Designed for beginners but open to all levels, we will use our pastels in a loose, expressive way to create several quick drawings, with the goal of finding new approaches to a very traditional medium. Using expressive mark-making and bold color choices, we will work from a selection of reference photos from our beautiful state of Maine. An array of mats will be provided, with the goal of everyone leaving with something matted that they would consider worthy of display! With this longer workshop format, participants should feel free to bring in a photo they'd like to sketch from as well, but all materials and reference materials are provided. If you have your own pastels you've been meaning to use, please bring them along.

Don’t miss this opportunity to get outside with your fellow artists and enjoy fall colors as we work en plein air across midcoast Maine. You may work in any media you prefer. There will be a mix of oil, acrylic, and pastel painters; watercolor, gouache and ink sketchbook artists, and more. Last year the weather held up through November, and we had a wonderful time enjoying and capturing the fall colors. Register for one or both sessions. Artists of all experience and confidence levels are welcome. If you need extra one-on-one instruction while working in the field, it’s recommended that you set up within eye shot of the instructor so he can get to you easily should you need help. We also found at certain sites that staying in touch via phone and text was a good way to summon Ed to where you are working. Meet up locations will be emailed to everyone prior to each class. Contact Ed Higgins directly with any questions ed_higgins@icloud.com.

Get creative in this whimsical class, blending tumbled glass and pottery. We have lots of glass and pottery to choose from, come join us for a fun night out and create a keepsake and simply indulge in this therapeutic artistic process. All materials provided.

Create luminous watercolors with vitality, atmosphere, and presence. In this course, we focus on the expressive power of water, layering, and transparency so you can build paintings that feel alive. What we’ll explore: Using water intentionally to create light, clarity, and glow; Layering and timing for clean, luminous passages; Value and edge control for atmosphere and depth; Color decisions that support mood and structure. We will study master watercolorists such as Sargent, Ruskin, and Turner, alongside contemporary painters including Alvaro Castagnet, Herman Pekel, Andy Evansen and others. We will work to translate what we learn into practical exercises and paintings. Class format: Group critique of homework; Short demo and focused lesson (often with art history); Targeted exercises to explore the day’s topic; Studio time to apply ideas to a painting. Who is this course for? This course is best for adult students who have prior watercolor instruction, solid basic drawing skills, and a willingness to step outside their comfort zone in order to grow and create more dynamic, compelling work. *No Class: 11/2.

Learn strategies for demystifying landscapes, and capture them with watercolor and ink. This all-levels class welcomes students of all experience levels, and builds skills through a series of exercises. Students will learn to use dip pens with ink and build layers with watercolor, utilizing additional tools such as wax crayons to effectively build layers. Students can either buy themselves the required materials or they can buy material kits from the Mix, an art store in Brunswick.

Professional Artist Grade Kit

Student Grade Kit

Layering Kit Add-on

This class is dedicated to helping you understand smartphone photography by teaching you how to take and create great images on your phone, what editing apps to use, and how to share and print your images. Join Steve as we go over how to use essential controls on your phone along with the best free and low-cost tools for editing and image management. *This is an advanced class.

Continue your watercolor journey with a soft, confidence-building approach that expands on foundational skills. This Level 2 class invites you to loosen control and explore expressive techniques like intentional blooms, layered washes, and intuitive composition. Through guided exercises and small projects, you’ll refine your brushwork, deepen your understanding of color, and begin creating more dynamic, cohesive paintings. Ideal for those who have completed a beginner course and are ready to grow with watercolor. $20 materials fee; all supplies provided.

You will work from a live (clothed) model, starting with shorter gesture poses to loosen up, followed by longer poses. There is no better way to learn to draw the human form than to work with a live model. This is not a media dependent class. You may work with any media you prefer. The instructor will supply paper and pencils, conté crayons or charcoal, or you can bring your own. The instructor recommends an easel, but only has 3 or 4 for use. In addition to the registration fee, you will be expected to tip the model at the end of each class (all models accept cash or Venmo). Contact Ed Higgins directly with any questions ed_higgins@icloud.com.