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Old Orchard Beach/Saco Adult Education



Creative Arts

Drawing Basics

$125

with Russel Whitten

Calendar Oct 21, 2024 at 6 pm, runs for 5 weeks

Investigate contour, depth, composition, and perspective obtained from observing natural and still-life objects while working primarily with charcoal. Additionally, we will discuss the significance of different drawing materials and papers. Whether you are enrolling for the first time or retaking the course, you will certainly learn something new. No class 11/11. 

Bring the following materials to class: (approx. $20-$30)

  • A drawing pad
  • A charcoal pencil
  • Soft or extra soft vine charcoal
  • Strathmore charcoal paper
  • Gum or kneaded rubber eraser
  • A basic pencil (HB or #2)
  • An easel (optional) 

Russel Whitten, a local artist and teacher, studied at The Art Students League of New York, Heartwood College of Art, and is a member of The Ogunquit Art Association/Barn Gallery. Students adore his laid-back, encouraging demeanor.

Intermediate Watercolor

$125

with Russel Whitten

Calendar Oct 24, 2024 at 6 pm, runs for 5 weeks

Learn new concepts and expand on your existing skills in color theory, blending and application. With step-by-step instructions, learn how to recreate still-life themes and comprehend the utilization of positive and negative space. Work on slightly more difficult still-life and landscape subjects while learning how to create the illusion of distance and composition.

Prerequisite: Watercolor Basics.

Bring 1 small tube each: cadmium yellow (light), cobalt blue, alizarin crimson, 1 paint palette (Russel says folding ones are ideal!), 1 round #10 watercolor brush; 1 inch wide flat brush, 1 drawing pencil #2H, 1 eraser, 1 lightweight board or piece of cardboard; and two sheets of Arches watercolor paper, 140 lb. cold press (approx. $80).

Note: Please purchase Arches, as the quality of watercolor paper is essential for handling the techniques you will be taught in class. Please bring any colors you already have. 

Russel Whitten, a local artist and teacher, studied at The Art Students League of New York, Heartwood College of Art, and is a member of The Ogunquit Art Association/Barn Gallery. Students adore his laid-back, encouraging teaching style.

Will run

Relief Printmaking Workshop

$45

with Gayle Fitzpatrick

Calendar Oct 26, 2024 at 9 am

Create a single block relief print by developing and carving an image into a linoleum block. Then ink the block and make a small edition of prints. All materials provided.

Gayle Fitzpatrick has taught in public and private schools, colleges and adult and community programs for 30+ years. She is a practicing artist, producing and showing paper, print, and painted pieces.

Eco-Friendly Art Supplies

$19

with Sara Ottomano

Calendar Oct 30, 2024 at 5:30 pm

Did you know that the majority of crayons are derived from petroleum byproducts? Or that paint particles account for 58% of the microplastics found in the ocean? We know that selecting art products that are safe and environmentally-responsible can be difficult! Join us to discuss the various kinds of art supplies, safe ways to use up your current supply, and alternatives for future replacement. Though our main focus will be lecture and discussion, we will also experiment with some of the more eco-friendly materials currently available. All materials provided.

Sara Ottomano has more than 10 years of experience teaching art classes. She enjoys encouraging others to play with materials, explore sustainable artmaking practices, and create stories together.

Intermediate & Beyond Crochet

$99

with Myriah Davis

Calendar Oct 30, 2024 at 6 pm, runs for 6 weeks

If you already understand the basics of crochet, but want to take your skills to the next level, or just never knew how to decipher a pattern independently, then this is the course for you! Learn to read more complex patterns, get tips and tricks to work smarter not harder, and finish your projects with support every step of the way! Taught with both instruction and working time, students will have the opportunity to fine-tune their skills and build a friendship afghan using more advanced patterns and stitches. Choose a pattern, or provide your own, and Myriah will offer support in reading crochet shorthand and notes, choosing materials, making substitutions, and finishing projects with edging and borders.

Required: Bring a size H (5mm) crochet hook and sharp scissors to the first class. Other materials will be determined after choosing a pattern. No class 11/28.

Myriah Davis, owner & operator of Davis Arts, a pop-culture-based art business, has more than 20 years of crochet experience. Her goal is to share her enthusiasm for all things yarn, but especially crochet, with everyone she meets.

Macro Photography - Live Online

$29

with Steve McGrath

Calendar Nov 6, 2024 at 6 pm, runs for 2 weeks

Discover close-up photography!

Macro photography unlocks an amazing new universe of photographic options. Learn to make amazing macro shots with your current camera equipment and guidance from instructor Steve McGrath. The world up-close is a mystical place awash in color, pattern, and abstract images. Transform flowers into abstract artwork, rusty doors into textured canvases, stones into polished gems, and transform butterflies and other insects into fantastical creatures! Participants can use any type of camera. Zoom link provided by instructor.

Steve McGrath is a professional freelance photographer and teacher with 25 years of experience. His love of the great outdoors led him to his true passion-nature photography. Steve was an active member of the Gateway Camera Club for many years and has won many ribbons and awards at fairs and competitions through the group and on his own. Many of his images have been published in school textbooks.

Handmade Paper Bowls

$39

with Gayle Fitzpatrick

Calendar Nov 9, 2024 at 10 am

Seize the opportunity to create beautiful handcrafted paper bowls! These unique bowls make fantastic presents or home décor. Decorative papers, handmade papers and adhesive are provided. Bring a small plastic cereal bowl.

Gayle Fitzpatrick has taught in public and private schools, colleges and adult and community programs for 30+ years. She is a practicing artist, producing and showing paper, print, and painted pieces.

Mini Dried Floral Wreath

$35

with Karalyn Thayer

Calendar Nov 13, 2024 at 6 pm

Join Karalyn Thayer, the talented creator behind Apian Creative, as she guides you in crafting your own mini, whimsical, dried, floral wreath. Design your very own hanging miniature wreath, complete with lush moss, adorable mini toadstools, and lovely dried flowers. Whether you're looking for a unique gift, or simply want to add some cottage core vibes to your decor, this workshop is perfect for you. Tuition includes all materials to create one mini wreath.

Karalyn Thayer has a BFA from the ME College of Art with a background in teaching web and graphic design. She creates her art with the use of mixed media illustrations and loves experimenting with at home printmaking.





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