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Beginner Painting Classes Chicago

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Learn the fundamentals of painting in a beginner-friendly class in Chicago, where participants can discover various techniques and explore different mediums to create their own masterpieces.

12 classes have spots left

Painting Vibrant Flora in Oils

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Render flowers richly and beautifully in oil paints! Discover how to achieve vibrant, confident-looking artworks that convey a sense of light, shadow, and sculptural form. Color mixing and brush stroke application will also be a major focus, to avoid muddiness and over-blending. You will start with a paint-along demonstration and receive individual attention.

(83) Beginner 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$130
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Painting Water: Reflections, Transparencies, Waves

Evanston Art Center

Painting Water: Reflections Transparencies Waves & Underwater Fluid, seductive, reflective. . . water is the essence of life. Paint different aspects of water: in the movement of waves, reflections and transparencies, pulling inspiration from lakes and oceans, rivers, waterfalls and marshes, and even underwater. We’ll examine abstract and representational depictions of water to understand how different artists have captured imagery: from...

(83) Intermediate 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Learn to Paint: Sea Animals (Ages 5-9)

Evanston Art Center

Sea animals are so much fun to paint! Each week we’ll paint a new sea creature, beginning with a basic line drawing first, and then finishing it off with acrylic paints to bring your sea creature to life! This interactive online class is presented via Zoom. Please download Zoom prior to your first class You will be emailed Zoom meeting instructions, including a unique URL and meeting ID, to join the class at least 1 day before the start of the...

(83) All levels 5 - 9 years old
No upcoming schedules
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Learn to Paint Land Animals (Ages 5-9)

Evanston Art Center

Create your own zoo with your lifelike paintings! Each week we'll learn how to draw a different land animal, and then bring them to life through painting. This interactive online class is presented via Zoom. Please download Zoom prior to your first class You will be emailed Zoom meeting instructions, including a unique URL and meeting ID, to join the class at least 1 day before the start of the class.  Review the supply list posted. Students...

(83) All levels 5 - 9 years old
No upcoming schedules

Color & Composition (Ages 16+)

Evanston Art Center

A successful painting is based in good composition and color usage. Explore color relationships and strengths. Learn how shape, positive and negative space can balance your compositions. Discover why scale and placement are so important. Course includes color theory review, lecture, projects, handouts and visuals. Skill Level: All Levels Notes: This interactive online class is presented via Zoom. Please download Zoom prior to your first class....

(83) All levels 16 and older
No upcoming schedules

Nature as My Muse: Painting Water

Evanston Art Center

Fluid, seductive, reflective. . . water is the essence of life. Paint different aspects of water: in the movement of waves, reflections and transparencies, pulling inspiration from lakes and oceans, rivers, waterfalls and marshes, and even underwater.  We’ll examine abstract and representational depictions of water to understand how different artists have captured imagery: from Japanese printmaking to Homer as inspiration. Learn several...

(83) Intermediate 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Natural Dyes Color Mixing

Chicago Botanic Garden

Students will learn how to make a range of colors by mixing just six different natural dyes that are both light- and wash-fast. We will begin by reviewing the mordanting process and then learn about the properties of each of these dyes and how to combine them in the dye bath. Students will work with their own materials to create a color book of samples. A supply list will be sent to students two weeks before the beginning of class. Open to all l...

(122) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Express Yourself with Mood and Atmosphere

Ingrid's Originals Inc. @ 3729 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL

Take advantage of this great opportunity to study with Keiko right here in Chicago! This workshop is designed for those who want to create a painting strong in composition filled with light and atmosphere.  During the three days, simplification, mood, atmosphere and composition will be shown in step-by-step demonstrations each day.  Landscapes, cityscapes, waterscapes, interiors and figures may be included in the three days.  A class...

(1) All levels 16 and older
No upcoming schedules
$500

3 sessions

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The Magic of Contrasts

Ingrid's Originals Inc. @ 3729 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL

In this three-day workshop, the participants will study contrasts and the scale of values from black to white, through the entire range of colored grays. Shadow implies light and emplahasizes the composition of the painting; it gives strength. The color vibrates, intersperses, or superimposes itself on these areas of contrast. With the aid of photographic images, Marc will show his method of progression, step by step, along with the many tips and...

(1) All levels 16 and older
No upcoming schedules
$600

3 sessions

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Paint Expressive Paintings

Ingrid's Originals Inc. @ 3729 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL

Come and join us for this third workshop with Eudes.  A three-day Watercolor Workshop with Eudes Correia. One day will be devoted to landscape painting in this workshop. Note: Includes a light breakfast each day of the workshop days, bottled drinking water, assorted teas and coffees, and snacks throughout the workshop.  

(1) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$600

3 sessions

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Expand Your Creative Voice

Ingrid's Originals Inc. @ 3729 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL

Unlock your artistic potential and explore the world of abstract art in this unique boutique workshop. Join Joan at Ingrid's Originals Inc. for a fun and informative experience where you'll learn to work intuitively with lines, shapes, and colors. Discover new mediums, unleash your creativity, and create exceptional results!

(1) All levels 16 and older
No upcoming schedules
$775

3 sessions

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Beyond Green: Exploring Color Through Landscape

Evanston Art Center

In this class, we will study the complex colors of nature in landscape painting. Utilizing color theory, students will study techniques such as layering, optical mixture, broken brushstroke, and glazing to break through the limitations of local color in representing the landscape. Studies in Expressionistic, Fauve, and Impressionistic landscape paintings will further augment the students understanding of color. There will be a color theory review;...

(83) Intermediate 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Watercolor Boot Camp

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Discover watercolors without committing to a class. Explore the basics, and dabble with inks and watercolor pencils. How many times have you heard it said that watercolor is a tough medium to learn? Watercolor is fun and easier than you thought.  The instructor, through step-by-step demonstrations, shows you how to create your own landscapes, flowers, human figures and even abstract images. Returning students are welcome, as well as novices. ...

(83) Intermediate 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Learn How to Paint Fall Leaves in Watercolor

Chicago Botanic Garden

This class is designed as an introduction to the art of painting fall leaves in watercolor. Study will be given to the characteristics and structure of leaf shapes, texture, and venation. Learn how to effectively develop and apply the appropriate color palette for the leaf in question and the basics of sound paper and color selection as you develop a sense of simple leaf composition and design.  A supply list will be sent.

(122) Beginner 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$312

6 sessions

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Painting & Drawing III: Portrait

Aartwerk Studio @ 1141 W Granville Ave, Chicago, IL

In this course we shall concentrate on portrait, working from a live model. Students are free to use mediums of their choice, but will be encouraged to follow suggested assignments and approach the subject in different ways. Homework: Students are strongly encouraged to do assigned homework regularly, as continuous practice is crucial to your development. Please be advised: you are welcome to come to Open Studios and work on your homework...

(12) All levels 16 and older
No upcoming schedules
$380

8 sessions

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Creating on Water Workshop

Ingrid's Originals Inc. @ 3729 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL

Creating ON Water is a unique process that combines science with art. The process involves floating an acrylic mixture on a 'specially' prepared bath and allows the artist to manipulate the paint into delightful shapes and compositions to be eventually printed.   The images created are very unique to this process and can't be reproduced with a paint brush! I am offering this  as a two-day extensive workshop. The tuition...

(1) All levels 16 and older
No upcoming schedules
$400

2 sessions

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Push Your Expressive Painting

Ingrid's Originals Inc. @ 3729 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL

During this intensive, motivational, and fun workshop, participants will have great learning experiences!  There will be two demonstrations daily, one in the morning and another in the afternoon, with participants painting in-between the demonstrations.  There will be plenty of tips, critiques, and developing artists' visions throughout the three days. (Includes a light breakfast each of the workshop days, bottled drinking water, assorted...

(1) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$400

2 sessions

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Color in the Autumn Landscape

Chicago Botanic Garden

Autumn at the Garden is inspiring. Working in the Garden, you will learn how painters think about composition and color in nature.  A review of light and gesture will help you use new techniques to represent the landscape. You will create small paintings in the medium of your choice, including gouache, acrylic, watercolor, and oil. Dress for the weather.  A supply list will be sent.

(122) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

This Bud's For You: Orchids Magnified

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Chicago, IL

You will create a 22- x 30-inch painting of one large orchid or a grouping of different colored orchids. With this high impact painting, you will learn how to compose, how to scale up from studies and how to use large brushes for maximum effect. You will work from both live orchids and photos.  All media welcome.  A supply list will be sent.  Prerequisite: Botanical Drawing 1 or similar coursework and painting experience. ...

(122) Beginner 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$312

4 sessions

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Meditations in Ink: Zen Bamboo

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Chicago, IL

Bamboo is the symbol for flexibility, longevity, and strength—a true dance of energy and ink! This workshop will be a relaxing, meditative exploration into learning the nature and techniques of Asian brush painting and calligraphy. Through step-by-step demonstrations and hands-on brush painting projects using the "four treasures" (bamboo brushes, ink, inkstone, and rice paper), students will explore the ancient and elegant art of painting bamboo....

(122) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$187
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