Submitted by Barbara Nair
(March 26, 2026) — The following classes and workshops will take place in April and May, 2026. Unless noted, all sessions will be held at Spectrum Gallery, 61 Main Street in Centerbrook. Register and pay at spectrumartgallery.org.
Working in pastels can almost feel like “soft painting.” In this workshop, learn to blend colors smoothly and quickly to develop a great sense of color. Choose to work on slick paper, which, unlike the more traditional pastel papers, lends itself to creating color almost by “accident.” There’s a sense of rhythm and motion when working in this medium. Color can move about smoothly and the blending process is very forgiving. During the session, explore techniques like over-blending, feathering, tonal development, pastel tips and more. Demonstrations are given by the instructor. Supply list available upon registration. Sunday, April 26, 2026. 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Palette Knife Landscapes in Acrylic
This four-session course introduces participants to the bold, satisfying world of acrylic landscape painting with palette knives. This class guides beginners and those with a little palette knife experience from basic techniques to completing two finished acrylic landscape paintings with palette knives. Participants can choose to paint a scene provided by the instructor or may choose to bring their own photo to paint. Participants learn to use acrylic paint types and texture-building mediums such as gel mediums and modeling paste to create depth in their landscapes and create atmospheric backgrounds such as skies, distant hills and light transitions. Composition basics are covered, namely, horizon lines, focal points, depth and dark to light tones. Each session includes a demonstration, guided studio time, experimentation, hands-on exercises and individualized coaching so participants can progress at a comfortable pace. This class is ideal for beginners and anyone who loves landscapes. No drawing skills required. Material list available upon registration. Saturdays, May 2, 16, 30; June 6. 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Children’s Spring Art Classes for Ages 7-11 (Session III)
Session III focuses on the line – a moving point that can vary in length, width, direction, and curve. Students will explore how lines form letters by designing an Egyptian cartouche using hieroglyphic symbols inspired by their names. They’ll also create colorful name drawings while reviewing color theory (primary, secondary, tertiary, warm, cool, and complementary colors). Using line and color, students will complete an abstract crayon-resist watercolor, practice word art animal drawings, and finish by designing a poster featuring a short, positive message with illustrations. Wednesdays, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. April 22, 29; May 6, 13, 20. For more info, email Barbara@spectrumartgallery.org. To register, visit https://essexct.recdesk.com/Community/Program. (Scroll down to Spectrum Gallery Session III Classes.)
