Art Classes

     Spending much of her life working in the art world, Barbara has developed a passion for not only creating her own artwork, but inspiring others to do the same. Her classes are geared primarily toward the adult beginner, and her teaching style has a structured approach that enables students to learn new skills one step at a time in a patient, positive environment.
      A former Advertising Art Director and Marketing Communications Manager, she has a unique skill set for presenting simplified methods for learning to draw and paint. She credits her own success as an artist to gaining a strong foundation in drawing skills, and encourages beginning artists to always start with drawing classes before jumping into painting.

     Barbara's class schedule may change slightly each quarter, so be sure to check back frequently for the most updated details and schedule of days, times and locations.

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUMMER 2009

 

 

Spruill Center for the Arts

5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd.

Atlanta, GA  30338

770-394-3447

www.spruillarts.org

 

 

Beyond Drawing Basics:  Preparing for Painting

If you’ve already taken a basic/beginner drawing class, this class will give you some additional crucial skills that will make your time spent in a future painting class more successful…and enjoyable!  Working in pencil and charcoal, we’ll focus on visualizing your subject matter in terms of a composition rather than simply copying what’s before you.  We’ll cover creating a thumbnail sketch, increasing drawing speed and accuracy, and how to make the transition from copying other artists’ and photographers’ work to creating your own original artwork.  We’ll also discuss how to take and work from good reference photos, and how to manipulate them for the best possible composition. 

 

Thurs. evenings, 7:30 - 9:30

8 weeks; June 18 - Aug. 6

 

Cost: $155/member; $175/nonmember

 

Supplies required.  Click here for supply list.  Contact the Spruill Arts Center or visit www.spruillarts.org to register.

 

 

 

Johns Creek Arts Center (formerly Ocee Arts Center)

6290 Abbotts Bridge Rd.

(near intersection of Medlock Bridge Rd./Hwy. 141)

Johns Creek, GA  30097

770-623-8448

www.johnscreekarts.org

 

Composing a Great Drawing or Painting -- Any Medium

2-Week Workshop

Good composition makes the difference between an “okay” piece of artwork and a “wow!” piece.  It’s also the skill you need to make the transition from copying other artists’ or photographers’ work to creating your own original artwork.  Most of the workshop will involve setting up and working from your own still life.  Toward the end of the second week, we'll cover how to take and work from good outdoor reference photos, and how to manipulate them for the best possible composition.  By the end of the week, you’ll gain a better understanding of the thumbnail process, enabling you to move quickly and accurately from a rough thumbnail to a successful finished piece. You may draw or paint in the medium of your choice.  This workshop is ideal for new artists who've already had some classes in (or are familiar with) a particular medium, or intermediate artists who want to fine tune their composition skills.

 

Aug. 17 - 28; Mon/Wed/Fri (6 days total)

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

 

Cost: $160

 

Supplies required.  Click here for supplies.  Contact the Johns Creek Arts Center or visit www.johnscreekarts.org to register.

 

 

 

The Art School in Sandy Springs

The Art School in Sandy Springs
5197 Roswell Road, NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30342
678-755-1079
www.theartschoolinsandysprings.com

 

 

Composing a Great Drawing or Painting -- Any Medium

5-Day Workshop

Good composition makes the difference between an “okay” piece of artwork and a “wow!” piece.  It’s also the skill you need to make the transition from copying other artists’ or photographers’ work to creating your own original artwork.  In the first four days of the workshop, you’ll set up and work from your own still life.  On the last day, we'll cover how to take and work from good outdoor reference photos, and how to manipulate them for the best possible composition.  By the end of the week, you’ll gain a better understanding of the thumbnail process, enabling you to move quickly and accurately from a rough thumbnail to a successful finished piece. You may draw or paint in the medium of your choice.  This workshop is ideal for new artists who've already had some classes in (or are familiar with) a particular medium, or intermediate artists who want to fine tune their composition skills. 

 

Aug. 31 - Sept. 4

9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

 

Cost: $185

 

Supplies required.  Click here for supply list.  Contact The Art School in Sandy Springs or visit www.theartschoolinsandysprings.com to register.

 

 

 

 

FALL 2009

 

 

Johns Creek Arts Center (formerly Ocee Arts Center)

6290 Abbotts Bridge Rd.

(near intersection of Medlock Bridge Rd./Hwy. 141)

Johns Creek, GA  30097

770-623-8448

www.johnscreekarts.org

 

 

Drawing for Total Beginners

Contrary to what many people believe, drawing is a learnable skill that anyone can acquire, and doesn’t have much to do with drawing a straight line.  This class teaches a solid foundation in basic drawing skills, and is especially geared toward students who would like to have the proper skills to ultimately work well in a color medium (i.e., oil, pastel, watercolor, etc.).  Working from still life setups and photographs, students will learn how to see their subject in order to translate that image into a successful piece of artwork.  Perfect for beginners with no art experience, as well as those who simply want a refresher course in the basics. 

 

Tues. mornings, 10:00 - 12:00

8 weeks; Sept. 15 - Nov. 3

OR

Wed. evenings, 7:30 - 9:30

8 weeks; Sept. 16 - Nov. 4

 

Cost: $145/member; $165/nonmember

 

Supplies required.  Click here for supply list.  Contact the Johns Creek Arts Center or visit www.johnscreekarts.org to register.

 

 

Beginner Pastel

If you’re looking for a class to transition you from drawing to painting, or just want to try a new medium, this class can be an ideal next step!  Pastels are like a mix of drawing and painting that can be bold and vibrant, or soft and impressionistic.  There's typically less set-up time than painting, and supplies and color mixing are less complicated.  Students will learn color theory, review basic drawing and composition skills as they apply to color, and learn about the numerous pastel supplies available to the pastel artist today.  Subject matter will focus on still life and landscapes.  This is a structured beginner class in which the instructor will conduct demos and give a brief lecture at the beginning of class and then allow plenty of class time for students to complete an exercise.  Basic drawing and composition skills are necessary.  Returning students will work on their own subject matter and receive individual instruction.

 

Thurs. mornings, 10:00 - 12:00

8 weeks; Sept. 17 - Nov. 4

 

Cost: $145/member; $165/nonmember

 

Supplies required.  Click here for supply list.  Contact the Johns Creek Arts Center or visit www.johnscreekarts.org to register.

 

 

 

Spruill Center for the Arts

5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd.

Atlanta, GA  30338

770-394-3447

www.spruillarts.org

 

 

Beginning Drawing

Contrary to what many people believe, drawing is a learnable skill that anyone can acquire, and doesn’t have much to do with drawing a straight line.  This class teaches a solid foundation in basic drawing skills, and is especially geared toward students who would like to have the proper skills to ultimately work well in a color medium (i.e., oil, pastel, watercolor, etc.).  Working from still life setups and photographs, students will learn how to see their subject in order to translate that image into a successful piece of artwork.  Perfect for beginners with no art experience, as well as those who simply want a refresher course in the basics. 

 

Thurs. evenings, 7:30 - 9:30

8 weeks; Sept. 17 - Nov. 4

 

Cost: $155/member; $175/nonmember

 

Supplies required.  Click here for supply list.  Contact the Spruill Arts Center or visit www.spruillarts.org to register.