Open Studies Course Registration

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to key elements and techniques required for crafting captivating illustrations for young readers. Discover the art of visual storytelling in children's books and learn how to create illustrations that seamlessly connect with the narrative. Students will learn the nuances of designing characters and conveying facial expressions that capture the emotions and personalities of your story's protagonists.

"This course explores the intersection of the design principles and expressive creativity in oil painting. Learn to craft dynamic compositions using the language of rhythm, movement, and directional flow. Harness the expressive, mark-making potential of painting to orchestrate texture, shapes, and color into compelling visual narratives. The course takes a deep dive into the workings of the language of visual art. It will combine studio practice with seminar discussions to foster a rich dialogue on the concepts and techniques that use the elements of art to articulate the principles of design. Students will present their work in an open critique format, gaining insights from peers and refining their artistic voice. Ideal for those seeking to invigorate their understanding of painting as a thoughtful, intentional process."

In this workshop students will work through a progression of drawings that explore how different approaches to the figure can address mood, spirit, intensity, viewpoints, and emotion. Students will learn how to successfully portray the human body with dramatic form, mass, volume and tonality. While investigating the human form, students will use charcoal, conte crayon graphite and ink to produce a portfolio of figure drawings that range in style from traditional to more contemporary and conceptual approaches.

This course helps aspiring art students, ages 18-23 build a strong portfolio while developing personal ideas beyond a specific style. Through various materials and techniques, students explore balance, contrast, and key visual elements applicable across all mediums. Includes a MICA portfolio review, art school requirements, digital portfolio creation, and professional development.

Sessions are offered for those who want to draw or paint from the live figure. Each section includes two models—one for quick poses for sketching and one for sustained drawing or painting. A class coordinator will ensure the quality of each session.

Are you in search of a new artistic direction, or looking for ways to delve further into your existing imagery? Summer could be the perfect time to try something new in the studio. In this 5 week workshop, we'll explore techniques designed to break habits and expectations that might be holding our practices back. Through a series of formal, material, and interactive prompts, students will produce a range of studies that will culminate in two finished projects. Expect a lighthearted, experimental, and supportive environment with plenty of feedback. We hope you'll join us!

This workshop introduces the fundamentals of digital photography using both cell phones and DSLR cameras. Students will explore composition, lighting, and camera settings to capture compelling images. The course also covers basic editing techniques in Photoshop, including cropping, color correction, and retouching, to enhance and refine photographs. Perfect for beginners, this hands-on class will help students develop technical skills and a creative eye for photography.

This fast-paced painting workshop blends art history seminars, museum visitis with in-depth critique of current work, and collaborative discussions on advancing artistic practice. Participants will analyze historical and contemporary painting techniques and explore the materials and methods therein. Techniques explored will include, imprimatura and grisaille, glazing, wet-on-wet alla prima, and layering with impasto. Participants will gain hands-on experience in a variety of techniques and receive constructive feedback to explore strategies for elevating their art. Perfect for artists seeking growth, inspiration, and connection within a supportive creative community.

This fast-paced painting workshop empowers artists to craft compelling visual narratives and uncover recurring themes in their work. Through focused exercises and discussions, participants will explore techniques to create paintings that evoke emotion, spark conversation, and clearly communicate ideas. Ideal for artists seeking to refine their vision and build a cohesive, impactful body of work.

In this workshop, students will explore the fundamentals of figure painting, from ink wash to acrylic. Through rhythm, unity, balance, and contrast, they will learn to create dynamic compositions that guide the viewer’s eye beyond the focal point. Each session includes painting from a live model, emphasizing visual pathways and key observational techniques.

Explore the art of painting outdoors in this hands-on plein air workshop. Designed for artists of all levels, this workshop focuses on capturing the beauty of natural light, color, and atmosphere in real-time. Learn essential techniques for working quickly and effectively in changing outdoor conditions, including composition, color mixing, and brushwork. With guidance from an experienced instructor, participants will gain confidence in their ability to create expressive landscapes while enjoying the inspiration of the great outdoors.

The objects that populate our material world are powerful storytellers. They can embody personal, family, and cultural narratives, and have much to reveal about qualities of time and place. In this multimedia workshop, we will engage found objects to discover their capacity to tell stories and create futures. Connecting with others in a supportive, reflective environment, you will start a personal portfolio of responses to an object of your choosing.

This workshop explores narrative storytelling through shadow puppetry and other 3D mediums. Students will learn design planning and explore mechanisms and construction techniques for creating shadow puppets, from simple cut paper to those with moving parts. During this workshop, students will make two shadow puppet acts.