Art Continuing Education Courses

Add depth, complexity, and dynamic textures to your paintings. You'll acquire practical techniques for creating rich and visually compelling pieces that combine the versatility of acrylics with the diverse effects of other media like pencil, stencils, transfers and more. Lots of hands-on work with plenty of demonstrations to keep you motivated. This class is intended for those who have some painting experience.

Embark on a journey through watercolor landscapes, focusing on paint application methods, color manipulation, and understanding the properties of pigment, water, and paper. The course will equip you with the skills to craft landscapes with rich atmospheric effects. Lots of hands-on work with plenty of demonstrations to keep you motivated. This workshop if for students with at least some watercolor experience.

Learn the renowned techniques of light and shadow as used by John Singer Sargent in this focused watercolor workshop. Elevate your paintings by capturing the subtle interplay of luminosity and contrast, embodying the essence of Sargent's mastery.

Explore the world of Cyanotype! Originating from the 18th century, this printing technique uses UV light (we will use the sun!) to create mesmerizing white and Prussian blue images. We will focus on the fundamentals of cyanotype on both paper and fabric. We will collect botanicals and other ephemera to craft unique prints. By the end of the course, you will have the opportunity to create frameable prints, greeting cards, or pillow cases!

Theory and practice merge in this one-day, hands-on workshop, enhancing artistry and technique in color use. Perfect for those eager to refine color skills, deepen creativity, and bring their watercolor works to life.

This introductory class is open to all levels and will cover the fundamentals of welding and plasma cutting as you make a pre-determined garden sculpture or seasonal decor.

Create your own metal sculpture using a combination of fabrication and welding techniques. This class will expand your knowledge of welding and sculpture design as you make your own personalized art. Students must have taken "Art Welding for Beginners" or have prior welding experience.

For beginners or continuing students refining their watercolor skills, this class will be filled with technical information, demonstrations, individual instruction, and lots of time to paint. Learn brush handling, color theory and watercolor techniques such as washes, glazes, and textural effects. Choose subject matter from photos, book references or still lifes as the class explores painting styles from realism to abstract.

Explore the beautiful world of watercolors and gain confidence in your skills. You'll receive technical information, individualized instruction, and experience engaging demonstrations. Learn essential techniques like brush handling, color theory, washes, glazes, and textural effects, and explore a variety of painting styles from realism to abstract.

Capture the essence of nature while visiting a number of local sites. Learn techniques for painting in watercolor outdoors- embracing light, color and atmosphere. Some watercolor experience recommended.

Students will have the opportunity to observe the instructor demonstrating acrylic painting techniques and can either choose to paint along with a class project or may select an individual project. The instructor will accommodate all levels of painting skills, from beginning to advanced, will help students with ideas for subject matter, composition, color, etc., and will encourage each student to develop their own painting style.

Drawing the human portrait has long been a challenging art form and one that requires a sequential approach. The purpose of this class is to provide such sequential approaches as well as the principles of drawing a portrait from a live model, such as establishing the scale, pose, and proportions. If you have ever struggled with drawing the features of the face, this workshop is for you. Suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced artists.

See digital art in a whole new light. This class is a beginner level exploration of the tools, theory, techniques and tricks of working with computers, tablets, and software to create artwork. Learn to produce digital paintings and conceptual art by applying traditional art skills in a virtual environment. Required: A tablet/ipad with apple pencil or other stylus OR desktop computer with a Wacom or other drawing tablet attached. Sketchbook app.

This is an 8 week introductory course for any students interested in learning
the basics of Digital Art! The class will help students understand the fundamentals and tools that exist across multiple workspaces and will aid them in exploring different digital drawing software.

Gain an understanding of various compositions and how to utilize natural light to achieve beautiful color and black and white landscape photographs. You will learn how to photograph landscapes using digital camera techniques and photo editing programs. We will also cover camera features and controls including how to achieve proper exposure and metering techniques with shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. We will photograph landscapes around Madison College and other areas such as Cherokee Marsh, Prairie Ridge Conservation Park, Ice Age Scenic Trail, and The Arboretum.

This course is intended for those who understand the basic point-and-shoot operation of their digital cameras but who are seeking assistance in taking better pictures using composition techniques and making better use of features such as aperture, flash, shutter speed, and more.

With today’s smartphone camera technology, taking high-quality photos has never been easier. Learn valuable tips and techniques to take your Android or iPhone pictures from good to great. You will learn about lighting, composition, and even helpful apps and camera add-ons. This fun and informative class will also assist you with photo retrieval and backup.