Painting in Oil and Oil Sticks with Esther Melton  

Plein Air Oil Painting Workshop with Mark Conrardy

Limit 6 students. 

Saturday afternoon 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm  

June 7, 14, 21 and 28th 2014

The course will focus on Plein Air painting of man-made objects out in a natural landscape. That could be a building, other type of structure, vehicles or other objects. We will also discuss how to make creeks, rivers, marsh, paths, fences and roads look believable in your paintings. 

We will discuss composition, layout and getting the drawing right before we start painting. Also using man-made objects as a minor element in your painting. 

I will be using oils but you are welcome to use other mediums as desired. Instruction will be tailored to fit each student individual. 

This course in Plein Air painting will begin with the fundamentals of working outdoors including the selection of an easel, palette, paints and how to set up on site. You are welcome to contact me before the class starts if you have questions before buying certain items. (803-429-0327). 

The workshop will be painting in parks and other locations around Columbia. Participants will be notified of meeting location.

 Please allow 30 minutes  for early setup before the start of workshop.
The workshop is designed for all levels of painting.

The session fee is $100.00 ...Sign Me Up

Study In Italy

Pam Bowers and David Voros: 

Co-Directors and Founders

Within the International Center for the Arts the new International Studio School is the heart of our program. The Studio School offers multi-level classes in the visual arts as well as opportunities for uninterrupted studio time, a visiting artist/critics series, exhibition opportunities and weekly trips to some of the most compelling cultural sites of Italy.  Using the Studio School as our focal point, we also offer satellite programs of an interdisciplinary nature. These include acting as an Study Abroad Provider for institutions, hosting Conferences and Symposia, a long term Residency for artists/writers and scholars and organizing personal development tours and education travel experiences through our Lifelong Learning Program.

Through our diverse, but integrated programs, we celebrate the connection between the art of Italy and the rhythms of daily life, believing that the food, wine, and folk traditions of Italy are inseparable from a full experience of its music, literature and paintings. At the International Center for the Arts at Monte Castello, it is our mission to provide our program participants with a holistic experience of the synergy of these elements and how they come together to form the rich and multi-facetted culture of Italy. 

The International Center for The Arts offers programs suited to various interests, levels of experience and time frames.

International Studio School

Study Abroad Provider

Residency Program

Life Long Learning Program

Conference and Symposium Site

Click here to learn more: International Center for the Arts

Beginning and Intermediate Watercolor class with Esther Melton

Tuesday mornings 10:00 am 12:30 pm

4 weeks beginning April 8, 2014

Learn the basics of transparent watercolor in this special 4 week summer class format. Painting techniques, composition, and color choices will be explored.This class will cover topics from materials, paint color choices and mixing, to effective ways to keep your paint application and color fresh, composition, and many other tips to enhance your painting skills.

The session fee is $125.00...Sign Me Up 

Basic Drawing and Painting for Everyone! -  High School and up With Mark Conrardy

Starting June 12, 19, 26, skipping the week of July 4th, July 10, 17, and 24th  (6 weeks)

Thursday Nights 6:00pm - 8:30pm

Learn how to really look at your photo to make the perspective look believable (1-point and 2-point perspective). In this 6 week class, you will also learn techniques to speed up your drawing skills, drawing with your opposite hand and how to draw with one-line to help with spatial feel. These techniques help you keep  a loose feel to your drawings and paintings and help you interpret what you are seeing quickly. The class will also include basics on portraiture, drawing from live models, still life and color theory.... bring your color wheel and watercolors.

Struggling with your painting? Bring it in for help.

The session fee is $150.00...Sign Me Up

Help us continue to offer art classes by shopping in the City Art Art Supply Store for your class supplies!  Class lists are at the bottom of this page.