Watercolor for Beginning Levels
Wednesday, September 9 - October 28 (8 weeks)
6:00 - 8:00 pm, Carol Ganick

This class will serve as an introduction to watercolor painting techniques for absolute beginners and reinforcement of techniques for returning beginners and those who have had previous but limited watercolor instruction .

Each class will focus on one or more basic technique. Individual and group instruction is provided and homework assignments are intended for practice to assist students in becoming confident. Students will learn brush techniques, gain experience in mixing colors and develop an understanding of values (light to dark) and the need to create variety in a painting. A basic drawing practice will be introduced to help develop an understanding of the need to “see”. 

Pastel Finishing School: Resolving a Work in Progress 
Tuesday, September 29 - October 14 (4 weeks)
9:30 am - 12:00 noon Karen Israel

Each week, bring in work that you have already started or one that you plan to begin but do not know how to get started.  It can be in the “miserable middle” phase, near completion or perhaps you may wonder if it is actually finished. You will receive an in depth critique and instruction to help rework, enhance and ultimately complete a beautiful painting.

Thursday Wheel Throwing
Thursdays, September 10 - November 12 (10 Weeks)
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Deanna Johnson

The course will cover pottery wheel throwing techniques where students will develop or continue to improve, their skills in centering, throwing and trimming pottery forms. Students will learn to make the two most common forms from which almost all pottery stems; a cylinder and a bowl. From there we will learn more advanced skills and how to embellish our pieces with carvings, handles, additions and or other accents.

Drawing 101
Sundays, September 13 - November 15 (10 Weeks)
1:00 - pm - 3:00 pm, Joe Nicorici

This beginner drawing class is designed for anyone who wants to build confidence and learn the fundamentals of drawing. Students will explore and develop basic techniques such as line, shape, shading, perspective, and composition through guided exercises. No prior experience is needed—just a willingness to learn and create at your own pace.

Friday Watercolor - Independent Painters
Fridays, September 11 - November 13 (10 Weeks)
10:00 am - 12:30 pm Carol Ganick

This class is open to students who are confident in watercolor application techniques such as wet into wet, wet on dry and dry brush. Critique of completed work will be an important aspect of this course. By sharing and discussing work we gain inspiration, new insights, and different perspectives. Class critique will take place at the beginning of class for approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours, followed by painting time. Consideration will be given to composition, color harmony, and value patterns.

Tuesday Pottery

Tuesday, September 8 - November 10 (10 Weeks)
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Mary Bramble Scott

The Tuesday evening class at West Hartford Art League welcomes students at all levels. All students will have the option to wheel throw or hand build ceramic forms either functional or sculptural. Beginners will learn how to center clay on the wheel, pull the clay into a cylinder with an eye to making bowls, mugs and small vases. Intermediate and advanced students will have the option to focus on their own projects and receive guidance on complex forms and techniques, or participate in graduated assigned projects related to advanced forms such as lidded vessels or teapots. Some tools are available onsite but students should plan to bring their own tools by purchasing a beginner pottery tool set at an art supply store such as Jerry's Artarama or Dick Blick Art Supplies.

Coming Soon!
Wednesdays, September 10 - November 12 (10 Weeks)
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Shauna Shane

Coming Soon!

Oil Painting
Thursdays, September 17 - November 12 (9 Weeks)
9:00 am - 12:00 pm, William Simpson

We can all be better painters, we can all learn how to draw better. You don’t have to take the class to learn the secret – I’ll tell you right now – learn to look closer. Learn to really see what is in front of you. Easy? Not so much. Take my class, and we’ll learn how to see better together. We’ll also work on composition, and color. Working from your own photos, or choose from the hundreds of images I have. We’ll throw in a still life now and then, and an exercise I particularly enjoy, painting the Schoolhouse interior.

The Fundamentals of Painting
Fridays, September 28 - November 20 (9 Weeks)
9:00 am - 12 pm, Mike Berlinski

*For beginners to intermediate students*

This class is an opportunity to learn about painting in a fun and supportive environment. A different basic painting concept will be briefly introduced and discussed for general information each week. Also different creative and/or imaginative ideas and approaches will be explored and worked with. Students are encouraged to bring their own images and/or ideas to work from. There will be plenty of individual guidance and help for each student.

Intro to Digital Drawing
Mondays, September 14 - October 19 (6 Weeks)
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Rowan Collins

Ages 13+

In this class, you’ll learn how to use digital programs like Procreate and Clip Studio Paint as tools for drawing, painting, and mixed media art. Included in this class will be a mix of drawing lessons, digital tool demonstrations, and how the two can blend together. You’ll be given the tips and tricks needed to expand your learning far beyond the duration of this class.

This class will primarily focus on Procreate and Clip Studio Paint, but lessons can be adjusted and adapted to similar free programs such as Krita, Ibis Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook.

A drawing tablet, touchscreen device, or computer with stylus support is required and are not supplied by West Hartford Art League.

Confident Landscape Painting
Wednesdays, September 10 - November 12 (10 weeks)
9:30 am - 12:30 pm, Shauna Shane

Oil or Acrylic. Beginning with an informative demonstration Shauna will show you how to see the world in terms of shadow and light, simplifying the landscape to the most basic masses and values. With specific, individual instruction you will learn the “what, why, and how” of a successful painting. You will learn the steps necessary to be able to express effectively; how to see the world in a new way, and even more, how to achieve the gift of confidence. Known for her positive and enthusiastic teaching style, Shauna will provide instruction, demonstrations, and critique for the most advancement possible in the art of landscape painting. All levels: but some experience with your chosen medium is recommended.

Discover Your Inner Artist: Landscape Painting
Wednesdays, September 9 - November 4 (9 Weeks)
6:30 pm - 9:30 pm, Brianna Colbath

Whether you’ve never picked up a paintbrush or you’re looking to refresh your skills, this welcoming class is the perfect place to explore your creativity and have fun with paint! Using the beauty of the landscape as inspiration, you’ll learn the basics of painting while experimenting with color, technique, texture, and different artistic approaches. With personalized guidance and plenty of encouragement, you’ll build confidence, discover what inspires you, and develop your own unique artistic voice.

No experience needed — just bring your curiosity and a willingness to create. By the end of the class, you’ll have new skills, a deeper understanding of the painting process, and the tools to continue growing your own personal style. This class will cover painting in Oil or Acrylic only.

Sketchbook 101
Sundays, September 13 - November 15 (10 weeks)
10:30 am - 12:30 pm, Joe Nicorici

A class designed to help artists develop ideas and solid sketchbook habits. The class will focus on drawing from life, including still-life, models, drawing from photos, digital images and also journaling and collage. We will also look at Renaissance artists to contemporary artists' sketchbooks and how they developed their ideas and practice.

Beginner Drawing for Adults
Thursdays, September 24 - November 19 (8 weeks)
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Mike Berlinski
No class November 12th

This class is an opportunity to learn about drawing, learning to observe and see the subject in traditional and new ways. A different drawing idea will be introduced and explored each week. Students can bring an image to work from or draw from a still life
set-up provided by the teacher. There will be plenty of individual guidance and help for each student.

Adult Stained Glass
Thursdays, September 10 - November 12 (10 Weeks)
6:00 pm - 7:15 pm Kelly Kelly

Join instructor Kelly Kelly for a four-week adult stained glass class designed for creativity, relaxation, and hands-on learning. Using traditional copper foil techniques inspired by Louis Tiffany, students will create their own stained glass pieces at a comfortable, self-guided pace. A wide variety of patterns and skill levels will be available, making this class perfect for both beginners and those with prior experience.

Throughout the four weeks, students will be supported step-by-step—from selecting a pattern and cutting glass to foiling, soldering, and finishing—while enjoying the freedom to move through projects at their own rhythm in a welcoming, creative environment.