Workshops
Workshops at Chester Springs Studio include watercolor painting, oil painting, plein air, mixed media, ceramics, raku firings and more with guest artists.
Painting “Painterly” From A Photo Reference Dan Graziano Workshop
Level: All levels, Adults
Limit: 15 students
Instructor: Dan Graziano
Date 1: May 18 & 19, 2024
Date 2: July 27 & 28, 2024
Time: 9am – 4pm
Location: Chester Springs Fine Art Studio
Tuition: $260 Members, $270 Non-members
This two-day studio workshop will focus on painting “alla prima” (all at once) as well as developing greater skills of observation, simplification and quickly painting “wet on wet” to create strong “painterly” paintings. The workshop will also discuss techniques to quickly transfer the important elements of a reference photo to the canvas, creating an artistic painting rather than simply rendering a photograph. The first morning of the workshop begins with a discussion of oil painting basics (from materials to paint handling) and will also address the fundamentals of color, value, edges, perspective and other “practical” elements related to successful painting. Participants will then work on a series of timed painting exercises incorporating the techniques discussed and developing their skills of observation, simplification and quickly working in an “alla prima” manner. Each day of the workshop will include a short painting demo by Dan with explanation of his process along the way with plenty of one-on-one individual instruction throughout the day. This workshop is designed for beginning to advanced painters in both oil and acrylic mediums. Participants are encouraged to bring photos to paint from or may choose from photos brought by the instructor.
CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED SO REGISTER SOON. Participants supply their own art supplies and equipment (easels are provided). Link to Material List is below.
About Dan Graziano
Dan Graziano is an award winning, nationally exhibited artist whose paintings capture the hidden beauty found in the unexpected places and fleeting moments of everyday life. Incorporating dramatic light, shadow, color and perspective, his compositions feature a diversity of subjects—from a simple still life to rugged coastlines, active urban life, lively cafes and bars, small rural towns and forgotten roadside relics. His work has been featured in numerous publications and is in the collections of private and corporate collectors throughout the world.
His artistic vision began taking shape in the 60's, during America's explosive political, cultural and artistic awakening. His first formal training focused on advertising and illustration, but a career opportunity in architecture and urban planning altered his original direction.
When he returned to painting, he was drawn to the rich complexity of the urban landscape—inspired by Edward Hopper and other urbanist painters. As an accomplished blues guitarist (his other great passion), he found the city streets, time worn buildings and multiple layers of decay and repair a visual parallel to the spirit and culture of the music.
“In my paintings, I try to capture the hidden beauty found in the unexpected places and fleeting moments of everyday life. I continue to be intrigued by the urban landscapes of inner cities—their active streets, time worn buildings and multiple layers of decay, renewal and adaptation—that proudly display the effects of age and use, which I see as testaments to strength, character and authenticity in contrast with modern society’s demand for newness, imitation, disposability and easy duplication. My work is influenced by the American realists such as Sargent, Hopper and the three generations of Wyeths along with California painters Wayne Thiebaud and Richard Diebenkorn.”
Wake Up Your Pots with Carving
Level: Adults
Skill Level: All Levels
Class Capacity: 10 students
Instructor: Jeanie Silver
Date: Sunday, May 19, 2024
Time: 10am – 5pm
Location: Chester Springs Studio, Clay Studio
Tuition: $158 Members, $175 Non-members
Bring your pots to life with carving! If you have been reluctant to carve your pots because you think its too easy to ruin them, this workshop will show you how to succeed with Three main techniques.
- Direct carving
- Additive relief carving
- Pierced carving
Bring some leather hard pots and tools you think might work. I will also bring some leather hard pots and tools for you to try. All three techniques will be demonstrated and discussed. The afternoon will be for carving experimentation and sharing methods. Firing will be as each piece is ready. Finishing techniques will be discussed. This can be an adventure-packed day that will lead to richer, more personal pots.
Botanical Watercolor
Level: Adults
Skill Level: Beginner / Intermediate
Class Capacity: 10 students
Instructor: Pam McKee
Date: Saturday, May 25, 2024
Time: 10am – 4pm
Location: Chester Springs Studio, Fine Art Studio
Tuition: $108 Members, $120 Non-members
In this class we will paint a peony in lovely juicy watercolors. I will have a prepared drawing ready for you so we can concentrate on technique. The level of detail is a personal choice. You will use a layering technique and shade the many folds of this flower and bud. We will explore different techniques of leaf and stem painting, and learn the subtle additions to make your blossom sing.
Recommended Supply List:
- 11x14 Hot press watercolor paper
- Drawing pencil and eraser
- Brushes 2 and 4
- Substrate
- Masking tape
- Palette of watercolors (you may use what you have), Some favorite colors of mine include:
- Rose Madder Genuine
- Quin violet
- Ultramarine Blue
- Aureolin Yellow
- Cobalt Blue
- Yellow Gold
- Sap green
- Lunch (You can bring your own or purchase from Mercantile Café-working on a box lunch idea)
Crafting is Ready for Summer! - Family Workshop
Age Level: 4-10 years
Skill Level: All levels
Limit: 10 students
Instructor: Emily Tucci
Date: Sunday, May 26, 2024
Time: 12pm – 2pm
Location: Chester Springs Studio, Fine Art Studio
Tuition: $36 Members, $40 Non-members
Includes: All materials provided
Dive into creativity with a selection of exciting projects! Embark on the adventure to make Epic Sandcastle Paintings, bringing the beach to life with real sand for an extra touch of fun. Next, bloom with Flower Window Boxes using construction paper to grow fantastic flowers for late spring. To top it off, set sail for the Seaside Lighthouses, where watercolors and collage combine for a pretty beach, complete with lighthouse signaling the arrival of summer. Join us for a summer-inspired artistic journey!
Parents are very much welcome to stay, and encouraged to as it is a fun activity for the whole family. However, they are more than welcome to drop their child off if they cannot/do not wish to stay. A parent is not required to be present, but many seem to really enjoy being part of the making process. Price is per child as project is geared for their age group.
Watercolor Batik
Level: Adults
Skill Level: All Levels
Class Capacity: 8 students
Instructor: Terri Morse
Date: Saturday, June 1, 2024
Time: 10am – 4pm
Location: Chester Springs Studio, Fine Art Studio
Tuition: $99 Members, $110 Non-members
Bring your watercolor palette and paints, brushes, sketch pad and paper towels. Optional: old brushes that can be used for waxing (you will not be able to remove the wax later), a few Conte or Inktense pencils, a piece of black paper.
Learn the basics of watercolor batik painting. Using alternating layers of wax and watercolor on translucent, fiber-rich rice paper to lend texture and a whole new look to your artwork. You will begin with a drawing already transferred to rice paper so that you gain experience with applying the layers of wax and paint, removing the wax and making adjustments to the final painting.
Glaze Workshop with Ruth Easterbrook
Level: Adults
Skill Level: All Levels
Class Capacity: 10 students
Instructor: Ruth Easterbrook
Date: July 21 & 22, 2024
Time: 10am – 4pm
Location: Chester Springs Studio, Clay Studio
Tuition: $198 Members, $220 Non-members
Elevate your glazing skills with Ruth Easterbrook in this 2-day, hands on glaze workshop! Discuss and gain understanding of the working properties of glaze, what its made of, and how to identify and troubleshoot glaze defects. Ruth will demonstrate multiple glazing techniques using washes, underglazes, tape, and wax. Techniques that will work with a wide variety of glazes at any temperature.
Bring 4-5 bisque-fired pieces to practice each method of glaze application with Chester Springs Studio cone 6 glazes. If you would like to finish your workshop pieces in cone 6 electric firing please make sure your clay is bisque fired and suitable to be fired at that temperature.