Looking for more space to spread out and work on a project? Or maybe you want to work amongst other artists to feel inspired and get some helpful feedback on your work. Join other local artists any time between 9am-12pm, for Open Studio. Please pay $10 cash at the door. Bring all supplies you need to use, NRAS has easels available. 

No registration, drop in only, cash or check.

In this course, we will learn a brief history of oil painting, how to prepare a palette, and how to mix colors using a palette knife. You’ll also get hands-on experience with mixing mediums, understanding their effects on the paint’s consistency and drying time, as well as the importance of safety procedures when working with these materials. An essential part of our course will be creating a color chart, which serves as a valuable reference for mixing and understanding color relationships.

Finally, we’ll put all these skills into practice by starting a small painting. This project will allow you to experiment with your new techniques and develop your own artistic style. The goal of this course is to instill excitement and confidence in using oil paints, providing you with a solid foundation of skills to express your creative vision on canvas.

About the Instructor: Lauren Karjala

Lauren Karjala is a figurative painter based in Newmarket, NH. Her paintings incorporate figures and symbolism to reveal dreamlike, autobiographical narratives that blur the line between memory and imagination. She received a BFA in painting from the University of New Hampshire in 2014. Lauren has been exhibited widely throughout New England, and her work has been featured in three issues of Vanity Fair UK (2022) and the I Like Your Work Podcast Catalog (2023).

Materials List:

Paint - I will be going over traditional oil paint as well as water-soluble oil paint. Traditional oil paint is thinned in odorless mineral spirits, which releases fumes that require a well-ventilated room. Water-soluble oil paint can be thinned in water, and is preferable if you will be painting for long stretches in a small or enclosed space.

Brands:
Traditional Oils: Gamblin, Windsor and Newton Water-Soluble Oil Paint: Windsor and Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oils Recommended Palette (Small or 37ml Tubes)
***Please have these colors or similar. The rest are optional. You may also bring an introductory set of colors to the class and I will help you use what you have. Feel free to reach out with any questions

Reds:
Burnt Sienna ***
Cadmium Red (Medium or Light) ***
Quinacridone

Red Yellows:
Yellow Ochre ***
Cadmium Yellow Light (or Lemon Yellow)
Cadmium Yellow Medium***
Indian Yellow

Green:
Viridian***
Sap Green

Blue:
Ultramarine Blue***
Cerulean Blue

Purple:
Quinacridone Violet (or Magenta) ***
Dioxazine Purple ***

Neutrals:
Titanium White ***
Burnt Umber ***

Brushes:

Hog Bristle Brushes - quality does not matter. Try to avoid the soft and synthetic style of brushes. You want them to have some tooth. Brush sets are recommended so that you can try varying sizes and shapes to see what you like best. For example, https://www.dickblick.com/items/winsor-newton-winton-hog-bristle-brushes-set-4-pkg-of-5/

Palette - Paper tear off palette, 9x12 or larger, or a piece of glass painted white on the underside.

Palette Knife - medium trowel https://www.dickblick.com/items/blick-painting-knife-78-x-2-34-painting-style-30-/

Brush Cleaning Jar https://www.dickblick.com/products/silicoil-brush-cleaning-tank/

Second Glass Jar (recycled from the kitchen)

Rags or Paper Towels

Apron

Drawing implement (pencil, colored pencils, or non-permanent marker)

8x10 painting surface - pre-primed canvas or panel

I will be providing different mixing mediums, odorless mineral spirits, and paper for color mixing exercises, and still-life objects. 

In this one-day workshop, we will work on various ways to begin a pastel painting, focusing on color theory and how the use of underlying color can help shape a final piece. In the morning, you will createfour different studies, all from the same photo reference, exploring four distinct color methods.

You then will see how your initial application of color creates color harmonies and tensions and changes the mood of a painting once you apply your final layers of pastel. In the afternoon, you will create a larger piece using the approach you find most appealing – there are no wrong choices! All students will have personalized feedback and guidance as we explore these options and start to see the power of color in a composition. This class is appropriate for all levels, assuming some familiarity with the pastel medium. A materials list will be provided in advance.

About the Instructor: Heather Quay

“My goal is to have my paintings capture the feeling of a particular time and place. I have always been fascinated by the way that painters portray the quality and temperature of light. As a pastel painter, I continue to be drawn to scenes where the light is the central character. Whatever I am painting – from landscapes, both natural and manmade, to figures, animals, and portraits – I’m always striving to render the light I see onto the surface of my artwork.”

Heather’s work has been included in juried exhibits across New England and online, and has won a number of awards. She is an Associate Member of the Pastel Society of America, and a Signature Member of the Pastel Painters Society of Cape Cod, the Connecticut Pastel Society and the Maryland Pastel Society. She is also a member of the North River Arts Association, the Central Massachusetts Pastel Society, the Pastel Society of New Hampshire and the Lyme Art Association. Heather is a Featured Artist on the Artsy Shark website. More about Heather and her work can be found at www.heatherquay.com

Materials:

PASTELS: A variety of hard and soft pastels, with a good range of color and value.

You can use any brand you have. NO oil pastels.

DRAWING BOARD: This is to support your paper while you work. As long as it’s

sturdy, it’s fine – could be Gator-board, foam core or Masonite.

PAPERS: We will be working on white, cream or beige sanded paper (any brand is fine

– Art Spectrum, Pastel Premier, LUX Archival, U Art). You will need:

 at least four small (6” x 9”) pieces; and

 at least one larger piece (9” x 12” or a little bigger)

For the small pieces, you can either cut two 9” x 12” papers in half, or you can use a

larger piece (18” x 24”) and simply draw two bisecting lines so that you have one sheet

with four 6” x 9” sections. If you are using separate small pieces, you should mount

them on the same board.

PHOTO REFERENCE: We will be working on a landscape. Make sure that you choose

a photo reference that has at least 4-5 different value shapes (dark, middle, and light

values). Please keep it simple – no architecture or people, and no seascapes. If you

don’t have a photo that works, I will have extras.

MISC. SUPPLIES:

Drop cloth or towel for underneath your easel (the classroom has easels)

Vine charcoal for sketching on your surface (soft or very soft)

Artist tape 3/4"-1" for mounting your paper

Paper towels

Wet wipes

Glassine, tracing paper or clear bags to protect work on the way home

Lunch and drinks

Apron (optional)

Vinyl gloves (optional)

Sketchbook (optional)

Watercolor is known for being loose and expressive, but it also the perfect medium for creating more controlled illustrations that take advantage of its unique transparent and luminous qualities. It is a favorite of children’s book artists, botanical artists, and illustrators of all types. You’ll find watercolor illustrations on everything from stationary to fabric patterns to food packaging!

In this one-day workshop, you’ll learn the process of using watercolor to create colorful illustrations that take advantage of this versatile medium’s unique qualities. Focusing on individual subjects, we’ll go through the steps of building an illustration from observation and drawing through to layering paint in a methodical way to build depth and dimension with color and value. Through demonstration and instructor guidance, you’ll learn drawing, paint handling, and color mixing techniques that will help provide you the tools and inspiration to create watercolor illustrations of your own.

During class we’ll also view several examples of watercolor illustration from different artists to help inspire your own creative practice.

This class is open to artists of all levels, whether you are exploring a new medium or already have prior watercolor experience. Some drawing and/or painting experience is helpful.

To facilitate the learning process and keep paint & paper costs down, the instructor will be providing watercolor paint, small pieces of cotton watercolor paper, and a few other supplies that you’ll use for this workshop. The materials cost is included in the registration fee.

About the Instructor: Tara Connaughton

Tara Connaughton is an artist/illustrator & art instructor living near the coast in Scituate, MA. Her botanical and nature-inspired paintings have earned multiple awards, and she has exhibited her artwork through numerous local and regional galleries and venues around the Boston area. 

Tara teaches watercolor and botanical illustration through local workshops, privately, and at organizations around the Boston area and South Shore. She has a Certificate in Botanical Art & Illustration, and uses her passion for painting and love of nature to teach and inspire others to find their creative spirit and connect with the world around them.

Tara also creates custom art and illustration for clients across a wide range of subjects, with a focus on custom art for wedding invitations and stationery. 

Instructor will provide watercolor paint, small pieces of cotton watercolor paper and a few other supplies. Students are asked to bring the following, please reach out with any questions.

Additional Supplies:

• Paintbrushes — small & medium (size 2 and size 4 or 6) watercolor brush (I will have some medium size brushes to borrow, but I encourage you to have your own for your painting practice after class)
• Practice-grade watercolor paper - a few pieces of 9x12” or a watercolor-friendly sketchbook
• 2 jars or cups for water (I will have some water containers to borrow as well)
• Drawing/sketch paper several pieces (printer paper is fine!)
• HB Pencil and soft eraser
• A flat white ceramic dish as your palette to mix paint on (I will have small palette dishes to borrow if you do not have one already)

Collage has the incredible capacity to combine materials, text, and imagery into a single, coherent composition that is textural, colorful, and visually interesting or even surprising. It also can serve as a great means of personal expression, story-telling, or self-exploration, combining objects from the artist’s life or surroundings. 

Explore the many ways you can create your own imagery through mixed media collage by examining composition, communication, and assembling techniques. 

Experiment with painted papers, images, text, paint, ink, and dry media on various surfaces. This workshop is open to all levels. No prior experience necessary.   

About the Instructor: Sue Casey

I don't think of “art” as being separate from myself - it is and always has been a part of who I am. I've been thinking about, looking at, making, and teaching art for as long as I can remember. 

My inspiration for my work comes from nature where I enjoy walking along the beach, hiking in the White Mountains and paddle-boarding and kayaking in the North River. Every day I am inspired by the beauty of nature and the light and color that surround me. 

I have always been drawn to mixed media due to the ability to experiment with layering materials and textures help me reset and work through ideas. I am particularly drawn to geometric shapes and how they appear in an organic setting. My goal is to simplify these shapes and be less deliberate over the arrangements of found and painted paper shapes and edges to create an overall cohesive composition.

Suggested Materials List:

• 2 or 3 wrapped canvases, canvas panels or matte board (choose sizes based on your comfort level)

• Matte medium to apply collage materials (Utrecht, Golden, Liquitex are all good)

• Collage materials such as: newspaper, old book pages, tissue paper, old sheet music, fun printed cocktail napkins, old receipts, 

• Stencils (if you have them)

• Any mark making tools of your choice: lead pencils, charcoal, oil pastels, paint markers

• Acrylic paints: red, yellow, blue, white, black or more if you'd like

• Brushes to apply paint

• Palette knife or old credit card to apply matte medium

• Spray bottle for water

• Masking tape

• Paper towels

• Scissors

• Reference photos: still life, landscape (bring a few ideas to choose from)

Enliven and strengthen your paintings by creatively simplifying design and pushing color. Whether you are a realist, expressionist or abstract artist, composition is the most important fundamental of visual art.

“Composition really is King." Design a more appealing painting by working out and focusing on composition first. You’ll learn to creatively simplify and lose needless details.

When happy with your well-thought-out design it is time to experiment with color harmonies, both analytically and intuitively to transition, lead the eye, set mood, and establish overall cohesiveness.

All levels welcome.

Material list to follow.

About the Instructor: Barb Chaisson

Barbara Chaisson is an award winning acrylic and mixed media painter with an upbeat sense of color and design. She enjoys painting all things coastal New England - especially the sailing activity surrounding the Boston Harbor Islands.

After capturing a scene plein air she returns to her studio to add the line and collage work.

She received her formal training at Massachusetts College of Art & Design, earning a B.F.A. in Design. she spent many years as an Art Director and Designer in Boston's advertising industry. Her work won awards for clients including AT&T, American Express, Bose, Dunkin Brands, IBM and McDonalds.

Her art direction and design background is evident throughout her paintings.

Her work is a balance of bold color harmonies paired with strong compositions.

Barbara is a Gallery Artist at Cape Cod Art Center in Barnstable and South Shore Art Center in Cohasset. She is a member of North River Arts Society, Plymouth Center for the Arts, Duxbury Art Association and Hull Artists. Her work can also be found at Expressions Contemporary Craft & Fine Art in Scituate.

Materials List: to be provided in next coming weeks. 

Get into the holiday spirit with our Painting Holiday Trees Workshop! Join us for a creative and festive experience where you'll learn how to paint beautiful holiday trees that will add a touch of magic to your seasonal decor.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced painter, this workshop is designed to cater to all skill levels. 

Bring a photo or two of your tree from past years! We'll explore different color palettes and styles, allowing you to personalize your holiday trees to match your unique aesthetic. Our instructor will be on hand to offer individualized guidance and tips, ensuring that you leave with a masterpiece you'll be proud to display in your home.

Not only will you leave with a beautiful piece of art, but you'll also take away newfound skills and confidence in your painting abilities. This workshop is perfect for individuals, friends, families, and couples looking to spend quality time together while creating something special for the holiday season. Supplies available from instructor or bring your own acrylics. 

The best way to learn how to paint portraits is to practice - and there is no more readily available model than yourself! In this course we will find inspiration in the self-portraits of artists that have come before us, explore creative color mixing strategies to maintain vibrancy in our palettes, learn portrait drawing strategies, and create a self portrait. The aim is to jump courageously into the subject matter, release perfectionism, feel the freedom and joy within the possibilities of color, and to spend some time in mindful self-reflection.

Throughout the workshop, you’ll receive personalized feedback and guidance to help you develop your skills and confidence. By the end of the day, you’ll have a completed self-portrait that captures your unique presence and personality.

About the Instructor: Lauren Karjala

Lauren Karjala is a figurative painter based in Newmarket, NH. Her paintings incorporate figures and symbolism to reveal dreamlike, autobiographical narratives that blur the line between memory and imagination. She received a BFA in painting from the University of New Hampshire in 2014. Lauren has been exhibited widely throughout New England, and her work has been featured in three issues of Vanity Fair UK (2022) and the I Like Your Work Podcast Catalog (2023).

Materials List:

Paint - I will be going over traditional oil paint as well as water-soluble oil paint. Traditional oil paint is thinned in odorless mineral spirits, which releases fumes that require a well-ventilated room. Water-soluble oil paint can be thinned in water, and is preferable if you will be painting for long stretches in a small or enclosed space.

Brands:
Traditional Oils: Gamblin, Windsor and Newton
Water-Soluble Oil Paint: Windsor and Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oils Recommended Palette (Small or 37ml Tubes)
***Please have these colors or similar. The rest are optional. You may also bring an introductory set of colors to the class and I will help you use what you have. Feel free to reach out with any questions

Reds:
Burnt Sienna ***
Cadmium Red (Medium or Light) ***
Quinacridone

Red Yellows:
Yellow Ochre ***
Cadmium Yellow Light (or Lemon Yellow)
Cadmium Yellow Medium***
Indian Yellow

Green:
Viridian***
Sap Green

Blue:
Ultramarine Blue***
Cerulean Blue

Purple:
Quinacridone Violet (or Magenta) ***
Dioxazine Purple ***

Neutrals:
Titanium White ***
Burnt Umber ***

IMPORTANT: I want you to choose at least 2-3 additional “fun” colors - when you look at the list of available paint colors, what non-traditional colors speak to you? Radiant Blue? Cadmium Chartreuse? Select some colors that draw your eye to incorporate into your painting and make it your own. 

Hog Bristle Brushes - quality does not matter. Try to avoid the soft and synthetic style of brushes. You want them to have some tooth. Brush sets are recommended so that you can try varying sizes and shapes to see what you like best. For example, https://www.dickblick.com/items/winsor-newton-winton-hog-bristle-brushes-set-4-pkg-of-5/

Don’t go too small! We will be keeping it loose.

Palette - Paper tear off palette, 9x12 or larger, or a piece of glass painted white on the underside.

Palette Knife - medium trowel https://www.dickblick.com/items/blick-painting-knife-78-x-2-34-painting-style-30-/

Brush Cleaning Jar https://www.dickblick.com/products/silicoil-brush-cleaning-tank/

Second Glass Jar (recycled from the kitchen)

Rags or Paper Towels

Apron

Drawing implement - I recommend bringing a set of watercolor pencils to create washes with, but you can bring a regular pencil or colored pencils, or non-permanent markers.

Painting surface of your choice.Primed canvas, primed panel, or primed paper. I would recommend the size to be at least 8x10” but encourage you to go larger if you desire!

Reference: There are a few different ways to approach self-portraiture, and I encourage you to explore whatever method you feel the most comfortable with. Many traditional portraits were done from life in a mirror. So if you’d like to go the most traditional (and most challenging) route, bring a small mirror on a stand with you. Personally, I like to work from reference photos to allow myself to focus on creative color, rather than spend so much time and energy tweaking a drawing. Having a subject that doesn’t move is valuable in this way. If you take a photo and bring it with you, have fun with the light sources! Point an artificial light at one side of your face, and natural light on the other side of your face. Or even a colored lightbulb! Get creative! Please avoid toothy smiles. Trust me on this one! Your mouth closed with a slight smile will still produce a pleasant result. Or pick a different facial expression, just no visible teeth. You can bring a printed photo with you, at least 8x10”, or bring a tablet with the image loaded onto it. I usually look at reference photos from my iPad. 

You are about to fall in love with acrylic gouache and a very different way of approaching painting! Acrylic Gouache is a versatile medium that is easy to set up and take into the field. You only need water for thinning and clean up. How delightful is that? Basic introductory information about how to best use this medium will be covered. Students will be guided through exercises to gain competence in Suzette’s technique and methods of painting florals and gardens. Studies will be done on paper. The results are surprisingly engaging. Methods translate well to watercolor and acrylic painting. Join us to take risks, and explore the wow of this under appreciated medium.

Students can bring photo references of their summer gardens or Suzette will provide from floral arrangements and reference photos if you don't have one.

About the Instructor: Suzette Lebenzon

Suzette Lebenzon has painted since her childhood in Scituate, MA. She has kept a studio and shown in galleries most of her adult life. Her home and studio are in Wellfleet.

Suzette was a recipient of the Mass Cultural Council’s Unrestricted Artists’ Grants. In 2023, Suzette was inducted to the National Association of Women Artists, as a Signature Member. Her work has been curated into shows at the Art Complex Museum in Duxbury, the Scollay Square Gallery in Boston’s City Hall, and the Galatea Fine Art Gallery in SOWA.

She is represented by the  AMZehnder Gallery in Wellfleet, MA; and the BBLG Gallery in Smithtown, NY.

Materials List:

1. A variety of brushes like: Princeton Real Value Brush Set - 9153, Golden Taklon, Short Handle, Set of 6 -Item #:06223-9153 at Blick’s  ( bring your own assortment too!)
2. Your paint palette or paper palette OR: Masterson Sta-Wet Premier Palette, Item #: 03029-0000 at Blick’s 
3. Water container
4. paper towels

    5.  Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Board Pads, 11x14, 20 sheets

    6.  Holbein Acrylic Designer Gouache - Set of 12, 12 ml Tubes

         Item #:00811-1012 at Blick’s 

    7.  Print out photos of a garden bed or have on your iPad.  I will supply   

         also. I’ve got you covered. Don’t stress, if you have nothing.