Submitted by Barbara Nair, Spectrum Gallery
(January 9, 2025) — Classes and Workshops are held online or at Spectrum Gallery, 61 Main Street in Centerbrook. Register and pay at spectrumartgallery.org. Spectrum Membership starting at $45 per year provides a 10% discount on art instruction and select Artisans Store items.
On Zoom: Mixed Media Abstract Painting
Explore Abstraction using mixed mediums, fluid acrylics, acrylic ink, neo-crayons, pencils and permanent markers. Start with small 5×7 mat boards doing fast, fun, instinctual exercises and small expanding scribbles and doodles. Graduate to a larger substrate with guidance to complete your abstract work of art. Supply list available upon registration and instructions for caring for your new supplies to use them again and again. January 28; February 4, 11, 18, 25. 12:30-2:30 PM. $140. Members save $14.
In Gallery: Mixed Media Abstract Painting
Same class description above, but in person. January 29; February 5, 12, 19, 26. Makeup class, if necessary, March 5. 12:30-2:30 PM. $160. Members save $16 with $25 material fee (or $5 per class) paid to instructor.
In Gallery: Botanical Illustration with Pen & Ink and Colored Pencil
Create beautiful botanical illustrations in pen and ink. Each week focuses on a different botanical study. Learn to observe and utilize ink to capture the subject matter with detail and accuracy. Colored pencils are used to enhance the black and white drawings. No previous experience is necessary. January 30; Feb 6, 13, 20. 1-3 PM. $130. Members save $13.
In Gallery: Experience Watercolor—Beginner & Beyond
Get step-by-step instruction in the fundamentals of watercolor painting. Class includes demos and structured exercises. Learn color mixing, dark and light, and basic color theory principles. Different brush stroke techniques are addressed for specific effects, i.e. wet on wet & dry stubble applications. Participants paint from still life setups and/or photo references from home. If desired, work on an ongoing painting at home to solidify techniques learned in class. Piece may be brought in for open critique session. Material list sent upon registration. Fridays, January 31; February 7, 14, 21, 28. Makeup class, if necessary, March 7. 1-3 PM. $160. Members save $16.
In Gallery: Everyone Can Draw
Class time focuses on simple still life setups (bottle, bowl with fruit, etc.). Objects studied from a tabletop perspective. Create volume, depth and weight and explore the power of thin and thick line applications to create shape and mass. Individual attention is given to each student at their level. In the third week, bring photos or objects to class to improve how to observe and draw. Material list available upon registration. Saturdays February 1, 8, 15, 22; March 1. Makeup class, if necessary, March 8. 1-3 PM. $160. Members save $16.
In Gallery: The Joys of Wet Felting
Learning the joys of “wet” felting is easy and fun. A highly experienced felter and art educator will teach you felting techniques using Australian merino wool and silk. Each participant makes a felted purse to take home and enjoy or give as a gift. From the knowledge gained in this workshop you will be able to make many other felted pieces. Sunday, March 2. 12:30-4:30pm. $60 with $20 material fee paid to instructor.
