SPRING 2013 ART CLASSES
Artist Development | Drawing | Jewelry | Mixed Media Painting | Sculpture | Watercolor

Monday, April 1- Saturday, June 8
Members save an additional $35 on classes!
*Art League will be closed on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27

Registration dates for SPRING 2013 CLASSES:

Pre-Registration*: February 18 - February 23
Early Registration: February 25 - March 9 [Save $25 per class]
Gen. Registration: March 11 - March 23
Late Registration: begins March 25 [$15 Late Fee]
*(Pre-Registration open to Winter students only)


SPRING 2013 Full Catalog
SPRING 2013 Class Registration Form

Spring Class Instructor Bios:

More About The Instructors: Instructor Bios

It is important to master skills and tools used to produce works of art, but this class will focus on the importance of understanding the art that is being made in Houston and the world. We will discuss contemporary art practices in class, traditional and non-traditional art concepts, and will enjoy guest talks from local artists. We will take field trips to artist studios and learn directly from the artist how these practices work for them. It will be an adventure and students should leave the class feeling more confident discussing and understanding what they see in museums and galleries.

Working artists are encouraged to join this course who are looking for critique and encouragement on their own current projects. Each student will bring in their own artworks in any style, form or discipline – drawing, painting, quilting, needlepoint, sculpture, video, photography, performance, conceptual, etc. to discuss and receive feedback from the group. By relating the work to art history and other contemporary practices, students will grow their vocabulary both visually and verbally, allowing them to create more dynamic works in their own personal practices.

Before we learn to write, we learn to draw. Students will observe and translate three-dimensional forms into two-dimensional drawings, starting with simple line exercises, forms and progressing to more complex organic forms. Students will build skill in composition and line quality through the use of tone, light and shadow & the development of visual awareness and discrimination.

In this class, students are introduced to the French Atelier training to draw the human gure. 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. Model fee is due the first day of class, and the fee varies by class size.

Drawing is a language and many art works have historically been composed to communicate specific times, places, or people. Students will explore the history of narrative drawing and will begin building dialogues in their own works. This course is open to those interested in creating narrative works as well as those interested in comics or story boarding. Some knowledge of drawing is helpful, but all levels are encouraged to join.

In this class, students are introduced to the French Atelier training to draw the human gure. 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. Model fee is due the first day of class, and the fee varies by class size.

Using live models students will draw the figure. Starting with short poses and gestures,
the class will build to longer poses and developed, fully-rendered figures.

This class focuses on learning to see objects and environments with new precision. We build new skills each week with a few off-site field trips. Skills include one-point perspective, the essence of shadow, measuring space, and the basic elements of drawing every face.

Using a variety of media and sketchbooks, classes will meet at local pubs to explore the interior, atmosphere, light, and patrons. The first class will meet at Art League for a list of locations and to discuss chiaroscuro. Each class for the next 8 weeks meets in a different location to practice this art concept and basic drawing skills. The final class will meet back at Art League for a show and tell of all work and a discussion about the experience.

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 helps students develop a personal design vocabulary, while the multi-level class allows new students to see a variety of advanced techniques and applications. Individualized instruction allows students to progress at their own pace.

Learn to create Fine Silver Jewelry in this informative, fun, technique-oriented class. Students will receive instruction and hands-on, guided experience in basic techniques. These technique lessons are presented as projects with written instructions. The projects are developed in a manner which allow students to create beautiful jewelry that reflects each individuals style and aesthetic. Students will have the opportunity to complete 4-5 pieces of jewelry. No prior experience in necessary for this class. Be advised that techniques presented in this class involve materials which are composed of precious metals. These materials will therefore reflect the cost of precious metals. Building smaller jewelry pieces will allow students to spend a bit less on materials.

This course is designed for students who have a strong working knowledge of metal clay techniques. Previous experience with metal clay is a must. Students will be working to develop and construct jewelry of their own designs and learning advanced techniques. Techniques involving base metal clays will be discussed and investigated. In addition, the combination of metal clay and traditional metal smith techniques will utilized.

Have you ever wanted to make a ring? In this workshop, learn to form, solder, texture, and finish your own set of stackable textured band rings. You will complete 4-8 rings for you or to give to a friend.

Collage is an ancient art that was used by calligraphers in 10th century Japan, visible in the gold-leafed panels in European cathedrals of the 15th and 16th century, and used in the 19th century. Picasso and Braque began to use the technique, and collage flourished as an artistic practice. In this class we will use the medium as a means of personal expression.

Become acquainted with one of the most painterly methods of all of the printmaking techniques. Monoprints and monotypes are essentially printed paintings. Although images can be similar, editioning is not possibleno two images can be exactly the same. The monotype process creates a quality of light very different from a painting or print. There is beauty in its spontaneity and combination of printmaking, painting and drawing.

This class teaches students to use basic and advanced painting techniques such as mixing mediums and building canvases. Although students will be encouraged to paint in class, the focus of this course will be to use new mediums (linseed oil, poppy oil, cold wax, etc.) in painting practice as well as painting preparation (stretching canvas, using gesso and sizes). Additionally this course will explore different painting applications including direct and indirect painting methods. Examples of: grinding paints and tubing them, making and using linseed oils and different ways of constructing and preparing canvas. Materials fees covers pigments, oils and mediums for grinding paint, as well as other materials.

In this class, students begin painting in "Grisaille - painting executed entirely in monochrome and usually in shades of grey 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. Model fee is due the first day of class, and the fee varies by class size.

Learn how to create your own pet portrait and more, from initial sketches to final paintings. Kermit, recognized for his stylized pet portraits, will help you use charcoal to outline the pet image and finish with colorful acrylics. Using a favorite photo of your pet (or even that of a friends for a fun birthday or holiday surprise!), you can design the portrait, whether whimsical, realistic, or serious, and add backgrounds..

Learn how to paint the figure through a wide variety of traditional and contemporary techniques. Working from live models, students will explore line, form, color and design. Painting beginners  are encouraged to pay the supply fee and follow along with the weekly demonstrations. More experienced painters may wish to bring their own supplies and work more independently. 

Through self-portraiture, this course will explore varying techniques, styles and eras of painting. Each student will paint self-portraits in several styles based off previous painters' styles (baroque, impressionist, modernist). With each style and period comes new methods and techniques, however the end goal for each student is to paint themselves and to capture their own likeness.

In this class, students begin painting in Grisaille - painting executed entirely in monochrome and usually in shades of grey 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. Model fee is due the first day of class, and the fee varies by class size.

Beginners' painting will introduce students to oil paints through simple exercises familiarizing them with basic mediums, color mixing, application and technique. The class will focus primarily on using paint as well as acquainting oneself with studio practice. This class will begin with Grisaille, before introducing full color, adding more components with each new lesson.

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 involved in landscape painting. The class includes informal discussions ranging from painting methods to past and present masters.

This class is based on direct observation and rendering of the light effect on the subject. The instructor will demonstrate and discuss various techniques used by past and present masters of the genre. Beginners will be encouraged to start with drawing and work into painting.

In this modern method students learn to use oil over acrylic paint. The painting progresses in layers, first in layers of acrylic followed by layers in oil. The simplicity of this method makes this class ideal for the beginner and a boost for the advanced student. Using this technique creates finished paintings with a unique luminosity and a sense of depth. Painting in acrylic only is recommended for the extreme beginner in order to learn layering more quickly. After understanding the basics of layering, the student may progress to oils.

In this modern method students learn to use oil over acrylic paint. The painting progresses in layers, first in layers of acrylic followed by layers in oil. The simplicity of this method makes this class ideal for the beginner and a boost for the advanced student. Using this technique creates finished paintings with a unique luminosity and a sense of depth. Painting in acrylic only is recommended for the extreme beginner in order to learn layering more quickly. After understanding the basics of layering, the student may progress to oils.

This class is recommended for intermediate students as a continuation of Landscape into Art. The instructor will give demonstrations and direct discussion, both in class and during outdoor painting sessions. Learning to make paintings and studies onsite is essential in creating a convincing and expressive landscape. Painting locations will be determined by class consensus. Weather permitting, class will meet outdoors during at least four sessions. Primary medium is oil, however, acrylic and water-based oil is accepted.

Learn how to express yourself through a wide variety of contemporary painting techniques. Experiment with color, design, mixed media, collage, pours, impasto and sgraffito. Painting beginners are encouraged to pay the supply fee and follow along with the weekly demonstrations. More experienced painters may wish to bring their own supplies and work more independently

This class is based on direct observation and rendering of the light effect on the subject. The instructor will demonstrate and discuss various techniques used by past and present masters of the genre. Beginners will be encouraged to start with drawing and work into painting.

We will delve into the very basics of clay hand construction using a combination of pinch, coil, and slab techniques. We will cover green surfaces techniques using underglaze and low-fire glazes and use a variety of bisque press molds for design. Emphasis will be placed on sculptural techniques and concepts. Projects, demos, and discussion will be directed to the beginning ceramic student interested in exploring a focused independent goal.

This class will use the traditional forms of puppet making to learn about sculptural techniques, budgeting for projects, finding the right tools for the job, and relationships to contemporary non-traditional sculptural/ installation practices. We will have lots of fun doing this also! We will build characters, dialogs, and sets, relying on ingenuity and creativity to problem solve.

Explore the vibrancy and transparency of this medium. The instructor will emphasize color, design, and contrast. Students will learn to layer and control the pigment, rescue the white paper and still have a spontaneous, fresh-looking result.

*New* Portraits in Watercolor (W-2)
All Levels
Instructor: Anne J. Regan
Tuesday, 1:00 PM - 4 PM, April 2 - June 4 (10 Weeks)
$310 members / $345 non-members

Learn to render faces and figures with the ease and luminosity of watercolor. By focusing on color and line weight we will explore simple ways to render noses, eyes and mouths while also encapsulating the spirit of our subjects. Gouache, watercolor pencil and graphite will also be explored to occasionally add additional focus to our portraits. All levels, beginner to advanced, are encouraged to join.

Explore the vibrancy and transparency of this medium. The instructor will emphasize color, design, and contrast. Students will learn to layer and control the pigment, rescue the white paper and still have a spontaneous, fresh-looking result.

This course will explore the interactions of varying water based media. Students will owrk to create balanced images with the transparent fluidity of watercolor and the flat opaqueness of gouache. Emphasis will be placed on the ineraction of color, composition,and texture to create both representational and abstract works.