painting Archives - Carla Sonheim Presents

Posted on May 8, 2018March 10, 2021 by

"Intro to Abstract Painting" with Karine Swenson

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Intro to Abstract Painting
Instructor: Karine Swenson
2-Week, 6-Lesson Class
Now available as a self-study class.

Karine is re-running her very popular class, “Intro to Abstract Painting,” beginning Tuesday, May 29, 2018! If you have signed up for “Intro to Abstract Painting” previously and would like to be part of this repeat session, just email me at carla[at]carlasonheim.com and let me know.
Have you have ever had an interest in abstract painting? Would you like to paint with more freedom or feeling?
In this class we will explore a variety of mark-making techniques with an emphasis on finding what works for you as an artist. Karine will demonstrate drawing and painting intuitively, and share with you a few of her favorite abstract painters and help you understand some of the concepts behind non-representational painting (painting without recognizable imagery).
She will encourage you to try new things as a way to experience breakthroughs and encourage you to work quickly. You will be finding ways to develop your own way of applying paint and to compose the visual space.
During this class, you will work on many (up to twenty) small sketches and 3 to 4 paintings.
Click HERE for a list of supplies needed for this class.

Who is this class intended for:
– Anyone who wants to explore non-representational painting
– Anyone who wants to strengthen and develop their own voice as a painter
– Anyone interested in taking risks with their painting
– Anyone who wants to have more confidence in their own way of painting
Note: It is recommended that you have some painting experience in acrylic or oil paint before taking this class; I will not be showing you how to mix paint or choose colors. The focus will be primarily composition, values, mark making, and a search for individuality.

Class Itinerary
Week One
Lesson 1 – Tuesday
We will begin with small studies to explore drawing intuitively.
Lesson 2 – Wednesday
Today will will draw from our other senses (not sight) to help us escape the need to use recognizable imagery and to help us tap into our emotions.
Lesson 3 – Friday
Take the favorite sketch from our previous two lessons and turn them into an abstract painting.
Week Two
Lesson 4 – Tuesday
Approaching a blank canvas with no sketch. (How to work intuitively.)
Lesson 5 – Wednesday
Explore how trying new things can take you in another direction. Do you normally work small? Try working large. Push yourself to do things you wouldn’t normally do.
Lesson 6 – Friday
Choose one of your paintings from the last two weeks and “wreck it” to save it. _____________________________________________

Sign up today!

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Karine Swenson grew up just outside of a town called Rapid City, South Dakota in the Black Hills. The closest neighbor was a mile away. Reared in this environment, Swenson’s connection with the natural world was strong. After receiving her BA in painting from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, she moved to Colorado. She has spent most of her life in small towns that sit right next to the last remaining bits of wilderness. From the mountains of Colorado, the ocean surrounding Maui, Hawaii, the desert near Joshua Tree, California, and now Santa Fe, NM, she feels the most at home out in nature. In the studio, her second home, she can explore her relationship with the natural world. Her oil paintings are reflections of this relationship. Swenson has been a full time artist for the past ten years.
See more wonderful art at Karine’s blog!

Posted on August 24, 2015March 10, 2021 by

Fingerpainting : Fingerprinting

Fingerpainting : Fingerprinting
A Three-Lesson, “Bite-Sized” Class with Carla Sonheim
Painting, Acrylics • $25

Now available as a self-study class.

Fingerpaint like an adult!

😀

One of the goals of all of our classes is to encourage you to find techniques, approaches and subject matter you ENJOY. And oftentimes this involves helping recover a more child-like, spontaneous approach to creating… and nothing says “kid” more than fingerpainting!

Join me for this fun exploration of flowers, figures and animals using the following three items: paper, acrylic paint, and your fingers!
One benefit to fingerpainting as an adult is you can bring your grown-up sensibilities to the process.
We’re going to have lots of fun with this one!
xoxo
Carla

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Your itinerary:

Lesson 1: Fields & Flowers
Fingerprint color fields and then flowers from life.
Tuesday, September 8th

Lesson 2: Figurepainting
Loose, expressive gesture drawings to warm up and then painting figures with your fingers!
Wednesday, September 9th

Lesson 3: Let’s Get Messy!
Start with a mess and end up with a messy (but wonderful) end result.
Friday, September 11th

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Join this fun class today!

Questions?

I’m happy to answer any questions! Please email me at carla[at]carlasonheim.com and I’ll get right back to you!

Supplies?
For this class you will need one mixed-media sketchbook or 8 sheets of watercolor paper, acrylic paint, and a small piece of vine charcoal.

Warning Note: Using any kind of paint directly on your skin may have health risks. I always use a barrier cream but for more protection you should use gloves. We want you to be safe and if you have any health concerns check your labels carefully and protect your skin.

Posted on April 18, 2015March 10, 2021 by

Elements – Building Blocks of Painting

Elements: Building Blocks of Painting
with Karine Swenson
5-Week Class; 10 Lessons Total
Now available as a self-study class.

Have you ever wanted to take a course learn the basics of painting?
Are you curious, but don’t have a Studio Art background?
Do you need a refresher on how artists approach painting?
What are the elements that make a painting come to life?

Karine Swenson’s 5-week course gives you a unique opportunity to build upon the fundamental building blocks of painting. In this accessible and welcoming course, Karine will walk you through the basics of:

Line, Shape, Form, Depth, Color, Value, & Composition

A professional artist for over 10 years, Karine has lots of experience using color and abstract expression to evoke light, movement and emotion. If you take the time to learn how to use these tools, and put them in your own tool belt, you’ll look at painting differently by the end of 5 weeks.
And if you’re interested in trying oils for the first time, this class is a fun way to begin! (And although Karine will be using her oil paint, you can absolutely use acrylics.)
Most importantly, you will get personal feedback: You can share your work in the class Facebook group, or if you’re feeling shy, you can email it to Karine directly.
The weeks will go roughly like this:
Week 1: The Line (and all its variations!)
Week 2: The differences between Shape and Form
Week 3: Exploring Depth, Color and Value
Week 4: Value and Composition
Week 5: Composition
Lessons will be geared towards abstract painting; however, the topics will be beneficial to any artist – even those pursuing more representational subject matter. (This class is meant to be a continuation of Karine’s first abstract painting class, although you do not need to have taken Intro to Abstract Painting to benefit from this class.)

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Click for supply list: Elements Supply List
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NUTS & BOLTS
Here’s how this online class works:
• A password-protected blog serves as our clubhouse; there you will find all of the lesson videos and class materials. This class is now a self-study class, so all of the lessons are available to you when you sign up and you can move through the material at your own pace. (Since it was originally in a blog format, you will find the lessons in reverse chronological order… just scroll down for the earlier lessons.)
• A Facebook group has been created for you to (optionally) share your paintings, and enjoy and learn from the artwork of others. (However, if you are shy about posting your art, Karine is always available to look at your work via email.)
• You have indefinite access to the class materials.
• Upon registration, you will receive an email within 48 hours with the links to the class blog and Facebook group.
• Class fee is good for participants living in a single household.
QUESTIONS? carla[at]carlasonheim.com
FAQs – If you’ve never taken an online class before and would like to know more about our classes, click HERE.
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SIGN UP TODAY!

Or take both of Karine’s classes for 10% off! “Intro to Abstract Painting” is a self-study class and you will get the links immediately.

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Karine Swenson grew up just outside of a town called Rapid City, South Dakota in the Black Hills. The closest neighbor was a mile away. Reared in this environment, Swenson’s connection with the natural world was strong. After receiving her BA in painting from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, she moved to Colorado. She has spent most of her life in small towns that sit right next to the last remaining bits of wilderness. From the mountains of Colorado, the ocean surrounding Maui, Hawaii and now the desert near Joshua Tree, California, she feels the most at home out in nature. In the studio, her second home, she can explore her relationship with the natural world. Her oil paintings are reflections of this relationship. Swenson has been a full time artist for the past ten years.
To watch a short video introducing Karine, click HERE.
See more wonderful art at Karine’s website: www.karineswenson.com.

Posted on March 21, 2015March 10, 2021 by

"Doings of a Do-o-dle" with Diane Culhane

Doings of a Do-o-dle! Online Class from Silly U on Vimeo.
Drawing, Acrylic Painting
2-Week Class; 6 Lessons Total
Now available as a self-study class.

This class is about exploring your Do-o-dling!

Doodle your way into a big painting!
Doodling is really just mark making… marks that happen when you are otherwise occupied.
These marks that flow from you naturally while you are doodling can be an expression of your style, like your handwriting. In this class we will look at our doodles as resources; treasures from which we can create full-sized paintings.
Even if you don’t consider yourself a doodler, the exercises and techniques in this class will give you a fun way to tap into your personal style.
We will:
– Dig for treasure/doodle
– Observe & Arrange & Study
– Make folded books for doodle-ready surfaces
– Copy your images with hand/eye coordination
– Scan & enlarge your doodles
– Add color combinations with colored pencil & acrylic paint
– Create compositional grid paintings, and
– Create a Large Do-o-dle Painting!!
I hope you will join me!
Buckets of Joy,
Diane Culhane

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SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR THIS CLASS: For the Supply List, click HERE.
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NUTS & BOLTS
Here’s how this online class works:
• A password-protected blog serves as our clubhouse; there you will find all of the lesson videos and class materials. This class is now a self-study class, so all of the lessons are available to you when you sign up and you can move through the material at your own pace. (Since it was originally in a blog format, you will find the lessons in reverse chronological order… just scroll down for the earlier lessons.)
• A Facebook group has been created for you to (optionally) share your paintings, and enjoy and learn from the artwork of others. (However, if you are shy about posting your art, Diane is always available to look at your work via email.)
• You have indefinite access to the class materials.
• Upon registration, you will receive an email within 48 hours with the links to the class blog and Facebook group.
• Class fee is good for participants living in a single household.
QUESTIONS? carla[at]carlasonheim.com
FAQs – If you’ve never taken an online class before and would like to know more about our classes, click HERE.
* * * * * * * * * * *
SIGN UP TODAY!

* * * * * * * * * * *

Diane Culhane is a professional artist and art educator who lives West Seattle in a 1910 home, and works out of her studio in Ballard Building C. She received her BFA from the University of Utah and Master’s Degree from Seattle University.
Diane has taught for The Bellevue School District, Seattle Pacific University, Kirkland Arts Center, Bellevue Arts Museum and currently directs and owns Kelsey Creek Fine Art School for children in the summer.
Visit her website at: www.dianeculhaneart.com

Posted on November 3, 2014March 10, 2021 by

Blobimal Artist Books

Blobimal Artist Books
Instructor: Carla Sonheim
5-Lesson Repeat Class (with bonus 6th lesson) • $35
Drawing, Painting, Mixed Media
Now available as a self-study class.

BLOBIMAL ARTIST BOOKS
In this class we will construct three small artist books, with “found” animals as our main subject matter.
The irregularly shaped pages of each of the three books will be constructed so that artwork from the subsequent and following pages will be peeking through… like a puzzle!
In Book #1 Well start with layers of watercolor and then add layers of colored pencil, marker, ink, and more to create unique “blobimals” (“blobs” + “animals”) found only in your imagination.
In Book #2 we’ll combine collage and drawing by collaging your “blob” shapes and then finishing your artist book with ink, white gesso, black paint, and a white paint pen (that’s it).
In Book #3 we’ll combine collage, drawing, and words to create a story…
And for this repeat session, you’ll create a bonus “mini book” in the new 6th lesson.
This is one of my favorite “live” classes to teach, and I’m excited to bring this class to you in online form!
Note: This class originally ran as an intensive one-week class in the summer of 2013. This session we are running it over a two-week period and adding a sixth “bonus” lesson.

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SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR THIS CLASS: For the Supply List, click HERE.
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CLASS OUTLINE
Lesson 1: Watercolor Beginnings
Lesson 2: Bind Three Books
Lesson 3: Book #1: Blobimals Mixed-Media
Lesson 4: Book #2: Collage + Drawing
Lesson 5: Book #3: Story
Lesson 6: Bonus Mini Book

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NUTS & BOLTS
Here’s how this online class works:
• Each M-W-F you will receive an email from me with a reminder to visit the class blog for that day’s lesson.
• A password-protected blog dedicated to each class will serve as our clubhouse and where you will find all the class materials as they are uploaded.
• A facebook group will be created for you to (optionally) share your paintings, and enjoy and learn from the artwork of others. (However, if you are shy about posting your art, I am always available to look at your work via email.)
• The class materials will be up and available for download indefinitely if for some reason you need to miss a day (or a couple of weeks).
• Upon registration, you will receive an email within 48 hours confirming your sign-up. On the Friday before your session begins, you will receive your class codes and a “test” video to make sure you can receive/view everything (if you can view the above video, you should be able to view the class videos).
• Class fee is good for participants living in a single household.
QUESTIONS? [email protected]
FAQs – If you’ve never taken an online class before and would like to know more about our e-workshops, click HERE.

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Register today!
____________________
SIGN UP TODAY!

____________________

Carla Sonheim is a painter, illustrator, and creativity workshop instructor known for her fun and innovative projects and techniques designed to help adult students recover a more spontaneous, playful approach to creating. She is the author of Drawing Lab for Mixed Media Artists: 52 Creative Exercises to Make Drawing Fun, a bestselling book, having sold over 57,000 copies!
Her two new books were released Fall 2012: Drawing and Painting Imaginary Animals: A Mixed-Media Workshop (Quarry Books) and The Art of Silliness: A Creativity Book for Everyone (Perigee Books).

Posted on November 3, 2014March 10, 2021 by

Junk Mail Artist's Book

Junk Mail Artist’s Book
Instructor: Carla Sonheim
5-Lesson Repeat Class (with bonus 6th lesson) • $35
Drawing, Painting, Mixed Media
Now available as a self-study class.

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JUNK MAIL ARTIST’S BOOK
This is a mixed-media-junkie’s dream project! Junk mail combined with gesso, watercolor, a little swirly technique here, some packing tape there, creates beautiful and complicated textures that you can use as backgrounds for any mixed media projects you currently have going.
In this class we’ll use our pages to create an irregularly shaped book. Then, we’ll DRAW! You will begin a drawing on one spread, with the goal of having each image connect to and work with the images from other spreads. The drawing exercises throughout the week will build up to you being able to see more creatively and embrace the “puzzle” nature of this beautiful artist’s book.
Take this class if you love textures, layers, and everything mixed media. This one is just FUN!
Note: This class originally ran as an intensive one-week class in the summer of 2011. This session we are running it over a two-week period and adding a sixth “bonus” lesson.

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SUPPLIES
For the Supply List, click HERE.
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CLASS ITINERARY

Lesson 1: One-Liners & Gesso on Junk Mail

Lesson 2: Watercolors & Rub ‘n Buff

Lesson 3: Flow Exercise & Building Your Book

Lesson 4: Drawing! & More Gesso
Lesson 5: Final Details

Lesson 6: Bonus! Postcard Book

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NUTS & BOLTS
Here’s how this online class works:
• Each M-W-F you will receive an email from me with a reminder to visit the class blog for that day’s lesson.
• A password-protected blog dedicated to each class will serve as our clubhouse and where you will find all the class materials as they are uploaded.
• A facebook group will be created for you to (optionally) share your paintings, and enjoy and learn from the artwork of others. (However, if you are shy about posting your art, I am always available to look at your work via email.)
• The class materials will be up and available for download indefinitely if for some reason you need to miss a day (or a couple of weeks).
• Upon registration, you will receive an email within 48 hours confirming your sign-up. On the Friday before your session begins, you will receive your class codes and a “test” video to make sure you can receive/view everything (if you can view the above video, you should be able to view the class videos).
• Class fee is good for participants living in a single household.
QUESTIONS? [email protected]
FAQs – If you’ve never taken an online class before and would like to know more about our e-workshops, click HERE.

========================
Register today!

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Carla Sonheim is a painter, illustrator, and creativity workshop instructor known for her fun and innovative projects and techniques designed to help adult students recover a more spontaneous, playful approach to creating. She is the author of Drawing Lab for Mixed Media Artists: 52 Creative Exercises to Make Drawing Fun, a bestselling book, having sold over 75,000 copies!
Her two new books were released Fall 2012: Drawing and Painting Imaginary Animals: A Mixed-Media Workshop (Quarry Books) and The Art of Silliness: A Creativity Book for Everyone (Perigee Books).

Posted on September 10, 2014March 10, 2021 by

Fall Watercolors

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“Fall Watercolors”
Painting Through the Seasons with Fred Lisaius
Watercolor
Two-Week Class; 6 Video Lessons
This class is now available as a self-study class.

Also, “Summer Watercolors” — See below for details

Painting should be fun. Relax and enjoy step-by-step instruction on how to begin, create and finish a watercolor painting! Pour yourself a cup of tea, put some Vivaldi on in the background and let’s get painting!
Celebrate Autumn with Fred’s next class in his Painting Through the Seasons series! In this class, he will review some basic watercolor techniques, as well as give you some new, exciting ways to bring out the wonderful colors of fall in your watercolor paintings.
Whether you are an experienced painter or new to watercolor, Fred will inspire, inform, and challenge you to take your paintings to the next level.
Testimonials from Fred’s Spring & Summer classes:
“What a great, straightforward, informative class. The selection, narration, and recording were stellar. I hope that you will teach more classes, Fred. Thanks so much.” — Christine
“Seriously?!! We are really going to get more awesome lessons from Fred?!!! Fred, you rock! My fellow classmates, you all rock!!” — Jackie
“Fred Lisaius, you are a natural born teacher with a great personality. Makes it easy and fun to learn from you. Thank you so much for a tip top class!” — Karen

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SUPPLIES
Click HERE for a Supply List.
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CLASS ITINERARY
Lesson #1: Three Types of Washes; Watercolor Workhorses
Lesson #2: The Salt Technique, Painting an Orchid
Lesson #3: Landscape Painting, Water Reflections
Lesson #4: Portrait of a Leaf
Lesson #5: Still Life: Fruits of Autumn
Lesson #6: Detail Painting: Seeds, Berries, and Other Small Things

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NUTS & BOLTS
Here’s how this online class works:
• During the weeks of class, you will receive an email each M-W-F from Fred with a reminder to visit the class blog for that day’s lesson.
• A password-protected blog dedicated to each class will serve as our clubhouse and where you will find all the class materials as they are uploaded.
• A facebook group will be created for you to (optionally) share your paintings, and enjoy and learn from the artwork of others. (However, if you are shy about posting your art, Fred is always available to look at your work via email.)
• The class materials will be up and available for download for one year, if for some reason you need to miss a day (or a couple of weeks).
• Upon registration, you will receive an email within 48 hours confirming your sign-up. On the Wednesday before your session begins, you will receive your class codes and a “test” video to make sure you can receive/view everything (if you can view the above video, you should be able to view the class videos).
• Class fee is good for participants living in a single household.
QUESTIONS? [email protected]
FAQs – If you’ve never taken an online class before and would like to know more about our e-workshops, click HERE.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
SIGN UP TODAY!
FALL WATERCOLORS only:

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Buy SUMMER & FALL WATERCOLOR classes together:

Note: Fred’s mini, three-lesson “Summer Watercolors” class was offered as part of this year’s Summer Art Camp, but Fred has agreed to re-run the class in conjunction with his Fall class. Just $30 more, the three summer lessons will go live on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday of the first week of class (September 28, 29, and 30th), so that you can get summer done before most of the Fall class!
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Fred Lisaius is a painter, sculptor, and a popular art teacher at Bellevue College, WA (“Fred is perfect!”). Fred is represented by the Patricia Rovzar Gallery in Seattle, and his work is in many private and corporate collections. Fred currently has a show at the Bainbridge Island Art Museum. From his statement:
The deeper I go into the forest the closer I feel to the truth. Off of the trail, there is a quiet calm where ideas can be contemplated and refined. In my paintings and my sculptures, I utilize the forum of nature to explore our relationship to the natural world and to each other.

Posted on May 7, 2014March 10, 2021 by

"Paint Your Garden" with Diane Culhane

“Paint Your Garden” with Diane Culhane from Silly U on Vimeo.
Acrylic Painting
2-Week Class; 6 Lessons Total
Now available as a self-study class.

We will explore six different painting techniques that deal with how we touch the surface of our paintings and the characteristics of the paint itself, including:
Sgraffitto , Masking, Frottage Texturing & Blown Blots.
These techniques will become essential tools, not only for creating areas of mystery and intrigue in your work, but also for inspiring new ideas as your paintings evolve.
We will start by making test paintings of each technique to discover how viscosity and the physicality of the surface play a foundational role in the creation of a painting.
Our test paintings will then become an opening conversation, leading the way to three completed paintings of your garden, real or imaginary.

CLASS ITINERARY
Lesson #1: Sgraffito & Stippling
Lesson #2: Paint Your Garden!
Lesson #3: Masking & Drawing Gum
Lesson #4: Paint Your Garden!
Lesson #5: Frottage & Blown Blots
Lesson #6: Paint Your Garden!
SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR THIS CLASS: For the Supply List, click HERE.

Here’s the scoop for this class:
• Each M-W-F you will receive an email from Diane with a reminder to visit the class blog for that day’s lesson.
• A password-protected blog dedicated to each class will serve as our clubhouse.
• A facebook group will be created for you to (optionally) share your paintings, and enjoy and learn from the artwork of others. (However, if you are shy about posting your art, Diane is always available to look at your work via email.)
• The class materials will be up and available for download until “forever,” if for some reason you need to miss a day (or a couple of weeks).
• Upon registration, you will receive an email within 48 hours confirming your sign-up. On the Wednesday before your session begins, you will receive a “test” email to make sure you can receive/view everything.
• What you will need: You will be able to read acrobat pdf files and view videos.
• Class fee is good for participants living in a single household.
QUESTIONS? [email protected]
___________________________
SIGN UP TODAY!

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Diane Culhane is a professional artist and art educator who lives West Seattle in a 1910 home, and works out of her studio in Ballard Building C. She received her BFA from the University of Utah and Master’s Degree from Seattle University.
Diane has taught for The Bellevue School District, Seattle Pacific University, Kirkland Arts Center, Bellevue Arts Museum and currently directs and owns Kelsey Creek Fine Art School for children in the summer.
Visit her website at: www.dianeculhaneart.com.

Posted on April 8, 2014March 10, 2021 by

"Intro to Encaustic Painting" with Stephanie Hargrave

12 Lessons Total
Encaustic Painting
Now available as a self-study class.

Encaustic painting is using melted and pigmented beeswax to create exciting, luminous paintings. If you have ever been curious about encaustics, you’re in for a treat! This 12-lesson online workshop covers a brief history of this ancient medium, what equipment is needed, setting up your work space, mixing colors, adding other media like paper and thread, safety… everything you need to know to start making your own encaustic paintings.

Olivia I — 36″x36″

Blood Flowers 2 — 24″x30″

April — 8″x8″
Class Itinerary
Session 1: April 28 – May 2, 2014
Monday: Set-up and Safety
Wednesday: Brief History and Fusing Clear Wax
Friday: Adding One Color
Session 2: May 19-23, 2014
Monday: Working with Opaque Colors
Wednesday: Working with Transparent Colors
Friday: Mixing Colors
Session 3: June 9-13, 2014
Monday: Burnishing Tissue Paper
Wednesday: Japanese Paper with Drawings
Friday: Charcoal Transfer
Session 4: June 30 – July 4, 2014
Monday: Carving and Inlaying Line
Wednesday: Thread and Linen Paper
Friday: Finishing/Polishing your Paintings
Note: Materials used in this class may contain ingredients that are harmful to your health. We want you to be safe so follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully and work in well-ventilated areas.

Petalous 3 — 28″x28″

How the Class Works
On Monday-Wednesday-Friday of each session you will receive an email reminding you to visit the class blog for your new assignment and video lesson. Videos are professionally produced and instructor feedback will be given via a private facebook page (or via email with Stephanie, if you prefer). If you need to miss a week, don’t worry! The class material will be up and available to you for one year from the date of purchase.
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Sign up today!

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“StephiWax” will ship via USPS Priority Mail within two days after purchase. US orders only (so sorry!).

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I’ve been both painting and working in clay since college, where I studied color theory, ceramics, sculpture, drawing and painting. I started a line of functional ceramics as a small business in 1997 after studying with Carol Gouthro, and have worked with metal, oil paint, and acrylics over the years, but my medium of choice is bee’s wax. I learned a great deal studying with Jef Gunn and Larry Caulkins at Pratt Fine Arts Center, and have been focusing for the past 9 years exclusively on encaustics. It is the one medium that affords all the other materials I’ve worked in to overlap and inform one another.
I find bee’s wax to be inherently lovely, and work with it always mindful of how its natural beauty and transparency can coexist with my ideas and imagery.
See more wonderful art at Stephanie’s website: www.stephaniehargrave.com
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Materials Needed
— Two 24”x24” Drywall Panels (to protect your tabletop)
— Pancake Griddle (with temperature gage)
— Heat Gun or Propane Torch
— Encaustic Medium – 1 Brick (Recommended: R&F Encaustic Medium, 333 ml. OR you can buy handmade “StephiWax.” Click below for details.)
— Encaustic Colors: 1 small brick each of Red, Yellow, Blue, Black, White (R&F, or you can buy handmade “StephiWax.” See below for details.)
— metal tins – several (to hold melted wax)
— Several 1″ – 1 1/2” Bristle Brushes
— Smaller bristle brushes for detail work
— Small Birch Panels (5”x7” and 6”x6”) – 3 each
— Two 9”x12” Cradled Birch Panels
— Painter’s tape (blue tape)
— Rags
— Fan
— Fire Extinguisher
Want more? Stephanie talks about encaustic painting:

Posted on March 3, 2014March 10, 2021 by

Watercolor Transfer Paintings

One-Week Intensive Class • $35
Painting, Mixed Media
Now available as a self-study class.

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In this class we’ll experiment with this easy and quick technique that creates some of the loveliest watercolor textures I’ve seen… if you love the intricate patterns found in a single rock, for example, you will love this class.
Using only t-shirt transfer paper and watercolors, we’ll first just play with brush techniques, working in layers and experimenting with fabric. (Watercolor on fabric? Yes!!) Later in the week we will add other media to the mix: charcoal, ballpoint pen, and pastel to add even more texture and depth to these unique paintings.

And use cut and torn bits and pieces of the painted transfers to create fun and unique pieces of art:

We’ll also work with “plates” to create multi-layered paintings:

Here’s the scoop for one-week camp sessions:
• Think “camp” and be ready for a week jam-packed with creativity! (If you do all the assignments each day, I estimate it will take about 1 – 1.5 hours each day.)
• Each day you’ll wake up to a morning peptalk email with links to your daily schedule, warm-up PDF drawing worksheet, daily assignment and demonstration video. (Five camp days; five warm-up worksheets; assignments; five videos.)
• A password-protected blog dedicated to each class will serve as our clubhouse and will be our meeting place for all of the above.
• A flickr group will be created for each session so you can (optionally) share your worksheets, drawings, paintings, and enjoy and learn from the artwork of others. (However, if you are shy about posting your art, I am always available to look at your work via email.)
• A perfect activity to do with your kids.
• The class materials will be up and available for download until “forever,” if for some reason you need to miss a day (or a couple of weeks).
• Upon registration, you will receive an email within 48 hours confirming your sign-up. The week before your camp session begins, you will receive a “test” email to make sure you can receive/view everything. (That way, when the camp starts, any mosquito bugs will be worked out!)
• What you will need: You will be able to read acrobat pdf files and view videos.
• Class fee is good for participants living in a single household.
QUESTIONS? [email protected]
========================
Register today!

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Supply List:
– Several watercolor brushes – brushes that you have on hand, medium to large, round or flat
– Small set of watercolors (cake or tube is fine)
– One 30” x 40” sheet of hot press, 140# watercolor paper, torn down to eight 7.5” x 10” pieces; save remaining paper for extra paintings.
– One package (6 or 12 sheets) of regular t-shirt transfer paper for white fabric (recommended: Avery T-Shirt Transfers for Inkjet Printers)
– white paper for drawing exercises (can be regular computer paper)
– ballpoint pen
– small set of water soluble markers (can be cheap)
– parchment or tissue paper (to protect your iron)
– iron
Optional items (I will demo these things but are not necessary to participate in the class):
– white cotton fabric or t-shirt
– soft vine charcoal
– chalk pastels
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Check out other online classes here.

Posted on January 21, 2014March 10, 2021 by

"Blobimal Artist Books" with Carla Sonheim

One-Week Intensive Class • $45
Drawing, painting, mixed-media, intensive

Now available as a self-study class.

“Blobimal Artist Books” with Carla Sonheim from Silly U on Vimeo.

Go blob hunting with me right in your own studio!
In this class we will construct three small artist books, with “found” animals as our main subject matter.
The irregularly shaped pages of each of the three books will be constructed so that artwork from the subsequent and following pages will be peeking through… like a puzzle!

In Book #1 Well start with layers of watercolor and then add layers of colored pencil, marker, ink, and more to create unique “blobimals” found only in your imagination:

In Book #2 we’ll combine collage and drawing by collaging your “blob” shapes and then finishing your artist book with ink, white gesso, black paint, and a white paint pen (that’s it).

In Book #3 we’ll combine collage, drawing, and words to create a story…

One of my favorite “live” classes to teach, I’m excited to bring this class to you in online form.
* * *
CLASS OUTLINE
Day 1: Watercolor Beginnings
Day 2: Bind Three Books
Day 3: Book #1: Blobimals Mixed-Media
Day 4: Book #2: Collage + Drawing
Day 5: Book #3: Story
* * *
SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR THIS CLASS: For the Supply List, click HERE.
* * *
Carla Sonheim is a painter, illustrator, and creativity workshop instructor known for her fun and innovative projects and techniques designed to help adult students recover a more spontaneous, playful approach to creating. She is the author of Drawing Lab for Mixed Media Artists: 52 Creative Exercises to Make Drawing Fun, a bestselling book, having sold over 57,000 copies!
Her two new books were released Fall 2012: Drawing and Painting Imaginary Animals: A Mixed-Media Workshop (Quarry Books) and The Art of Silliness: A Creativity Book for Everyone (Perigee Books).

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SIGN UP TODAY!

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Original video for the class:

Posted on January 7, 2014March 10, 2021 by

Blobimal Artist Books

One-Week Intensive Class • $45
Drawing, painting, mixed-media, intensive

Next “Live” Session – February 17-21, 2014

Go blob hunting with me right in your own studio!
In this class we will construct three small artist books, with “found” animals as our main subject matter.
The irregularly shaped pages of each of the three books will be constructed so that artwork from the subsequent and following pages will be peeking through… like a puzzle!

In Book #1 Well start with layers of watercolor and then add layers of colored pencil, marker, ink, and more to create unique “blobimals” found only in your imagination:

In Book #2 we’ll combine collage and drawing by collaging your “blob” shapes and then finishing your artist book with ink, white gesso, black paint, and a white paint pen (that’s it).

In Book #3 we’ll combine collage, drawing, and words to create a story…

One of my favorite “live” classes to teach, I’m excited to bring this class to you in online form.
* * *
CLASS OUTLINE
Day 1: Watercolor Beginnings
Day 2: Bind Three Books
Day 3: Book #1: Blobimals Mixed-Media
Day 4: Book #2: Collage + Drawing
Day 5: Book #3: Story
* * *
SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR THIS CLASS: For the Supply List, click HERE.
* * *
Carla Sonheim is a painter, illustrator, and creativity workshop instructor known for her fun and innovative projects and techniques designed to help adult students recover a more spontaneous, playful approach to creating. She is the author of Drawing Lab for Mixed Media Artists: 52 Creative Exercises to Make Drawing Fun, a bestselling book, having sold over 57,000 copies!
Her two new books were released Fall 2012: Drawing and Painting Imaginary Animals: A Mixed-Media Workshop (Quarry Books) and The Art of Silliness: A Creativity Book for Everyone (Perigee Books).

____________________
SIGN UP TODAY!

____________________
Original video for the class:

Posted on January 7, 2014March 10, 2021 by

Faces 101

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Faces 101
Instructor: Carla Sonheim
One-Week Intensive Class • $35
Drawing, painting, mixed-media, intensive

Now available as a self-study class.

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In this fast-paced class we will focus solely on drawing and painting the human face. We will work through dozens of different assignments that allow you to approach your subjects fast, slow, messily, neatly, realistically, abstractly — all to help ferret out your own unique and personal style.
We will draw from live models, from photos, and our imaginations. We’ll use ink, watercolor, pencil, ballpoint pen, charcoal, pastels and more. End goal: You don’t want to draw faces like me or anyone else — you want to draw like YOU!
After this week you will get closer to finding your unique style, promise! (P.S. The “101″ stands for the 101 faces you will create this week. Yes, it’s a lot. Yes, you will work hard. Yes, you can do it!)
Take this class if you want to try your hand at lots of different drawing styles and methods, love the human face, or want to start developing your own unique face “style.”

Here’s the scoop for this class:
• Think “camp” and be ready for a week jam-packed with creativity! (Update: If you do all the assignments each day, I estimate it will take about 1 – 1.5 hours each day… but more if you want to settle into it!)
• Each day you’ll wake up to a morning peptalk email with links to your daily schedule, warm-up PDF worksheet, drawing assignment, demonstration video and paintingassignment. (Five camp days; five warm-up worksheets; five drawing assignments; five videos; five painting assignments.)
• A password-protected blog dedicated to each class will serve as our clubhouse and will be our meeting place for all of the above, as well as special goodie bag materials and other surprises (including bug spray).
• A flickr group will be created for each session so you can (optionally) share your worksheets, drawings, paintings, and enjoy and learn from the artwork of others. (However, if you are shy about posting your art, I am always available to look at your work via email.)
• A perfect activity to do with your kids.
• The class materials will be up and available for download until “forever,” if for some reason you need to miss a day (or a couple of weeks).
• Upon registration, you will receive an email within 48 hours confirming your sign-up. One week before your camp session begins, you will receive a “test” email to make sure you can receive/view everything. (That way, when the camp starts a week later, any mosquito bugs will be worked out!)
• What you will need: You will be able to read acrobat pdf files and view videos.
• Class fee is good for participants living in a single household.
QUESTIONS? E-mail me! [email protected]

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Register today!

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__________________________________________________
See more online class options here.

Posted on December 12, 2013March 10, 2021 by

2014: The Year of the Fairy Tale

Welcome to my 2014 year-long online class:

Year of the Fairy Tale!

2014: Year of the Fairy Tale from Silly U on Vimeo.

~~Class begins January 20, 2014.~~ The class is now available as a self-study class.
“Grimm’s Fairy Tales” was my favorite childhood book, so I can’t tell you how excited I am to spend a whole year illustrating fairy tales!
If you don’t know me, my name is Carla Sonheim and I am an artist and author of several instructional drawing and mixed-media books. I’m known for my projects and techniques that help adult students recover a more spontaneous, playful approach to creating!
During this year-long online class, we will illustrate 8 fairy tales (the class will run in two, four-month “semesters,” with a 7-week break in between). Each month you will receive both a sketchbook assignment and a technique-based, mixed-media project via professionally produced videos.

How will this work?
First, my goal for all my classes is that students create art that is true to their own style (as opposed to expecting art look like mine). The techniques taught are just starting points and you will incorporate them into your own existing style and what will come out will be fresh and new.
Also, I strive to make sure that every online lesson includes both techniques and the opportunity for personal growth and self expression. “Year of the Fairy Tale” will be an online community where participants from all over the world share their work, their thoughts, and encourage each other. And of course, I am available to comment on all work uploaded throughout the year.
For each of the 8 working months you’ll receive:
• a PDF with that month’s Fairy Tale/Reading Assignment
• a Sketchbook Assignment (each month we’ll pick a focus: the figure, the face, animals, architecture, etc.)
• a Step-by-Step Mixed-Media Project (throughout the year we’ll work with watercolors, acrylics, pastels, charcoal, graphite, collage….)
• Professionally Produced Instructional Video(s)
• Special Blog Posts exploring each fairy tale’s rich visual history, guest artists, and more
• Instructor Feedback on all uploaded or emailed work
Our virtual “classroom” includes a private blog and closed Facebook group.

Each Reading & Sketchbook Assignment will be released 10 days before the Mixed-Media Assignment. Class begins January 20, 2014.

New to online classes? Check out the “Frequently Asked Questions” page, and here are some recent comments from students:
“In my opinion, you are a gifted instructor, who actually makes art fun, and I look forward to learning more from you.” — Jo
“Your style of teaching is warm, genuine and clear.” — Sheri
“Carla and her co-teachers inspire not just making art but also a sense of community among the students, of whom many have been making art for quite some time and others are new to it. This sense of community shows itself in the way everyone shares art — within a closed group on Facebook — and comments in a wonderful, supportive way.” — Corinne
AND specifically about the this class:
“I’m really having a blast in this class. It’s hard, it’s fun, it’s challenging, it’s frustrating, it’s very satisfying… learning so much and loving seeing all of the amazing work being posted and loving learning these new techniques. Thanks, Carla!” — Helen

I’m really looking forward to immersing myself in fairy tales this year, and hope you will join me!
• All levels welcome and encouraged to join in (new artists will have the option of also joining a separate facebook group especially for beginners!)
• Registration fee is good for people living in a single household (a great class to do with your kiddos!)
• If you have any questions at all, please email me at carla[at]carlasonheim.com.
• BONUS! The first 50 people to sign up will receive a set of 8 digital fairy-tale-inspired greeting cards (PDF) suitable for printing and sending.
• If you’d like a feel for the supplies you will need for this class, click here.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _

SIGN UP TODAY!

_ _ _ _ _ _ _
GIVE A GIFT
Do you know someone who would like this class? Gift a class, and I’ll send you a downloadable gift card to give to the recipient.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _
Once you register, you will receive a confirmation email immediately. I will log you in to the class with your Paypal email address unless you indicate otherwise.

Thank you again and I hope you can join in!

Carla Sonheim

girlinforestcrop

Posted on October 4, 2013March 10, 2021 by

Flower Crazy with Carla Sonheim

Five-week workshop: Drawing, Painting and more!
15 Videos – 15 Assignments
$100. Available NOW as a self-study class.

• Watercolors • Mixed Media Paintings • Collage • Board Books • and More!

5-Week Painting Class
with Carla Sonheim

Hi, I’m Carla Sonheim. It’s cold and rainy in my neck of the woods, but NOT here inside my studio!

If you want to take the cold weather into your own hands with gesso, watercolor, and a healthy dose of flower fun, join me for an extended five-week long play time.

Over the past 15 years I’ve developed my own unique way of working with watercolors alone and combining them with gesso and other media that result in luminous, rich painted surfaces.

These techniques can be taken to paper, wood, and canvas, and we’ll work with all three surfaces during the course (plus a few other surprises!).

Some of the things we’ll play with:

watercolors
white gesso
pencil
permanent markers
watersoluable markers
colored pencils
white ink
cardboard
wood

This painting class (which will also include both drawing and collage assignments) builds week-by-week, so that by the end you can take your new-found tips, tricks, and flower love to your journals, paintings, altered books, and even your furniture, if you like!

I have been somewhat of an online class junkie 😀 in the past year and must say [Flower Crazy] is the best one I’ve ever done!” — Anne

* * *

With your sign-up you will receive:

• 15 professionally produced instructional HD Videos

• Weekly step-by-step photo tutorials at the blog

• Daily inspirational posts (M-F)

• Daily drawing assignments (optional)

• Dedicated flickr site where you’ll receive encouragement and feedback
from me and your fellow travelers

• Password-protected blog,which will serve as our meeting place (when not over at flickr)

• Unlimited access to the class material (That’s right! Once you’ve paid,
the class will be up and available for you to access “forever.”)

• Your itinerary:

Week One: Watercolor Crazy
markers and pencils
watercolors made easy
layering, dry brush, and experimental mark-making
flower vocabulary

Week Two: Gesso Crazy
gesso on watercolor
watercolor on gesso
texturing 101
rub and buff

Week Three: Wood Crazy
preparing the wood
white out
gesso on wet watercolor
layers and layers

Week Four: Collage Crazy
making your own fodder
collage first
collage last
troubleshooting

Week Five: Flower Crazy Board Books (and other fun stuff)
preparing the books
going nutty
installation idea
fabric tips
and more!

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Register today!

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Questions?

I’m happy to answer any questions! Please email me at [email protected] and I’ll get right back to you!

Supplies?
Click here for your full supply list.

__________________________________________________
Back to ONLINE CLASSES

Posted on October 4, 2013March 10, 2021 by

"Table Top: Drawing & Painting" by Diane Culhane!

A Two-Week Workshop

Now available as a self-study class.
________________________________________

Diane Culhane’s Online Class: Table Top Drawing & Painting (via Carla Sonheim) from Silly U on Vimeo.

Hi, my name is Diane Culhane.
“Table Top” is a term I have created to explore the traditional “Still Lifes” within our contemporary lives. Joining the definition of still life: a visual fine art term, representational painting or drawing of inanimate objects, such as fruits, flowers, etc. “Table Tops” will echo the same type of inanimate objects.
Inside of this class, the foundation will be set based on fabulous old master’s still life paintings, such as; cubist painter Paul Cezanne, Pierre Bonnard, and Matisse.
Students – you – will transform your experience with the tradition of still life, practiced by many throughout the ages, into something uniquely all your own, changed by imaginative approaches via various innovative approaches in this class.
Starting with drawing, during a dining experience, ending up with acrylic painting. Line will be deeply explored and color of prismacolor pencils too on to various surfaces.

See. Experience. Draw. Color. Paint.

get ready get ready get ready.

HOW THIS ONLINE CLASS WORKS
• Each M-W-F you’ll wake up to a morning peptalk email with links to your demonstration video and drawing or painting assignment. Tuesdays and Thursdays are “work/comment” days. Weekends are off.
• A password-protected blog dedicated to your class will be the meeting place for the above.
• A flickr group will be created for this class so you can (optionally) share your drawings, paintings, and enjoy and learn from the artwork of others. (However, if you are shy about posting your art, Diane is always available to look at your work privately via email.)
• Class material great for both kids and adults (class fee is good for participants living in a single household).
• The class materials will be up and available for one year after your class purchase.
• Upon registration, you will receive an email within 48 hours confirming your sign-up. The week before your workshop begins, you will receive a “test” email to make sure you can receive/view everything.
• What you will need: You will need to be able to view videos via vimeo.

CLASS OUTLINE
Lesson 1: Gathering Together/Dining
Start the class by drawing your dining experience. Will talk about line quality, perspective, editing, and more.
Lesson 2: Table Top/Basket, Bowl, Fruit
Playing with and understanding color choices; composition; Prismacolors on black substrate
Lesson 3: Table Tops/Glass Bottles
Will move to transparent bottles of various shapes, sizes, colors; Prismacolors on vellum
Lesson 4: Glazing
Glaze with acrylic paints and gel mediums on watercolor paper
Lessons 5 & 6: Table Top Acrylic Paintings
Layering from bottom to top with acrylics paints and light molding paste; wood and/or canvas.

* * *

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Diane Culhane is a professional artist and art educator who lives West Seattle in a 1910 home, and works out of her studio in Ballard Building C. She received her BFA from the University of Utah and Master’s Degree from Seattle University.
Diane has taught for The Bellevue School District, Seattle Pacific University, Kirkland Arts Center, Bellevue Arts Museum and currently directs and owns Kelsey Creek Fine Art School for children in the summer.
Visit her website at: www.dianeculhaneart.com.

* * *

SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR THIS CLASS
– basket, bowl, tablecloth, fruit, bottles
– black tag board or black construction paper
– Prismacolor colored pencils: set of 12 or 24 (Diane recommends “Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils“)
– pencils — soft 2B-6B
– ball point pen, vellum paper
– gessoed watercolor paper – 6″x6″
– gel media gloss
– 2 canvases – small sizes 8″ x 8″ , or wood panels ,
– Liquitex Gloss Super Heavy Gel
– Golden Light Molding Paste
– fluid acrylic paints, such as Golden, Liquitex, or Daniel Smith (red, yellow, blue, white)
– sketchbook, pens – Diane loves to use Micron archival ink sizes 03, 05, 08.
– two flat brushes; one medium and one small
– a fan brush and a liner brush

Next session begins November 3rd… Sign up today!

Posted on July 4, 2013March 10, 2021 by

2013 Summer Art Camp

Welcome to the THIRD Annual Online Summer Art Camp!
This year I am excited to present new classes taught by Diane Culhane, Steve Sonheim, Krista Peel, and myself.
• Workshops in Photography, Drawing, Painting, and Mixed-Media
• Each week-long class consists of five instructional videos
• Classes designed so that you can spend between 1-3 hours per day
• Class content will remain online indefinitely
• Instructor feedback
• Each class will have its own flickr group to share images of your artwork
• NEW! A single facebook group page for the entire camp (so you can see what those in other sessions have been working on, too!).
• Class fee good for participants living in a single household
• Prizes? Of course!
• EARLY SIGN-UP BONUS! The first 100 people to sign up will receive 8 printable PDF greeting cards featuring two images from each of the four instructors.
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Click the images below for class descriptions and to sign up!
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WEEK 1
(July 22 – 26, 2013)

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WEEK 2
(July 29 – August 2, 2013)

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WEEK 3
(August 5 – 9, 2013)

Quick Sign-Up

Choose any three classes:

Take ALL 6 classes!

Posted on July 3, 2013March 10, 2021 by

Blobimal Artist Books

One-Week Intensive Class • $45
Drawing, painting, mixed-media, intensive

* * *

CLASS OUTLINE

Day 1: Watercolor Beginnings
Day 2: Bind Three Books
Day 3: Book #1: Blobimals Mixed-Media
Day 4: Book #2: Collage + Drawing
Day 5: Book #3: Story

* * *

SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR THIS CLASS: For the Supply List, click HERE.

* * *

____________________
SIGN UP TODAY!

____________________
Original video for the class:

Sign up today!

*************

Sign up today!

One-Week Intensive Class • $35 Painting, Mixed Media Now available as a self-study class.

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One-Week Intensive Class • $45 Drawing, painting, mixed-media, intensive

One-Week Intensive Class • $45 Drawing, painting, mixed-media, intensive

Faces 101 Instructor: Carla Sonheim One-Week Intensive Class • $35 Drawing, painting, mixed-media, intensive

*************

Year of the Fairy Tale!

SIGN UP TODAY!

See. Experience. Draw. Color. Paint.

get ready get ready get ready.

One-Week Intensive Class • $45 Drawing, painting, mixed-media, intensive

One-Week Intensive Class • $35
Painting, Mixed Media
Now available as a self-study class.

One-Week Intensive Class • $45
Drawing, painting, mixed-media, intensive

One-Week Intensive Class • $45
Drawing, painting, mixed-media, intensive

Faces 101
Instructor: Carla Sonheim
One-Week Intensive Class • $35
Drawing, painting, mixed-media, intensive

One-Week Intensive Class • $45
Drawing, painting, mixed-media, intensive