Classes and Workshops

March & April 2025

Jonathan Mcphillips, Oil

Piecing Together Art with Jonathan McPhillips

MAR 11, 12 | 10AM-4PM
In this two-day course, Piecing Together Art: Painting in Oil and Watercolor, Jonathan will demonstrate in both watercolor and oil, and explain how he uses each medium to inform the other in his overall body of work. In addition to the technical process for each medium, he will also open the discussion to the many aspects of contemporary painting, including juried events, digital media, and supplies, to name a few.
Jossy Lownes

Bold Strokes with Jossy Lownes

MAR 26, APR 2 | 1:30-4:30PM
Take your artistry to the next level with Jossy Lownes’ transformative painting class, Bold Strokes: Unlocking Creativity! Dive into an exciting exploration of composition and color that will spark your creativity and boost your confidence. Guided by Jossy’s expertise, you’ll work from inspiring photos to master the art of simplifying space, infusing emotion, and experimenting boldly with color. Let’s make your artistic journey extraordinary!
Gretjen Helene Pysanky Eggs Portsmouth Arts Guild

Traditional Pysanky Ukrainian Eggs

APR 5 | 10AM-2:30PM
Pysanky, a traditional Ukrainian egg-writing/decorating technique similar to batik wax-resist cloth-dyeing, uses layers of wax and colored dye to achieve beautiful, complex designs. Our instructor, Gretjen Helene, who learned the art of Pysanky from her mother, will demonstrate the full process of applying wax, layering dye, and revealing the final colorful results as the wax is removed, as well as discussing the traditional symbolism that makes up the decorative process that is Pysanky.
Painting as a Practice with Bill Lane and Sam Allerton Green

Painting as a Practice with Bill Lane and Sam Allerton Green

APR 8 & 9 | 9AM-4PM

Instead of pursuing the endless question of “What do I paint?” — together we’ll explore the key habits and excesses that help us break free from creative barriers. We’ll learn intuitive and practical strategies to overcome self-doubt, perfectionism, and mental roadblocks that can hinder artistic progress.

Using the tools in this workshop you’ll build a strong flow and routine that has the potential to completely transform your approach to painting. This will give you the freedom to paint without limitations, build consistent habits, and embrace your creative journey in a way that feels rewarding to you.

Ed Huff, Bullocks Point Gouache

Discover Gouache: The Opaque Watercolor with Edward Huff

MAR 18, 19, 20 | 12:30-4PM

Gouache is an opaque watercolor that is used quite differently from transparent watercolors. The techniques use with this vibrant medium will be explored and you will gain confidence to create with renewed vision.

This three day class will introduce you to the fundamentals of this wonderful medium. Gouache is an exciting and portable medium that just about anyone can master with the knowledge of a few basics.

Ed Huff, Bullocks Point Gouache

Discover Gouache: The Opaque Watercolor with Edward Huff

MAY 6, 7, 8 | 12:30-4PM

SAVE THE DATE. If you were disappointed by not getting into Ed’s March workshop, here’s a second chance! Registration will open soon.

Gouache is an opaque watercolor that is used quite differently from transparent watercolors. The techniques use with this vibrant medium will be explored and you will gain confidence to create with renewed vision.

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.