About our Programs - FAQ'S
Drawing with an Architects' Eye -
This workshop is about more than just drawing buildings - it’s about learning to see the world differently.
Architects are trained to notice patterns, proportions, and underlying geometry in everyday life. In this workshop, we’ll slow down and practice that kind of seeing - learning how to break complex scenes into simple shapes, lines, and relationships that make them easier to understand and draw. We’ll explore how the built environment is full of visual clues: how objects relate to one another in scale, how lines lead the eye, and how perspective gives depth to what we see. You’ll learn to read these cues and use them to build more confident, structured sketches - whether you're drawing a street corner, a chair, or just a shadow across a wall.
Topics will include:
This isn’t about perfection - it’s about observation, interpretation, and clarity. You'll come away with a new way of seeing the world and the tools to start translating that vision onto paper like an architect does: with purpose, structure, and curiosity.
SUPPLY LIST
is a licensed architect with more than a decade of experience as a designer and project manager in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Maryland. He currently manages historic preservation and state museum projects across the Commonwealth with the Department of General Services in Harrisburg. While he always loved drawing, he found it largely absent from day-to-day architectural practice. In 2021, he launched York Architecture Illustrated - a website and social media platform dedicated to hand-drawn studies of York’s historic buildings - bringing together his professional expertise and passion for visually interpreting the city’s architectural heritage
Website: yorkarchillustrated.com Facebook: York Architecture Illustrated Instagram: @york_arch_illustrated
November 30th | 12-3pm | ALL LEVELS | $40M $45NM
Join Lacey Williams in a welcoming space where gentle movement, meditation and creativity come together.
In this workshop, we’ll start with a short meditation, enjoy a beginner-friendly yoga flow, and then set an intention and express it through creating an acrylic painting. No experience needed, just bring your curiosity and an open heart.
What to Bring:
Yoga mat
Acrylic painting supplies (any materials you have and are comfortable using, a smaller canvas is recommended)
Comfortable clothing suitable for both yoga and painting
Painting supplies can be made available for those who don’t have any, please contact the YAA in advance if you’ll need them.
12/1-12/3 | 9:30-4pm | INTERMEDIATE | $225M/$250 NM
In this workshop, the focus is on figurative and animal subjects, exploring essential aspects such as power through design, paint application, the significance of light, mystery, and embracing the beauty of mistakes. Lynne introduces the use of white acrylic to enhance details, provides techniques for crafting realistic skin tones, and guides you in combining elements of abstraction and realism in your watercolor paintings.
Lynne offers personalized one-on-one sessions, addressing individual needs, and presents demonstrations tailored to each student's requests for a truly enriching artistic experience.
Join us for an immersive journey where creativity flourishes under Lynne's expert guidance.
What to expect if you are new to this workshop:
SUPPLY LIST:
5H Pencil
Windsor Newton Brushes: Flats: ½”, ¾”, 1” - Series 295, Small Rounds: 1 and 2 - Series 101, Rigger #3
Arches 300lb Hot Press Paper (Lynne will have 22x30 on hand to purchase at a cost of $22 per sheet payable to the instructor – if needed) subject to change
Paint: Liquitex Heavy Body Titanium White Acrylic
Watercolor (It is not necessary to purchase every color listed below, but these are my favorites)
Winsor Newton Professional Watercolors: Davies Grey, Opera Rose, Indian Yellow, Cobalt Turquoise Light, Quinacridone Gold, Permanent Carmine, Indigo, Van Dyke Brown, Permanent Sap Green, Raw Siena, Cobalt Blue
Rembrandt Watercolors: Alizarin Crimson, Bluish Green, Quinacridone Rust, Sap Green, Van Dyke Yellow, Cobalt Blue, Indigo Blue
Colors from either brand above: Cadmium Yellow
M. Graham Paint:
Any Quinacridone color - My favorite “quin” colors are:
Quinacridone Rust, Quinacridone Gold
*Bring a Sweater (Instructor prefers a cool room)
Pack a Lunch!
Art Supply Catalogs and Online Supplies
www.jerrysartarama.com 1-800-827-8478
www.dickblick.com 1-800-933-2542
www.cheapjoes.com 1-800-227-2788
LYNNE YANCHA A.W.S. has received national recognition for her luminous watercolors: beautiful paintings of children, animals, still-life, and landscapes. Yancha’s sensitivity to her subjects, superb drawing, painting, and timeless realism is captivating.
Lynne resides in Mifflinburg, PA and has been conducting watercolor workshops at YAA for years. Her three day workshops are always well attended, inspirational and a good time.
https:/lynneyancha.com/
"I always begin my work with musings. I am not sure that the work is so different from years past… what I am sure of is that I am different. I use the same techniques as always in a layered, lost and found way. My media continues to be mixed: watercolor, white acrylic, ink, lead and colored pencils. I like contrast, edge-to-edge interest, and a story: yours and mine. Mostly, I am absolutely in love with the mystery of inspiration and how it affects the process. I have a painting that is entirely different from the image with which I began. It tells its own story!" - Lynne
FRIDAY (12/5) 11-3pm | All Levels | $100M / $125NM
In this workshop, students will explore the exciting process of creating small mixed media works of art. Using a variety of materials such as collage papers, acrylic paints, and other creative tools, participants will learn to combine textures and techniques to produce unique, personalized pieces. These projects are perfect for gift-giving or adding a special touch to your home. With all-new lessons designed for artists of any level, you'll gain fresh insights into mixed media while experimenting with different approaches. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this workshop offers something for everyone to enjoy and expand their creative skills.
SUE MARRAZZO, ISAP, NCS, ISEA is an award-winning experimental artist who works in collage, mixed media, acrylic, sculpture, and encaustic painting. Sue's art tends to be influenced by fashion, interior design, and art history. She believes, "Art is about learning to see." Sue's strengths as an artist are with color theory and composition. She describes her art as : "BOLD, COLORFUL, EXPERIMENTAL, and INDIVIDUALISTIC."
Sue Marrazzo has exhibited in numerous local, regional, national and international juried shows, and exhibits. She currently teaches collage, abstract painting and experimental mixed media.
https://www.facebook.com/SueMarrazzoArt
SATURDAY DECEMBER 6TH | 9am-4pm | $150M $175NM
This beginner-friendly workshop introduces the process of observing, measuring, composing, blocking, and rendering portrait drawings or paintings from observation. Principles covered in this workshop include color theory, tonal development, and form resolution utilizing the media of the student’s choice.
Agenda
9 AM to Noon Introduction, demonstration, student set-up with model
Noon to 1 PM Lunch
1 PM to 4 PM Painting or drawing from the model, group critique
Equipment & Supplies
Students are welcome to bring the drawing or painting media of their choice.
Some recommended drawing and painting equipment includes:
• Charcoal: soft vine & compressed
• Graphite pencils: 4B, 3B, 2B
• Kneaded eraser
• Brushes of various sizes (fans, rounds, flats)
• Oil painting mediums: linseed oil, odorless mineral spirits
• Acrylic/ watercolor or oil paint: Titanium White, Chinese Vermilion or English Red,
Mars Black, Yellow Ochre
• Palette (wood or tear-away is acceptable)
• Palette knife
• Rags and/or paper towels
• Paper: student grade drawing paper, 16x20” or 18x24” pad
• Acrylic primed canvas or pre-primed canvas board (Recommended size: 16x20” or
18x24”)
About
Robert Dale Williams studied classical drawing and painting techniques at the New York Academy of Art Graduate School of Figurative Art. Following graduation from the Academy in 2004, he furthered his studies under Odd Nerdrum during three summer residencies in Norway. A guest lecturer at the Susquehanna Art Museum and Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, Williams joined the Continuing Studies faculty at the New York Academy of Art in 2022, drawing from his extensive experience as an instructor of drawing, painting, anatomy, and design courses at six art institutions. Featured in collections worldwide, he has exhibited in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, France, Germany, Great Britain, Spain, and Norway.
*Price of workshop includes rate for Live Model
If you have taken Ann Benton Yeager's basic acrylic pour class or have poured on your own, now it's time to dive into her Advanced Acrylic Pour Class and learn how to pour more difficult, but insanely fun, techniques. Ann will demo two different techniques on a large (16”x20”) stretched canvas, and you can decide which one you want to do.
All supplies are provided, and there will be more color usage in this advanced class than the basic class.
SUPPLIES: $25 mandatory supply fee due to the instructor on the day of the class.
You can see more of Ann Benton Yeager’s work at www.annbentonart.com or check out her work in Studio #103 on the first floor of The Millworks in midtown Harrisburg or in her new studio at the Lancaster Art Vault in downtown Lancaster. If you have any questions regarding this class, please feel free to call The York Art Association 717-755-0028 or Ann (717) 343-5077.
MONDAYS** | 1-4pm | ALL LEVELS | $175M/$200NM
Registration Closes 12/29/2025
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.
**Classes will still be held as usual on MLK day and Presidents day (1/19, 2/17). YAA offices will be closed
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.
ANITA WILLIAMS grew up in on the New Jersey shore. She met her husband while living as a young adult in Philadelphia and moved to York County in 1984. She earned her Bachelors in Art Education at Millersville University. Anita taught Art at Spring Grove Area School District for 15 years. While teaching, Anita earned an M.S. in Education from Wilkes University and an MFA in Visual Arts from Wilson College in 2017. She retired from public school teaching in 2019 and has been painting in her studio above the Handsome Cab restaurant in York and currently teaches painting at the York Art Association and the Adams County Arts Council.
Anita has participated in many juried exhibitions and won several awards. In 2020 she won an “Award of Excellence” for the Healing Power of Art from Manhattan Arts International. She also won “Best of Show” at the Yorkfest Adult Juried Exhibition.
https://anitawilliams-art.com
"I have always found inspiration in nature, movement and color. Whether it is in the trees, flowers, waterways or twisting vines, I hope to transfer that magic and beauty to my audience through my paintings." -Anita
MONDAYS | 6 - 8 pm | BEGINNER | $140M/$160NM
Registration Closes 12/29/25
Have you ever looked at a beautiful drawing and wished you were born with the talent to do that? Do you believe drawing well is only for the few who are naturally gifted? Think again! It is a skill that can be developed and mastered with practice and patience! You can learn by training your eyes to see like an artist and then your hands to execute what you see. In this course, students will work at their own pace using tried and true methods demonstrated in class. Learn about proportions, value and perspective by using tools such as grids and sight-size to help you improve your drawing skills. This class is designed for young artists as well as late bloomers - so parents (or grandparents) and kids 12 and up can learn side-by-side!
SUPPLY LIST: Good quality 9x12 sketchbook (or larger), set of drawing graphite pencils, and a kneaded eraser (suggested, but not required: Tombow mono zero eraser, proportional scale divider)
TUESDAY | 6-9PM | Beginner-Intermediate | $120M/$140NM
Registration Closes 12/30/26
Starting with basic info on the Watercolor media, including materials, this class will experiment with hands-on techniques in brush control, learn how to mix paint and water, when it’s best to paint each part, and where to paint. While following Jim’s step-by-step demonstrations each week, we will paint together using the same reference image. If we don’t finish our painting in class, we will finish it at home before the next class.
Providing a framework for successful watercolor painting, Jim will explain and demonstrate the 3-Value Method. Over the 8 weeks, we will cover how to paint in aerial perspective, create sound compositions, create a focus, create atmosphere and mood, paint around negative shapes, layer colors, use Wet-on-Wet techniques, add textures, and paint specific subjects such as trees, rocks, water, and people/portraits.
From the 2nd week forward, when we meet, we will do a show-and-tell (like you did in Primary School) to talk about what we painted.
I hope you join us!
Supply List:
1. Watercolor Pads or Block Paper- look for 100% cotton rag paper- 9”x12” or larger
2. Brushes
3. Kneaded Eraser
4. 2B Pencils or Lead Holder Pencil
5. Covered Watercolor Palette
6. Paper Towel Roll
7. Water Containers
8. Watercolor Paints in Tubes (15 ml size)
List of recommended tube colors
· Burnt Umber · Raw Umber · New Gamboge Yellow or Gamboge Yellow · Ultramarine Blue · Quinacridone Rose · Cobalt Blue · Cobalt Turquoise · Cerulean Blue · Vermillion · Burnt Sienna · Raw Sienna · Lemon Yellow or Hansa Yellow · Hookers Green · Payne’s Gray · Gray Neutral Tint · Yellow Ochre · Quinacridone Magenta · Sap Green
A COMPREHENSIVE LIST CAN BE FOUND HERE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS AND ALTERNATIVES.
JIM STARR - Supply List Watercolor Fundamentals and the 3 Value Method.pdf
THURSDAYS | 9:30-12:30pm | ALL LEVELS | $175M $200 NM
Registration Closes 1/1/25
Nurture your artistic journey by carving out dedicated time to create –whether you're a newbie or sustaining a long-held passion, this class provides a structured space to prioritize your creativity and connect with fellow artists who understand the challenge of balancing art with daily life. In this supportive community, you'll find both the motivation and accountability to maintain your practice, working at your own pace on personally meaningful projects while benefiting from thoughtful feedback and shared experiences. Let this be your permission to finally make art a regular part of your life, surrounded by others who share your creative aspirations.
SUPPLY LIST: Bring the supplies you have or are currently working with.
CHRIS GOLD, from York, PA, started painting later in life. Her informal art education was gained by taking regional professionals’ workshops and classes.
Gold’s painting journey began in her mid-50’s with oils painting after the memory of watching her father paint in the same medium when she was a child. Now her chosen medium, she loves how they allow flexibility to change a work, bringing her aesthetic to completion. Painting has become a better vehicle to express her appreciation of the strength God gives and Nature’s abundant beauty.
Gold classifies herself as a representational painter, leaning into Impressionism. Now a retired women's health nurse practitioner, she has more time to devote to the canvas. This artist’s creations can be seen in area galleries, as well as online social media. Her first oil painting exhibition prize was awarded in 2015. In 2022 her art was awarded best of show in a regional exhibit. Her creations have been accepted into juried exhibits through the York Art Association and shows at the York Jewish Community Center, along with other area venues. Gold is a member of Creative York and is a juried member of the Oil Painters of America. She also serves as the Gallery committee’s chairperson and is a member of the Board of Directors for the York Art Association.
THURSDAYS | 1-4pm | Intermediate | $175M/$200NM
Registration Closes 1/1/2026
Ready to loosen up, trust your instincts, and find the joy in making art? This class is about more than technique, it's about discovering your own voice in pastel and learning to see with intention. Bring your curiosity, your photos, and a willingness to experiment.
Some experience with pastels is required.
This class will focus on 5 elements:
We will be working from our own reference photos of landscapes with a good contrast of lights and darks. They can also contain people in them. We’ll learn to only use the photo as a starting point and how to edit and change the composition as need be. If the class chooses, we will also delve into still life to improve our drawing skills.
1. Set of pastels of full color and value range (light to dark) of no less that 18 sticks.2. 5 or 6 Nupastels in neutral colors and grays 3. Small 5.5 x 8.5 sketch book with toned gray or tan paper. (Strathmore is fine) 4.Drawing board or black gator board. 18 x 18 is a nice size. 5. Pastel boards or various sheets of pastel paper that can be brushed with wet medium without buckling, such as UArt or PasterMat. Sizes 9 x 12, 11 x 14, or 12 x 16. 6. Various landscape photos with good contrast of darks and lights. These should ideally be photos you have taken yourself. 7. Soft vine charcoal; 2 or 3 graphite pencils in the B range 8. Kneaded eraser 9. White artist tape or good masking tape 10. Wet wipes, paper towels, latex gloves (optional) 11. Isopropyl alcohol, a few old stiff bristled brushes of different sizes
1. Set of pastels of full color and value range (light to dark) of no less that 18 sticks.
KIM STONE’s 45-year career as a graphic designer and illustrator started out in advertising in Wilmington, DE, and eventually moved to publication with the PHMC, as art director of Pennsylvania Heritage Magazine. She attended Wesley College as an Education major and graduated from York Academy of Art, majoring in Illustration. Kim also studied under Richard McKinley, Liz Haywood-Sullivan and Tony Allain. Kim is a past instructor in portraiture and pastel painting at the Art Association of Harrisburg. She is past president of the Maryland Pastel Society, a member of the Pastel Society of America, the Philadelphia Pastel Society and the Susquehanna Plein Air Painters. Kim presently teaches drawing workshops at Carlisle Arts Learning Center, Carlisle. Her work is represented at the Village Artisans gallery in Boiling Springs, PA. "Drawing was my first love in graphite and charcoal. When I discovered soft pastels in art school, I fell in love with the ability to draw with them. Later, I learned how to paint with the medium. I'm pleased with the variety of brands, versatility and pure rich color." -Kim Visit her website at: kimlackeystone.com
THURSDAYS | 6:00-8:30 pm | Beginner | $120M/$135NM | Ages 16+
Registration Closes 1/1/26
We will begin the class with a historical overview of Japanese Anime, setting the tone for understanding the genre. Next we cover how to draw the face and head, how to visually communicate emotions and how to draw bodies. This class will teach students how to draw chibi, mecha, fantasy creatures and our favorite Anime characters. This is a basic drawing class that explores materials, types of surfaces and techniques as well. Positive attitude, willingness to learn and love of Anime welcomed!
Supplies: Included.
About the Instructor:
BRAD GEBHART is an award winning artist with art in galleries, museums and private collections around the world. Brad graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the College of William and Mary, studied graphic design at the Maryland College of Art and Design and began his Master’s degree at Arizona State University. He currently serves on the Board of the Art Association of Harrisburg, is the editorial cartoonist for The Central Voice and The Burg magazines and entertains and delights at events as a caricaturist.
He has been teaching art classes for over 25 years. His classes have included Japanese Anime, Acrylic, Superheroes, Political cartooning, Drawing from the Right Side of the Brain, Caricaturing and more at the Mechanicsburg Art Center, Learning Annex, Northampton Community College, Lancaster Art Association and Art Association of Harrisburg.
FRIDAYS |10am-12pm | BEGINNER | $100M/$125NM |
Registration Closes 1/2/26
*Sibling discount offered see details below before registration
Young artists will learn basic techniques in 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.
All supplies provided.
*If you select the Sibling Discount ticket type (for either Members or Non-Members), you will be prompted to register a guest. This is where you will enter the sibling's information and the discounted rate will be added to your total.
YESENIA "JESSIE" GROFT began her artistic journey as a child, often drawing alongside her father as he created beautiful oil paintings. Her love for painting was rekindled several years ago while attending a paint night with friends.
What began as a simple hobby developed into a motivating passion. As an artist, Jessie continues to hone in her style and technique. She learned techniques through tried and true methods, such as the Charles Bargue drawing course and sight-size.
As an instructor, she seeks to enthusiastically share her heartfelt belief that we all can learn to draw and paint to some degree – it just takes time to patiently learn and practice. She teaches her students to be willing to try new things and not to fear failure.
Her favorite mediums are charcoal on paper and acrylic on stretched or wooden canvas. She is a proud member of the York Art Association where she teaches youth classes.
SATURDAYS | 10 - 12 pm | BEGINNER | $100M/$125NM
Registration Closes 1/3/26
Young artists will learn basic techniques in drawing and painting, and explore new methods in their art journals, before applying that method on a drawing or painting. Each session will introduce techniques to help build skills and confidence. Step-by-step instructions and demonstrations will guide your budding artist along.
SUE MILLER began drawing at a young age, around 7 years old. She would often draw animals, plants, and trees around her house to share with her parents and grandparents. She was mesmerized by the famous artists' works found in books and on TV, admiring the “great masters.”
Sue continued to grow and learn art forms at York College of PA, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree. As an artist, she continues to learn techniques from other artists such as David J. Rogers, Bianca Rosen, and Bradley Hendershot, who have influenced the shaping of her own unique style. Her goal is to share her enthusiasm and joy for the arts while encouraging students to learn something new every day. She believes that all students are capable of learning to draw and paint with patience and practice. She is a proud member of the York Art Association.
SATURDAYS | 1- 3 pm | BEGINNER | $100M/$125NM
*If you select the Sibling Discount ticket type (for either Members or Non-Members), you will be prompted to register a guest. This is where you will enter the sibling's information and the discounted rate will be added to your total
Tuesdays | 9:30-12:30 | Beginner | $150M $175NM
Registration Closes 1/6/2026
This 6 week course, taught by Emily Frey, will focus on beginner level students. Each week we will explore various concepts and techniques to develop skill and confidence in new painters. Instruction will include, demonstrations and photo reference of a variety of subjects. Experienced students are welcome to work on personal watercolor projects if they prefer. Students will have finished work to take home at the end of class
Materials List
If you are brand new to watercolor here is an affordable kit to get you started. Many of the items on this list are included in the kit.
* Watercolor paper is not included. Please see the recommended paper below
Experienced students bring your usual paints and brushes etc.
OR recommended individual colors - I like Daniel Smith tubes
Burnt Umber, Raw Umber, Burnt Sienna, Raw Sienna, New Gamboge Yellow (Gamboge Yellow), Lemon Yellow, (or Hansa Yellow) Yellow Ochre, Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue, Cerulean Blue, Cobalt Turquoise, Vermillion, Quinacridone Rose, Quinacridone Magenta, Hookers Green, Sap Green, Paynes Gray, Gray Neutral Tint
Tuesdays | 1-4pm | Intermediate | $150M $175NM
This 6 week course, taught by Emily Frey, is designed for the intermediate and experienced watercolor students but beginners are welcome. Each week we will explore various concepts and techniques to develop skill and confidence in new painters. Instruction will include, demonstrations and photo reference of a variety of subjects. Experienced students are welcome to work on personal watercolor projects if they prefer. Students will have finished work to take home at the end of class
WEDNESDAYS | 6-8:30PM | Beginner | $150M/$175NM
Registration Closes 1/7/26
Come and learn the world of charcoal, from capturing form in still life to creating vibrant portraits. Charcoal is an exciting dynamic medium, allowing for large, loose mark-making and precise gradients and line work. We will explore a variety of charcoal marking and erasing techniques, including charcoal sticks, rubbing and blending. brushing loose charcoal dust, and lifting from the page with erasers, hands, and towels.
- Capturing basic shadow and light shapes.
- Describing form through shadow and gradient
- Techniques for drawing loosely and dynamically
Material List
Vine charcoal sticks
Compressed charcoal sticks
Kneaded rubber eraser
Hard rubber eraser
18 x 24 pad of drawing or charcoal paper
Blending stumps
York Art Association
717-755-0028
office@yorkartassociation.org