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Painting arm. Photo by Michael Forster Rothbart

Drawing and Painting Classes

Drawing and painting are the foundation skills of making art. These classes provide a range of experiences in the basic mediums for beginning and intermediate students. Most of the classes are held at the UW-Madison Humanities Building, home of the Department of Art. Excellent teachers will help you nurture your Self, develop your creativity and build your art skills.

Learn more about our drawing and painting classes by browsing the descriptions below or using the navigation links above. You will also find detailed information about some of our art teachers including examples of their work and statements about their teaching style.

If you would like to request a catalog or have any question about these classes, please join our mailing list or contact us at 608-263-6322, loneill@dcs.wisc.edu.

You might also find answers to your questions on our page of frequently asked questions about art classes.

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Painting by Kay Marquez

Winter/ Spring and Summer 2012 drawing and painting classes

Visit the online continuing studies catalog or join our mailing list to receive art classes brochures. Download the 2012 winter class list (pdf) with descriptions and mail-in registration form.

Online art classes

Class descriptions

Winter art class catalog descriptions

Beyond the photograph: creative design with photographic references

Enhance your art-making by learning new ways to use photographs creatively in this Sunday workshop that’s appropriate for all skill levels. Rather than just copying the image before you, challenge yourself by modifying elements, changing colors, and experimenting with other applications in a variety of 2D media, including the medium of your choice for a final project. Many materials provided. Free parking.

Instructor: Kay Brathol-Hostvet (BFA, UW-Stout) is a professional artist and enthusiastic art instructor bringing a wealth of experience in drawing, design, and painting to the classroom. See www.kaybratholhostvet.com to learn more.
Date: Sunday, July 29, 2012, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Location: Whispering Woodlands, 1600 Speedway Rd, Verona, WI
Details: Limit 10, Register by July 23, 0.7 CEU, Program #2510
Cost: $95
Download a registration form or Register online now

Chinese brush painting workshop
Enjoy a fun day learning about Chinese brush painting techniques, contour, spontaneous, dry brush, and wet-in wet styles. The following subjects are demonstrated: waterfall with bridge, spider mums with butterflies, yellow bird with tree, ducks with bamboo, and minnows with lily pads. Paint the
subjects and their calligraphy. There is a class discussion after each subject is taught.
Instructor: Stella Dobbins (MA, Univ. of Houston) is an artist and art historian who exhibits her artwork nationwide and is a signature member of the National Watercolor Society.

Date: Saturday, April 21, 9 am-5 pm,
Location: 7621 Humanities, 455 N Park St,
Details: Limit 15, Register by April 13, 0.8 CEU, Program #2564
Cost: $59
Download a registration form or Register online now

OR
Date: Saturday, June 16, 2012, 9 am-5 pm,
Location: 6411 Humanities, 455 N Park St,
Details: Limit 15, Register by June 8, 0.8 CEU, Program #2578
Cost: $59
Download a registration form or Register online now

OR
Date: Saturday, July 14, 2012, 9 am-5 pm,
Location: 7621 Humanities, 455 N Park St,
Details: Limit 15, Register by July 6, 0.8 CEU, Program #2507
Cost: $59
Download a registration form or Register online now

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Drawing: beginning

Learn a variety of approaches to drawing as a way to practice and expand your drawing skills. Work primarily from observation to learn techniques such as contour and cross-hatching, as well as the basics of shape, value, and composition. This six-week class is designed to help you build confidence and to work toward developing your own drawing style. Free parking.
Instructor: Amelia Toelke (MFA, UW-Madison) is an artist who works in a variety of media and has participated in a number of national juried and invited exhibitions. See her work at www.ameliatoelke.com.

Date: Saturdays, June 9-July 7, 2012
Location: Capitol Lakes Retirement Center, 333 W Main St
Details: Limit 12, Register by June1, 1.0 CEU, Program #2505
Cost: $67
Download a registration form or Register online now

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Drawing the figure

Rendering a lifelike human form is extremely challenging. Weight, balance, structure, and movement are all key. In this eight-week course for all experience levels you develop your figure-drawing skills using a variety of media (charcoal, pencil, and ink ) and working from a live model. Poses
range from 30 seconds to two-and-a half hours. Class includes occasional group critiques.
Instructor: Jonatas Dasilva was trained in the classic European style and is influenced by the baroque, classic realist, figurative, and sequential art styles. He has taught classic realism for eight years and exhibited throughout the country.

Date: Tuesdays, June 5-July 24, 2012, 7:00-9:30 pm
Location: 6231 Humanities, 455 N Park St
Details: Limit 20, Register by May 29. 2.0 CEU, Program #2504
Cost: $140
Download a registration form or register online now

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Figurative painting: Sunday morning
What a good way to start a Sunday! Come and paint from a live model in a relaxed studio setting in this 12-week class. The model holds one pose for three hours (with breaks), allowing you to hone in and develop your portrait painting skills. Since there is no instruction you may proceed at your own pace, in your own way.
Instructor: Jonatas Dasilva was trained in the classic European style and is influenced by the baroque, classic realist, figurative, and sequential art styles. He has taught classic realism for eight years and exhibited throughout the country.
Date: Sundays, June 3-July 22, 2012, 9 am-noon
Location: 7101 Humanities, 455 N Park St
Details: Limit 16, Register by May 25, Program #2502
Cost: $110
Download a registration form or register online now

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Figure drawing studio: Wednesday
Draw from the model for 12 weeks in a relaxed environment. Since there is no instruction you may proceed at your own pace, in your own way. Background music adds to the creative mood. The model sits in poses of 30 to 60 minutes.
Coordinator: Amelia Toelke (MFA, UW-Madison) is an artist who works in a variety of media and has participated in a number of national juried and invited exhibitions.

Date: Wednesdays, May 23-Aug 1, 2012 (no class July 4), 7-10 PM
Location: 6231 Humanities, 455 N Park St
Details: Limit 20, Register by May 16, Program #2501
Cost: $145
Download a registration form or register online now

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Nature and garden journal

Combine your interests in art and nature by starting a journal in this six session class. Learn to sketch plants and animals, make seasonal notations, and incorporate words or poems. The class covers drawing fundamentals and various ways to use pen and ink, watercolor pencil, and watercolor. The instructor presents many examples and demonstrations to generate ideas and excitement about exploring the natural world. Free parking.

Instructor: Cynde Quinn is a signature member of the Midwest Watercolor Society and has taught graphic design, oil painting, and watercolor for Madison College and Continuing Studies. Visit www.cynthiaquinn.com to learn more.
Dates: Wed, June 13-July 18, Thurs. July 5 (no class July 4) 6-9 pm,
Location: West Madison Ag Research Station, Verona, WI
Details: Limit 12, Register by June 6, 1.8 CEU, Program #2506
Cost: $75
Download a registration form or register online now

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Painting workshop: color for painters

Explore the beautiful complexities and chameleon properties of color relevant to painting in this six-week class. Exercises include color mixing, tonality, composition, and harmony. Beginners: build a foundation in color as you begin the journey into painting. Intermediate and advanced students: deepen your understanding of color and refine your personal vision and skills while exploring color issues relevant to individual style. Oil, acrylic, or watercolor.

Instructor: Katherine Rosing (MFA, Northern Illinois Univ.) has taught painting, drawing, color theory, watercolor, and design for 15 years at colleges and universities in Illinois and Wisconsin. Her work is exhibited around the world. See her artwork at www.studioKSR.com online.
Date: Friday, Apr 13-May 18, 9 am-noon,
Location: 7101 Humanities, 455 N Park St,
Detaisl: Limit 20, Register by Apr 6, 1.8 CEU, Program #2563
Cost: $85
Download a registration form or Register online now

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NEW Pastel: “black magic”

This workshop is geared toward those who have taken numerous introductory pastel workshops, are fairly accomplished and comfortable with the medium, and have competent drawing skills. Black paper can create a sense of mystery, drama, or mood, and act as a color intensifier. Experiment with two or three black supports (supplied) in creating works from still life and photographs. Free parking.

Instructor: Kay Brathol-Hostvet (BFA, UW-Stout) is a professional artist and enthusiastic art instructor bringing a wealth of experience in drawing, design, and painting to the classroom. See www.kaybratholhostvet.com to learn more.
Date: Saturday, Apr 14, 9 am-4:30 pm,
Location: Whispering Woodlands, 1600 Speedway Rd, Verona, WI
Details: Limit 10, Register by Apr 6, 0.75 CEU, Program #2565
Cost: $95
Download a registration form or Register online now

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NEW Pastel Plus

Reinvigorate the pastel medium by using pastels in combination with unusual papers and surfaces and various pencils and inks. Study layering techniques for richer colors and textures, and experiment with finishing coats. Through photographic reference and sketching sessions, you’re also encouraged to build a solid foundation in drawing. Sites may include landscapes and cityscapes
around the Capitol. Free parking. Instructor: Nancy Macgregor

Instructor: Nancy Macgregor (BFA, Layton School of Art, Milwaukee) worked in Chicago doing advertising art and television production, then opened her own art studio. She has taught figure drawing, watercolor, printmaking, and acrylics for Madison College and UW-Madison Continuing Studies.
Date: Fridays, July 20-Aug 24, 9:30 am-noon
Location: Capitol Lakes Retirement Center, 333 W Main St, Madison WI
Details: Limit 12, Register by July 13, 1.5 CEU, Program #2508
Cost: $75
Download a registration form or Register online now

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Traveling with watercolor

With a watercolor sketchbook, several color-tubes, and a few other tools, you can paint anywhere. In this six-week class you learn how to capture that memorable scene or person. Learn to complete a watercolor sketch in record time, with fast-wash and brush techniques, while gaining a fresh look at texture, transparency, and the sparkle of white paper. We paint outdoors on campus as weather permits.
Instructor: Nancy Macgregor (BFA, Layton School of Art, Milwaukee) worked in Chicago doing advertising art and television production, then opened her own art studio. She has taught figure drawing, watercolor, printmaking, and acrylics for Madison College and UW-Madison Continuing Studies.

Date: May 25-June 29, 2012, 9:30 am-noon (no class Apr 6)
Location: 7621 Humanities, 455 N Park St
Details: Limit 20, Register by May 18, 1.5 CEU, Program #2574
Cost: $75
Download a registration form or Register online now

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Watercolor: continuing

This two-session class is for water-colorists who have taken a beginning class and want to advance their knowledge of the medium. Learn about the properties of pigments, paint using limited palettes and specific color schemes, and see demonstrations of techniques. Includes critiques and suggestions. Enhance your understanding of watercolor painting and how to use it in your own way.
Instructor: Cynde Quinn is a signature member of the Midwest Watercolor Society and has taught graphic design, oil painting, and watercolor for Madison College and Continuing Studies. Visit www.cynthiaquinn.com to learn more.

Date: Saturday, May 5, and Sunday May 20, 9 am-4 pm
Location: West Madison Ag Research Station, 8502 Mineral Point Rd, Verona, WI
Details: Limit 15, Register by Apr 27, 1.2 CEU, Program #2569
Cost: $79
Download a registration form or Register online now

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Supply list for Winter/Spring 2012

Supply list for Summer 2012

Student comments about our drawing and painting classes

"The teacher was great. She had great new ideas. She helped me get going — she helped me get interested in art again and not be afraid to just try art again."

"I wanted to learn the basics, and I did. I can go ahead on my own now-and I have tons of ideas."

"I’ve taken other [classes through the program] and have always been impressed by the instructors."

"I was very inspired. There was enough structure so that I had focus, but enough freedom to let my imagination go wild."

"[The best part of the class] was meeting other people who were interested in art and learning tips and techniques by talking with other class participants."

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Top photo by Michael Forster Rothbart



File last updated: April 25, 2012
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