Scottsdale Artists’ School offers weekly classes and workshops for everyone from the absolute beginner to the professional artist. The School’s programs are taught by working, professional artists who are also experienced instructors.
We just wanted to remind you that we are constantly working to update our programs on a daily basis. We invite you to check back frequently so that you don't miss out on any of our exciting new workshops and catalog announcements.
Upcoming
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Learn to Paint
Nancy Chaboun I Local I Oil Jan 6 - 27, 2025 Immerse yourself in the world of painting with our engaging and ever-evolving workshop. Each week presents a fresh and exciting challenge, ranging from live model sessions to thoughtfully arranged still-life... Read more -
Extended Studies: Drawing
Michael Little | Local | Drawing Jan 6 - Mar 10, 2025 This is an introductory drawing course simplified to help students further their representational artistic endeavors. Students will develop basic drawing skills, enhancing their ability to translate visual relationships, helping them... Read more -
Nocturnes En Plein Air
Spencer Simmons | Local | Oil Jan 7 - 21, 2025 In this class we will be painting outdoors around the Scottsdale Artist’s School at night. Painting fundamentals will be covered with a strong emphasis on composition and value relations. The... Read more -
Extended Studies: Studio Painting & Drawing
Michael Little | Local | Acrylic, Charcoal, Drawing, Oil Painting Jan 7 - Mar 11, 2025 This is an observationally based course designed to reinforce and develop skills beyond basic drawing and painting. Students will work with a variety of subjects: still-life, portrait and figure. In... Read more
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Simplified Beginnings - Mixing Color for Portraits with a Limited Palette
Jean Hildebrant | Local | Oil Jan 8 - 29, 2025 In this class, students will concentrate on mixing flesh tones from only three colors, discovering the beautiful array of color that only the primaries provide. The students will all be... Read more -
Extended Studies: Painting with Robert Lemler I Wednesdays
Robert Lemler I Local I Oil Jan 8 - Mar 12, 2025 This class is an opportunity to study the art of painting with an accomplished painter of every genre, including still life, landscape, portrait and figurative subjects. Students with little or... Read more -
Oil Painting 101
Mike Garcia I Local I Oil Jan 9 - 30, 2025 Have you ever wanted to learn how to paint but were too afraid to enter a class with people who have been at it for years? Have you dabbled in... Read more -
Extended Studies: Painting with Nancy Chaboun
Nancy Chaboun I Local I Oil Jan 9 - Mar 13, 2025 Students will be introduced to a full palette of colors which they will use to paint portraits, figures and still life. Students will experiment with their palette to see the... Read more
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Intuitive Painting
Stan Kurth | Local | Watercolor, Gouache, Ink Jan 10 - 12, 2025 This workshop is designed to teach all levels of students to paint intuitively, starting without preconceived notions of outcome. There will be no preliminary planning or drawing. Process will dictate... Read more -
Extended Studies: Painting with Robert Lemler I Fridays
Robert Lemler I Local I Oil Jan 10 - Mar 14, 2025 This class is an opportunity to study the art of painting with an accomplished painter of every genre, including still life, landscape, portrait and figurative subjects. Students with little or... Read more -
Color Mixing
Jessica Garrett Lawrence I Local I Oil Jan 10 - 11, 2025 The ability to understand color can easily be broken down into logical methodical elements. First, we will learn how to mix what we see by defining a color in terms... Read more -
A Starry Night: Painting the Night Sky
Laurel Bushman | Local | Acrylic Jan 11, 2025 This class will guide you through the galaxies using abstract techniques to paint colorful nebulas surrounded by a sea of stars. Hood River, Oregon and Scottsdale, Arizona artist Laurel Bushman... Read more
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Tasty and Dusty
Liz Kenyon | Local | Pastel Jan 11 - Feb 8, 2025 Be expressive, impressionistic and bold with soft pastel painting. The subject matter will range from tasty pastry and luscious produce to western rustic settings. Students will find it's easy to... Read more -
Setting Up the Still Life, Elements and Set Up
Michael Little I Local I Oil or Charcoal Jan 17, 2025 This class covers everything from managing effective drapery that works to selecting individual elements that work with both color balance and accepted composition factors. After a series of demonstrations students... Read more -
Breathing More Magic into Your Abstract Paintings
Suzie Black I Local I Acrylic or Oil Jan 17 - 18, 2025 This two-day workshop will create an atmosphere where students will loosen up and have fun while they’re learning! Gain confidence in abstract painting by using strong composition structures and learn... Read more -
Watercolor: Bold and Loose!
Grace Haverty I Local I Watercolor Jan 24 - 25, 2025 During this workshop, students will learn to paint exciting and expressive watercolors! Students will be painting flowers from fresh arrangements that Grace will bring in on the first day; students... Read more
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Painting Pollinators
Devon Meyer I Local I Watercolor Feb 3 - 17, 2025 The Sonoran Southwest is full of gorgeous flowers that need pollinators. This class will discuss and observe bees and hummingbirds. Using simple techniques students will first learn to break the... Read more -
Oil Painting 102
Mike Garcia I Local I Oil Feb 6 - 27, 2025 Have you ever wanted to take a class that featured a variety of subject matter to help you decide what you want to focus on? Have you dabbled with oil... Read more -
Beginning Oil Pastel
Scott Turner I Local I Oil Pastel Feb 8, 2025 Oil pastels are probably the most misunderstood and underappreciated medium. Many artists, when asked about oil pastels, think of a mixture of oil paint and soft pastels. The average person... Read more -
Plein Air Painting Secrets
Linda Pullinsi I Local I Oil Feb 11 - 13, 2025 Nothing beats the thrill of Plein air painting. Capturing the light and atmosphere quickly and accurately is key to a successful piece. An avid outdoor painter, Linda has plenty of... Read more
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The Pop Art Still Life
John Schieffer I Local I Oil Feb 14 - 15, 2025 In this class you will be shown the design techniques and approach to photography to create a new and contemporary still life. You will learn what makes a good still... Read more -
Dancing with the Abstract Gods
Suzie Black I Local I Mixed Media Feb 15, 2025 Zoom in to your creativity. In an experimental, easy and fun way elements of abstract painting will be your playthings. You will learn composition structures, how to make texture, mark-... Read more -
Watercolor Line and Wash - Sketching from Photos
Stevie Denny I Local I Watercolor Feb 15, 2025 Line and Wash is a popular technique for beginner watercolor artists, as well as seasoned painters, to capture the essence of memorable scenes, create a memento of a special time... Read more -
Painting the Miracle with Pastels: Figure and Portrait
Allen Garns I Local I Pastel Feb 21 - 22, 2025 Walt Whitman wrote, “To me every hour of the light and dark is a miracle, every cubic inch of space is a miracle”. That’s what we are going to do,... Read more
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Contemporary Still Life: Interpreting Photos to Create Abstract Impressionist Paintings
Vanya Allison | Local | Oil Feb 24, 2025 Create beautiful and contemporary still life using realism combined with various tools: using different mark making tools, deconstructing, stencils, collage, etc. The overall focus will be edges, composition, color harmony,... Read more -
Create and Cast Your Own Bronze Sculpture
Jerry Cox I Local I Sculpture Mar 1 - 22, 2025 Jerry will be teaching an exciting sculpture class in which students will create their own small sculpture in wax and watch it cast in bronze at a foundry. In the... Read more -
Fundamentals of Landscape Painting
Paul Steele I Local I Oil or Acrylic Mar 3 - 24, 2025 In the world of making paintings there are a lot of terms such as modeling the form, cast shadow vs. form shadow, value, temperature! it goes on and on. One... Read more -
Alla Prima Demystified
Mike Garcia | Local | Oil Mar 4 - 25, 2025 Under the guidance of instructor Mike Garcia, students will explore various strategies for painting the nude model from life in oils. Topics discussed will include color theory, value relationships, anatomy,... Read more
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People and Pets in Portraiture
Jean Hildebrant I Local I Oil Mar 5 - 26, 2025 In this class, students will explore the art of capturing the special bond between people and their pets in portraiture. The class will begin with simple yet effective techniques for... Read more -
Oil Painting 103
Mike Garcia I Local I Oil Mar 6 - 20, 2025 Have you dabbled with oil painting, but feel you need to expand your knowledge and techniques? This class is designed not only for those who have gone through Oil Painting... Read more -
Experimental Portrait: Abstracting and Deconstructing
Vanya Allison | Local | Mixed Media Mar 7 - 9, 2025 Get loose, make marks and create exciting portraits. This class will explore and use Mixed Media with Oils, Water Soluble Oils, Acryla Gouache, Gouache, Paint Sticks and Mark Making Tools.... Read more -
The Joy of Painting: Abstract Realism
Laurel Bushman | Local | Acrylic Mar 14 - 15, 2025 Come experience joy, humor, and beauty while learning new ways to paint with acrylics in this class with Laurel! Learning and reviewing classic techniques for composition, value, and color choices... Read more
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Unfolding the Mystery
Suzie Black I Local I Mixed Media Mar 15 - Apr 5, 2025 This four-week abstract painting class starts at the end of March and goes to the middle of April. It is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn and refine their... Read more -
Pushing Abstraction in the Landscape
Linda Pullinsi I Local I Oil Mar 22, 2025 We all want to create exciting paintings that capture the viewer’s eye, that flirt with abstraction enough to tantalize the senses. Completely realistic paintings often feel boring. Discover techniques to... Read more -
Extended Studies: Drawing
Michael Little | Local | Drawing Mar 24 - Jun 2, 2025 This is an introductory drawing course simplified to help students further their representational artistic endeavors. Students will develop basic drawing skills, enhancing their ability to translate visual relationships, helping them... Read more -
The Language of Sketching
Duane Blossom | Local | Watercolor Mar 24 - 25, 2025 The class focuses on sketching techniques with emphasis line work, composition, light & shadow and editing; and enhancing sketches with color. Duane, is a Fellow of the American Society of... Read more
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Extended Studies: Studio Painting & Drawing Spring
Michael Little | Local | Acrylic, Charcoal, Drawing, Oil Painting Mar 25 - May 27, 2025 This is an observationally based course designed to reinforce and develop skills beyond basic drawing and painting. Students will work with a variety of subjects: still-life, portrait and figure. In... Read more -
Extended Studies: Painting with Robert Lemler I Wednesdays
Robert Lemler I Local I Oil Mar 26 - May 28, 2025 This class is an opportunity to study the art of painting with an accomplished painter of every genre, including still life, landscape, portrait and figurative subjects. Students with little or... Read more -
Extended Studies: Painting with Nancy Chaboun
Nancy Chaboun I Local I Oil Mar 27 - May 29, 2025 Students will be introduced to a full palette of colors which they will use to paint portraits, figures and still life. Students will experiment with their palette to see the... Read more -
Extended Studies: Painting with Robert Lemler I Fridays
Robert Lemler I Local I Oil Mar 28 - May 30, 2025 This class is an opportunity to study the art of painting with an accomplished painter of every genre, including still life, landscape, portrait and figurative subjects. Students with little or... Read more
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Intuitive Painting
Stan Kurth I Local I Watercolor, Gouache, Ink Apr 3 - 5, 2025 This workshop is designed to teach all levels of students to paint intuitively, starting without preconceived notions or outcome. There will be no preliminary planning or drawing. Process will dictate... Read more -
The Traveler's Creative Sketchbook
Jane Barton I Local I Drawing, Water-media Apr 5, 2025 Ready to travel again? Make it the best ever by using art to enhance the experience! Creating a travel sketchbook will open up exploration and connection. Travelers will return home... Read more -
Landscape Painting in Gouache
Edward Sprafkin I Local I Gouache Apr 5, 2025 Enjoy an immersive one-day workshop exploring the fundamentals and practices of gouache through landscape painting. This hands-on session will cover color-mixing, layering, and blending techniques. The class will start with... Read more -
The Joy of Plein Air Painting
Spencer Simmons I Local I Oil Apr 7 - 21, 2025 This class will focus on painting out of doors at local Scottsdale painting haunts. While painting outside we will go over the fundamentals of making a good picture. Composition, drawing,... Read more
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Succulents in Watercolor
Linda Pullinsi I Local I Watercolor Apr 8, 2025 Succulents are trending throughout interior design. Discover ways to easily capture them in watercolor and use contemporary colors and design to make them sing. Begin with quick sketching practice, choose... Read more -
Desert Caballeros: Fundamentals of Landscape Painting
Paul Steele I Local Destination I Oil or Acrylic Apr 9 - 10, 2025 Join Paul at the Desert Caballeros Museum as he teaches a two day workshop in the Museum's learning center. In the world of making paintings there are a lot of... Read more -
Painting the Landscape, Everything you Need to Know
Amery Bohling I Local I Oil Apr 10 - 12, 2025 Join Amery for an informative landscape painting workshop. Learn what subjects will make good paintings. Drawing techniques for accuracy. Mix values to prevent flat paintings and finishing details that make... Read more -
Intermediate Oil Pastel
Scott Turner | Local | Oil Pastel Apr 18 - 19, 2025 When you ask the average person what an oil pastel is, the typical response is “a mixture of oil paint and soft pastels.” When you say “oil pastels” to most... Read more
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Introduction to Figure Drawing
Edward Sprafkin I Local I Drawing Apr 19, 2025 Discover the fundamentals of figure drawing in a one-day workshop designed for beginners and for those with some experience with gesture drawing. Students will learn essential techniques for capturing the... Read more -
Luminous Portraits: Impastos and Glazes
Gustavo Ramos I Local I Oil Apr 21 - 23, 2025 What is it that gives a masterful oil painting its jewel-like quality, mysterious luster, and lasting freshness? The extensive properties of oil paint have enabled the creation of iconic portraits... Read more -
The Nude in Oils: Strategies for Figure Painting
Mike Garcia | Local | Oil Apr 25 - 26, 2025 In this two-day workshop, students will complete a figure painting in oils. Instructor Mike Garcia will cover concepts, strategies, and practical procedures necessary for naturalistic figurative work, including modeling form,... Read more -
In-Studio Landscape
Michael Little | Local | Oil May 2 - 23, 2025 This is a four-week intensive class where students will focus on the creation of a longer-term studio landscape or still life. Frequent demonstrations and 1 on 1 mentoring and assistance... Read more
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Abstraction/Representation Maturity of Painting
Brighton Demerest-Smith I Local I Oil May 3 - 24, 2025 Demerest-Smith (MFA) has a wealth of experience including 10 solo shows of his large-scale nature-based paintings. This class will bridge the gap between representation, design, and abstraction in a hands-on... Read more -
Painting Flowers Alla Prima
Ashwini Bharathula I Local I Oil May 8 - 10, 2025 The goal of this workshop is to bring clarity and ease to painting flowers. A big part of floral painting is to slow down and pay close attention to the... Read more -
Fundamentals of a Portrait
Remelle Tanhueco I Local I Oil May 9 - 10, 2025 This class will go over the fundamentals of painting with emphasis on portrait. Students will learn how to paint form and capture the essence of the sitter. The focus will... Read more -
Watercolor Portraits from Life
Annette Smith I Local I Watercolor May 21 - 23, 2025 In this three-day class Annette will share with students her method of painting expressive watercolor portraits from a live model. Each morning will begin with a demo starting with the... Read more
Past
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Expressive Portrait Painting
Jerry Salinas | Local | Oil Dec 9, 2024 In this class students will work on the understructure of a painting. What is that? Painting the human head has no limits. Express yourself with amazing color using a wide... Read more -
Painting Better Alla Prima Paintings from Photos
Craig Pursley I Local I Oil Dec 7 - 14, 2024 While painting from a live model is preferable, the fact is that most people who take workshops paint from photographs at home. So Craig will show students how to make... Read more -
Beginning Oil Pastel
Scott Turner I Local I Oil Pastel Nov 23, 2024 Oil pastels are probably the most misunderstood and underappreciated medium. Many artists, when asked about oil pastels, think of a mixture of oil paint and soft pastels. The average person... Read more -
Crash Course in Oil Painting
Brighton Demerest-Smith | Local | Oil Nov 16 - 23, 2024 In this crash course oil painting class, Brighton Demerest-Smith (MFA) will start from square one and take students through everything they need to know to use oil paint. Topics will... Read more
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Wildflowers in Watercolor
Linda Pullinsi I Local I Watercolor Nov 16, 2024 Creative beginners will learn to easily sketch and paint flowers or plants. No straight lines needed! There is something magical about the delicate shapes and soft colors in a field... Read more -
Making a Studio Landscape Look Like Plein Air
Craig Pursley I Local I Oil Nov 15 - 16, 2024 Students will be able to make significant adjustments so that their landscapes painted from photos look as if they were done on location. Also, time will be given to show... Read more -
The Nude in Charcoal and Chalk
Mike Garcia I Local I Charcoal Nov 7 - 21, 2024 In tonal drawing, values—the pattern of light and shadow—provides the illusion of luminosity, depth, and atmosphere. Value control is a fundamental skill for any artist interested in producing realistic work,... Read more -
Extended Studies with Robert Lemler
Robert Lemler I Local I Oil Oct 2 - Dec 11, 2024 This class is an opportunity to study the art of painting with an accomplished painter of every genre, including still life, landscape, portrait and figurative subjects. Students with little or... Read more
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Extended Studies: Studio Painting & Drawing
Michael Little | Local | Acrylic, Charcoal, Drawing, Oil Painting Oct 1 - Dec 10, 2024 This is an observationally based course designed to reinforce and develop skills beyond basic drawing and painting. Students will work with a variety of subjects: still-life, portrait and figure. In... Read more -
Extended Studies: Drawing
Michael Little | Local | Drawing Sep 30 - Dec 9, 2024 This is an introductory drawing course simplified to help students further their representational artistic endeavors. Students will develop basic drawing skills, enhancing their ability to translate visual relationships, helping them... Read more
