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Continuing Education at PAFA



CE Courses by Format/Length

Figure Painting: Alla Prima and the Limited Palette (In-Person)

$330

with David Wilson

Calendar Next available session starts Jan 25, 2025 at 10 am, runs for 6 weeks

Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Instructor: David Wilson
Six-Week Short Course (18 Hours)
Credit: Non-Credit Only (see below for combined 1.0 credit option)* 

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.

*Optional combined-course 1.0-credit offering:  Students wishing to earn 1.0 undergraduate credit may combine this class with the Extended Pose course, for a 12-week credit-bearing course by registering here.  See academic credit policies in the CE Policy Guide, below. Note: Because changes in academic status must occur prior to the third class for 12-week courses, credit registration is only available through February 7. See credit course description.

Register by: January 17
Materials List
Winter/Spring 2025 CE Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies

Drawing: Mastering the Great Techniques (Online)

$395

with Al Gury

Calendar Next available session starts Jan 26, 2025 at 3 pm, runs for 10 weeks

Sundays, 3 – 4 p.m. (Interactive asynchronous Canvas content supported by weekly Zoom meetings)
Instructor: Al Gury
Ten-Week Course (30-Hour Equivalent)*

Credit: Non-Credit or 1.0 Undergraduate Credit (See Below)

Explore historic and modern methods of drawing in this deep dive into its materials and techniques. Examine both realistic and expressionistic approaches through topics of line, form, and value, utilizing visual examples from the Renaissance to the modern eras.  Survey staple artist’s materials including charcoal and graphite pencil, and pastel, as well as methods for watercolor and acrylic incorporations of color and mixed media. Weekly Zoom presentations will feature visual histories, examples, explanations of techniques, and demonstrations by the instructor. Additional presentations will be posted on Canvas, PAFA’s online learning platform, along with weekly drawing projects that will be critiqued by the instructor. This course contains valuable information for both beginners as well as experienced artists interested in expanding the creative possibilities of drawing in their work. 

*Note: No class on March 9. 

Optional: This course is available for 1.0 undergraduate credit for $595. Select credit option with price adjustment when registering.  

Register by: January 17
Materials List - Coming Soon
Winter/Spring 2025 CE Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies
Information for PAFA CE Online Courses 

Advancing Your Painting Through Expressive Color (Online)

$295

with Al Gury

Calendar Next available session starts Jan 26, 2025 at 4:30 pm, runs for 6 weeks

Sundays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. (Interactive asynchronous Canvas content supported by weekly Zoom meetings)
Instructor: Al Gury 
Six-Week Condensed Course (30-Hour Equivalent)
Credit: Non-Credit or 1.0 Undergraduate Credit (See Below) 

Examine the great traditions of color in art and how to improve color application and expression in your work. Instruction will present discussions of color topics including its visual history, materials, theories, and topical approaches, supplemented by demonstrations by the instructor.  Content will address techniques in oil, water media, and acrylic, with a focus on advancing color organization and expression in your work. Weekly projects in Canvas, PAFA’s online learning platform, will be assigned and critiqued by the instructor. This course is ideal for both students struggling with color concepts and artists seeking to deepen their use of color in their work; beginning and advanced students welcome.  

Optional: This course is available for 1.0 undergraduate credit for $595. Select credit option with price adjustment when registering.  

Register by: January 17
Materials List
Winter/Spring 2025 CE Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies 
Information for PAFA CE Online Courses

Monotypes, Monoprints, and Etching (In-Person)

$480

with Tony Rosati

Calendar Next available session starts Jan 28, 2025 at 9 am, runs for 10 weeks

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

Experience masterful instruction in PAFA’s spacious print facilities as you explore an array of basic intaglio and monotype printing techniques including monoprint, drypoint, etching, aquatint, collograph and polymer plate methods. Image embellishments will include embossing, chine collé, collage, paper plates and mixed media techniques. All levels welcome; experienced students may continue independent work. Note: Tuition includes $30 lab fee.

*Note: No class on March 4.

Optional: This course is available for 1.0 undergraduate credit for $625 (including lab fee). Select credit option with price adjustment when registering.

Register by: January 21
Materials List
Winter/Spring 2025 CE Policy Guide
, including withdrawal/refund policies

Mastering Acrylics (Online)

$295

with Frederic Kaplan

Calendar Next available session starts Jan 29, 2025 at 10 am, runs for 6 weeks

Wednesdays, 10 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. (Interactive asynchronous Canvas content supported by weekly Zoom meetings)
Instructor: Frederic Kaplan
Six-Week Condensed Course (30-Hour Equivalent)
Credit: Non-Credit or 1.0 Undergraduate Credit (See Below)
  

Master the fundamental materials and techniques of acrylic painting in just six weeks! Through a combination of online videos, illustrated lessons, and live Zoom sessions, learn to paint opaquely and transparently in both alla prima and layering styles, blend color and value, and employ various layering techniques. Color mixing and theory are also addressed, and a rich resource of information about the wide array of acrylic painting materials is provided. This course is appropriate for students at all levels, including beginners, but drawing experience is recommended. Weekly Zoom meetings will supplement asynchronous instruction. 

Optional: This course is available for 1.0 undergraduate credit for $595. Select credit option with price adjustment when registering.  

Register by: January 17
Materials List
Winter/Spring 2025 CE Policy Guide
, including withdrawal/refund policies
Information for PAFA CE Online Courses

Painting over the Line (In-Person)

$450

with Kassem Amoudi

Calendar Next available session starts Jan 29, 2025 at 12:30 pm, runs for 10 weeks

Wednesdays, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Instructor: Kassem Amoudi
Ten-Week Course (30 Hours)
Credit: Non-Credit or 1.0 Undergraduate Credit  

Learn to explore new possibilities and paint more intuitively under the guidance of artist/critic/mentor Kassem Amoudi.  Work from personal subject matter (objects, images, emotions, or ideas) to find your own visual language, informed by examples from contemporary and modern art. Examine how to use concepts of color, harmony, focal point, space, and mark-making as powerful tools of personal expression.  Open painting is heavily supported by critiques and advice from the instructor as he works one-on-one with each student to guide them in their personal style and goals. This course is excellent for students pursuing abstract or nonobjective imagery, seeking knowledgeable feedback and a focused community painting environment.  Painting experience recommended.  

Optional: This course is available for 1.0 undergraduate credit for $595. Select credit option with price adjustment when registering. 

Register by: January 22
Materials List
Winter/Spring 2025 CE Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies 

Still Life Painting: Metaphor and Meaning (In-Person)

$450

with Frederic Kaplan

Calendar Next available session starts Jan 31, 2025 at 9 am, runs for 10 weeks

Fridays, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Instructor: Frederic Kaplan
Ten-Week Course (30 Hours)
Credit: Non-Credit or 1.0 Undergraduate Credit (See Below)

Beginning with Caravaggio’s 1599 Basket of Fruit, still-life has a long history as a vehicle for transforming the commonplace into powerful statements. Take part in this intriguing tradition by exploring the symbolic and narrative potential of the unique object arrangements in PAFA’s dedicated still-life studio.  This course is also ideal for gaining or advancing essential painting skills as you expand your understanding of color, composition, application and layering techniques, and painting materials.  Instruction will focus on oil and acrylic paints, but gouache is also permitted. Previous drawing experience strongly recommended. Painting experience helpful but not required.  

Learning Objectives: 

The student will learn how to…  

  • Select and use basic materials, including the characteristics of various commonly used colors, solvents, and mediums  
  • Execute a variety of direct and indirect painting methods.  
  • Employ approaches to interpreting and modifying observed reality to achieve emotive, symbolic, and compositional goals  
  • Engage in the descriptive, emotive, and symbolic use of color, shape, and mark  
  • Apply basic color theory and color mixing skills   

Optional: This course is available for 1.0 undergraduate credit for $595. Select credit option with price adjustment when registering. 

Register by: January 24
Materials List
Winter/Spring 2025 CE Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies

Metal Sculpture (In-Person)

$515

with Steve Nocella

Calendar Next available session starts Feb 1, 2025 at 12:30 pm, runs for 10 weeks

Saturdays, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Instructor: Steve Nocella
Ten-Week Course (30 Hours)*
Credit: Non-Credit or 1.0 Undergraduate Credit (See Below)

This ten-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. Open to all levels. Note: Tuition includes a $65 lab fee.

*Note: No class on March 8.

Optional: This course is available for 1.0 undergraduate credit for $660 (including lab fee). Select credit option with price adjustment when registering.

Register by: January 24
Materials List
Winter/Spring 2025 CE Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies





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