Hand Workshop Art Center
1812 West Main Street
Richmond, VA 23220
804-353-0094
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Drawing, Painting and Printmaking Classes
New Studio Opens In April
- Drawing Fundamentals
- Drawing the Head, Hands and Feet
- Experimental Drawing Workshop
- Basic Printmaking
- Introduction to the Figure
- Painting Flowers
- Introduction to Acrylic Painting
- Acrylic Painting
- Painting in Oil
- Painting
- Portrait & Figure Drawing: A Classical Approach
- Portrait & Figure Painting: A Classical Approach
- Life Painting
- Chiaroscuro Painting Workshop
- Watercolor Painting I
- Watercolor Painting II
- Watercolor for All Levels
- All Media Drawing & Painting
- Beyond Poinsettias
- Watercolor Figure Painting
- Still-Life in Oil
- Screenprinting Workshop
- Introduction to Pastels
- Drawing Studio
- Figure Sculpture for Drawing & Painting Students
- Contemporary Egg Tempera Painting
- Draw and Paint Like a Kid Again!
- Painting & Drawing BIG!
- Acrylic Mixed Media Techniques
- Reworking Those Dogs That We Can’t Throw Away
- The Human Form as a Theme for Personal Expression
- Alphabet Book
- Watercolor in the Garden
Drawing Fundamentals
Beginning/Intermediate
This multi-level class is designed for the beginner who appreciates art and has always wanted to learn to draw, as well as experienced students looking for a refresher course. This class covers the fundamentals of drawing: contour line, negative space, composition, sighting, perspective, shading, and texture. Students explore different drawing materials, techniques, and methods.
- Section A – Bren Isenberg
Tuition: $190 (members $175)
10 Mondays, January 24 – March 28
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
View Bren’s materials list. - Section B – Brittney Hewitt Van Deusen
Tuition: $175 (members $165)
8 Tuesdays, January 18 – March 8
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Drawing the Head, Hands and Feet
All Levels
For the beginner or the advanced student, this class covers basic anatomic principles used to successfully render key aspects of the human figure. Using charcoal and pencil, students employ the classical academic tradition of working from life observing multiple casts to create studies of the head, hands, and feet. An important step for those interested in portraying the figure, painting from the cast has been an essential element of artistic training for centuries, and a helpful precursor to model studies. View a materials list.
- David Tanner
Tuition: $125 (members $110)
6 Thursdays, April 21 – May 26
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Experimental Drawing Workshop
All Levels
The emphasis of this workshop is the development of surfaces and images using a variety of materials and unconventional techniques to add a new dimension to your work. The workshop introduces atypical ways of creating drawings as well as an appreciation for the process. The workshop will push your perception of what a drawing is and how a drawing can be created. Students work from a variety of materials including still-lifes, printed materials, and the model. The workshop is open to all levels of experience. Please bring a bag lunch to the workshop. Materials list to be mailed.
- Diego Sanchez
Tuition: $65 (members $55)
Saturday, May 14
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Basic Printmaking
Beginning
This class explores both drawing and printmaking. Still life, life model, and perspective drawing are covered. The instructor also introduces some basic non-toxic printmaking techniques that show students how to make multiples of their drawings. Materials list to be mailed.
- Pam Shelor
Tuition: $125 (members $110)
6 Mondays, April 11 – May 16
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Introduction to the Figure
Beginning/Intermediate
This class is an anatomy-based exploration of drawing the figure. Topics covered in the class include basic anatomy, weight and posture, and the drapery of clothing over the body. Students draw from a model in each class and study skeletal and muscular structure with the aid of demonstrations. Students begin to learn the connections between bone and muscle, and how proper balance of the form can add a suggestion of motion and life to their figure drawings. View a materials list.
Tuition: $190 (members $175)
- Section A – Bren Isenberg
8 Wednesdays, January 26 – March 16
6:30 – 9:00 p.m. - Section B – Bren Isenberg
8 Wednesdays, April 6 – May 25
6:30 – 9:00 p.m. - Section C – Bren Isenberg
8 Thursdays, April 7 – May 26
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Painting Flowers
Beginning/Intermediate
The tradition of painting flowers is rich with beauty and strong compositions. Working with visuals of masterworks and also colorful arrangements of fresh flowers, learn how to create dynamic floral paintings. Students explore how to arrange your composition, utilizing negative space and using color theory to create a harmonious palette. Students may work in either oil or acrylic. Painting experience is recommended. Materials list to be mailed.
- Christophora Robeers
Tuition: $65 (members $55)
Saturday, April 9
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Introduction to Acrylic Painting
Beginning/Intermediate
This class introduces the fundamentals of painting, from stretching a canvas to mixing colors and applying paint. Painting materials, techniques, and styles of working with acrylics, as well as non-traditional painting surfaces and materials are covered. Students are encouraged to think critically about their paintings as they begin to define a personal artistic vision. View a materials list.
Tuition: $190 (members $175)
- Section A – Amie Oliver
10 Mondays, January 17 – March 21
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. - Section B – Amie Oliver
10 Mondays, January 17 – March 21
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Acrylic Painting
Intermediate/Advanced
This class builds on what is learned in the introductory session. Continue practicing techniques and exploring the creative potential of acrylics. Students should have completed the introductory class or have some acrylic painting experience. View a materials list.
Tuition: $170 ($155 members)
- Section A – Brad Birchett
8 Mondays, April 4 – May 23
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. - Section B – Brad Birchett
8 Mondays, April 4 – May 23
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Painting in Oil
Beginning/Intermediate
Interested in oil painting? Portraits? Still-Life? This class can be used as an introduction to oil, or used by the more experienced painter to push boundaries of existing skills. A variety of subject matter is explored to build basic techniques and/or students can use the time for personal projects with assistance from the instructor in a fun, encouraging environment. Effective use of composition, form, value, and color is emphasized, with the goal of increasing observational skills to develop realistic oil paintings. Course may be repeated.
Tuition: $190 (members $175)
- Section A – David Tanner
10 Thursdays, January 20 – March 24
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
View David’s materials list. - Section B – Bren Isenberg
8 Wednesdays, April 6 – May 25
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Painting
Intermediate/Advanced
Open to students with prior painting experience, this course covers painting materials, techniques, and approaches to working in either acrylic or oils. Through weekly painting exercises, students learn how to properly mix paint and are introduced to different painting media, techniques, color theory, and other painting issues. Materials list to be mailed.
- Louis Poole
Tuition: $165 (members $150)
8 Wednesdays, April 6 – May 25
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Portrait & Figure Drawing: A Classical Approach
All Levels
Beginner to advanced, this adult class provides the modern artist with methods for successfully drawing life-like portraits and convincing figure studies in pencil and charcoal. Utilizing an approach found exclusively in European art academies from the Renaissance to the beginning of the 20th century, students will copy Old Master drawings, work from plaster casts of human form, and draw from the clothed and nude model. Our goal is to create beautiful, timeless drawings. (Mature teen students are welcome with instructor and parental permission.)
- David Tanner
Tuition: $200 (members $185)
10 Mondays, January 24 – March 28
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
View a materials list.
Portrait & Figure Painting: A Classical Approach
All Levels
Beginner to advanced, this adult class provides the modern painter with methods for successfully creating life-like portraits and convincing figure studies in oil. Utilizing an approach found exclusively in European art academies from the Renaissance to the beginning of the 20th century, students will copy Old Master drawings, work from plaster casts of human form, and paint from the clothed and nude model. Our goal is to create beautiful, timeless paintings. (Mature teen students are welcome with instructor and parental permission.)
- David Tanner
Tuition: $200 (members $185)
10 Monday, March 7 – May 23
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
View a materials list.
Life Painting
All Levels
The purpose of this class is to study and develop various processes of painting from direct observation. Students use some of the same concepts usually taught in life-drawing classes, but apply them in oil painting. This class covers the basic properties of oil paint, color theory, and a strong emphasis on painting the figure. Classes focus on several process-based exercises designed to teach technique more than creating a finished product. Students should have some life-drawing background. This class can serve as an introduction to painting from life for beginning painters, as well as useful practice for more experienced artists.
- Thomas O. Van Auken
Tuition: $150 (members $135)
8 Thursdays, April 7 – May 26
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Chiaroscuro Painting Workshop
All Levels
In this workshop students explore chiaroscuro painting. Chiaroscuro, which means light and dark in Italian, is a painting method that allows the artist to quickly break down visual information into contrasting patterns of light and dark from which a highly illusionistic painting is built. Although the first step is monochromatic, the final painting can be very colorful. The process is fast, spontaneous and easy to learn. Students will complete one small painting using the chiaroscuro process by the conclusion of this workshop. View a materials list.
- Jorge Benitiz
Tuition: $60 (members $50)
Saturday, April 2
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Watercolor Painting I
Beginning
Learn the fundamentals of watercolor painting, from selecting paper and brush control to mixing opaque and transparent colors. The instructor guides students in color relations and values, composition, glazing, and methods for controlling paint. Drawing skills are not required. View a materials list.
Tuition: $165 (members $150)
- Section A – Shelly Bechtel Shepherd
8 Tuesdays, January 25 – March 22
6:30 – 9:00 p.m. - Section B – Shelly Bechtel Shepherd
8 Tuesdays, April 5 – May 24
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Watercolor Painting II
Intermediate/Advanced
For the experienced watercolorists, this class emphasizes color relations, composition, technique, and professional development. Students learn how to develop their personal style. (Materials list.)
Tuition: $180 (members $165)
- Section A – Shelly Bechtel Shepherd
8 Thursdays, January 20 – March 10
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. - Section B – Shelly Bechtel Shepherd
8 Thursdays, January 20 – March 10
6:30 – 9:00 p.m. - Section C – Shelly Bechtel Shepherd
8 Thursdays, April 7 – May 26
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. - Section D – Shelly Bechtel Shepherd
8 Thursdays, April 7 – May 26
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Watercolor for All Levels
All Levels
This class is open to watercolorists of all levels of experience. Beginning students explore color relations, compositions, glazing and methods of controlling paint, while advanced students focus on developing their own personal style. View a materials list.
Tuition: $165 (members $150)
- Section A – Shelly Bechtel Shepherd
8 Wednesdays, January 26 – March 16
6:30 – 9:00 p.m. - Section B – Shelly Bechtel Shepherd
8 Thursdays, April 6 – May 25
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
All Media Drawing & Painting
All Levels
In this class students have the choice to use charcoal, pastels, oil, acrylic and/or watercolor. The instructor tailors lessons based upon the medium and students’ level of experience. Bring any materials you have to the first class.
Shelly Bechtel Shepherd
Tuition: $165 (members $150)
- Section A
8 Wednesdays, January 26 – March 16
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. - Section B
8 Wednesdays, April 6 – May 25
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Beyond Poinsettias
Intermediate/Advanced
In this watercolor workshop students will work from a variety of floral arrangement still-lifes. Composition, color harmony, and techniques are discussed along with demonstrations. Students complete at least one painting. Bring usual watercolor supplies, along with one or two full sheets of paper (100% rag).
Shelly Bechtel Shepherd
Tuition: $85 (members $75)
- Saturday, February 19
10:00a.m. – 4:00p.m. - Sunday, February 20
1:00 – 4:00p.m.
Watercolor Figure Painting
Beginning/Intermediate
In this class, students study the watercolor painting techniques of great figurative artists – from old masters such as John Singer Sargeant, Maurice Prendergast and Winslow Homer to more contemporary artists such as Alice Schille. Students study each artist’s treatment of light, form, composition and how their techniques resulted in their depiction of the human figure. Students learn how to execute an old master copy and transfer these skills and techniques to their own individual interpretations by working directly from the figure (a live model) to develop their own personal figure painting styles.
- Tuition: $225 (members $205)
Lisa Fisher Johnson
12 Thursdays, January 27 – April 14
10:00 a.m- 12:30 p.m.
Still-Life in Oil
Beginner/Intermediate
This class introduces the fundamentals of still-life oil painting. The instructor will follow a step-by-step process from a strong drawing to priming the canvas to glaze application and layering of paint. Basics of composition will also be covered. Students will paint from still life of their own choice and from photographs.
- Tuition: $165 (members $155)
Lisa Fisher Johnson
8 Tuesdays, April 5 – May 24
10:00 a.m- 12:30 p.m.
Screenprinting Workshop
All Levels
Students explore the basics of screenprinting in this one-day workshop as they use basic drawing skills, simple printmaking techniques, hand painted screens and stencils to create beautiful works of art. Bring a bag lunch. Class may be repeated and is suitable for beginners and more advanced printers. Students should bring a 100 percent cotton white tee shirt and a lunch. View a materials list.
Tuition: $65 (members $55)
- Section A – Janet Gilmore
Saturday, March 5
10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. - Section B – Janet Gilmore
Saturday, May 14
10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Introduction to Pastels
All levels
An introduction to all aspects of drawing with pastels, this class will cover all the basics. Students will draw from still life and photographic sources. A basic materials list will be mailed. A small materials fee covers specialty pastels for use during later classes.
- Susan Singer
Tuition: $125 (members $110)
Materials fee: $10
6 Tuesdays, April 5 – May 10
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Drawing Studio
Intermediate/Advanced
This multi-level class is designed for students who have completed Drawing Fundamentals, or have drawing experience. The instructor will cover the fundamentals of drawing and emphasize composition, perspective, sighting, and line quality. Different drawing materials, techniques, and methods will be explored.
- Brittney Hewitt Van Deusen
Tuition: $165 (members $150)
8 Tuesdays, April 5 – May 24
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Figure Sculpture for Drawing & Painting Students
All Levels
Using plaster models students are introduced to the geometry of the hand and foot. Using plastiline clay students will model an artist’s hand and foot. Materials need are 2 blocks of #2 Roma Plastilina, and 8x5x1 inch board, and clay sculpting tools.
- Bren Isenberg
Tuition: $165 (members $150)
8 Fridays, April 8 – May 27
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Contemporary Egg Tempera Painting
Intermediate/Advanced
Now you can learn to create and use egg tempera and how it is being reinvented in the contemporary art world. Students will learn to mix paint from powdered pigments first using water then egg yolk. Some drawing and painting experience is needed.
- Mark Pack
Tuition: $185 ($170 members)
Materials fee – $35.00
10 Fridays, February 4 – April 8
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Draw and Paint Like a Kid Again!
All Levels
Learn to play in a serious way. Leave your grown-up expectations at the door. In this adult class designed for youth, you’ll rediscover the fun and success of making pictures without the demands of…No experience, no expertise necessary. If you have either, we will work with it or around it. We will explore a variety of materials: charcoal, pencil, and water-soluble crayons, oil pastels, tempera paints (yes, the stuff you used in grade school!)
- Pam Shelor
Tuition: $65 (members $55)
Saturday, April 30
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Painting & Drawing BIG!
All Levels
Tack that drawing paper to the wall and work life-size. The instructor will work with students to size photographic sources, choose materials and media to expand your creative horizons.
- Pam Shelor
Tuition: $65 (members $55)
Saturday, May 21
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Acrylic Mixed Media Techniques
Painting experience recommended
This two day workshop will give participants the opportunity to experiment with acrylic medium using traditional and non-traditional techniques. Participants will try their hand at the different types of glazing as well as frottage, collage, use of stencils, mixing of acrylic grounds, using experimental additives such as sand, powdered pigment, etc.
The first day will be spent creating a series of small media experiments which examine the effects of mixing media and image. The second day will be spent creating a work on paper or canvas which is inspired by your successes from day one. This workshop is an excellent follow up to the Intro to Acrylic class but it is not necessary that you have this class to enroll in the workshop.
Amie Oliver
Tuition: $85 (members $75)
- Saturday March 5
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. - Sunday March 6
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Reworking Those Dogs That We Can’t Throw Away
Painting experience needed
This two-day workshop will give participants the opportunity to experiment and rework old acrylic paintings or works on paper. We will examine your work together and investigate your options regarding the art you bring in to rework. Artists will learn traditional and non-traditional options for approaching older work and giving it a new life. Participants may try their hand at different types of acrylic glazing, frottage, collage, stenciling acrylic grounds with experimental additives such as sand, powdered pigment’ as appropriate for their individual works. Each day will be spent reworking an older piece of art by examining and trying options appropriate for the work and the individual’s unique style and point of view. This workshop is an excellent follow up to the Acrylic Mixed Media Techniques workshop or Intro to Acrylic Class but it is not necessary that you have either this class or workshop to enroll in this workshop.
Amie Oliver
Tuition: $85 (members $75)
- Saturday April 16
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. - Sunday April 17
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
The Human Form as a Theme for Personal Expression
Intermediate/Advanced
This course is based on the study of the human form as a motif in your painting, drawing or other media. We will look at the work of other contemporary artists whose work emphasizes the human form and work from a model most classes. Participants should choose this time to create studies that may inform their painting, drawings, prints, etc since it is not a course where we will have one continuous pose for several classes. Students who enroll in this course must have completed a beginning drawing, painting or watercolor class.
- Amie Oliver
Tuition: $175 (members $160)
8 Mondays, April 14 – May 23
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Alphabet Book
All Levels
Learn to make linoleum cut prints while creating an alphabet book. Students will learn the basics of printmaking while designing letters of the alphabet. Participants will collaborate to produce a complete alphabet, print each letter, and then bind the completed prints into a book. Each student will take home a copy of the book.
- Reid Coyner
Tuition: $125 (members $110)
2 Saturdays, March 12 and March 19
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Watercolor in the Garden
Intermediate/Advanced
Visit Lewis Ginter Botantical Garden for an outdoor watercolor workshop. Students will work from the flowers and plants in the Garden, enjoying a “plein air” day of painting. Composition, color harmony, and techniques are discussed along with demonstrations. Students complete at least one painting. Bring usual watercolor supplies, one or two full sheets of paper (100% rag), an easel and drawing board, your camera, and a bag lunch.
Shelly Bechtel Shepherd
Tuition: $90 (members $75)
- Saturday, May 14 – at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. - Sunday, May 15 – at the Hand Workshop
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.