Explore the art of portrait painting in this in-depth, multi-week course designed to guide you from foundational techniques to more advanced skills. Learn how to simplify complex forms into approachable shapes and develop a deeper understanding of facial anatomy and structure. Working from a live model, you'll practice imprimatura (underpainting), refine your color mixing abilities, and master the role of light and value to create depth and realism in your work. Step by step, you’ll build confidence in your process while discovering your personal approach to expressive, lifelike portraits. Whether you're expanding your skills or diving into portraiture for the first time, this course offers a supportive environment for growth and creative exploration. 

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!

Discover the expressive potential of pastels in this 5-week studio course. Start with foundational techniques through still life studies, focusing on application methods, understanding light and shadow, and exploring color blending. Build your confidence in observing and interpreting form, surface, and atmosphere, while developing your own artistic voice with this versatile medium. Whether you're new to pastels or looking to refine your skills, this class offers a supportive space to experiment and grow.

Click HERE to see the materials list for this course

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support the mission of HYS

Draw what you see by learning to see what you draw. Learn visual techniques that make drawing rewarding and fun. Discover ways to draw by establishing the underling structure from a variety of still life objects. Focus on drawing a new, uncluttered still life each week using graphite, charcoal, or the drawing material of your choice. Get individual encouragement and support as you progress at your own pace, with instructor demonstrations to guide you through techniques and materials. A materials list is provided.

Click HERE for a materials list for this class

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!

Enjoy the beauty of spring in the vicinity of Chester Springs as we explore and express the landscape in oil paint. In this class, learn visual skills to compose a strong composition to create space and mix colors. Sky, clouds and atmosphere and their effect on the landscape will be the core of the class. Drawing with the brush will be emphasized to develop brushwork techniques and skills. Demonstrations will be conducted in simplifying and blocking in the painting with bold brush strokes and color mixing. 

Click HERE for a materials list for this class! 

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!

This class presents the opportunity to draw, paint or sculpt from the human figure without formal instruction. Students may pre-register for a 5 or 10-week class card. Cards are good for one year from date of purchase. They may be used during any semester until the expiration date. $243.00 member price for 10 weeks. Drop-ins are welcome at $27 member and $30 non-member per class and must pay the monitor at the beginning of each class.

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!

Unlock the secrets of abstract and expressionistic painting with EO Omwake's tailored classes, designed to cater to each student's unique preferences. Dive into the essence of creativity, regardless of your painting experience, and learn foundational and advanced skills in the historic Chester Springs Fine Art Studio. Join a community of artists of all levels, working together to explore the nuts and bolts of painting, receiving personalized guidance from EO Omwake, and culminating in a valuable end-of-class critique. Elevate your artistry and enrich lives through your creations – take the plunge and enroll now to unleash your creative potential!

click HERE for a materials list for this course!

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!

Over four, two-hour classes you will build on the information learned in the Zentangle Basics class. Tangle Time expands your knowledge of “tangles” while exploring techniques that allow you to push your creativity to new heights. In each class you will expand your tangling techniques and add to your knowledge of tangles (patterns) Take your Zentangle journey ahead of basics to a level where you can create your own patterns in a fun and enjoyable way.Supplies: There will be a one-time supply fee of $12 payable to the instructor at time of first class if you do not have the basic Zentangle kit.

*It is recommended but not necessary that you take a basic Zentangle class first.

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!

Students in Magic of Abstraction will learn to experiment with concepts and ideas relating to color, depth, perception and space. Working with your medium of choice, participants will learn to break down elements of abstraction including composition and rhythm, texture, movement, and balance. 

Students may be encouraged to work outside of their comfort zone at times, or experiment freely with new techniques with the intention of broadening knowledge of the materials (increased familiarity with various mediums can provide for more spontaneity and freedom when painting abstractly). From the Bauhaus to Basquiat, and from minimalism to surrealism, participants will review and analyze abstraction throughout history and begin to understand the choices and reasons behind painting “outside of the lines.” 

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!