Adult Classes
Adult Classes and Workshops
Spring 2012 Session
8 Weeks: April 9 - June 3, 2012
There will be no classes on May 26 - 28. Makeups for canceled classes will be held the weeks of June 4, 11 and 18.
Classes limited to 12 students unless otherwise noted.
If you would like to take advantage of the sizeable Member discount on Yard School classes, please sign up for a Montclair Art Museum Membership FIRST, before paying for your Yard School of Art classes.
If you wish to register by mail or fax, please download a registration form.
Learn more about course codes and skill levels required for adult courses.
Search for classes by medium.
In this section you can search classes by medium. For availability and registration, please call 973-259-5139.
Ceramics Drawing Painting Mixed Media Illustration Pastel Printmaking
Materials, glazing and firing included in tuition. Class size limited to 10.
200AC The Wheel Thrown Vessel
Mondays, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
$310 Members, $340 Nonmembers
Don Theiberger
Explore the possibilities of creating beautiful pottery on the wheel. Intended for students who have never used the potter’s wheel, or for those who are continuing to build their basic skills, this course will cover methods of centering clay and throwing bowl and cylinder forms, such as mugs and vases. Students will also learn how to finish their pots using standard decorating and glazing techniques.
101AC On and Off the Wheel
Two Sessions offered:
• Mondays, 7 – 9:30 p.m.
• Tuesdays, 7 – 9:30 p.m.
$310 Members, $340 Nonmembers
Peg Kenselaar
This course will offer a personal, hands-on approach to creating functional and/or decorative clay pieces, using both hand building and wheel throwing techniques that will be glazed and kiln-fired. We will explore the fundamentals of working with the clay itself, necessary tools, surface treatments, and glazing. Possible project ideas and approaches include cups, bowls, vases, tiles, sculptures, the use of molds and stamps, and the use of found objects to create texture. All levels welcome.
100AG Explorations in Glass Fusing and Slumping
Tuesdays, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
$330 Members, $360 Nonmembers
Lisa Westheimer
Discover the unique medium of kiln-fused glass! This course will offer students the opportunity to cut, design and assemble glass to make lasting functional and decorative works of art. Students will learn the basic properties of melting glass in a kiln, as well as mold making for achieving various shapes and functions. Explore possibilities such as fusing found metal objects into glass, pendant making, and learning how to create a cheese platter out of a wine bottle. All levels welcome.
100AC Beginning Pottery
Two sessions offered:
• Wednesdays, 7 – 9:30 p.m.
• Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Evan Wagman
$310 Members, $340 Nonmembers
This hands-on class for clay novices will cover both hand-building and potter’s wheel methods. Learn all about clay forming process and basic glazing techniques. Students will observe instructor demonstrations and receive personalized attention. As always, students will be encouraged to express their individuality while making beautiful pottery in a supportive and lively atmosphere.
300AC Functional Ware
Thursdays, 7 – 9:30 p.m.
$320 Members, $350 Nonmembers
Carla Horowitz
In this class we will discuss where form meets function to create pots that interest and intrigue your creative spirit. The main focus will be on making functional pottery for everyday use. The instructor will help you to learn to make well-balanced pots, on the utilitarian level, both visually and aesthetically. We will discuss how pots have evolved over thousands of years, from early Mesopotamia, to traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, through today's creative yet functional work.
100AD Introduction to Drawing
Mondays, 7 – 9:30 p.m.
$230 Members, $250 Nonmembers
Marion Held
This class is an introduction to the art of drawing for the novice or those wishing to enhance their skills. Students will complete exercises in all aspects of drawing including the expressive line, light, shade and tonal values, and study of structural planes. The class will include three sessions with a model. Course includes an overview of different mediums and papers.
300ALD Life Drawing and Anatomy
Mondays, 7 - 9:30 p.m.
$240 Members, $260 Nonmembers
Julian Tejera
An academic and traditional approach to drawing human anatomy enables students to explore the perceptual elements needed to organize a work of art, including line, structure, value and texture. Exercises are designed to help students develop a deeper understanding of the human form. Individual instruction is stressed, and students of all levels are welcome.
200ALD Drawing Doubles
Wednesdays, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
$330 Members, $350 Nonmembers
John Atura
This course will feature two models posing together for each class, using both short and long poses, allowing students to experiment with the unique compositional options that occur when there are two models present. For those who wish to push the duality further, this course provides the opportunity to explore the narrative that unfolds when there is more than one subject. A spirit of experimentation and risk is encouraged.
300TLD Life Drawing
Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
$245 Members, $275 Nonmembers
John Atura
This course provides an opportunity for older teens and adults to work directly from the figure to explore sketching the human form and anatomy. It is especially useful for students 16 and older who need life drawing experience not provided in the high school art curriculum. Working from the nude model, a classical approach provides the basis for understanding the relationship of form and technique. Students will draw with charcoal, pencil and a variety of other mediums.
300APL Landscape Oil Painting
Two classes offered:
• Mondays, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
$240 Members, $270 Nonmembers
Gary Godbee
This course is for the intermediate student who wishes to learn techniques of landscape painting with oils. Emphasis is placed on the atmospheric effects of light and shade, tonal values, and the process of uniting these elements into a balanced composition. Students can use reference materials such as photographs or take subject matter directly from nature. Individual attention will be provided, allowing each person to express his/her own unique style.
304AP Alla Prima: Direct Painting
Mondays, 1:30 – 4 p.m.
$240 Members, $260 Nonmembers
Julian Tejera
Quick, gestural, and full of vibrant energy, Alla Prima captures the essence of the subject matter with just a few well-placed strokes. Though a seasoned artist can make it look easy, it requires a confidence that can only be achieved with many years of practice, trial, and error. For students working in oil and/or acrylic paint, this class will provide the building blocks allowing students to paint with bravura! Technical issues such as drawing, value modeling, and color choice will be discussed in detail as we work towards realizing multiple paintings with this refreshingly liberating approach. Model fees included for three sessions.
200AP Introduction to Painting
Mondays, 7 – 9:30 p.m.
$230 Members, $260 Nonmembers
Suzanne Baron
Learn the techniques of oil and acrylic painting in a fun, hands-on environment. This course is designed for the beginner or intermediate student who would like to brush-up on the basics. This class will cover how to choose the right materials, as well as learn the basics of color theory and composition so you can create a painting. Work in a supportive atmosphere that develops a personal statement. Model fees included for three sessions.
300AP Oil Painting Techniques
Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. – noon
$230 Members, $260 Nonmembers
Julian Tejera
There is no comparison to the lush, vibrant colors and forgiving workability that is inherent in painting with oils. This course will set students on the right path to understanding why masters, old and contemporary, prefer oil paints for their major and smaller works. Starting with a series of monochromatic exercises using still life, students will gain a strong foundation in drawing and judging values, working their way up to a limited color palette. In this systematic approach students will learn the handling properties of oils, as well as not to be intimidated by color as they progress in their training.
500AA Path to Abstraction
Tuesdays, 1 – 4 p.m.
$240 Members, $270 nonmembers
Pat Butynski
This course is for the intermediate and advanced student of drawing and/or painting who is interested in learning how to work toward creating non-objective art. Explore how to create an abstraction from specific subject matter. Students will learn to disregard a traditional subject and make the elements of design the subject, inspired by personal expression. Abstraction can be achieved through the unification of the elements of form, color, and composition, an open mind, and a sense of adventure!
400AP Intermediate Painting
Tuesdays, 7 – 9:30 p.m.
$230 Members, $260 Nonmembers
Janet Boltax
Using the figure, still life and independent projects, students will learn helpful new techniques to facilitate their knowledge of composition, value and color—the foundations of successful painting of any kind. Emphasis will be placed on subtleties of color, value and brushwork to promote one’s growth as a painter. Students will be encouraged to develop their own personal vision within a framework of time-tested principles. Each week, the work of an old master or contemporary painter will be briefly introduced as it relates to painting within the classroom. Students taking this class should have some drawings skills and experience with either oil or acrylic paint. Model fees included for three sessions.
300API Painting and Drawing: Two Dimensional Art
Tuesdays, 7 – 9:30 p.m.
$230 Members, $260 Nonmembers
Robert Kogge
This class welcomes beginners and advanced students to work in any two dimensional medium and style that best suits their personal vision. To whatever form a student chooses, the task of balancing elements such as color, form, harmony, line, mass, pattern, rhythm, shape, space, texture, tone, value, and volume will be addressed. Whether it is traditional or experimental, how one creates will be regarded with heightened importance in relation to what one creates. Students may use reference materials such as photographs or take their subject matter directly from nature. Individual attention and guidance will be provided to all.
301AP Genre Painting, Drawing, and Composition
Wednesdays, 1 – 4 p.m.
$245 Members, $275 Nonmembers
Alex Piccirillo
An intense course in painting and drawing, with emphasis on composing the figure in a natural environment. Light and shadow, color and texture will be explored in developing the pictorial image. Each pose will last three to four weeks, depending on its complexity. Any medium may be used.
302AP Representational Painting and Drawing
Wednesdays, 7 – 9:30 p.m.
$235 Members, $265 Nonmembers
Julian Tejera
This course teaches realistic portraiture, figure drawing, and painting using charcoal, pastel, and oil paint from direct observation of a live model. Learn to develop the expression and individuality of each model. Problem solving concerning light, dark, shade and color will be emphasized. Open to all levels.
300ADP Drawing Into Painting
Thursdays, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
$235 Members, $275 Nonmembers
John Atura
This class will focus on the process of taking the drawn figurative image and transforming it through painting by using the long pose and direct observation of the figure. By drawing with the intent of making the transition into painting, students will translate values into color while limiting the use of line in favor of analyzing the model in terms of tone, mass and shape. Students will be encouraged to work abstractly toward refining a representational image. Human anatomy and proportion will be addressed with an emphasis on placing it within a strong overall composition. The premise is that improving your drawing will improve your painting.
303AP Portraiture
Two sessions offered:
• Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Thursdays, 1 – 4 p.m.
$245 Members, $275 Nonmembers
Gary Godbee
Learn traditional portraiture with the use of oils, pastels, or charcoal from direct observation of a live model. This course offers a unique study of the structure and proportions of the face. Through demonstrations and individual instruction, each student will achieve an understanding of the head and features, color mixture, tonal values, and composition. All levels welcome.
305APW Watercolor Techniques
Three sessions offered:
• Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. – Noon
• Thursdays, 7 – 9:30 p.m.
• Fridays, 9:30 a.m. – Noon
$230 Members, $260 Nonmembers
Sharon Pitts
Watercolor is a beautiful and versatile medium. This course emphasizes the creative use of the paint and goes beyond the general information found in “how-to” books. Subject matter includes florals, still life, figure, and landscape, both plein air and from photos. We will concentrate on use of the palette, texture, composition, values, design, and color work. Regular demonstrations will give each student a basis for starting their own work and individual attention is provided to encourage each student to find his or her own direction. Students of all levels are welcome.
405APW The World of Watercolor
Fridays, 1:30 – 4 p.m.
$230 Members, $260 Nonmembers
Sharon Pitts
Experience the exciting medium of watercolor in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Work with color, value, composition, and many other techniques to make beautiful and interesting watercolors. With an emphasis on personal creativity, students will be encouraged to express their individuality. Demonstrations of techniques and personal attention will be provided. Students will work from a variety of subject matter including photographs, still life, figure, and landscape. Plein air work when possible.
NEW! 201AP Learning to See: Color Theory for Oil and Acrylic Painting
Wednesdays, 1 - 3:30 p.m.
$230 Members, $260 Nonmembers
Janet Boltax
This class is based on an analytical study of color and value that will help you learn to paint. A number of innovative tools are introduced to assist students in learning to overcome innate barriers to "seeing" correctly. While offering a structured approach to painting, the instructor encourages students to paint in their own style while incorporating basic principles of successful painting.
The Painterly Print: Encaustic and Mixed Media
Mondays, 1 – 4 p.m.
$240 members, $270 Nonmembers
Pamela Moore
Learn the basics of encaustic mono-printing painting, with an emphasis on experimentation and a focus on using the printed element and found objects. Learn how to collage and layer with wax, using its inherent translucency to create works of beautiful richness and depth. Students will work with heat to manipulate the materials and discover how it affects surface and texture. Recycle old drawings, writings, and found objects to give them new meaning in this beautiful and elusive medium. We will construct images to be further developed with hot wax and different substrates. Minimal approaches to wax such as simple dipping will be explored. Griddles are provided. Please see montclairartmuseum.org for a list of additional supplies.
NEW! 200AJ Introduction to Art Journaling
Fridays, 1 - 3:30 p.m.
$230 Members, $250 Nonmembers
Kristine Lombardi
Have you ever thought about keeping a journal, but you are more of a "visual" person? If so, then this is the class for you. Using a variety of mixed media and a basic sketchbook, artists can create one-of-a-kind visual journals to record their creative ideas, travels, experiences and dreams. From collage, doodling, embellishments, lettering and rubber-stamping, students will develop innovative new skills to bring their books to life. The sky is the limit! Collect everyday bits of daily life (tickets, mementos, etc.) to incorporate into your own book. It's a fun, pressure-free way to challenge your creativity.
NEW! 200AI Introduction to Writing and Illustrating Children's Books
Thursdays, 7 - 9:30 p.m.
$230 Members, $250 Nonmembers
Kristine Lombardi
An introductory course to the world of children's books. Students will learn some of the basics of the trade, from story development, character studies, and pagination to creating your own book "dummy", which can be used to pitch story ideas to publishers. Students will be assigned several initial projects to begin understanding the process of sketching, then moving to final color, as well as text placement, and gutter allowance. As the semester progresses, more time will be spent developing the students' individual book ideas and creation of "dummies". Additionally, there will be a discussion on portfolio preparation, submission guidelines, and researching the marketplace.
600APP Independent Study: Pastels Plus
Wednesdays, 9:30 – 12:30 p.m.
$240 Members, $270 Nonmembers
Catherine Kinkade
Learn to render the landscape, with a focus on plein air painting, through sketching and painting with pastel, pen and ink, gouache, and mixed media. Geared towards encouraging artistic growth through course exercises and independent projects, topics covered will include and in-depth study of color theory, developing a simplified palette, personal color schemes, and moving from realism to abstraction. Using group guided explorations, both in the landscape and in the studio, as well as individual and group critiques, students will discover their personal color schemes. An opportunity to work from still life, as well as from a model will be provided. For intermediate and advanced students of pastel.
NEW! 200APP Pastel to Go
Thursdays, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
$240 Members, $270 Nonmembers
Catherine Kinkade
An introductory level class for painting landscape in pastel, this course gives students the tools for addressing an unlimited number of colors with a limited personal palette. Classes will address the basic use of pastel and mixed media, color mixing, composition, hue in the landscape, perspective, and portability. No landscape experience necessary. Classes will be held outdoors at local gardens, weather permitting.
NEW! 201APM Printmaking and the Artist Book
Mondays, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
$240 Members, $270 Nonmembers
Dorothy Cochran
Challenge your artistic muse by combining two related disciplines - printmaking and book arts. Begin your journey with an idea or image that will be utilized in the creation on an accordion book form of your choice. Proceed to select a print method such as linoleum carving, woodcut, or monotype to create your visual image. After inking and printing your pages, embellish with paint, collage, thread, and much more. A unique printed book with visual impact will result, with many surprises along the way. All levels welcome.
200APM Plate, Ink and Paper: An Introduction to Hand Rubbed Prints
Tuesdays, 1 – 4 p.m.
$240 Members, $270 Nonmembers
Dorothy Cochran
Challenge your artistic curiosity by exploring printmaking with bite size experiences. Each class will focus on the “how to” of a print technique including monotype, linoleum, woodcut, collagraph, digital transfer, and trace prints. Plates will be made, inked and printed by hand during each class, creating a portfolio of finished images at class end. Water-based Akua inks and rag papers will be used for all processes. Artists working in other media are welcome, all levels can participate, and returning students are welcome.
101DM Introduction to Web Design with Dreamweaver
Mondays, 7 – 9:30 p.m.
$270 Members $300 Nonmembers
William Sweeney
Learning how to create a great website with this intuitive and straightforward industry standard software. Adobe Dreamweaver allows for the direct creation and editing capabilities of HTML. Students will begin by learning how the web works, web design basics, how to save and size images properly for the internet, use web-safe colors in their design elements, what HTML is, and how to apply the design skills using Adobe Dreamweaver to create and save HTML pages. This course will also cover acquiring an online domain name and site hosting.
102DM Video Composition
Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
$270 Members $300 Nonmembers
Alexis McNutt
This course is designed to demystify the craft of filmmaking and empower students to develop their own distinctive voice and vision using moving images. Through a series of individual projects, the course will focus on the basics of video composition beginning with pre-production (idea conception and story development) to production (cinematography, lighting, and sound recording) to postproduction (editing images and sound). Students should bring their own digital video cameras or camera with video capabilities.
100DM Introduction to Photoshop
Wednesdays, 9:30 – noon
$270 Members $300 Nonmembers
Dan Fenelon
Learn the basic concepts and tools of Photoshop CS5 to manipulate images, create digital art projects, and even restore family pictures. Students will learn color correction, resolution, layering, special effects, and much more. This class emphasizes individualized instruction sensitive to your goals and skill level. Feel free to bring photos to the first class. No prior Photoshop experience required.
NEW! 300DM Intermediate/Advanced Digital Photography
Wednesdays, 7 – 9:30 p.m.
$270 Members $300 Nonmembers
Tony Cuneo
Discover the basics of shooting, manipulating and printing your digital photographs. Students first learn about the settings and functions of their digital cameras, as well as the basic photographic techniques of composition, lighting, contrast, and subject. Each week students will have shooting assignments and review and critique each other’s images. Students will also learn to input and prepare their photographs for printing, digital projection, and the web using Adobe Photoshop CS5. No prior experience of photography or Photoshop required. Students should bring their own digital camera to class (point and shoot or DSLR).
NEW! 301DM Portrait Photography
Tuesdays, 7 – 9:30 p.m.
$270 Members $300 Nonmembers
Ellen Denuto
This course is for students with a specific interest in learning how to photograph people, and a desire to develop an individual style or aesthetic. Learn what defines a portrait, as well as techniques for achieving optimal composition, lighting (both artificial and natural), shooting in the studio and outdoors, camera settings for portraiture, self-portraiture, and more. Students should have a basic knowledge of digital photography. Students should bring their own digital camera (DSLR recommended).
Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator/InDesign Intensive Workshop
Sundays, April 15, 22, and 29
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
$225 Members, $240 Nonmembers
Susan Greenspan
This three-day workshop will cover Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign from the ground up. Students will spend each session getting to know a different program and leave with in-depth knowledge on creating digital media for print and the web. Topics that will be covered include: design media, photo retouching, illustrating, and more.
Spring into Ceramics! Make Your Own Flower Pot
Sunday, April 15
10 a.m. – Noon
$50 Members, $75 Nonmembers
Evan Wagman
Let the beauty and new life of spring inspire you as you create a handmade clay pot for planting flowers. Follow step-by-step instructions to build your own vessel, and design the surface in an expressive and textured style. A great introduction to clay for beginners as well as a creative opportunity for the experienced. Students will select glazes, and return to pick up the fired pots two weeks from the workshop date.
Raku Firing Weekend
Day 1: Saturday, April 21, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Day 2: Sunday, April 22, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
$250 Members, $280 Nonmembers
Lisa Westheimer
Experience the unique raku firing method in an intimate, outdoor setting. In this two-day workshop, students can bring up to 5 small pieces made in advance for glazing and firing. On day 1, we will glaze our pre-made pots. On the second day, we will place the pots in the kiln and watch them fire right before our eyes! Red-hot pots will be placed into reduction cans, then will be water-cooled, producing amazingly lustrous results. Take your work home at the end of the day. Specific clay bodies must be used; a materials list and glazes will be provided. For more information, please visit www.lisagw.com or contact lisa@lisagw.com. Raindate: April 28 – 29.
It’s Your Turn! Introduction to Wheel Throwing
Sunday, April 22
10 a.m. - Noon
$50 Members, $75 Nonmembers
Evan Wagman
This one-day workshop is ideal for a beginner who wants to learn, and/or experiment with throwing pottery on the wheel. Through ample individual attention from the instructor, and as well as demos and discussion, students will learn the steps and techniques of wheel throwing, including centering clay, throwing bowl and vase forms, trimming, etc. Students will select glazes, and return to pick up their fired pots two weeks from the workshop date.
Life Casting 101
Saturday, April 28
1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
$100 Members, $120 Nonmembers
Laura Gravenstine
In this session you will learn about the ancient 3000 year old art of life casting. This class will cover contemporary material options and applications of the process. Students will have a personal experience with the materials and cast their own hands using an alginate mold, create a gypsum positive, and go over chasing and finishing methods for their sculpture. All materials and supplies are included in your tuition. For more information about your instructor, please visit www.gravenstine.com.
The Contemporary Monotype
Sunday, April 29
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
$90 Members, $110 Nonmembers
Dorothy Cochran
Making monotypes requires a balance between technique and expression, with each element complementing the other. In this one-day workshop you will create several “one of a kind” original prints, experimenting with different additive and subtractive techniques. Using non-toxic, water-based inks, we will experiment with painting spontaneously, rolling colors, and drawing directly into the wet ink to create exciting imagery. Class discussion will include the history of monotype, appropriate papers, registration tricks, and layering possibilities. All levels are welcome to experiment with this painterly approach to printmaking. A $25 materials fee is payable to the instructor on the day of class. Please see montclairartmuseum.org for a list of additional supplies.
Get to Know Your DSLR Camera
Saturday, May 19
1 – 5 p.m.
$75 Members, $95 Nonmembers
Tony Cuneo
So you’ve got a new digital camera and you’re having fun with it, but you’d really like to know a bit more about all those dials and settings? You’re wondering what exactly an f-stop is, and could someone please explain why your pictures keep looking kind of orange-ish? This one-day workshop will provide a hands-on opportunity to gain command of the basics (and a bit beyond the basics, too) of camera operation. Bring your camera, a notebook, and your manual, if you have it. We’ll talk about how cameras work in general, your camera in particular, and do some practice shooting so you’ll see how all those buttons and menus actually affect the way your pictures come out.
Chelsea Art Ramble
Saturday, June 2
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
$30 Members, $50 Nonmembers
Martha Kelshaw
Explore the exciting galleries in New York’s Chelsea neighborhood with MAM’s Manager of Public Programs and artist Martha Kelshaw as your guide. View a wide variety of art that will either delight the eye, provoke thought, or both! Tour goers will meet at 11 a.m. at a designated location in Chelsea. We will tour a selection of galleries, stop for a light lunch and a lively discussion of what we’ve seen. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing, appropriate for rain or shine. Lunch fee not included. Meeting location provided at time of registration.
