Guilford Craft Expo en Plein Air
Join us for this new plein air painting workshop that takes place on the historic Guilford Green during GAC's annual Craft Expo! Enjoy watching the hustle and bustle of shoppers and vending artists alike! Begin with a quick, light pencil sketch to capture the main shapes, and use light washes to block in the main areas of color. Gradually build depth and intensity while keeping your painting loose and spontaneous. If you run out of time or want to continue later, take a quick photo for reference. Students are responsible for their own painting supplies, GAC will supply a complimentary entry ticket and parking pass to enrolled students.
Lace Painting on Textiles Workshop
Enjoy a fun and relaxing workshop while you learn textile painting! You will be guided step by step, and given tips and techniques along the way, making this workshop accessible for participants of all skill levels in a fun and casual atmosphere. You will leave with a unique work of art ready to display.
Summer Watercolor – Follow the Leader
Create fresh, inspired watercolor paintings while exploring the subtle beauty of color, light, and mark-making. Build your work step by step—from broad washes to fine details, from light to dark tones—developing a process that brings your vision to life. Experience the luxury of working with sable brushes for luminous, transparent washes and Japanese natural-hair brushes for drawing and layering color. This class has a required materials list.
Painting en Plein Air: Stony Creek Beach
Plein air painting is a wonderful way to experience light, atmosphere, and the outdoors. This session will focus on the beautiful Stony Creek Beach. Begin with a quick, light pencil sketch to capture the main shapes, focusing on observation and speed. Then use light washes to block in the main areas of color. Start with the lightest values and gradually build depth and intensity while keeping your painting loose and spontaneous. Please meet first at GAC. This class has a required materials list.
Acrylic Painting
Do you have a bit of background in drawing and/or painting, but want to move beyond your current level? This class will help. We’ll cover various approaches to developing compositions, become more aware of tonal values and make color a friend. We’ll employ a host of technical tips, as well as allow time for critiques. This class has a required materials list.
Painting Or Drawing The Portrait
Become more confident as a portraitist and capture the personality of your subject in your art. Students already confident in a medium other than graphite pencil (e.g. oil, acrylic, pastels, etc.) should feel free to bring them to class. Otherwise, prepare to draw with pencil and bring a 9 x12 sketch pad, a few soft pencils (anything from 6B to 9B), and, preferably, a kneaded eraser.
Painting with Soft Pastels
Discover the vibrant world of pastels and bring your artwork to life! Learn to draw, build an underpainting, layer colors, and add finishing touches that make your pieces shine. Perfect for beginners and those looking to refine their skills, this class will inspire you to experiment and create with confidence.This class has a required materials list.
Watercolor Techniques
This class will focus on core watercolor techniques, including wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, and dry brush. Students will learn fundamental watercolor principles such as working from light to dark, using the paper’s white for highlights, and building transparent layers to maintain luminosity. Instructor demonstrations will also cover color mixing, spattering, scraping, and other expressive techniques. This class has a material list.
BYOB Paint & Sip Workshop: Pet Portrait Party
Turn your furry friends into a one-of-a-kind portrait with easy, guided instruction in a laid-back social setting. All materials are included in the cost of tuition, and no experience is needed. Perfect for a girls’ night out or a fun date night activity.
BYOB Paint & Sip Workshop: Fan Art
Enjoy step-by-step guidance, a relaxed atmosphere, and all supplies included as you bring your favorite characters to life. No experience necessary. Great for friends, date nights, and creative nights out!