Classes
At The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center, we believe the best way to keep the arts in your life is by creating art throughout your life. Our educational programs allow visitors and students to broaden their understanding and appreciation of art by interacting with art, artists, and instructors, while expressing themselves through the creation of their own artwork.
The Arts Center has approximately 20 classes in various media throughout the year on a quarterly basis. These include drawing, watercolor, painting, photography, and other media. Both one day workshops and multi-week class sessions are offered. Our award winning artist instructors exhibit widely throughout Hampton Roads and have 10 to 40 years of teaching experience.
*Registration will end five days before the class/workshop start date.*
2024 Summer Class Schedule
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Watercolor Studio with Pam Oden (Part 1 – Four Weeks) - Wed, July 10 - 31 - FULL CLASS
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Wednesdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31 (4 weeks)
10:15 am – 12:45 pm
Age: 18+
Price: $90 (HAL members $85)
Step into the enchanting world of watercolors with our immersive studio class. In this inspiring environment, budding and experienced artists alike gather to explore the delicate art of painting with watercolors. Guided by our skilled and passionate instructor, you'll learn essential techniques such as blending, layering, and wet-on-wet, allowing you to capture the ethereal beauty of your subjects on paper.
Whether you're seeking a tranquil escape from everyday life or aiming to refine your artistic skills, our watercolor studio class offers a supportive, communal space to foster your artistic journey. Join us and let the soothing flow of watercolors transport you into a realm of artistic expression and self-discovery.
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Drawing 101 with Alex Drewry - Wed, July 10 - Aug 14
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Wednesdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31, August 7, 14 (6 weeks)
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Age: 16+
Price $130 (HAL Members $125)
Drawing is a foundational skill that can aid in the development of other creative pursuits. An art form in its own right, learning how to draw can help unlock one's creative potential. Many benefits associated with drawing include increased focus and relaxation, improved creativity and problem solving, and greater hand-eye coordination. Each week, you'll learn how to practice and implement the basic elements of drawing, contour drawing, shading, and spatial relationships. -
Watercolor Studio with Pam Oden (Part 2 – Three Weeks) - Wed, Aug 7 - 21
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Wednesdays, August 7, 14, and 21 (3 weeks)
10:15 am - 12:45 pm
Age: 18+
Price: $70 (HAL members $65)
Step into the enchanting world of watercolors with our immersive studio class. In this inspiring environment, budding and experienced artists alike gather to explore the delicate art of painting with watercolors. Guided by our skilled and passionate instructor, you'll learn essential techniques such as blending, layering, and wet-on-wet, allowing you to capture the ethereal beauty of your subjects on paper.
Whether you're seeking a tranquil escape from everyday life or aiming to refine your artistic skills, our watercolor studio class offers a supportive, communal space to foster your artistic journey. Join us and let the soothing flow of watercolors transport you into a realm of artistic expression and self-discovery.
2024 Summer Workshop Schedule
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Floral Watercolor Workshop with Pam Oden - Sat, July 27
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Saturday, July 27
10:15 am - 2:00 pm
Age: 18+
Price: $75 (HAL Members $70)
Join us for an enchanting Floral Watercolor Workshop, where the delicate art of painting blossoms and foliage comes to life. Perfect for all skill levels, this workshop invites you to explore the beauty of watercolor through the captivating subject of flowers. Under the guidance of an experienced artist, you'll learn essential techniques such as wet-on-wet painting, layering, and creating intricate details that bring your botanical illustrations to vibrant life.
Through step-by-step demonstrations and personalized feedback, you'll master the art of capturing various flowers' graceful curves, subtle shades, and intricate textures. This workshop offers a serene and supportive environment to unleash your creativity, whether you're a novice looking to learn the basics or an experienced painter aiming to refine your floral techniques. Please bring a bag of lunch.
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Plein Air Painting Workshop with Alex Drewry - Fri, Aug 9
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Friday, August 9
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Age: 18+
Price: $65 (HAL Members $60)
Experience the joy of painting in the great outdoors with our Plein Air Workshop, designed for artists of all levels who seek to capture the natural beauty and spontaneity of the landscape. Each workshop, you will venture into picturesque settings, where you'll learn to translate the vivid colors, shifting light, and dynamic compositions of the environment onto your canvas. You will explore essential techniques such as quick sketching, color mixing in natural light, and managing the challenges of outdoor painting.
Using watercolor or acrylic, the workshop offers personalized instruction to help you develop your unique style while embracing the unpredictability and inspiration that comes from painting on location. You'll be free to focus on your creativity and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the outdoors, making each brushstroke a reflection of your immediate surroundings.
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Landscape Watercolor Workshop with Pam Oden - Sat, Aug 17
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Saturday, August 17
10:15 am - 2:00 pm
Age: 18+
Price: $75 (HAL Members $70)
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of nature with our Landscape Watercolor Workshop, perfect for artists of all levels who wish to capture the essence of the great outdoors. Guided by a skilled artist, this workshop focuses on essential watercolor techniques tailored for creating stunning landscapes. Through detailed demonstrations and hands-on practice, you'll learn to paint dynamic skies, tranquil waters, lush forests, and majestic mountains.
Discover the secrets of layering, blending, and adding depth to your scenes and how to use light and shadow to convey atmosphere and mood. Whether you're a beginner eager to explore watercolor painting or an experienced artist looking to refine your landscape skills, this workshop provides a nurturing and inspiring environment. Please bring a bag of lunch.
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Plein Air Painting Workshop with Alex Drewry - Fri, Aug 23
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Friday, August 23
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Age: 18+
Price: $65 (HAL Members $60)
Experience the joy of painting in the great outdoors with our Plein Air Workshop, designed for artists of all levels who seek to capture the natural beauty and spontaneity of the landscape. Each workshop, you will venture into picturesque settings, where you'll learn to translate the vivid colors, shifting light, and dynamic compositions of the environment onto your canvas. You will explore essential techniques such as quick sketching, color mixing in natural light, and managing the challenges of outdoor painting.
Using watercolor or acrylic, the workshop offers personalized instruction to help you develop your unique style while embracing the unpredictability and inspiration that come from painting on location. You'll be free to focus on your creativity and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the outdoors, making each brushstroke a reflection of your immediate surroundings.
For those needing ADA/Accessible accommodations due to limited mobility or wheelchair access, please let the CHTVAC staff know at the time of registration so we can best serve the needs of our students.
CALL FOR INSTRUCTORS
The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center is looking for experienced artists in a variety of mediums to teach 6-8 week courses or 1-2 day workshops. Some mediums we have previously offered include watercolor, photography, oils/acrylics, collage, alcohol ink, and oil & cold wax. We are interested in individuals with previous professional teaching experience who may offer mediums outside of our normal repertoire or may offer a new take on a familiar medium.
If interested, please email ctvisualarts@hampton.gov with your contact information, class proposal (including any class materials), preferred class times (Tuesday-Saturday, daytime or evening), and list of previous classes taught.