Upcoming Classes

Learn basic watercolor technique to help you gain control. Step by step lecture and demonstration are followed by studio exercises designed to advance the development of your skills. Explore color mixing, application, and technique. Your will instructor provides a safe participative environment, which will allow you to paint with confidence.

Use any water-based media and work at your own pace. Expand your skills and further develop your style. Explore water-media technique, composition, design, light, and content. Your instructor will facilitate stimulating group critiques and discussion to challenge you and determine ways to advance your skills. Classroom interaction will help you find inspiration and stay on task. Expect to have lots of lighthearted fun and get in some necessary studio time under the guidance of an experienced instructor.

Learn how to use line, color, value, shape and texture to create visually interesting compositions. Emphasis will be on using basic design and the creative process. Optional creative challenge assignments will help reinforce demos/lecture. Choose any water-based or dry media.

Use watercolor or other water based media to explore fascinating texture and pooling of color. Learn how to create texture with stamps, impressions, wax resist, plastic wrap, salt, and other experimental techniques. Try multiple surfaces like illustration board and crinkle paper. Learn when to use textures to project realism, make subtle implications, or promote an idea. Let your intuitive side determine the outcome. Basic art experience helpful. Intermediate level.

Experience this rare three-day opportunity to studio paint from the 12^th floor of beautiful Weston Place on Madison’s west side. Be inspired by the view of the Madison Lakes and city skyline through two long walls of floor-to-ceiling windows. You will be working under the guidance of your qualified instructor, Mary Ann Inman. You may choose to work individually or participate in any of Mary Ann’s daily demonstrations, critiques and group projects. All levels of skill are welcome. Have you ever wished for that inspiring studio space that you can stay set-up, work on your choice of subject & media, come and go as you please in a safe, creative, ‘art-energy-filled’ setting? Now is your chance! (3 days)

The Art of Color Use watercolor or other water-based media to explore fascinating spectrums of color. Learn how to make your paint box speak for you with splashes of yellow, orange, red, violet, blue, and green. Give your artwork a voice by carefully choosing colors to project a mood, make subtle implications or promote an idea. Expect weekly assignments to help you apply color schemes to vibrate and harmonize using selected color wheel combinations. (Intermediate ~ 8 Sessions/weeks)

If you want to take on a creative 3 D challenge, this may be for you. We will meet on three Friday afternoons. The first class will address your ideas and how to promote your concept. We can brainstorm and share ideas in class but talking about the ideas proposed by others outside of the classroom is not permitted. The second class will address your proposed materials to make your manikin. bring supplies like paint, glue, paper mache', fabric, pliers, wire, etc.( Hint select supplies you have some experience with: for example if you can sew then fabric would be a good material selection). Ask me about a manikin if you do not have one I have some on hand. During the third session plan to get your manikin mostly complete. We can have fun with this and share the experience together in a lighthearted environment. The process of creating should always be more rewarding than the end result. Bring your sense of humor. Working on 3D offers some unique challenges and I will help you work through the process. (3 sessions)

Use any water-based or dry media to capture nature's beauty. We will focus on simplifying shapes and creating visual interest. Bring copyright free photos of scenes you would like to paint. Your instructor will help you edit and design your composition and choose schematic colors. Project a mood, make subtle implications or promote an idea. Demonstrations include value studies, watercolor and mixed media painting techniques and drawing practices. Assignments will help you further develop your technical skills and improve your observation skills. (8 sessions/weeks)

Summary - Participants should bring medium of choice. All dry and water based mediums can be used. Expect to work independently with guidance from an experienced instructor. (4 sessions/days)

· Arrive on Tuesday between 8:30 am and 9:00 am. The building does not officially open until 8:30am. Windows surround the west end of the room and the lighting is good. Each artist will have a large banquet table to spread out supplies. Supplies can be left during lunch but must be taken at the end of each day as other events are scheduled in the evenings.

· You will be working in a multi media environment. Artists are invited to bring watercolor, pastel, charcoal, acrylic, graphite and colored pencil. Many students are at an intermediate/advanced level. Expect to be challenged and inspired by others in the class.

· We will start each day with classroom instruction/lecture in chairs seated near the kitchen. I will have topics of interest and optional creative challenge assignments. Feel free to opt out of any or all lectures, demonstrations, and creative challenge assignments to do studio work on your own.

· We can use the kitchen to make coffee and warm lunch. Lunch hour is scheduled from noon to 1 pm. You can brown bag it or drive to a nearby restaurant.

· Each student can work at his or her own pace. The focus will be on the process versus the end product. Some participants may want to sketch & paint outdoors if the weather permits.

· Expect group critiques/discussions. Verbalizing your direction fosters growth. Your instructor encourages participation but respects your right to pass.

Further develop your style by focusing on your strengths. Explore watercolor, mixed media, or any water-based media. Demonstrations and lecture will focus on expanding your confidence using technique,
composition, color, dominance, contrast, and emphasis. Group assignments include polishing your artist statement and planning to exhibit your work. This class will help you walk the walk and talk the talk as you move onward in your journey as an artist. (Intermediate & Advanced ~ 8 Sessions/weeks)