RiverArts is committed to education and with this in mind has created a full slate of fall classes. It draws on local, regional, and national talent for its instructors. It offers instruction for all levels of ability in both arts and crafts.
Mike Rooney, nationally renowned North Carolina plein air (outdoor) artist and instructor, just taught two workshops at RiverArts – an evening Paint Camp and a two-day Plein Air Workshop. Mike, who is featured on the “Art” cover of Cape Cod Life 2012, teaches painting classes up and down the east cost.
Both classes were full with students of all levels. Sue Krupla, a rank beginner, loved the classes! She found them extremely helpful and encouraging. “The skills that were taught were incredible. I learned that with four colors – red, yellow, blue, and white – you can make any color. I can’t wait to go out in my backyard or drive around and use these skills.”
Linda Hall, popular local artist and partner in the Artists’ Gallery in Chestertown, also took the classes because she wanted to work in plein air with oils. She said Mike was an excellent instructor who concentrated on values and color – things I know but forgot. Linda says “You’re never too advanced to take a class or too old to stop learning. You can always find something to tuck away in your toolbox to use.”
The first of the October classes is “Botanical Illustration with Watercolors” with Fran Phaneuf. Fran has been teaching this class over the past year and has generated a considerable following. Previous students requested another series. In this class the student discovers the detail and beauty of painting flowers and plants. Students of all levels are welcome; Fran emphasizes individual attention. The class will run four Wednesdays on October 3, 10, 17, and 24 at Heron Point. The cost of the class is $120 for members and $145 for non-members.
Popular Master Knitter, Sue Wright, will be teaching two classes in October. “More Tricks with Sticks” is a series of three Saturday classes – October 6, 13 and 20 from 10 – noon – that includes Casting On, Binding Off, and Short Rows and Buttonholes Combined. The cost is $20 per class.
“Knitting a Lace Vest” incorporates tricks from previous classes and expands knowledge by learning to read knitting charts, graphing a lace pattern, adapting a pattern for gauge and size, and doing single crochet around a garment. This class is for advanced beginners. Join Sue for four sessions from 10 to noon on November 10, 17, December 1 and 8. The cost for the four sessions is $80.
“Creative Compositions and Digital Processing Techniques” with Nikhil Bahl is set for October 13-14. The digital revolution has changed photography in many ways, but composition is still an essential part of the creative photographer’s arsenal. It is the perspective and composition that can make a photograph unique. However, the importance of the digital darkroom cannot be understated. Whether it is simple adjustments to color contrast and sharpening, or the creative use of software filters and HDR techniques, the digital darkroom dictates the final rendition of the photograph. In the field and in the classroom, Nikhil will share his ideas on creative compositions and how photographers can push themselves to grow creatively. He will also cover several digital darkroom techniques to process and enhance photographs and introduce some plug-ins for Photoshop and Lightroom that are worth exploring. Be prepared for an intensive 2 day learning experience.
There will be field sessions in the morning and evening to take advantage of the best light. After a late morning break, classroom sessions will be held where attendees will get feedback on their photographs and processing tips and techniques will be shared. The cost of the two-day workshop is $350 for members and $375 for non-members.
Nikhil Bahl is a professional nature photographer, educator, author, lecturer and workshop instructor. His goal is to inspire people to appreciate the splendor of nature by becoming aware of that which is easily overlooked, and by transforming the mundane into the exciting through contemplative and artistic interpretation. Nikhil’s work has been published in a number of print and electronic media. His fine art prints have been widely exhibited in the Washington metropolitan area and are part of many private collections.
For more information and to register and pay for any of these classes, call RiverArts at 410-778-6300 on Wednesday through Friday from noon-4pm and on Saturday from 10am -4pm or email [email protected]. All classes are held at RiverArts, 315 High Street, Suite 106, in Chestertown unless otherwise noted.
Separate from this class schedule are Figure Drawing Sessions with Jayne Bellows offered year-round at RiverArts every Monday from 4pm-7pm. All artists are invited to participate. The cost to participate is $15 at the door or $10 if you buy a book of tickets in advance. This small fee pays for the model and goes to RiverArts.
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