Classes and Workshops

2026

The Bigger Picture with Lisa Daria Kennedy

JUL 7 & 8| 10AM-4PM

This two-day workshop combines demos, in-class assignments and individual instruction to teach students the techniques to create fresh, deliberate marks on a big canvas. Using observational painting as our launching point (we’ll start with/observational but deviate from it), we’ll embark each day with energetic painting exercises designed to tap into each participant’s personal voice.

The Bigger Picture

Beginner Watercolor Boot Camp with Anne Wert

JUL 21 | 10AM-3PM

In this one day workshop Anne will walk you through the essentials to create everything from soft, dreamy washes to crisp defined edges. You will cover all fundamental watercolor techniques. The perfect class for beginners with no experience required, and no perfection expected!

Beginner Boot Camp

Mark Fernandez discovering gouache 800x600

Exploring Gouache with Mark Fernandez

JUL 27 & 28 | 10AM-2PM

This is a foundation class where you'll learn skills needed to begin painting with gouache. Get to know the materials and essential methods. Explore the importance of value, color, and composition through demonstration, group discussion, and plenty of individual attention.

Exploring Gouache

The Art of Painting with Alcohol Inks with Mary Wojciechowski

AUG 18 | 10AM-3:30PM

During the five-hour workshop students will explore the unique qualities of alcohol ink and how it may be used for flowing abstracted works or representational images. This workshop is designed those who have had little or no experience using this medium and encourages experimentation with a sense of creative playfulness. Class time will be divided between instruction and demonstrations and students creating many explorative paintings using this exciting and unpredictable medium.

Alcohol Ink Painting

Painting Outside with Sam & Bill

SEP 8, 9, & 10 | 9:00AM–4:30PM

The Portsmouth Arts Guild is proud to offer another plein air workshop with this wildly popular duo. Join us as Sam & Bill teach as they entertain. Both oil and watercolor artists will enjoy three full days of plein air painting and guidance. All levels are welcome, but you should have some plein air experience under your belt. This is a very popular class so sign up soon!

Painting Outside

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.