Classes and Workshops
Spring & Summer 2025
Summer Still Life with Colored Pencil with Kendra Ferreira
JUN 24 & 25
9AM-NOON
In this workshop, students will learn to better master colored pencils with techniques for layering, blending colors and burnishing techniques. We will learn about the principles needed for working skillfully with colored pencils such as selecting and layering, burnishing, blending, creating rich darks and vibrant colors. Also work with values, creating texture and using different paper surfaces as well as learning how to compose and create more interesting compositions in our work.
All levels of skill are welcome, some prior drawing experience is recommended.
Golden Hour Plein Air with Amy Bartlett Wright
JUL 10 & 11
4PM-8:30PM
Join us for “The Golden Hour” paint from life this summer. We wait all year for warm summer nights with cool ocean breezes. Aquidneck Island summer sunsets are magical and fleeting! Capture the glow and changing light of land and water from life this summer with expert guidance from Amy Bartlett Wright.
We begin the first day at the Guild before driving to our first location, with a short talk about plein air painting that includes examples by well known painters. We discuss key features of fast painting including simplification of shapes, color and value.
On location, we first analyze our scene with a plan for shapes, color and value, then we apply the paint. Expression is welcome as we let bold colors in the landscape ring true in our palette, then our canvas.
Any medium, any level, though some painting experience is advised. Participants will need a plein air set-up.
Sketching and Painting Animals from Life with Alison Nicholls
JUL 30, 31, AUG 1
In this unique workshop you will divide your time between sketching animals at West Place Animal Sanctuary, and painting at the Guild. Professional wildlife artist Alison Nicholls has been teaching her sketching and watercolor techniques on African Art Safaris since 2011. In this workshop she will demonstrate how to quickly and accurately sketch animals, and how to use your sketches to create expressive paintings.
Day 1 9AM-4PM: morning practicing sketching at the Guild, afternoon at West Place Animal Sanctuary for live sketching.
Day 2 9AM-4PM: morning sketching at West Place Animal Sanctuary, afternoon at the Guild for a watercolor demo and begin a painting based on your sketches.
Day 3 9AM-NOON: morning at the Guild continuing to work on your paintings.
Tuition fee includes a $24 donation to the Animal Sanctuary.
Classes and Workshops FAQs
All classes and workshops will be paid in full at time of registration.
What if I need to cancel or change my workshop?
Cancelling your class registration more than 7 days prior to the class will result in a full refund less the credit card fees if you paid by credit card.
Cancellation within 7 days of a workshop start date results in the full loss of tuition.
In the case that I am unable to attend a workshop, can I give my space to a friend?
Yes, though we ask that you please let us know if someone else will be taking your place in a workshop.
I can’t make all the days of the workshop; can I still take it?
In most cases, students can take part of a workshop, though you should let us know so we can check with the teaching artist. In general, workshops are not pro-rated if you are unable to attend the entire session.
What if PAG cancels a workshop?
In the event of under-enrollment, extreme weather, or other unforeseen incidents, the Portsmouth Arts Guild may cancel a scheduled workshop or class.
If an entire workshop is cancelled due to under-enrollment, tuition will be refunded in full. If a single session of a workshop is cancelled, and we are unable to make up the class on another date, a pro-rated tuition refund will be issued.