2023 & 2024 Workshops
3-Day Flower Painting Workshop
July 21, 22, 23, 2023. 9:30am-4:30pm
In-Person Only - SOLD OUT - Open to All Levels - Medium: Oil Paint
Over the course of 3 days we will study different flowers from life, learning dependable techniques on how to paint delicate and realistic flowers. This is a demo-paint-critique format in which Christina will demonstrate how to do a certain technique followed by the participants then painting their own set ups. Gentle critiques are an essential part of this workshop, so each student may work at their own pace and be helped to achieve greater results at their individual level.
We'll begin with a wash drawing/wipe-out technique to establish shape relationships. Once this drawing is established, we move into a color mixing/matching lecture and learn how to pre-mix our palette with accuracy. As Christina shows different painting techniques, she'll be speaking of the important thought-process behind creating convincing volume, and how we paint what we see with what we know conceptually is true. Come learn, paint flowers, and be surrounded by beauty in this enjoyable multiple day workshop!
The Academy of Realist Art, Boston
Registration information is here.
Email the academyofrealistartboston@gmail.com or call (617) 426-3006 with questions.
3-Day Realistic Portrait Drawing Workshop
October 13, 14, 15, 2023. 10:00am-5:00pm
In-Person Only - Open to All Levels - Medium: Graphite
Learn how to draw a realistic portrait from a photo using classical techniques from Europe. Students will be guided through the sight-size process from start to finish, learn about the anatomy of facial features and how that influences the surface we see and draw, how to utilize the various grades of pencils to obtain convincing form and smooth rendering, and various techniques to get a likeness of your subject. Students work at their own pace and get personalized critiques. Vintage photos make beautiful references for drawings, or take your own new photo prior to class. See the Photo Reference Guide for details (emailed from the registration venue).
First Coast Cultural Center
3972 Third St. South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Register here. Email contact is Callie cjohnson@firstcoastculturalcenter.org
2-Day Drawing White Drapery
October 28 & 29, 2023. 9:30am-4:30pm
Online Hybrid - Open to All Levels - Medium: Graphite & Chalk
Form is an essential aspect of realism, and it is one of the hardest to master. Using simple white drapery, we will study the values on one fold a day, learning how to render them to create believable form.
We will use graphite pencil and white chalk on toned paper for this two-day workshop. There will be three different types of folds to copy. The drapery photograph will be cropped into three parts of 6 x 6” each, so the projects are smaller than last year. If you are taking this workshop for the second time, you may choose to continue working on your projects from last year and try to push them to a finish (with prior approval from the instructor.)
This is a hybrid format - the instructor will be on Zoom, and all critiques and demos will be done on Zoom, but The Mill Studio of Fine Arts will host students who would like to draw and paint in their gorgeous Light Studio in Manchester, CT. There is lodging nearby.
For more Zoom information click here.
The Mill Studio of Fine Arts (formerly Cheney Homestead Arts)
199 Forest Street, Manchester, Connecticut 06040.
Register Here. Email contact is Trudy at millstudiofinearts@gmail.com.
3-Day Painting White Drapery
November 3, 4, 5, 2023. 9:30am-4:30pm
Online Hybrid - Open to All Levels - Medium: Oil Paint
Form is an essential aspect of realism, and it is one of the hardest to master. In this three-day workshop, we will study the values of white drapery one fold each day while learning to render them to create believable form. We will paint with a limited palette (raw umber, titanium white, and ivory black) in order to emphasize the importance of correct values in each study. The drapery photograph will be cropped into three parts 6”x 6” making the projects smaller than last year. If you are taking this workshop for the second time, you may choose to continue working on your projects from last year and try to push them to a finish (with prior approval from the instructor.)
This is a hybrid format - the instructor will be on Zoom, and all critiques and demos will be done on Zoom, but The Mill Studio of Fine Arts will host students who would like to draw and paint in their gorgeous Light Studio in Manchester, CT. There is lodging nearby.
For more Zoom information click here.
The Mill Studio of Fine Arts (formerly Cheney Homestead Arts)
199 Forest Street, Manchester, Connecticut 06040.
Register Here. Email contact is Trudy at millstudiofinearts@gmail.com.
2-Day "Let's Finish That Project!" Workshop
December 9 & 10, 2023. 9:30am-4:30pm
Online Hybrid - Open to All Levels - Media: Oil Paint, Graphite, or Charcoal
Choose a painting or drawing you would like to complete for this workshop! Perhaps it's a piece you think may be done, but you would welcome the critiques that will bring it to a final finished state. Or perhaps you may feel “stuck” on a piece and would like a good critique to see and understand where you need to go next.
The project you choose does not have to be one begun in an instructional workshop - it can be a personal project of any genre done using oils, graphite, or charcoal. Bring the materials you have used thus far, as well as your reference(s) if you have them and prepare for a day of complete focus!
This is a hybrid format - the instructor will be on Zoom, and all critiques and demos will be done on Zoom, but The Mill Studio of Fine Arts will host students who would like to draw and paint in their gorgeous Light Studio in Manchester, CT. There is lodging nearby.
For more Zoom information click here.
The Mill Studio of Fine Arts (formerly Cheney Homestead Arts)
199 Forest Street, Manchester, Connecticut 06040.
Register Here. Email contact is Trudy at millstudiofinearts@gmail.com.
1-Day Flower Painting Workshop
February 10, 2024. 9:30am-4:30pm
- Online Hybrid - Open to All Levels - Medium: Oil Paint
Learn traditional and dependable techniques for painting realistic flowers. We start with a foundational wash drawing, then learn accurate color mixing principles that we then use while delicately painting each lovely flower. We will work from a photographic reference (supplied by the teacher) that includes a variety of flowers in the bouquet, so after the class you can continue to practice what you learned, and finish your piece. This workshop is suitable for all levels, and we may sit while we paint. A COVID vaccination is required for studio participation.
This is a hybrid format - the instructor will be on Zoom, and all critiques and demos will be done on Zoom, but The Mill Studio of Fine Arts will host students who would like to draw and paint in their gorgeous Light Studio in Manchester, CT. There is lodging nearby.
For more Zoom information click here.
The Mill Studio of Fine Arts (formerly Cheney Homestead Arts)
199 Forest Street, Manchester, Connecticut 06040.
Email contact is Trudy at millstudiofinearts@gmail.com.
3-Day Realistic Portrait Drawing Workshop
March 8,9,10, 2024. 9:30am-4:30pm
In-Person Instructor with Online Option (Hybrid) - Open to All Levels - Medium: Graphite
Learn how to draw a beautifully realistic portrait from a photo using classical techniques. Students will be guided through the sight-size process, learning the time-honored methods of how to create stunningly realistic results without gridding. Demonstrations will help show the methods. We will learn about the anatomy of facial features, how to utilize the pencil to obtain convincing form, and techniques to render the portrait to perfection. Students work at their own pace and get personalized critiques. Prior to class a handout will be given on how to light your subject for a beautiful portrait, and how to take a great photo reference so it is ready the first day of class.
This is a hybrid format - the instructor will be present in-person at The Mill Studio of Fine Arts. Participants may also join in on zoom.
For more Zoom information click here.
The Mill Studio of Fine Arts (formerly Cheney Homestead Arts)
199 Forest Street, Manchester, Connecticut 06040.
For more information, email contact is Trudy at millstudiofinearts@gmail.com.
3-Day Master Copy Portrait Painting Workshop
March 15, 16, 17, 2024. 9:30am-4:30pm
In-Person Instructor with Online Option (Hybrid) - Open to All Levels - Medium: Oil Paint
This three-day workshop is pivotal for portrait artists and those wishing to explore the elements of painting that define the work of master painters. After selecting a project from a range of master copy prints, students will transfer the image directly to their canvases and begin painting the first day. A guided examination of the master’s work will reveal much about palette choices and value structures and enable correct identification of colors and values as they relate to accuracy in color mixing. Students will examine the structure and anatomy of the eyes, nose, and lips as seen and drawn by a master painter. Most importantly, students will learn to observe subtle value shifts and edge variety that allow master portraits to look so powerfully realistic.
This is a hybrid format - the instructor will be present in-person at The Mill Studio of Fine Arts. Participants may also join in on zoom.
For more Zoom information click here.
The Mill Studio of Fine Arts (formerly Cheney Homestead Arts)
199 Forest Street, Manchester, Connecticut 06040.
For more registration information, email contact is Trudy at millstudiofinearts@gmail.com.
The Ultimate Still-Life Painting Workshop
July 8-19, 2024. Monday-Friday, 9:30am-4:30pm
In-Person Instructor with Online Option (Hybrid) - Open to All Levels - Medium: Oil Paint
* First-time participants must be in-person *
If you are looking for massive insight into the French Academic process of realistic painting, this workshop is for you. We cover everything from start to finish, every question, every stage, nothing is left unanswered. Unlike other workshops, there is a ton of painting time so you can work through the stages, and the critiques will push you to achieve your best results. Every demo is recorded and subsequently emailed out to the participants. Reserve these ten days for your atelier training, and submerge yourself in the methods you wish you'd known sooner.
This ten-day/60-hour intensive painting workshop will lead workshop participants through the process of painting a realistic still life from the first drawing to the final varnishing. Working from life in the sight-size method, students will learn the structured process of building a painting of many layers in order to achieve correct color, form, and dimensionality for each object. Over the course of two weeks, students will acquire a solid set of skills which will provide them with the confidence needed to paint independently.
The workshop will assist students in understanding and developing the following skills: • drawing accurately using the sight-size method • identifying a range of colors using the concepts of hue, value and chroma • evaluating half tones as they relate to turning form • using mediums effectively • creating textures • setting up an effective still life and studio lighting at home • varnishing the painting to insure that archival methods protect the work for generations to come... and more.
Instruction will include a slide show introduction showing each stage of development, handouts that clarify important concepts, painting demonstrations, and personal critiques to guide each student along the path to success. Whether you are an atelier student, beginner, or seasoned painter, Christina will meet you where you are and guide you to maximize your learning and make your best work.
This is a hybrid format - the instructor will be present in-person at The Mill Studio of Fine Arts. Participants may also join in on zoom.
For more Zoom information click here.
Let's get your home studio set up! For more information, click here.
The Mill Studio of Fine Arts (formerly Cheney Homestead Arts)
199 Forest Street, Manchester, Connecticut 06040
Register here. Email contact is Trudy at millstudiofinearts@gmail.com.
Still Life Workshop Reviews:
Images above are all student work from the in-person still life painting workshop.
"You will be amazed by what you can accomplish in this class, even if you have never painted before. Christina is an excellent teacher, she not only explains the concepts of classical painting with clarity, but also teaches you to apply them confidently and independently. I can't recommend this class highly enough!"
- Eliza M.
"It completely changed my level of confidence on what I could accomplish with a paint brush and canvas. Very highly recommended. This class completely opened a new door for me and over the past 18 months I have had the confidence to complete 6 oil paintings and enter/display them in shows. Christina is an excellent teacher."
- Walt D.
"Christina is a very organized and thorough teacher. She supplies detailed handouts insuring that students can review the principles and techniques during and after her class. She is patient while expecting the very best of each student and giving you the tools to accomplish your best. The 10 day workshop is worth every penny!"
- Maryanne I.
Online Still Life Workshop Reviews:
"I was nervous about taking the class online, but it wasn't hard to get use to the Zoom platform. I could see the critiques and save them. The lectures are saved (and up close) so I can review them whenever I need to. After 10 days in person, the set up normally would have to be taken down but being in my own home I can keep it up as long as I need it. Plus, I didn't have to drive anywhere. I would definitely recommend the online format."
"The online experience was very seamless. I especially benefited from the feedback delivered via the critiques when images I sent to Christina could be imported into Photoshop by her and she could then mark up the image and send it back to me for reference. I was able to print those out and so I gained a personal file of my progression through the stages. It was also helpful to receive recordings of portions of the day via email. I really enjoy the online workshop format. Christina has it down to a science."
"Amazing workshop! Christina was a constant source of encouragement and she has the amazing ability to critique forcefully without it ever feeling like I messed up, even when I had to change a whole lot! She pushed me way farther than I would have gone on my own and she explained WHY the changes would make the painting look better as she gave suggestions, instead of just telling me to fix things, which is already helping me take my other paintings to the next level."
"Christina is knowledgeable, articulate, and included all of the elements in the content one needs to know to paint realistically. She is a natural teacher. The demos and handouts she provided were excellent. Her calm patience while troubleshooting anything and everything from our painting conundrums to computer glitches was impressive. Her dedication to her work is evident in all she does. Although I did not finish my painting I feel equipped to do so and I am sure I will be employing what I learned going forward. Overall a great learning experience."
"I was so pleasantly surprised at how great it was to take the workshop from my own home - now I'm completely set up to do more still life paintings (something I never was confident doing having only done still live paintings in a classroom setting where the teacher provides everything) and I can take all the extra time I needed to really get all the detail I wanted in my painting after the workshop ended - no rushing to finish it by the last day or else! There is so much value in having this workshop online. I went through the struggle to find items that were interesting and make it into a good composition, and in doing so I became really passionate about the still life I would paint. And now I'm more confident I can find more interesting objects in my home! Lastly, because of how Christina has us set up the still life and canvas, when you take a photo for a critique, Christina can draw on top of it and literally show you exactly how your painting is off. It's magical."
All images above are student work from the ONLINE still-life painting workshops.
Join My Classical Realism Resource Library
I'm using Patreon as a Resource Library, where I've compiled tons of information about Classical Realism.
There are currently over 300 videos, exercises, podcasts, and blog posts. It's one of the best resources out there, all in one place.
Here is an example video from my Patreon library.
This one prepares a palette for painting a master copy portrait by John William Godward. Learn by watching or advance your skills by painting along.
