Join us this Oak-tober as we familiarize ourselves with oak galls, the growths created when a gall wasp lays her eggs in the branch of an oak tree.

Explore the surprising alchemy of making natural pigments from locally sourced materials. In this workshop we will make oak gall ink, a purple-black or brown-black ink made from iron salts mixed with the tannic acid from oak galls.

This type of ink was the standard ink formulation used between the 5th and 19th centuries. Leonardo da Vinci used it as his drawing ink, and oak gall ink was used to write the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

At the end of the workshop we’ll use oak gall ink to make drawings of acorns from close observation.

Participants are asked to bring their own mallet, small hammer, or rolling pin for smashing the oak galls and an 8 oz (or larger) clean jar with a tight-fitting lid for making your ink. Reusing empty food jars is encouraged.

Please note that this class will take place in a covered, outdoor space. Please dress in clothing you are fine getting messy.

Saturday, October 19 · 2:30 - 4:30pm PDT

Theodore Payne Foundation - 10459 Tuxford Street Sun Valley, CA 91352

Member: $55.20

Non-Member: $65.87

Drawing, watercolor, professional feedback/guidance.

I have a few slots open for private lessons, in-person (in the Los Angeles area) or on ZOOM. We will explore your goals, resolve the things that you are struggling with, and focus on the projects that interest you most - on a schedule that works for you.

In-person lessons at your home are $125/hour

Zoom lessons are $75/hour

For more info, email me.

Curious about painting in watercolor but don’t know where to start? This course is for you. We will start at the very beginning - with understanding paper, brushes, paints and color mixing - and we’ll begin to master watercolor’s unique qualities. Watercolor exercises will allow us to experiment, and we'll also paint from simple still life and landscape photographs. You’ll get lots of encouragement and support in this course. Drawing experience will be helpful but is not required. Course sessions are recorded so you won't miss anything, and you can review material again after our live Zoom sessions.

Opportunity to join an extra weekly feedback session for a small fee.

7 weeks: September 21 - November 9 (except October 12)

Saturdays: 9:00 - 11:30 Pacific Time

$175

Painting: MaryAnn Ahart, student

info@creativeartsgroup.org

626-355-8350

In this course we'll learn how to loosen up our watercolor paintings by developing confidence in our brush strokes, using the appropriate brushes and techniques for different purposes, and learning to predict and trust the natural movement of paint and water on the paper. Working primarily from photographs, we'll focus on representing an impression of objects and scenes by how we use value, color, saturation and paint application. We will explore the wisdom of working with limited primary palettes. Some previous experience with watercolor and drawing is necessary. Not appropriate for absolute beginners to watercolor.

Class is held on ZOOM. You’ll receive a recording. Opportunity to also join an extra weekly feedback session for a small fee.

9 weeks: September 18 - November 13

Wednesdays 9:00 - 12:00 Pacific Time

$234

Painting: Robin Kinman, student

info@creativeartsgroup.org

626-355-8350

Botanical art is a centuries old art form, originally used by naturalists to explain and document flora. In this course, you'll deepen your mindful awareness of the natural world as we closely observe and paint several distinct types of flowers. We'll learn to depict form, color, value, and dimensionality to create realistic depth and texture.

4 weeks: July 10 - July 31

Wednesdays, 1:00 - 4:00 pm

$310.00

Photo: Ron Kline, student

info@info@brentwoodart.org

310-451-5657

Learn how to use limited palettes to achieve color harmony, simplify the decision-making process, and gain better mastery in color mixing.  This class will focus on nature and landscape.  Some previous experience with watercolor will be helpful.

Class is held on ZOOM. You’ll receive a recording of each class and the opportunity to join a free Sunday (7-8 pm Pacific) office hour for extra feedback.

6 weeks: June 18 - July 30 (no class July 2)

Tuesdays 9:00 - 12:00 Pacific Time

$155.00

Painting: MaryAnn Ahart, student

info@crativeartsgroup.org

626-355-8350

Learn how to more accurately see color in your subjects and interpret effectively using watercolor. Through a series of hands-on exercises and guided demonstrations, we will explore the fundamentals of color theory, hue, value, intensity, and temperature. By grasping these foundational concepts, you'll gain the confidence to manipulate your palette with precision. And you'll learn how to troubleshoot when things go wrong! We'll complete both exercises and fully realized paintings of both still life and landscape. This course is suitable for beginning and advanced watercolorists.

7 weeks: April 30 - June 6

Tuesdays: 9:00 - 11:30 am Pacific Time - all classes are recorded for those who can not attend during live session.

$184.00

Painting: Lauren Hiestand, student

info@creativeartsgroup.org

626-355-8350