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Art classes

Click on the links below to learn more about the art classes offered at Hamilton House.

Stained Glass

The stained glass class meets on Friday afternoons at 12:45. The stained glass class and use of the workshop is free with your membership.


Garo, the stained glass instructor.

 

Knitting

Tuesdays, at 10:00am
Come and learn a new stitch, finish an old project or start on a new one. Betty also teaches crocheting.

 

Chair Caning

The chair caners meet on Monday afternoons at 1:00 pm. Join the chair caners to learn the technique that dates back to the colonial times.

 

Horticulture

The horticultural group at Hamilton House offers a monthly floral design program offered by Sally Gruber, horticulturist and multi-talented instructor. The schedule changes each month, so for more information call or go to the News and Events page.

 

Painting and Drawing Classes

We offer various classes in the visual arts here at Hamilton House to allow active adults to express themselves in a myriad of ways.

  • Watercolor Painting
  • Figure Drawing
  • Water Soluble Oil Painting
  • Portrait Drawing

 

 

Current Offerings in visual arts include the following:

Please register in advance for all art workshops.


Art with Ida Schmulowitz

January

Color in Drawing

Tuesday, Jan 3rd, 10th, 17th and 31st at 1:00PM; 4 Classes
In this class students will experiment with adding the element of color to their drawings. Colored inks, conte crayons, colored pencils, and pastels can all be used. We will look at 19th and 20th century artists who have used color in drawing. The subject of the drawing will be still life set ups. Expression and experimentation are always encouraged. Students must bring their own supplies, including an 18x24 newsprint pad, 18x24 drawing pad, an assortment of charcoal, erasers, and colored drawing medium of their choice.
Fee: $45

Inside/Outside Painting Workshop

Friday, Jan 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th at 10:00AM; 4 Classes
What better way to spend a cold January morning than painting inside, looking out the windows of the Hamilton House sun room. We will explore the idea of inside/outside and how many artists have used the window as an element in their work, including Vermeer, Bonnard, Matisse and Diebenkorn. We will work on one painting for two sessions. Students must bring their own supplies including a canvas, acrylic paints, brushes, and a palette.
Fee: $45

Mural Painting

Mondays, beginning January 30th, at 10:00AM
In this six-week workshop, students will paint a mural on a wall downstairs in Hamilton House. Students will choose a theme which is open-ended and can include abstract design. ALL levels of experience are welcome. This is a true collaboration. Students are to bring their own brushes and palettes. Call for more information regarding this new project. A donation of $5.00 by each participant would help toward the purchase of paint.
Supported by a State Legislative Grant

February

Layering of Color and Texture in Painting

Friday, Feb 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th at 10:00AM; 4 Classes
In this class students will begin by using a previously painted canvas, that has some texture on it, or start with a new canvas and create texture with an acrylic medium. The painting can then be painted with a dark or strongly colored ground. Students will then use this canvas to layer with color, scraping off and adding texture. The results should be rich with color and depth. We will work on one canvas for the four weeks. Subject matter will be a still life. Students are responsible for bringing their own supplies including a painting to paint over, or a new canvas at least 20'x24". acrylic paints, palette knives, brushes, and a palette.
Class fee: $45

Drawing the Clothed Model

Tuesday, Feb. 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th at 1:00PM; 4 Classes
In this class students will be drawing the clothed model as a preliminary class to drawing the nude model in March. We will experiment with fast studies and longer poses, sometimes focusing on the whole body and other times just the head. We will use a variety of media including black ink, charcoals and graphite. Students must bring their own supplies including 18x14 newsprint,18x24 drawing pad, a variety of charcoal, graphite, erasers, black india ink and a brush. This workshop will help the student loosen up with the figure.
Class fee: $45

On Going:

Watercolor

Thursdays at 1:00PM
Ann Rourke, watercolor artist, member of the RI Watercolor Society and retired art teacher of 30 years, is offering water color classes on Thursday afternoons. Each class has a prepared lesson with demonstration. New students are always welcome.
No Fee.

Note to Artists:

If you want to work independently, the art room is open for your use on Mondays and Thursdays at 1:00PM.