Adult Winter Classes
Our Winter 2027 session of classes will begin the week of January 11th.
Registration will open Wednesday, November 11th for members. Non-member registration will open on Monday, November 23rd.
The West Hartford Art League holds year round art instruction for adults and youths in the form of weekly daytime and evening classes Monday - Saturday in the fall, winter and spring. Special weekend and one time workshops are held throughout the year taught by a varied group of instructors.
Membership is $50 for one year and gives you a discount on classes, as well as early registration privileges.
Join HERE
View our class policies here.
Winter adult CLASSES
Portraiture
Sundays, February 2 - March 23
(8 Weeks) 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Antony Zito
Work with renowned CT/NYC portrait painter, Antony Zito, whose classes are fun and informal but with a powerful emphasis on gaining skills and knowledge. Open to all levels, this weekly course will guide you through the creation of an in-depth portait using acrylic paint on canvas.
Wednesday Wheel Throwing
Wednesday, January 13 - March 24
(10 Weeks) 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Deanna Johnson
Advanced Surface & Form Techniques
The course will cover basic 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.
Painting in Watercolor
Mondays, January 11 - March 22
(10 Weeks) 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Brianna Colbath
A class for beginners. Learn how to apply water and paint to paper as you learn various techniques. The instructor will guide you as you paint and gain confidence in your abilities. From starting with the right supplies to building color into a finished work, this class is for those wanting to get started with support from an experienced watercolor artist.
Pastel Finishing School: Resolving a Work in Progress
Tuesdays, February 9 - March 16
(5 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.
Oil Painting
Thursdays, January 14 - March 11
(8 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, January 15 - March 12
(8 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.
Adult Stained Glass
Thursdays, January 14 - March 4
(8 Weeks) 6:00 pm - 7:15 pm
Kelly Kelly
Join instructor Kelly Kelly for an eight-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 eight 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.
Contemporary Abstract Art: Mixed Messages | C. Dianne Zweig
Mondays, January 11 - March 8
(6 weeks) 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Classes will focus on how color, line, shape, texture, process and materials communicate visual language.
Students will be encouraged to create dynamic and compelling Contemporary abstract mixed media in their own unique voice.
“There is no balance without a struggle between opposing forces.”
- Hans Hofmann
*New students are welcomed to enroll. A strong background in mixed media is ideal.
Drawing II
Tuesdays, January 12 - March 9
(8 Weeks) 5 pm - 7 pm
Amanda Surveski
In Drawing II, students will learn how to develop their value and observations skills building off the basics learned in Drawing I. We will cover the basics of perspective, composing landscapes, and approaching how to draw realistic people and animals. Students should have some experience in drawing, or have taken the class Drawing I: The Basics.
Watercolor for Beginning Levels
Wednesdays, January 13 - March 10 (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”.
Copying the Masters: How Artists Learn the Skill of Painting
Wednesdays, January 13 - March 10 (8 Weeks) 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Shauna Shane
It is mostly forgotten how master artists became great painters. It was by copying the masters of their day and before. Michelangelo, DaVinci, Sargent, and van Gogh all copied paintings to develop their skills.
We will begin with the still life pictured, by Joaquin Sorolla. Next, the Oyster Gatherers by Sargent. Finally you can choose which painting you want to copy from a collection of master paintings by Emile Gruppe, Willard Metcalf. We’ll discuss edges, color temperature, brushwork. You will see a color you didn’t notice before, then learn how to mix that color. The magic comes when you now see that color in nature, building a new color vocabulary that will stay with you forever.
Sketchbook 101
Sundays, January 17 - March 14
(8 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, January 14 - March 11
(8 weeks) 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm,
Mike Berlinski
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.
Monday Night Pottery
Mondays, January 11 - March 22
(10 Weeks) 6:15 - 9:15 pm
Mary Bramble Scott
The course will cover basic 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 Open Studio
Tuesdays, January 12 - March 9
(8 Weeks) 7 pm - 9:00 pm
Amanda Surveski
Open Studio allows students to work on their own projects in a classroom setting, while getting personalized critiques and guided learning. This course offers the opportunity to develop your drawing skills, receive valuable feedback, and explore your style in a classroom environment. Students can use any drawing media they wish.
Tuesday Pottery
Tuesdays, January 12 - March 23
(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.
Discover Your Inner Artist: Landscape Painting
Wednesdays, January 13 - March 24 (10 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.
Painting for All Its Worth
Saturdays, January 16 - March 13
(8 weeks) 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Joe Nicorici
This class is for beginner to intermediate painters that want to establish a regular painting practice that covers fundamentals of oil painting along with intermediate discussion and exploration of color theory, perspective, landscape and figurative expression.
Friday Watercolor - Independent Painters
Fridays, January 15 - March 26
(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.
Watercolor Workout
Tuesdays, January 12 - March 9
(8 weeks) 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Robert Noreika
This class will focus on simplifying the subject: seeing the simple values and sketching them into a full color painting. Learn how to take an unsuccessful watercolor and recreate it with fluid acrylics. Many techniques will be demonstrated including ink and watercolor wash.
Drawing I: The Basics
Thursdays, January 14 - March 11
(8 Weeks) 5 pm - 7 pm
Amanda Surveski
A beginner's drawing class designed for aspiring artists with little to no prior experience, and those who want a refresher. We’ll work toward developing and expanding our observational and rendering skills using a variety of subject matter. Working from life, we will learn basic techniques such as contour and gesture drawing, shading, controlling tones, composition and different drawing methods that will provide you with a solid starting point for any art journey!
Confident Landscape Painting
Wednesdays, January 13 - March 10
(8 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.
Thursday Wheel Throwing
Thursdays, January 14 - March 25
(10 Weeks) 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Deanna Johnson
Project Development & Cohesive Collections
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, January 17 - March 14
(8 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.
Intro to Digital Drawing
Mondays, January 11 - March 8
(6 Weeks) 4:30 pm - 6:30 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.