Submitted by Barbara Nair
(February 5, 2026) — Classes and Workshops are held online or at Spectrum Gallery at 61 Main Street in Centerbrook. Find out more at spectrumartgallery.org or call (860) 767-0742.
In Gallery: Paint a Barn in a Snowy Landscape
Gather up your paint brushes and sharpen a pencil to learn how to create a barn in a beautiful snowy setting. In this workshop, learn how to create an interesting sky with clouds and a backdrop for the barn and, if you wish, add snowflakes for atmosphere. Instructor provides a reference a week in advance or use one of your own. The barn should be drawn onto watercolor paper beforehand, but instructor can assist if necessary. Whether you’re new to or familiar with watercolor, this workshop will give you the confidence to continue to paint more in this wonderful medium. Material list available upon registration. Saturday, March 7, 2026 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
In Gallery: Snowy Owl Workshop
Learn to use a variety of wool types in a two-dimensional “painted” project using layered colors and textures to create this nocturnal scene. You will also learn what types of backing materials to use when creating your own future scenes as well as how to mount the finished work in the provided hoop. Sunday, March 15, 2026 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Registration closes for this workshop on March 11, 2026. Please register early.)
In Gallery: Acrylic Still Life
In this acrylic painting workshop, participants paint fruit using a fun mosaic style. Simple shapes are outlined with bold lines and filled with bright translucent colors. This project features practice with color choices, brush control, paint layering and creativity while learning how small pieces can come together to make a complete picture. No experience is needed, just enjoy the process. All materials are included. Sunday, March 29, 2026 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Registration for this workshop closes March 25, 2026. Please register early.)
In Gallery: Children’s Winter Art Classes for Ages 7-11 (Session II)
Session II explores painting and color through nature-inspired projects. Students begin by creating a Northern Lights scene using watercolor techniques like wet-on-wet, adding glittered stars and a simple landscape for depth. Drawing skills are reinforced through studies of flowers, bones, shells, and pinecones, focusing on texture, pattern, shadow, and color. Inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe, students paint bold, colorful flowers in watercolor or oil pastels. Session II continues with drawing and painting a Banyan tree, emphasizing form, reflection, and blended negative space. As spring approaches, the class concludes with painting and decorating rocks with nature imagery and positive messages. Wednesdays, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. February 25; March 4, 11, 25; April 1. For more information, email Barbara@spectrumartgallery.org. To register, visit https://essexct.recdesk.com/Community/Program. (Scroll down to Spectrum Gallery Session II Classes.)
REMINDER!
Spectrum Gallery’s current exhibit, ‘Signs of Love,’ runs through March 14, 2026. Celebrate love as in romantic love as well as through connections, care and shared moments between people, animals, and the world around us. Discover new wall art, mixed media, sculpture, and other unexpected creations by emerging and established artists who represent these ideas in both subtle and bold ways, as well as personal and universal interpretations. Artisans Store offers pottery, glass, fiber, home décor, jewelry, and accessories.
Image above from “Signs of Love” provided by Spectrum Gallery. “A Kiss for My Sweetheart,” Fine Art Photograph
