This 6 week course explores the basics of drawing from the imagination. Explore how to draw objects, people, animals and everything else by learning to draw the four simple forms. We will cover all the basic drawing skills and how to use shading and shadow to make drawings look 3-D. How to use proportion and simple anatomy to draw the human figure without needing a model. These are the Illustration techniques invented by Michelangelo and Leonardo DaVinci. This Class is open to students at any level of artistic ability. All you will need is a drawing pad, pencils and erasers. Taught by Vance Bessey, local Illustrator, Cartoonist, Novelist and Art Teacher.

Mixed Media Collage Workshop. We all possess those watercolor paintings that don't quite meet our expectations, yet we haven't discarded them. Instead of discarding, cut up your paintings, introduce other types of paper, paint over them, rearrange, and reinvent in a collaborative group setting. We will share supplies, exchange ideas, and learn new techniques for creating textures, resists, and crafting your own collage. Make a series of small collages to use as notecards or make a large collage - totally up to you. This will be a day of fun filled creativity. A materials fee of $15 will be collected by the instructor at the beginning of the workshop. Please note: This is a one day 7-hour workshop with a brief break for lunch. Bring your own lunch/snacks.

How do you paint subjects that appear to be white? This class explores techniques for observational landscape painting with watercolor. Through color theory and value study exercises, students will demystify snowy landscapes. The class will culminate in a two hour painting study, with individualized support provided by the instructor. Students can either buy themselves the required materials - the materials list is linked here - or they can buy material kits from the Mix, an art store in Brunswick (here is a link to a student-grade kit, and here is a link to an artist-grade kit).

This 12 week course continues where Narrative Arts 4 left off - working with the illustration techniques used to create your own: Comic Book or Graphic Novel Series, Single Panel Gag Cartoons, Comic Strips, Animation, Children’s Books, Storyboards for Movies, Video Game/ Board Game/ Card Game Design or Novels. This Class will focus upon creating products and Publishing/Marketing/Monetizing those projects in the real world. Consultation by phone with Instructor Vance Bessey is necessary for students who haven’t yet had Previous Level training. Contact me through Merrymeeting Adult Education. Taught by Vance Bessey, a graduate of The Joe Kubert School of Comic Book Illustration and local Illustrator, Cartoonist, Novelist and Art Teacher.

***No Class: 1/20 & 2/17.

Iceland, China, Japan, Canada…we’re moving through time and across what may be unfamiliar terrain as we discover some new artists. It will follow the same format as previous art and artist classes in terms of part art history, part art studio. There may be times where we look at not one artist that week, but a particular idea or way of making art indigenous, or very central to, that area of the world. *No Class: 2/18.

This intermediate to advanced-level class integrates pen and ink techniques with watercolor. Students will gain skills for observational drawing with traditional ‘dip pens’, and precision painting with watercolor. Through projects such as utilizing color theory to paint white flowers, students will develop in-depth skills for illustration. Students can either buy themselves the required materials - the materials list is linked here - or they can buy material kits from the Mix, an art store in Brunswick (here is a link to a student-grade kit, and here is a link to an artist-grade kit).

We will create designs on glass with a frosted look. These designs will be permanent on the glass. Bring your own wine glasses, vases, etc to personalize. Some glass items will be provided as well. Quick, fun, easy projects with beautiful results. Lab fee: $5.

Come join Shirley Anderson for an engaging and beginner-friendly ‘Paint your Pet’ class! In this workshop budding artists will receive step-by-step guidance to create a beautiful portrait of their beloved furry of feathered companions. No Prior experience is necessary; Shirley welcomes beginners with open arms. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or picking up a brush for the first time, this class is a fun and rewarding experience as you immortalize your pet on canvas. After signing up for this class you will need to email shirl.art5050@gmail.com with 5 good quality photos of your pet. Canvas and paints are supplied.