Courses

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Intro to Narrative Arts: Level 3

with Vance Bessey

Apr

22

Next session: April 22nd to July 15th, 2024

$125 More Info

This 12 week course continues where Narrative Arts 2 left off - working with the drawing techniques used to create your own: Comic Book or Graphic Novel Series, Single Panel Gag Cartoons, Comic Strips, 3D Animation, Children’s Books, Storyboards for Movies or Video Game Design. This Class is open only to students that have already completed both Narrative Arts 1&2, OR students with enough artistic ability to work at this level. Consultation by phone with Instructor Vance Bessey will be necessary before signing up for students who haven’t yet had Level 1 & 2 training. Contact me through Merrymeeting Adult Education. Taught by Vance Bessey, a graduate of The Joe Kubert School of Comic Book Illustration and local Illustrator, Cartoonist, Novelist and Art Teacher. ***NO CLASS: 4/15, 5/27.

Beginning Watercolor

with Jennifer Linskey

Apr

29

Next session: April 29th to June 17th, 2024

$125 More Info

Learn which papers, materials, and brushes work best for you as we go over the basics of traditional and contemporary watercolor ideas and techniques. Class work will be a combination of watercolor exercises, whereby we learn the behavior of and particularities of watercolor through exercises. We will then apply this knowledge to small set ups so that we can gain some practical application. I will spend some time going over basic drawing ideas, color theory, color mixing, and brush care. A willingness to draw, and/or improve upon drawing skills will enhance your experience in this class. Absolute beginners in both drawing and watercolor need to recognize that they are attempting two new skills: drawing and watercolor. Don't let this dissuade you from signing up, but recognize where you are coming in and give yourself some grace in the moments where drawing is involved. I will do my best to help you where you are at! Always wanted some watercolor instruction from the ground up? This class will get you started!

Introduction to Zentangle

with Irene Burgess

May

8

Next session: May 8th, 2024

$35 More Info

Join us for an introduction to Zentangle! Zentangle is a drawing method using pens and paper designed to release your creativity and increase mindfulness and focus. Learn about the easy, low-cost method to express your inner artist, change up your crafting, and provide stress relief. Instructor will provide all supplies needed for starting your Zentangle journey. Each student should bring an adventurous spirit.

Catching the Light

with Deena Ball

Jun

8

Next session: June 8th to 9th, 2024

$125 More Info

A plein air painting workshop that concentrates on creating a method to “Catch the Light” and the essence of the day. Students work on various forms of compositional planning, including notan, value studies, directional lines and color proportion swatches. Learning to use these tools, will help artists capture the essence of the scene before the light shifts. Students will work at two different locations. Through careful planning and a clear focus students will be able to quickly create a successful painting outdoors in the shifting light. All media are welcome, oils, acrylics, drawing and watercolor. Students should be comfortable with the medium they choose. The instructor is mainly versed in watercolor and water soluble oils. Students should bring a sketchbook, color pencils and a black sharpie pen as well as their usual plein air painting supplies. Please note: This is a two day 6 hour (each day) workshop about design and painting outside. All media and levels are welcome. Bring your own lunch/snacks.

Draw, Draw with Paint, Paint!

with Jennifer Linskey

Jun

22

Next session: June 22nd to August 31st, 2024

$165 More Info

In this class we will start out drawing in black and white with graphite and/ or charcoal. We’ll look at measuring, size relationships, and object placement. Then we’ll segue to drawing with a brush and draw en grisaille whereby we use: just black, white, and gray paint. This will allow us to think about and get a firm grasp of value (our lights to darks). During the last weeks of class we’ll explore limited color palettes, but get maximum mileage out of the colors we are using, as we’ll continue to see color in terms of value. You'll come away having honed drawing skills, begun training your eye to see subtle shifts in light to dark, and gained color mixing knowledge. Join us as we draw, both traditionally and with a brush, and gradually move toward incorporating color. *No Class: 4/20, 5/18, 6/8.

Intermediate Watercolor

with Jennifer Linskey

Jun

25

Next session: June 25th to September 3rd, 2024

$165 More Info

What constitutes an intermediate watercolorist, you ask? You’ve dabbled. You understand wet on wet and splosh pigment and water around happily. You have some idea what your pigments will do and a general understanding of when to stop adding water, yet you'd like more practice. You've had some basic drawing experience, and you're okay with putting pencil to paper to “rough in” your composition (get the basic shapes down), or if your drawing is a bit rusty you are willing to keep working on drawing skills. You are excited to explore, experiment more with watercolor techniques, and expand your watercolor skillset. If this is who you are, then intermediate watercolor is a fit for you. In this class we’ll be working from both observation and abstraction. *No Class: 8/20.