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.
Winter 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.
- Chinese brush painting workshop
- Drawing: beginning
- Drawing skills: learn perspective
- Drawing the figure
- Figurative painting: Sunday morning
- Figurative drawing studio: Wednesdays
- Nature and garden journal
- NEW Painting: acrylic techniques
- Painting the landscape in acrylic: a direct approach
- Painting: beginning through advanced
- NEW Painting portraits in alla prima
- Painting workshop: color for painters
- NEW Pastel: "black magic"
- NEW Portrait workshop: painting Mona Lisa
Realist painting - Realist painting in oils or acrylic
- Traveling with watercolor
- Watercolor: beginning
- Watercolor: continuing
Class descriptions
Winter art class catalog descriptions
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
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, Feb 25-Mar 31, 9:30-11:30 am
Location: Capitol Lakes Retirement Center,
333 W Main St
Details: Limit 12, Register by Feb 17,
1.2 CEU, Program #2553
Cost: $75
Download a registration form or Register online now
Drawing skills: learn perspective
One of the biggest challenges for beginning and intermediate artists is getting the perspective right. This one-day workshop shows you secrets of linear perspective through demonstrations, in-class projects, and handouts. Also explore unusual point-of-view, atmospheric perspective, and other techniques that help create the illusion of depth in two dimensions. Exercises focus on process over product; the class also includes lecture, demonstrations, and handouts. 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, March 3, 9 am-4:30 pm,
Location:
Whispering Woodlands, 1600 Speedway Rd, Verona, WI
Details:
Limit 10, Register by Feb 24, 0.75 CEU, Program #2554
Cost: $85
Download a registration form or register online now
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: Andrea Miller (MFA, UW-Madison) is a visual artist who investigates the man-made environment in relation to the human body and culture. Community outreach and public education through the arts are an important part of her career.
Date: Tuesdays, Mar 6-May 1, 7:15-9:45 pm (no class Apr 3),
Location: 6231 Humanities, 455 N Park St
Details: Limit 20, Register by Feb 28. 2.0 CEU, Program #2557
Cost: $140
Download a registration form or register online now
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.
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. See her work at www.ameliatoelke.com.
Date: Sundays, Jan 29-Apr 22, 9 am-noon (no class Apr 8)
Location: 7101 Humanities, 455 N Park St
Details: Limit 16, Register by Jan 23, Program #2544
Cost: $145
Download a registration form or register online now
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: Joshua Ludke (art education degree,
UW-Madison; art therapy degree,
UW-Superior) draws, paints, and makes
prints and is a substitute teacher for
the Madison Schools.
Date: Wednesdays, Feb 8-May 2, 7:15-10:15 pm (no class Apr 4)
Location: 6231 Humanities, 455 N Park St
Details: Limit 20, Register by Feb 1, Program #2546
Cost: $145
Download a registration form or register online now
Nature and garden journal
Combine your interests in art and nature by starting a journal in this two-day 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: Saturday-Sunday, Apr 21-22, 9:30 am-4:30 pm,
Location:
Whispering Woodlands, 1600 Speedway Rd, Verona, WI,
Details:
Limit 12, Register by Apr 13, 1.4 CEU, Program #2567
Cost: $90
Download a registration form or register online now
NEW Painting: acrylic techniques
Make the most of the unique properties of acrylics in this seven-week class. Practice glazing (transparency) and impasto (heavy application). Design elements become more evident once you learn to apply flat colored patterns with a crisp edge. These and other techniques expand the versatility of acrylics, alone or in combination with traditional layering affects. All levels welcome, from beginners to advanced.
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.
Dates:
Fridays, Feb 3-Mar 16, 9:30 am-noon
Location:
7621 Humanities, 455 N Park St,
Details:
Limit 20, Register by Jan 27, 1.7 CEU, Program #2545
Cost: $80
Download a registration form or register online now
NEW Painting the landscape in acrylic: a direct approach
Focus on painting the landscape from
your own photographs alla prima— quickly, loosely, and expressively— without using multiple glazes or
extensive blending. This quick-paced
workshop for all skill levels offers a
direct approach that is both visual and
intuitive and that encourages personal
expression. The benefits of working in
acrylic—water cleanup, quick drying,
and little odor—allow for almost
immediate changes.
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, Nov 19, 9 am-4:30 pm
Location: Whispering Woodlands,
1600 Speedway Rd, Verona, WI
Details: Limit 10, Register by Nov 11, 0.8 CEU, Program #2537
Cost: $110
Download a registration form or Register online now
Painting: beginning through advanced
In this eight-week class for students of
all levels, weekly demonstrations and
mini-lectures cover materials, painting
approaches, color mixing, and color
theory, as well as providing inspiration
for individual expression. Beginners:
learn the basics of painting in oil or
acrylic through introductory assignments.
Intermediate and advanced
students: develop your own style and
themes in a supportive atmosphere.
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: Jan 27-Mar 30, 9 am-noon (no class Mar 2, 16)
Location: 7101 Humanities, 455 N Park St
Details: Limit 20, Register by Jan 20, 2.4 CEU, Program #2542
Cost: $135
Download a registration form or registration online now
NEW Painting portraits in alla prima
This five-session oil-painting class focuses on the technical and conceptual methods of alla prima/plein air painting, specifically the portrait. Working with live models, we explore color theory, drawing, design, and how to solve difficult painting problems. We may paint outside depending on weather and time. Previous painting experience preferred but not required.
Instructor: Jeremy Kraemer (BFA, Columbus College of Art and Design) has also studied at the American Academy of Art and the Palette & Chisel Academy and is a member of Oil Painters of America. Visit jeremykraemerfineart.blogspot.com.
Dates: Saturdays, Jan 28, Feb 25, Mar 24, 31, Apr 28, 9 am-noon
Location:
7101 Humanities, 455 N Park St
Details:
Limit 16, Register by Jan 20, 1.5 CEU, Program #2543
Cost: $110
Download a registration form or Register online now
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
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
NEW Portrait workshop: painting Mona Lisa
This fast-paced, fun seven-week class is for anyone desiring to learn traditional portraiture. To ensure versatile, practical skills, we study and reproduce (using watercolors) DaVinci’s masterpiece, the Mona Lisa. We begin with line and shade exercises, then proceed to watercolor instruction. Each meeting focuses on a different aspect of the Mona Lisa: her hands, her features, her clothes, the landscape.
Instructor: Louisa Waller (BFA, Virginia Common- wealth Univ.) studied at the National Portrait Gallery, illustrated for colonial Williamsburg, designed carpets for the company that services the White House, and taught printmaking for Wisconsin Union Mini Courses.
Date: Thursday, Feb 16-Mar 29, 7:15-9:15 pm,
Location:
6231 Humanities, 455 N Park St,
Details:
Limit 16, Register by Feb 9, 1.4 CEU, Program #2550
Cost: $85
Download a registration form or Register online now
Realist painting
This four-session class for intermediate and advanced oil or acrylic painters meets on the second Saturday of
each month and focuses on the realist approach to painting. We examine materials, techniques, color, composition, drawing, and content through individual instruction and critique. Some painting experience recommended.
Instructor: To be announced
Dates: Saturdays, Jan 14, Feb 11, Mar 10, Apr 14, 8 am-noon,
Location:
7101 Humanities, 455 N Park St,
Details:
Limit 16, Register by Jan 6, 1.6 CEU, Program #2541
Cost: $95
Download a registration form or Register online now
Realist painting in oils or acrylic
This class offers a three-hour studio
experience, two Saturdays a month,
for experienced painters. Work from
your reference photos, sketches, or
your own still-life materials. We
emphasize the basics of composition
and color, with personalized instruction
addressing your specific concerns
and frequent individual critiques.
Optional class exhibit in December.
Instructor: Mary Diman (MFA, UW-Madison), a realist painter for the past 25 years, shows her work nationally and locally in invitational and juried exhibitions.
Date: Saturdays, Jan 7, 21, Feb 4, 18, Mar 3, 17, Apr 7, 21, 9 am-noon
Location: 7101 Humanities, 455 N Park St
Details: Limit 16, Register by Dec 29,
2.4 CEU, Program #2540
Cost: $135
Download a registration form or Register online now
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:Mar 23-May 4, 9:30 am-noon (no class Apr 6)
Location: 7621 Humanities, 455 N Park St
Details: Limit 20, Register by Mar 16,
1.5 CEU, Program #2561
Cost: $75
Download a registration form or Register online now
Watercolor: beginning
This two-session class covers watercolor
basics for beginners. Learn brush
and wash techniques, basic color
mixing, differences in watercolor
papers, how and why to stretch paper,
and a variety of paint application
techniques. 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.
Date: Saturdays, Mar 3, 17, 9 am-4 pm
Location: West Madison Ag Research Station,
8502 Mineral Point Rd, Verona, WI
Details: Limit 15, Register by Feb 24,
1.2 CEU, Program #2555
Cost: $79
Download a registration form or Register online now
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
Supply list for Winter/Spring 2012
- Download the supply list for Chinese brush painting workshop
- Download the supply list for Drawing: beginning
- Download the supply list for Drawing skills: learn perspective
- Download the supply list for Drawing the figure
- Download the supply list for Exploring color and texture on paper and fabric
- Download the supply list for Figurative painting studio: Sunday morning
- Download the supply list for Figure drawing studio: Wednesdays
- Download the supply list for Nature and garden journal
- Download the supply list for Painting workshop: color for painters
- Download the supply list for Painting: acrylic techniques
- Download the supply list for Painting: alla prima- "the figure/portrait" oil
- Download the supply list for Painting: beginning through advanced
- Download the supply list for Pastel: "black magic"
- Download the supply list for Portrait workshop: painting Mona Lisa
- Download the supply list for Realist painting
- Download the supply list for Realist painting in oils or acrylic
- Download the supply list for Traveling with watercolor
- Download the supply list for Watercolor: beginning
- Download the supply list for Watercolor: continuing
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:
February 1, 2012
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