MON, AUG 25 | 12-3PM | BEGIN | $60M / $65 NM
Do you have trouble cropping or measuring your work for framing? How about choosing mat colors or frame styles to showcase your art?
Spend a few hours to learn how to measure and effectively crop your work, with solid composition principles in mind.
Learn some guidelines to choose mat colors and frame styles to enhance your art. Matboard specifiers will show the wide array of colors available currently. Corner samples will be on hand to demonstrate the effect of various color options. A few frame crops will show different effects with the frame style.
Some simple directions will be printed for you to take home. Also, a list of shops will be shared where you can find supplies such as frames, matboard, glass and more. Each participant will get a Crescent specifier (a pamphlet showing samples of matboard colors.)
Using a mat cutter will be demonstrated. If you have a piece of scrap matboard, bring it along to try your hand.
Note: Please realize that mat cutting is not a perfect craft and is dependent on skill. It is not uncommon to make measuring errors or miscuts, especially when starting out. Therefore, a piece of scrap matboard is best for this learning experience.
SUPPLY LIST:
One piece of Artwork to discuss mat colors and frame styles
A scrap piece of matboard to practice cutting
Alison L. Baker earned her BFA in Studio Art from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she concentrated in advanced Painting, Drawing, and Printmaking, while also studying Design, Metalry, Sculpture, and more. Certified in Art Education, she taught art in the West Shore School District for 24 years.
Alison works in a range of media—from batik and ceramics to colored pencil—but she’s best known for her watercolor paintings. Her subjects are drawn from life and reflect her deep love of animals, nature, and the outdoors. Each piece is inspired by a personal story. As a member of the YAA Gallery Group, her work is on display in various locations throughout York.
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.
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
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)
TUESDAYS | 9:30-12:30pm | Beginner | $175M/$200NM
Learn watercolor painting with fun and easy techniques designed to let students paint any subject with confidence, from beginners up. Each lesson has easy to follow outlines and instructions with individual attention to improve your painting skills.
SUPPLY LIST: Paint - colors to be discussed 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 Brushes - a soft wash brush and a size 6 round for detail, size 10 round optional. Palette - any palette is fine
Other: 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 (will be provided)
DEB WATSON is a self-taught artist. Although she displayed an early talent at art, her parents discouraged it. She spent her adult life working as nurse and raising a family, but continued to paint in her spare time. As her work began winning awards and selling, Deb quit nursing to become a full time artist and teacher.
Now, her paintings have been exhibited throughout the U.S. in major art competitions and museums. Deb's watercolors have been published in national magazines and she's a recognized teacher, with how to paint books and a Craftsy class on Pet Portraits. After a bout with cancer, Deb became serious about creating her best work. She added oil painting as a medium, and began a new series of western art.
https://www.debwatsonart.com/
Learn while you paint! 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 while you learn 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.
WEDNESDAYS | 9:30 am -12:00 pm | BEG-INT | $120M/$135NM
Students will learn about DESIGN, COLOR, SHAPE, TEXTURE and more. This class will explore Abstract Art; while learning to paint intuitively. Multiple lessons will be shared in steps.
SUPPLY LIST: Available at: dickblick.com, Hobby Lobby, Michaels Stretched Canvas (16"x20"), 2-Canvas Panels (11"x14"), Acrylic Gel Medium. Bring from home: Brushes, acrylic paints, inks, paper towels, Styrofoam plates.
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
WEDNESDAY'S | 1-3PM | BEGIN-INTER | $150M / $175NM
Drawing is the basis for all art, yet is an art form all its own. Come experience different techniques for enjoyment and confidence.
We will design “make & take” grids, viewfinders and value scales as convenience tools. With these devices, sketching becomes easier and more successful. No photos please; actual objects on hand will work best for subjects. We’ll learn the purpose of each tool as we go, and then apply them to make several drawings.
Each class will introduce a skill or technique for the day, followed by a drawing. Actual objects with distinct forms will be used as subjects to best hone our skills. Topics may include: Viewfinders and thumbnail sketches; Composition basics; Grids, scale and proportion; Value range and shading; Contour line skill building; Perspective and depth; Working with highlights; Drawing techniques and materials.
This workshop is geared for beginner to intermediate level learners, but more advanced students are welcome to join us for a refresher or practice.
One clear plastic page sleeve or clear plastic sheet (you will use marker on this)
A larger size unlined index card (or one cardstock sheet)
Thin line permanent marker
Black drawing paper or black matboard piece (1-2 pieces)
3 or more drawing pencils, including 2B 4B 6B
1 white Berol Prismacolor pencil
White vinyl or plastic eraser
Kneaded eraser (non-latex)
1 Tortillon (blending stump)
Drawing paper or tablet
A small, flat ruler
Manila or other practice paper for rough draft sketching
Supply Kits Available for $20 (see checkout to purchase!) Includes: A basic drawing set with a variety of hard and soft pencils, a white pencil, a kneaded eraser, a plastic eraser, a blending stump, a sharpener, a small ruler and a drawing pad, 8x10 or larger. (If you already own the above supplies, you are not required to purchase to attend.)
THURSDAYS | 9:30-12:30pm | ALL LEVELS | $150M/$175NM
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
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.
SUPPLY LIST
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
THURSDAY'S 6-9PM | ADVANCED | $175M/$200NM
Take Your Acrylic Painting to the Next Level!
Already comfortable with acrylics but looking to push your skills further? Join our Advanced Acrylic Painting class — designed specifically for artists like you who want to explore new styles, tools, and textures with expert instruction from a professional working and teaching artist with over 50 years of acrylic painting experience.
In this dynamic, hands-on course, you'll:
Whether you're refining your style or stepping outside your comfort zone, this class offers the support and creative challenge to help you grow.
Bring your brushes, your vision, and your curiosity — let’s create something bold together!
Acrylic Paints heavy body preferred. (NOT the student OR basic grade quality)
Mars Black or Ivory Black Ultramarine Blue Cerulean Blue Phthalo Blue (green shade or red shade are both OK) Manganese Blue Cadmium Yellow Light Cadmium Yellow Medium Hooker’s Green Alizarin Crimson Titanium White Cadmium Red Medium
Acrylic Inks (one of each) in any Red, Blue, and Yellow (highest chroma is best)
Acrylic gels
Bottle of liquid gloss acrylic gel medium.
Jar of Heavy Acrylic Gel Medium. Golden brand is great but any brand is OK.
Acrylic Brushes and Knife
Multiple sizes of Round, Flat and Filbert brushes. Synthetic preferred.
One of more Palette knifes.
Other Items
Drawing Paper
Palette
Pencil, eraser
Canvas boards or stretched canvases.
One large cup for water to mix paints and One to rinse/store brushes between colors (2 total) -yaa has cups
Cloth rag or Paper towels
Plastic shower curtain (you also can use glass, plastic garbage bag or freezer paper)
BRETT GRIEMAN, a graduate of the York Academy of Arts, has been working his art services business since 1998 after working two decades in the pre-press industry. Brett was a part time instructor at Bradley Academy for the Visual Arts teaching a wide variety of subjects such as drawing, color theory, illustration, rendering, three levels of graphic design as well as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Brett’s paintings and murals can be found in many private and corporate collections including Harley-Davidson, York History Center, Wellspan Health, Nixon Nature Center, and many others. For more information about Brett, please visit his website:
https://brettsart117.wixsite.com/brett-greiman
FRIDAYS | 10 am - 12 pm | BEGINNER | $100M/$125NM
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.
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. paintingsbyyesenia.com
FRIDAYS | 1 - 3 pm | BEGINNER | $100M/$125NM
SATURDAYS | 4:00-6:00 pm | Beginner | $120M/$135NM | Ages 12-17
INTRO TO JAPANESE ANIME with Brad Gebhart
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.
SATURDAYS | 10 - 12 pm | BEGINNER | $100M/$125NM
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
WEDNESDAYS | 9-12:00 pm | ALL LEVELS | $135M/$160NM
Come and enjoy the VIBE and feel the ENERGY of creating with others.
Unleash your creativity alongside fellow artists who share your passion for mixed media, collage and abstract painting! This 5-week studio experience, led by artist Susan Darling, offers a dedicated 3.5-hour workspace each week where you can create, collaborate, and explore new techniques.
Enjoy the freedom to experiment, share ideas, and participate in group critiques designed to inspire and elevate your artistic process. Whether you're looking to refine your style or simply immerse yourself in a supportive creative environment, this is the perfect space to connect, grow, and make art together!
SUPPLY LIST: Bring the supplies you are working with and/or want to share.
Susan Davitti Darling hails from Marietta, PA with a degree in Commercial Art from Millersville University and studies at Pennsylvania School of the Arts. Her education positioned her to take on numerous projects, such as creating greeting cards and calendar art and several label designs for a local winery.
"My approach to painting and collage is playful. I work intuitively. Exploration and experimentation keep me company. Collage satisfies the collector in me. There is an endless source of materials to choose from. A smooth stone that I found on a walk, old library catalog cards, bottle caps and feathers join papers from discarded book pages to have a new life in my work. Reuse, recycle and reinvent are the words of the day. My inspiration comes from music, the rustling of fall leaves, poetry or the color of the evening sky. I am inspired by the company of friends and family, who love and support me. Making art provides me with Joy and Gladness. ART is the poetry of my world." http://davittidarling.com/
York Art Association
717-755-0028
office@yorkartassociation.org