Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 
Instructor: Frederic Kaplan 
Credit: Non-Credit Only

This course has been rescheduled to take place on its rain date, May 4 (originally scheduled for April 27). Registration is still OPEN!

Capture the active life of the city and its rich architecture. This is an excellent workshop for anyone who wants to learn to sketch on the bus or train, in cafés and public parks, or while traveling abroad. Topics include perspective, gauging proportions by eye, gesture figure drawing, and methods for simplifying form. All levels welcome.  

* Rain Date: May 4. Please plan on the rain date when registering – regular withdrawal policies apply, dated by the original workshop date, for students unable to attend the rescheduled date. See policy guide, below.  

Learning Objectives  

• Gesture figure drawing methods  
• Basic perspective as applied to architecture  
• Simplification of complex subjects 

Image:  Sybille Zeldin, Turkey Mart. Courtesy of the student. 

Register by: April 19 
Materials List  
Winter/Spring 2024 CE Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies 

Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.  
Instructor: James Toogood 
Credit: Non-Credit Only

Interested in learning or improving your watercolor skills? All materials and techniques will be discussed, including the selection of papers, brushes, and pigments, as well as transparent and opaque painting methods. Students will work from still-life, and/or their own source material.  All levels welcome.

Image: James Toogood.

Register by: April 26 
Materials List  
Winter/Spring 2024 CE Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies 

Saturdays, 10 a.m - 1 p.m.*
Instructor: David Wilson
Six-Week Short Course (18 Hours)
Credit: Non-Credit Only

Painting the human form from observation is one of the cornerstones of PAFA's long tradition of rigorous instruction. Working from the nude model in poses of varying lengths, investigate color mixing, proportion, and composition using oil paint as a medium. Focusing on alla prima painting techniques and a limited flesh-tone palette, learn to model the human form through gesture, shape, volume, and temperature – excellent for painted sketches and preparatory studies, foundations for extended work, or an introduction/refresher to figure painting. Intended for all skill levels, this course also offers the valuable opportunity for more advanced students to continue to hone their skills to deepen their understanding of the language of painting. Instruction will be geared toward oil, but students may draw-only, or use other appropriate media, if they wish. Note: Tuition includes a $35 models fee.

Note: No class on May 25 for Memorial Day Weekend.

Image: David Wilson.

Register by: May 10

Materials List

Summer 2024 CE Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies

Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.*
Instructor: Steve Nocella
Ten-Week Course (30 Hours)
Credit: Non-Credit or 1.0 Undergraduate Credit (See Below)

Explore the possibilities of stone carving by using traditional and nontraditional methods. All processes from rough carving to polishing will be covered, and various tools and techniques will be demonstrated. Open to all levels.  Note: Tuition includes $20 lab fee.  

Learning Objectives  

• Develop proficiency in basic tool use including manual carving, pneumatic carving, sawing, grinding, and sanding.  
• Learn the methods of stone carving beginning with "roughing out" a form and finishing with sanding and polishing.  
• Develop a perceptual ability for spatial relationships of the elements that constitute a sculpture or a three-dimensional image.  
• Learn to use creative and critical thinking in the process of carving sculpture.  
• Gain an appreciation for the influence and informing effect that medium and process have on image making.  
• Acquire an introductory understanding of the history of stone carving as well as the capacity to conceptualize context for the student's own sculpture.  

Optional: This course is available for 1.0 undergraduate credit for $615 (including lab fee). Select credit option with price adjustment when registering. 

*Note:  No class on July 6 for Independence Day weekend. 

Register by: May 24
Materials List
Summer 2024 CE Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies

Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Instructor: Michelle Oosterbaan
Five-Week Short Course (20 Hours)
Credit: Non-Credit Only

Gouache (opaque watercolor paint) is the perfect medium for landscape painting in the open air! Painters of all levels will fall in love with it as a portable, fast-drying, and easy-to-clean-up alternative to oils. Explore gouache’s subtle but vibrant color and versatile application methods as you portray the beauty of Philadelphia’s parks in your own personal style. Learn techniques for choosing a composition, mixing color, and working efficiently outdoors as you complete a series of rapid sketches and at least one sustained painting. Open to all levels. Painting locations featuring shade, restrooms, and other amenities may include Wissahickon Park in Mt. Airy, Washington Square Park near Independence Hall, and Bartram's Garden in Southwest Philadelphia. Note:  Students are responsible for their own transportation to painting locations.

Image: Michelle Oosterbann. 

Register by: May 24

Materials List

Summer 2024 CE Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies

Saturdays, 1 - 4 p.m.*
Instructor: Steve Nocella
Six-Week Short Course (18 Hours)
Credit: Non-Credit Only

This six-week course teaches the basic skills needed for making metal sculpture. Learn fundamental methods of cutting, bending and welding metal such as sawing, heating, and MIG welding. Students will be encouraged to explore the medium with directness and spontaneity to gain a knowledge and understanding of its complexion. Note: Tuition includes a $25 lab fee.

*Note: No class on July 6 for Independence Day weekend.

Images: Steve Nocella, Bust with Helmet and Facemask No. 6, 2023. Mixed media.

Register by: May 24

Materials List

Summer 2024 CE Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies

Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Frederic Kaplan
Weekend Workshop
Credit: Non-Credit Only

Perspective is at the heart of good drawing. It allows us to transform the 3D world into a believable 2D image, and it need not be difficult to understand. With still life and interiors as subject matter, learn basic principles and simple methods presented in clear language and without the need for special tools or complex geometry. This workshop serves as a good foundation for further study in drawing. A modest amount of previous drawing experience is recommended. 

Image: Fred Kaplan.

Register by: June 14
Materials List
Summer 2024 CE Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies

Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Instructor: James Toogood
Weekend Workshop
Credit: Non-Credit Only

Interested in learning or improving your watercolor skills? All materials and techniques will be discussed, including the selection of papers, brushes, and pigments, as well as transparent and opaque painting methods. Students will work from still-life, and/or their own source material. All levels welcome.

Images: James Toogood.

Register by: June 21

Materials List

Summer 2024 CE Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies