with thread, filling their shapes with color and texture to bring their compositions to life. To complete the piece, students will learn two beadwork techniques for embellishing with beads and sequins: one inspired by the dazzling drapo Vodou flags of Haiti, and another based on traditional Native American beadwork styles.

Throughout the class, students will be encouraged to work intuitively and personally, combining these global techniques to create a unique fiber art wall hanging that tells their own story.

Ink Drawing for Illustration (FA-2) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Zach Mendoza

Intermediate / Advanced
Sunday afternoons, 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
January 25 - March 8
7 weeks
$450 public / Pay-What-You-Can

Studio 3

In this course, students will explore the expressive and technical possibilities of ink as a medium for illustration. Through in-depth demonstrations and live model sessions, students will learn to build compelling images using pen, brush, and ink wash. The course will address structure, proportion, gesture, and the use of line and value to create mood, clarity, and narrative intent. Students will develop an understanding of how to integrate traditional drawing fundamentals with illustrative thinking—composition, storytelling, and emphasis. The class will balance observational study with creative interpretation, culminating in a final project that synthesizes both. This course is recommended for intermediate to advanced students with prior drawing experience.

Fabric Jewelry from Fashion Inspirations (FA-3) | IN-PERSON WORKSHOP

Instructor - Dongyi Wu

All Levels
Saturday, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
February 7
1 Day
$175 public / Pay-What-You-Can

Studio 1

In this workshop, students will learn how to create unique fabric jewelry using fabric scraps and metal wire. Drawing inspiration from magazine clippings and collage techniques, participants will explore how to design and construct voluminous, artistic fabric components.

Once the fabric elements are completed, instructor Dongyi will guide students in connecting them securely to human bodies by crafting a fibula—an ancient form of safety pin. The class will cover basic hand-stitching and metal-forming techniques, allowing students to combine textiles and metal into wearable, one-of-a-kind pieces. All levels.

Fabric Jewelry and Soft Sculptures (FA-4) | IN-PERSON WORKSHOP

Instructor - Dongyi Wu

All Levels
Sunday afternoons, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
February 15 + February 22
2 Days
$175 public / Pay-What-You-Can

Studio 1

This two-day workshop offers students a unique opportunity to transform flat fabric scraps into wearable jewelry or small soft sculptures with volume.

In the first session, participants will explore how to draw inspiration from fashion magazines and collage techniques to design and create unique fabric components. These will then be assembled into one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces using hand stitching.

In the second session, the focus shifts to creating soft sculptural forms through the introduction of paper sculpture techniques adapted for fabric. Students will experiment with methods such as reshaping, rolling, and duplicating their components to develop more dimensional and expressive pieces. All levels.

Jewelry Construction (S-1) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Mary Rogers

All Levels
Monday evenings, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
January 26 - March 9
7 weeks
$485 public / $450 member

Studio 1

This class covers jewelry construction techniques including:  piercing, drilling, soldering, riveting, forging reticulation and roller printing as well as hydraulic forming.  Advanced topics may include granulation, jewelry rendering, and blanking.  In this class there is a strong emphasis on problem solving which helps students develop a personal design vocabulary.  Multi-level classes allow new students to see a variety of advanced techniques and applications.  Individualized instruction allows students to progress at their own pace.

Kneaded Clay: The Intersection of Craft and Culinary (S-2)

Instructor - Nancy Rios

All Levels
Tuesday afternoons, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
January 20 - March 3
7 weeks
$485 public / $450 member

Studio 1

In this handbuilding class, we’ll explore the playful connection between baking and working with clay. Just like kneading dough or shaping pastries, handbuilding invites a tactile and rhythmic process of forming and refining. Participants will use simple tools and techniques. Such as coil building, slabs and coils to create clay forms inspired by the kitchen. No experience needed.

Ceramic Mask-Making Workshop (S-3) | IN-PERSON WORKSHOP

Instructor - Nancy Rios

All Levels
Sunday afternoon, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
February 1
1 Day
$150 public / $115 member

Studio 1

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, and 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.

Printing like a Painter: Monotypes (PR-1) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Gaby Hurtado-Ramos

All Levels
Sunday mornings, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
January 25 - March 15 (No Class February 8)
7 weeks
$470 public / $435 member

Studio 1

Monotypes are one-of-a-kind prints —using similar tools and processes of traditional multiples, monotypes leave a single, yet lasting impression. In this 7-week course, we will cover a variety of methods to make unique monotype prints. Participants will learn how to operate an etching press as well as print methods you can do from home. We will learn techniques including: trace-monotype, stencils, ghost prints, split-fountain inking, and painterly marks. Using non-toxic ink, we will understand how to modify ink to the desired consistency for different print applications. Students will come away with a series of unique prints. Painters, printmakers, and beyond are all welcome.

Block Printing: The Political Print (PR-2) | IN-PERSON WORKSHOP

Instructor - Gaby Hurtado-Ramos

All Levels
Saturday afternoons, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
February 28 + March 7
2 days
$190 public / $155 member

Studio 1

Feel the relief and carve into blocks that you can print from home. Relief printing has been used by artists and writers alike for centuries to spread political and pertinent messages to a wide audience. Learn how to carve a relief block and successfully print it by hand, all without a press. We will be using Speedy Carve blocks that can also be printed in repetition or patterns. You will leave with an edition of prints and knowledge of how to continue these skills on your own. This workshop is a great introduction to relief printing and a fun way to share your voice with the world.

Color Theory (MM-1) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - John Davis

All Levels
Monday afternoons, 1:00 PM -  4:00 PM
January 26 - March 9
7 weeks
$455 public / $420 member

Studio 2

Color Theory is an introduction to the behavior of color, color interaction, and the psychological qualities of color. This class will discuss what color is, pigments and binders, color relativity, and how color invokes emotions in the viewer.

Much of the class will be studio-based; however, there will also be PowerPoint lectures to provide information, terminology, and examples. By the end of the class, students should have a much stronger grasp of how color can be manipulated and how it affects us. Materials needed will be cut paper and acrylic paint.

Mixed Media for Beginners (MM-2) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Rafael Gamero

Beginner
Tuesday evenings, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
January 20 - March 3
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member

Studio 3

This class focuses on the creative process, emphasizing experimentation and play. Through materials like pastels, paint, and collage, you'll explore a range of techniques that let the act of making guide your work. While prior experience with painting or drawing is welcome, it’s not required—this course supports both figurative and abstract exploration. The emphasis is on discovering new approaches, embracing texture, and allowing the materials to lead the way. Your final piece will serve as a reflection of your creative journey.

DIY Zinemaking: Make By Any Means Necessary (MM-3) | IN-PERSON WORKSHOP

Instructor - Gaby Hurtado-Ramos

Beginner / Intermediate
Wednesday evening, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
January 21
1 Day
$145 public / $110 member

Studio 3

Zines can be instructive, humorous, serious, political, text-based, illustrative, and all sorts of combinations in-between. Zines are self-published small-run books that take many forms. In this workshop we will be covering the basics of handmade booklets with an emphasis on accessibility so that you can apply skills and ideas to future zines with whatever tools you have available. Writing, drawing, collage, and conceptual-based booklets will be covered, but participants are welcome to make any kind of zine they desire. A combination of one-page zines and pamphlet stitch booklets will be demonstrated using standard letter-sized copy paper. Participants will make zines that they can later make copies of on their own at their local printer, office, or copy machine. Methods and preparation for both black and white and color printing will also be covered.

Watercolor (W-1) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Caroline Graham

All Levels
Monday afternoons, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
January 26 - March 9
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member

Studio 1

Students will explore the vibrancy and transparency of watercolor. The instructor will emphasize color, design, and contrast while working with students on independent projects or assigned exercises. Students will practice how to layer and control the pigment and rescue the white paper while retaining the spontaneous, fresh-looking result. In addition, students will take a look into selected 20th century artists and their work. Previous drawing experience may be required.

Watercolor (W-2) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Caroline Graham

All Levels
Wednesday evenings, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
January 21 - March 4
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member

Studio 1

Students will explore the vibrancy and transparency of watercolor. The instructor will emphasize color, design, and contrast while working with students on independent projects or assigned exercises. Students will practice how to layer and control the pigment and rescue the white paper while retaining the spontaneous, fresh-looking result. In addition, students will take a look into selected 20th century artists and their work. Previous drawing experience may be required.

Painting with Watercolor (W-3) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - John Davis

All Levels
Thursday evenings, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
January 22 - March 5
7 weeks
$455 public / $420 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. Watercolor is vibrant and translucent in nature, has no odor, and is affordable.

This class is for all levels. Previous painting experience is not required; however, an understanding of value drawing is helpful.

Cartooning & Graphic Novels (D-1) | IN-PERSON CLASS 

Instructor - Mike Stovall

All Levels
Monday evenings, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
January 26 - March 9
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.

Basic Drawing 101 (D-2) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Myke Venable

Beginner
Thursday mornings, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
January 22 - March 5
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.

Intermediate Drawing (D-3) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Myke Venable

Intermediate / Advanced
Thursday evenings, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
January 22 - March 5
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.

Basic Drawing 101 (D-4) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Myke Venable

Beginner
Saturday mornings, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
January 24 - March 7
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.

Intermediate Drawing (D-5) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Myke Venable

Intermediate / Advanced
Saturday afternoons, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
January 24 - March 7
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.

Intro to Figure Drawing (D-6) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Peter Broz

All Levels
Sunday mornings, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
January 25 - March 8
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.

Drawing the Face (D-7) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Zach Mendoza

All Levels
Sunday mornings, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
January 25 - March 8
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member + additional live model fee

Studio 3

In this course, students will learn portrait drawing fundamentals. Emphasis will be placed on facial proportions, various views, building a likeness, and more. Half of the class will include drawing from a live model in various dry and wet media. The second half of the course will involve working from photo-reference with 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 and build mileage in numerous drawing mediums.

Keys to Still Life Painting (P-1) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Laura Lawson

All Levels
Monday mornings, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
January 26 - March 9
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member

Studio 1

Learning to paint can be overwhelming. The goal of this class is to equip students with the tools to break down a subject first into big shapes and lastly into small details to bring the painting to life. We will talk about 4 major keys to a good painting : Design, Value, Drawing and Color. The instructor will demonstrate painting to give students a visual example to help establish their own approach to painting.

Intro to Acrylic Painting (P-2) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Maureen Lax

Beginner/Intermediate
Monday evenings, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
January 26 - February 23
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 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.

Oil Painting: Open Feedback (P-3) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Laura Lawson

All Levels
Tuesday mornings, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
January 20 - March 3
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member

Studio 1

This class is tailored to grow your painting skills and help you see as an artist. This is for the representational or impressionistic oil painter. Among topics to be discussed are color harmony, light and shadow, designing mass and shape relationships, working on identifying warms and cools and the impact that can have, brushwork and variety. Laura will sometimes paint from a photograph to demonstrate her process from start to finish. We will also incorporate class and/or individual exercises designed specifically to help you increase your painting skills. You can paint from her photos or your own.

Landscape Fundamentals (P-4) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Steve Parker

All Levels
Tuesday evenings, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
January 20 - March 3
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.

Oil Painting: The Modern Method (P-5) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Ruben Coy

Intermediate / Advanced
Wednesday mornings, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
January 21 - March 4
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member

Studio 2

In this modern method, we use oil over acrylic paint. The painting progresses first in layers of acrylic, followed by layers in oil. The simplicity of this method makes this class ideal for intermediate students and a boost for the advanced student. Using this layering technique gives the student the leverage to create fine-tuned paintings. The finished paintings have a unique luminosity and a sense of depth. Please note: enrollment for this course is limited to 10 students.

Toward Abstraction in Landscape (P-6) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Steve Parker

Intermediate / Advanced
Wednesday afternoons, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
January 21 - March 4
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. The primary medium is oil, although acrylic and water-based oil paint is accepted.

Demystifying Oil Paint (P-7) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Max Guarnaccia

Beginner / Intermediate
Wednesday evenings, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
January 21 - March 4
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 moving on to lessons on value, edges, composition, color mixing and some basic theory. From there, students will apply these concepts to a variety of projects including still lifes, landscapes, portraits, and master studies. 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.

Outdoor Landscape Painting: Plein Air (P-8) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Steve Parker

All Levels
Thursday mornings, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
January 22 - March 5
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member

Studio 2 / Off-Site

This 7-week course will explore capturing the outdoors through the act of painting in oil from direct observation. The instructor will demonstrate various techniques involved in making paintings on location such as applying washes of color and blocking in the main shapes in a composition also the types of rendering used in painting trees and skies and other elements necessary in creating direct paintings from nature. Weather permitting, a majority of the course will be meeting outdoors on locations such as the Houston Arboretum and Bear Creek Park. This class is offered for all levels, however, students are expected to have a basic knowledge of drawing and composition.

Oil Painting: Zorn Palette Portraiture (P-9) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Peter Broz

Intermediate/Advanced
Thursday evenings, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
January 22 - March 5
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member (+ additional live model fee)

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 to working faster and more efficiently, less or even no solvent is needed 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.

Landscape into Art (P-10) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Steve Parker

All Levels
Saturday mornings, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
January 24 - March 7
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.

Beginning Gouache Painting (P-11) | IN-PERSON CLASS 

Instructor - Heather den Uijl

Beginner
Saturday afternoons, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
January 24 - March 7
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member

Studio 2

This seven-week class will cover basic techniques and skills of the gouache medium. Learn the difference between gouache, acrylic, and watercolor as well as how to harness some of gouache’s unique opaque layering abilities. Students will learn the basics of color mixing, proper layering techniques, how to work with transparency, and rendering.

Pet Portrait Workshop (P-12) | IN-PERSON WORKSHOP

Instructor - Laura Lawson

All Levels
Saturday, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
January 24
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.

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.