PREVIEW: WINTER 2027

January 19 - March 8, 2027

REGISTRATION TIMELINE

• Early Registration: November 9 - 15, 2026

  (Open to Fall 2026 students - note: a unique password will be emailed directly to the student email address ALH has on file)

• General Registration: November 16, 2026 - January 10, 2027

• Late Registration: Begins on January 11, 2027 (additional non-refundable late fee of $15 per class and/or workshop)

• Course Schedule: January 19 - March 8, 2027 (unless noted otherwise). ALH will be closed on January 18 in observance of MLK Day

• Make-up week: March 9 - 15, 2027

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 18 and above.

Mixed Media Open Studio (FA-1) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Rafael Gamero

All Levels
Wednesday evenings, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
January 20 - March 3
7 weeks
$450 public / Pay-what-you-can

Studio 3

This mixed media class will focus on individual expression and the exploration of personal ideas. Students will experiment with a variety of media, including collage, pastels, charcoal, graphite, and acrylic paint, through demonstrations, guided exploration, and organic discussions that emerge from the creative process.

The class will encourage experimentation and allow students to develop their own approaches to working with mixed media. Materials will depend on each student’s individual interests and artistic direction. Students are also welcome to incorporate additional materials they may already have available, encouraging resourcefulness, discovery, and personal expression.

PLEASE NOTE: All Flexible Access classes will open for registration starting Monday, November 16th at 9:00 AM

Color Reduction Screen Printing (FA-2) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Alexander Squier

All Levels
Sunday mornings, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
January 24 - February 28
6 weeks
$395 public / Pay-what-you-can

Studio 1

Screen printing is a very versatile approach to printmaking, allowing for many layers of color to be printed over one another without issue, building up rich, graphic images. This course focuses on the "reduction" method, which is a very efficient way to create a multi-color image on paper. Unlike most approaches, only one screen is needed to produce the image, and the stencil is closed up more and more between each layer of successive color. 

Students will learn the fundamentals of screenprinting, create their own designs, and will adjust and affect their stencil layers directly, by hand, using screen filler fluid, brushes, stamps, sponges, and other mark-making tools. Each student will leave the course with an edition of color fine art prints, their own screen, and printing setup to continue making prints at home!

PLEASE NOTE: All Flexible Access classes will open for registration starting Monday, November 16th at 9:00 AM

Intro to Ink Painting (FA-3) | IN-PERSON WORKSHOP

Instructor - Leslie Cuenca

All Levels
Saturday afternoons, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
February 13 - March 6
4 weeks
$310 public / Pay-what-you-can

Studio 2

In this workshop 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 the 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 are welcome.

PLEASE NOTE: All Flexible Access classes will open for registration starting Monday, November 16th at 9:00 AM

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

Instructor - Mary Rogers

All Levels
Monday evenings, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
January 25 - March 8
7 weeks
$485 public / $450 member

Studio 1

This class covers jewelry construction techniques including piercing, drilling, soldering, riveting, forging, and roller printing as well as hydraulic forming. Advanced topics may include reticulation, blanking and constructing basket settings. 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.

Handbuilding Fundamentals (S-2) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Nancy Rios

All Levels
Tuesday afternoons, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
January 19 - March 2
7 weeks
$495 public / $460 member

Studio 1

In this class, you will learn hand-building construction techniques. Students will create various functional pottery forms using pinching, soft slab, and coil. Nancy will work closely with each student to strengthen their fundamental skills and provide personalized feedback. This course will allow you to fine-tune the basic techniques in hand building. All levels are welcome!

Textile Techniques for Jewelry and Small Sculpture (S-3)| IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Martha Ferguson

All Levels
Wednesday mornings, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
January 20 - March 3
7 weeks
$470 public / $435 member

Studio 1

Textile techniques are traditionally worked with fibers such as linen, cotton and silk. However, they can also be applied to metal. Textile techniques offer the opportunity to work in new ways with the familiar forms of sheet and wire. With these techniques, one can explore color, pattern, texture, structure and scale. In this workshop students will have the opportunity to explore a variety of textile techniques and incorporate them into a piece of jewelry or small sculpture.

Stained Glass (S-4) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Barb Mueller

Beginner / Intermediate
Thursday afternoons, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
January 21 - March 4
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member

Studio 1

Have fun creating two stained glass projects at your own speed and level of expertise. We will be applying the fundamentals of stained glass using the copper foil (Tiffany) method to complete both projects from start to finish. The first project for beginners will be a simple 10-15 piece flat suncatcher of a design of their choosing, and the second project will be a flat panel with 15 or more pieces.  More experienced students will make two flat panels with no more than 30 pieces and both will be of a design of their own choosing.

Mug Workshop (S-5) | IN-PERSON WORKSHOP

Instructor - Nancy Rios

All Levels
Sunday afternoon, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
January 24
1 day
$175 public / $140 member

Studio 1

Friendly handbuilding workshop where you will make and decorate your own unique mug. Nancy will guide you step-by-step through it, no experience required!

Mask Making Workshop (S-6) | IN-PERSON WORKSHOP

Instructor - Nancy Rios

All Levels
Sunday afternoon, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
February 7
1 day
$175 public / $140 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.

Pots for Plants (S-7) | IN-PERSON WORKSHOP

Instructor - Nancy Rios

All Levels
Sunday afternoon, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
February 21
1 day
$175 public / $140 member

Studio 1

Make a new home for your plant friends with Nancy Rios. She will guide you how to apply handbuilding techniques to bring your creations to life. Beginner friendly, open to all levels.

Screenprinting on T-Shirts: Working Digitally (PR-1) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Gaby Hurtado-Ramos

Beginner / Intermediate
Tuesday evenings, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
January 19 - February 23
6 weeks
$415 public / $380 member

Studio 1

Learn how to transform digitally-created stencils into screenprints on clothing. In this workshop, you will learn best practices for image making as it translates to screenprinting. We will cover best materials, tools, and techniques for image-making and printing. Students will come away knowing how to prepare images using bitmap modes, coat and expose a screen, and print on t-shirts. Bring your own t-shirts and leave with unique apparel. Photoshop or a similar program required.

White-Line Woodcut (PR-2) | IN-PERSON WORKSHOP

Instructor - Alexander Squier

Intermediate
Tuesday mornings, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
February 9 - March 2
4 Weeks
$330 public / $295 member

Studio 1

The "White-Line" woodcut method, also known as Provincetown printing, is a direct and tactile graphic technique that bridges printmaking and painting. Developed by artists in the early 1900s in Provincetown who wanted a fast and somewhat easy way to reproduce their watercolor paintings, the method involves carving a very minimal outline of a design into a wood block. Instead of inking up the block with a roller and oil-based ink, the block is hand-colored in small sections with watercolor, which is hand-transferred to the artist's paper incrementally until the whole image appears and is finished.

Intro to Gouache and Mixed Media (MM-1) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Heather den Uijl

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

Studio 3

This seven-week class will explore gouache as a painting medium as well as how to incorporate materials such as colored pencil, collage, soft pastels, and more. During this course we will cover the difference between gouache, acrylic, and watercolor as well as how to work with gouache to harness some of its unique abilities such as its opacity, layering abilities, and ways of mark making. We will also cover various techniques on how to incorporate other art making materials into gouache work. Students will learn the basics of color mixing, how to build a painting, and some basic rendering. Good for students at the beginning level as well as those who have some painting experience and are looking to expand their knowledge.

Intro to Paper Marbling (MM-2) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Heather den Uijl

Beginner
Saturday afternoons, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
January 23 - February 20
5 weeks
$325 public / $290 member

Studio 1

This five-week course serves as an introduction to the art of hand marbling paper as well as some of its practical uses. During the class we will cover basic paper marbling materials, what they are and how to use them, beginner techniques, types of patterns, and uses for marbled paper. Students will be led through the process from start to finish on how to create and preserve their own marbled paper pieces. By the end of the course students should be able to complete the marbling process on their own from start to finish and have a basic understanding of materials, various techniques, patterns, and uses. Perfect for beginners and those with some previous marbling experience.

Watercolor (W-1) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Caroline Graham

All Levels
Monday afternoons, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
January 25 - March 8
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 20 - March 3
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 21 - March 4
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. Watercolor is vibrant and translucent, odorless, and affordable. 

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

Intro to Drawing: Graphite & Charcoal (D-1) | IN-PERSON CLASS 

Instructor - John Davis

All Levels
Monday afternoons, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
January 25 - March 8
7 weeks
$455 public / $420 member

Studio 2

This class introduces essential skills for translating 3-dimensional forms onto 2D surfaces. The course covers line quality, volume, texture, perspective, and value. Students learn to draw from observation, focusing on still life and basic forms to build confidence in composition and rendering. Materials will focus on graphite to exercise control, then charcoal for more expressive effects. This class is intended for students with little or no prior drawing experience, or for those who have not drawn in a while and want to sharpen foundational skills in a group setting.

Drawing for Comics & Graphic Novels (D-2) | IN-PERSON CLASS 

Instructor - Mike Stovall

All Levels
Monday evenings, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
January 25 - March 8
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member

Studio 3

Created as a companion course to the Cartooning & Graphic Novels class, Drawing for Comics & Graphic Novels focuses primarily on creating the art for your comics. This class will explore character design, background design, light and shadow to create weight and drama to your comic art and more. Exercises are designed to help focus and refine your art for visual and sequential storytelling. Whatever your taste in comics you will have the opportunity to bring your ideas to life. Though the class focuses much more on the drawing process we will still cover creating short narratives comics using a zine format.

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

Instructor - Myke Venable

Intermediate / Advanced
Wednesday mornings, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
January 20 - March 3
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
Thursday mornings, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
January 21 - March 4
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.

Basic Drawing 101 (D-5) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Myke Venable

Beginner
Saturday mornings, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
January 23 - March 6
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-6) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Myke Venable

Intermediate / Advanced
Saturday afternoons, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
January 23 - March 6
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-7) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Peter Broz

All Levels
Sunday mornings, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
January 24 - March 7
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 beginner 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, resulting in more dimensional renderings. 

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.

Color Mixing for Oil Painters (P-1) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Laura Lawson

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

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.

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

Instructor - Maureen Lax

Beginner
Monday evenings, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
January 25 - March 8
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member

Studio 2

In this class we will learn all about the basics of painting with acrylics!  This 7-week course will cover all stages of the painting process, from blocking out an underpainting using simple shapes, refining your composition, mixing colors, and finally embellishing your artwork with details and expressive mark-making. We will work primarily from still lifes and photo references, working our way from simple studies into longer self-directed projects. Students will come away from the course with a solid foundational knowledge of acrylic painting techniques and an understanding of some of the unique properties of the medium. This class is geared towards beginners, but all experience levels are welcome.

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

Instructor - Laura Lawson

All Levels
Tuesday mornings, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
January 19 - March 2
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member

Studio 2

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.

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

Instructor - Max Guarnaccia

All Levels
Tuesday evenings, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
January 19 - March 2
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member

Studio 2

As landscape painters working within a naturalistic tradition we are largely concerned with creating a sense of light and atmosphere within our pictures. While we will focus extensively on learning to paint the individual elements that constitute the landscape: trees, water, sky, etc, we will simultaneously never lose sight of maintaining a harmonious arrangement and preserving a unified light effect.  For this reason pictorial composition will be a secondary focus of the course and a frequent point of discussion.

Each week students will be presented with a collection of material that will demonstrate the principles of the lesson. This material will include handouts, paintings made by the instructor and poster sized reproductions of relevant paintings currently hanging in The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Dialogue about art history, theory and ideas about art are greatly welcomed in this course.

To articulate the infinite beauty of nature with paint is nothing short of a lifelong pursuit. For this reason Landscape Fundamentals is designed to be repeated ad infinitum. Weekly projects will be offered in the form of a beginner, intermediate and advanced landscape reference depending on the ambitions of the individual. New students, repeat students and students of all levels and painting mediums are encouraged to join!

Acrylic Painting Foundations (P-5) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - John Davis

Beginner / Intermediate
Wednesday afternoons, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
January 20 - March 3
7 weeks
$460 public / $425 member

Studio 1

Acrylic painting is the simplest way to learn 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.

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

Instructor - Max Guarnaccia

All Levels
Wednesday afternoons, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
January 20 - March 3
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member

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. Examples include: Value, Edge, Composition, Color and Compression. 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.

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

Instructor - Max Guarnaccia

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

Studio 2

This 7-week class is designed to provide beginning and intermediate 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 working properties of oil paint before advancing to lessons on value, edge, composition, color and painting theory.

Students will apply these concepts to the three traditional motifs in the western cannon: still life, landscape, and portraiture. By the end of the quarter, students will have gained confidence in oil paint handling, a solid understanding of the basic tenets of successful picturemaking and a clearer sense of direction for their creative development as oil painters and artists.

Painting Plants (P-8) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Peter Broz

All Levels
Thursday afternoons, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
January 21 - March 4
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.

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

Instructor - Peter Broz

Intermediate/Advanced
Thursday evenings, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
January 21 - March 4
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 - Max Guarnaccia

All Levels
Saturday mornings, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
January 23 - March 6
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member

Studio 1

As landscape painters working within a naturalistic tradition we are largely concerned with creating a sense of light and atmosphere within our pictures. While we will focus extensively on learning to paint the individual elements that constitute the landscape: trees, water, sky, etc, we will simultaneously never lose sight of maintaining a harmonious arrangement and preserving a unified light effect.  For this reason pictorial composition will be a secondary focus of the course and a frequent point of discussion.

Each week students will be presented with a collection of material that will demonstrate the principles of the lesson. This material will include handouts, paintings made by the instructor and poster sized reproductions of relevant paintings currently hanging in The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Dialogue about art history, theory and ideas about art are greatly welcomed in this course.

To articulate the infinite beauty of nature with paint is nothing short of a lifelong pursuit. For this reason Landscape Into Art is designed to be repeated ad infinitum. Weekly projects will be offered in the form of a beginner, intermediate and advanced landscape reference depending on the ambitions of the individual. New students, repeat students and students of all levels and painting mediums are encouraged to join!

Pet Portrait Workshop (P-11) | IN-PERSON WORKSHOP

Instructor - Laura Lawson

All Levels
Saturday, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
January 23
1 day
$185 public / $150 member

Studio 2

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.

Acrylic Portrait Painting (P-12) | IN-PERSON CLASS

Instructor - Zach Mendoza

Intermediate
Sunday afternoons, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
January 24 - March 7
7 weeks
$450 public / $415 member + additional live model fee

Studio 2

In this course, students will learn how to paint portraits in the acrylic medium. The course 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 life and photos. The second part of the class will involve using the acrylic medium to develop larger-scale works from photos and with longer live painting sessions. This class is recommended for intermediate to advanced students.

Kitchen Treasures: Still Life in Oils (P-13) | IN-PERSON WORKSHOP

Instructor - Laura Lawson

All Levels
Saturday, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
January 30
1 day
$185 public / $150 member

Studio 2

Create an inviting oil painting for your kitchen inspired by food and everyday beauty. In this six-hour workshop, students will explore composition, drawing, value, and color while painting a still life featuring subjects such as fruit, bread, or favorite kitchen ingredients.

Through demonstrations and individual guidance, Laura Lawson will help students simplify shapes, mix colors with a limited palette, and capture light to bring their paintings to life. Painting supplies are available to reserve directly from the instructor for an additional fee.

Plein Air Painting Workshop (P-14) | IN-PERSON WORKSHOP

Instructor - Max Guarnaccia

Intermediate / Advanced
Sunday afternoons, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
February 14 - March 7
4 weeks
$310 public / $275 member

OFF-SITE/ Studio 3

This 4 week workshop explores landscape painting through direct observation (also known as Plein Air painting) 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. All class sessions will take place outdoors at locations such as the Bear Creek Park, T.C. Jester Park and the Menil.