Open Studies Course Registration

Drawing the Face and Figure will explore the dynamic subject of portrait and figure drawing. The themes of body language, facial expression, dynamic gestures, and the addition of narrative elements will be utilized to enhance the artwork. Surface anatomy will be introduced to improve artists’ ability to capture accuracy and likeness. There will also be a focus on conveying structure through line and tone. These techniques will mainly be taught through the media of charcoal and conté crayon. This course is open to all students regardless of prior drawing experience or ability.

Students in this course will learn the fundamentals of watercolor and build a vocabulary of approaches to this versatile medium. The course begins with essential techniques, such as color mixing and the properties of transparent pigments, basic brush strokes, selecting paper and palettes, and analysis of techniques used by other artists. As students progress they explore transparent and wet and dry techniques, such as glazing, charging, wet-on-wet, negative painting and masking. Class instruction aims to meet the individual student at his or her level of experience, while building self-confidence with the medium and encouraging advancement.

Sessions are offered for those who want to draw or paint from a live model with no guided instruction. Each section includes a live model for a combination of long and quick poses for independent studio work. A class coordinator will ensure the quality of each session.

Sessions are offered for those who want to draw or paint from a live model with no guided instruction. Each section includes a live model for long poses for independent studio work. A class coordinator will ensure the quality of each session.

This workshop is designed to help you refine your skills in observational drawing by focusing on lines and forms. We'll explore different charcoal techniques, and tools. Students will hone their drawing skills and receive constructive feedback on their work with guidance on how to create a cohesive and impressive collection of drawings. Each session will focus on a different strategy to build a strong foundation for your drawing portfolio and sharpen your ability to perceive the world around you. Whether you aspire to pursue a career in art or simply wish to express your creativity, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to develop your artistic talents.

ONLINE: One of the best ways to attract and retain followers on your social media accounts is to use video. This workshop will cover the best practices for video editing using Adobe Premiere. The class will cover formats, combining images, and video clips, telling a short story, special effects, and how to combine type and sound successfully.

ONLINE: Unlock your creative potential and dive into the world of digital art with Procreate. Whether you're an aspiring artist, designer, or hobbyist, this course will guide you through the fundamentals of Procreate, empowering you to create stunning digital illustrations and paintings on your iPad. This class will help you gain a comprehensive understanding of how to use various brush types, layers, blending modes, color palettes, and advanced features like time-lapse recording of your work. This course requires Procreate on the iPad and an Apple pencil is highly recommended.

The etching medium allows artists to create effects ranging from soft, almost imperceptible tones to deeply gouged lines. In this 3-session printmaking workshop students work in a focused and supportive studio environment to prepare a copper plate, etch a design, and produce a series of prints. Students should budget $40-60 for materials. A kit will be available for purchase through the MICA Store.

This fast-paced painting workshop blends art history seminars, 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.

Watercolors can be a rich medium for portraiture. If you have never used watercolors before, they can feel unpredictable and daunting. The unexpected layering of colors allows for interesting nuance. In this course, students will use observational skills to explore color and tones to create expressive portraits. Students will learn some proportions and anatomy or the face. No prior experience with watercolor is required.

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.

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. Julian style easels highly recommended.

There are many forms of shadow puppetry. All you need is a light source and something to cast a shadow on! This course will explore shadow puppetry with overhead projectors and rear projection. We will learn how to make moving joints with linkages. We will also create color transparencies to bring our stories to life. Students will use poems and folktales as content for their puppet shows. By the end of this class, students will be able to perform a solo puppet show with multiple characters and scenes.