About our Programs - FAQ'S
MONDAYS | 1-4pm | ALL LEVELS | $175M/$200NM
Learn to express yourself in this painting class structured for all levels of artists! The instructor will review basic painting techniques as well as help you to explore your painting style. More experienced artists will benefit through the weekly presentations and discussions on seeing beyond the photographic reference.
SUPPLY LIST: BRING THE MATERIALS YOU HAVE ON HAND.
The following are my recommended materials. You may choose to work in oil or acrylic paint. Bring Painting Supports for class (Canvas, canvas board, gessoed watercolor paper). Please use at least a 11x14 canvas. Instructor has a few available. Palette can be paper, Plexiglass or Wood to organize paints. I like the Masterson covered palette system. Any brand of paint is acceptable. (Student grade to professional grade depending on your experience and budget)
Colors Suggested: Ultramarine blue, Pthalo blue, Sap green, Cadmium yellow medium, Cadmium red light, Dioxazine Purple, Alizarin Crimson, Titanium white, Burnt sienna. (Different brands have different spellings)
Optional Colors: Thio Violet (Grumbacher), Brilliant Yellow Light (Richeson), Naples Yellow, Indian Yellow, Burnt Umber, Radiant violet, Radiant Pink, Radiant blue.
Brushes: Bring a selection of bristle brushes including Flat, round, filberts. Synthetic mongoose brushes are ideal (I like Monarchs by Winsor & Newton). Sizes 2-12. Always start with larger brushes.
Have one or two Palette knives to move and mix paint. Mediums and Containers: I use Liquin, Galkyd Gel or Gamsol Odorless thinner for oils. Avoid harsh chemical turpentine. Water can be used for Acrylic or Acrylic matte or gloss mediums, paint retarder or extender. Empty cat food and tuna fish cans work well to hold mediums. Bring plenty of Rags or paper towels. Brush cleaner is recommended– I use Dawn dish detergent and the Masters Brush soap.
Miscellaneous: Bag to hold supplies, Jars or vases to hold brushes. Apron or painting shirt. Reference Photos: You may print your own photos, copyright free photo references or use an I-pad.
TUESDAYS | 9-12pm | BEGINNER | $150M/$175NM
During this 6 week class you will learn watercolor painting with fun and easy techniques designed to let students paint any subject with confidence, from beginners up. We will cover basic color theory and explore various techniques in our weekly lessons. Instructions will include demonstrations and individual attention to improve your painting skills.
SUPPLY LIST:
Bring what supplies you have for evaluation, and we'll do a group order once or twice during class if you need supplies. I'll supply any materials you may need for the first class or two.
Paper - arches 140 lb. cold pressed or your choice (invest in best quality paper!!)
Brushes - a soft wash brush and a size 6 round for detail, size 10 round optional.
Palette - any palette is fine
Misc. –
Paper towels, masking tape, water bowl (YAA has extras),
Pencil,
Graphite paper (will supply this or make it during the first class),
Rigid backing board slightly larger than your paper (we'll have cardboard in class),
Optional
Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser,
salt, scraper
credit card cut in half diagonally
small piece of natural sponge
TUESDAYS | 1-4pm | INTERMEDIATE | $150M/$175NM
Learn while you paint during this 6 week course! Intermediate to advanced artists will learn how to get the most impact (through painting techniques and materials) to achieve watercolor realism. Start with a reference photo or outline page to trace, or draw. Then follow along step by step demonstrations while learning about the best materials and techniques to achieve glowing watercolor realism. Or bring your own work to receive help with that in this friendly and flexible class. One on one critiques will keep you moving forward wherever you are on your artistic journey.
SUPPLY LIST: Bring the supplies you have.
TUESDAYS | 6-9pm | ALL LEVELS | $175M/$200NM
Join us for an 8-week watercolor course designed for beginners and those looking to enhance their skills and develop their unique style. We will start with the fundamentals, including the 3-Value Method. Each week, we will paint together using the same reference image, following step-by-step demonstrations.
Course topics will include:
- Composition
- Atmosphere and Mood
- Negative Shapes
- Grays and Colors
- Layering with Glazes
- Wet on Wet Techniques
- Experimental Techniques
- People and Portraits
- Trees, Rocks, Water, and more!
Students will be encouraged to share their work throughout the course for constructive feedback and encouragement.
Please bring the following materials to the first class:
- Watercolor tube paints (preferably Daniel Smith)
- A set of squirrel hair brushes
- A 12" x 16" covered plastic palette with several large mixing areas
- Paper towels
- A good-quality 9" x 12" cold-press watercolor paper pad or block (e.g., Arches, Saunders Waterford, or Baohong)
- 2 plastic containers to hold water
A detailed list of "recommended supplies" with purchase links can be found HERE.
If you have any questions, please contact Jim Starr at jim@jimstarr.com.
WEDNESDAYS| 6-8pm | BEGINNING | $150M/$175NM
Want to learn the basics of acrylic painting? This class is for you! We will explore color mixing, types of brushes and how to use them, mediums and so much more! Join us for a stress-free, fun and friendly class with an experienced professor.
SUPPLY LIST: YAA has everything EXCEPT for your painting surface, (paper, canvas, board, panel) You are free to bring all of your own supplies.
**Painting Surfaces (Not Supplied)
YAA Supply: Acrylic Paints (5-8 colors) Paint Brushes (variety) Palette Easel Water Cup Rags Pencil/Eraser
THURSDAYS | 9:30-12:30pm | ALL LEVELS | $150M/$175NMWhether you are looking to explore a creative outlet for the first time, hone your skills, or find a community that shares your artistic interests, this class is for you. Join us as we work independently on projects of our own choosing with feedback from the instructor and each other in a relaxed group setting.
THURSDAYS | 1-4pm | INTERMEDIATE | $175M/$200NM
This class will focus on 5 elements of working in soft pastels:
1. Underpainting techniques add depth and richness to a composition. 2. Learning to play and experiment using thumbnail sketches and small formats to visualize a plan for your piece. 3. Recognizing values and simplifying shapes to say just enough to tell the story. 4. Mark making: How you apply the pastel to the paper is a skill unto itself and an important stylistic choice. 5. Learning to use a color wheel for blending and creating cohesiveness in your work.
1. Underpainting techniques add depth and richness to a composition.
2. Learning to play and experiment using thumbnail sketches and small formats to visualize a plan for your piece.
3. Recognizing values and simplifying shapes to say just enough to tell the story.
4. Mark making: How you apply the pastel to the paper is a skill unto itself and an important stylistic choice.
5. Learning to use a color wheel for blending and creating cohesiveness in your work.
We will begin by working from our own reference photos of landscapes, with the addition of memory and emotion.
Set of pastels of full color and value range (light to dark) of no less than 18 sticks.
5 or 6 Nupastels in neutral colors and grays
Small 5.5 x 8.5 sketchbook with toned gray or tan paper. (Strathmore is fine)
Drawing board or black gator board. 18x18 is a nice size.
Pastel boards or various sheets of pastel paper that can be brushed with wet medium without buckling, such as UArt or PasterMat. Sizes 9x12, 11x14, or 12x16.
Various landscape photos with a good contrast of darks and lights. These should ideally be photos you have taken yourself.
Soft vine charcoal; 2 or 3 graphite pencils in the B range
Kneaded eraser
White artist tape or good masking tape
Wet wipes, paper towels, latex gloves (optional)
Isopropyl alcohol 91%, a few old stiff bristled brushes of different sizes
FRIDAYS | 10-12pm | ALL LEVELS | $100M/$125NM
Young artists ages 6-15 will learn basic techniques in realistic drawing and painting. During each session, students will be encouraged to work on a drawing or painting inspired by the style of a famous artist. Step-by-step instruction and demonstration provided to guide your budding artist along.
SUPPLY LIST: Included.
SATURDAYS| 10-12pm | ALL LEVELS | $100M/$125NM
Basic drawing and painting techniques for kids ages 8-12. Each week they will work on fun projects while learning the fundamentals. Kids will have an opportunity to explore different mediums and learn about influential artists as they express their own creativity.
York Art Association
717-755-0028
office@yorkartassociation.org