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Continuing Education at PAFA

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The Landscape Oil Sketch (OUTDOOR)

$315

with Roger Chavez

Calendar Current session started May 19, 2026 at 10 am, runs for 5 weeks

Tuesdays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 
Instructor: Roger Chavez 
Five-Week Short Course (20 Hours) 
Rain Date: June 23 

The oil sketch is a traditional way for painters to execute preparatory ideas and quickly capture initial impressions – perfect for plein air painting! Learn useful techniques for rapidly encapsulating color and form while working directly from observation. Locations with shade and restrooms include Bartram’s Garden and other sites along the Schuylkill River. Note: Students are responsible for their own transportation to painting locations.

Image: Roger Chavez

Registration still open!  
Materials List 
Please review CE's Summer 2026 Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies, prior to registering.

Watercolor Plunge

$295

with Tony Rosati

Calendar Current session started May 19, 2026 at 10 am, runs for 6 weeks

Tuesdays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. 
Instructor: Tony Rosati 
Six-Week Short Course (18 Hours) 

Take the plunge to learn the fundamentals of watercolor through this beginner-friendly class designed for those with little or no painting experience! Acquire a thorough grounding in basic watercolor materials and techniques, including papers, brushes and pigments, as well as transparent and opaque painting methods. Gain the confidence to further your skills and enjoyment in the medium, in future studies or personal expression.

Image: Tony Rosati

Registration still open!  
Materials List 
Please review CE's Summer 2026 Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies, prior to registering.

Portrait Drawing and Anatomy

$615

with Jill A. Rupinski

Calendar Current session started May 21, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 6 weeks

Thursdays, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 
Instructor: Jill A. Rupinski 
Six-Week Condensed Course (36 Hours)  
*Note: This course has been updated with adjusted information and dates.  

Develop a solid background in drawing the human head and features. Learn first the structure of the head – planar structure, axial relationships, proportions and foreshortening – and progress to anatomy and the features. Work with a variety of materials including graphite, charcoal, and chalk (conté crayon and pencil).  Extended poses will promote strengthening of observational abilities and drawing techniques toward achieving both a likeness and aesthetic effect.  Historical and contemporary examples of master portrait drawings will provide inspiration and insight.  All levels are welcome.  Note: Course tuition includes a $75 models fee.

Image: Jill A. Rupinski, David (detail), pastel on toned paper. 

Registration still open!  
Materials List  
Please review CE's Summer 2026 Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies, prior to registering.

Screenprinting and Beyond

$480

with Tony Rosati

Calendar Current session started May 21, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 10 weeks

Thursdays, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. 
Instructor: Tony Rosati 
Ten-Week Course (30 Hours) 
No class on July 2 

The versatile nature of screenprinting lends itself to printing on paper, fabric and other surfaces. For the beginner, this course will cover all aspects of the process including screen preparation, image development, and printing techniques. Printmakers with experience may propose independent projects. Note: Tuition includes $30 lab fee. 

Learning Objectives: 

  • Students will gain a basic understanding of the screenprinting process.
  • Students will acquire technical experience with screens, squeegees, ink, tools, and equipment.
  • Students will learn basic screenprinting techniques including image development, coating and processing screens, mixing ink, and printing.
  • Students will acquire technical expertise by way of printing various stencils from fine detail images to flat broad areas.
  • Students will learn printmaking professionalism including printing editions on clean registered printmaking paper, signing and numbering editions appropriately.
  • Students will learn the importance of image development through individual reviews and by exploring various possibilities with the process.
  • Students will develop critical visual and verbal skills by way of individual discussions with the instructor and with their peers.

Image: Tony Rosati, GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE, screen print, 15 x 11 in.

Register by: May 20 (pending space availability) 
Materials List 
Please review CE's Summer 2026 Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies, prior to registering.

Foundry: An Introduction/All Levels

$615

with Pavel Efremoff

Calendar Current session started May 21, 2026 at 12:30 pm, runs for 10 weeks

Thursdays, 12:30 - 4 p.m. 
Instructor: Pavel Efremoff 
Ten-Week Condensed Course (35 Hours)
No class on July 2 

This course will cover all aspects of the foundry process. Demonstrations and hands-on instruction will be given in wax modeling and casting, ceramic shell techniques, bronze pouring, metal chasing, TIG welding and patination. All levels welcome. Note: Tuition includes a $75 lab fee.

Image: Pavel Efremoff

Register by: May 14 
Materials List 
Please review CE's Summer 2026 Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies, prior to registering.

Full Course

Portrait Drawing: An Introduction

$315

with RA Friedman

Calendar Current session started May 21, 2026 at 6 pm, runs for 6 weeks

Thursdays, 6 - 9 p.m.  
Instructor: RA Friedman 
Six-Week Short Course 

Whether you are a fine artist, illustrator, comic book creator, or simply enjoy drawing people, this fascinating course will prompt you to expand how you envision the human head and face. Learn methods of working that lead to accuracy and animated likeness. Starting with geometric solids in space, instruction will focus largely on structure and form as you understand volumes and ways of defining the foundation of the head. The course also examines the construction of facial features and how to handle light and shade. Students will work from a variety of references including three sessions with a live model. Tuition includes a $20 models fee.

Image: RA Friedman

Registration still open!  
Materials List
Please review CE's Summer 2026 Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies, prior to registering.

The Complete Terracotta Portrait

$615

with Morgan Dummitt

Calendar Next available session starts May 26, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 6 weeks

Tuesdays, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 
Instructor: Morgan Dummitt 
Six-Week Condensed Course (36 Hours) 

Modeling the portrait in clay is a foundational skill of traditional sculpture. Working from a model, learn to create a portrait from composition to completed sculpture. Focus will include simple structural forms, proportion, anatomy, and technical best practices for clay sculpture. Work will be fired at the end of class. All levels welcome. Tuition includes a $75 models fee. 

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Gain a basic understanding of the osteology, myology, and morphology of the head
  • Analyze and organize the various forms of the head and neck into simplified sculptural forms
  • Understand various techniques for creating a “likeness” of the sitter
  • Carry out best practices for modeling and maintaining water-based clay sculpture. 

Image: Morgan Dummitt

Registration still open!  
Materials List 
Please review CE's Summer 2026 Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies, prior to registering.

Landscape Revisited (INDOOR)
Registration Unavailable

Landscape Revisited (INDOOR)

$450

with Shushana Rucker

Calendar Next session starts May 26, 2026 at 6 pm, runs for 10 weeks

Tuesdays, 6 - 9 p.m.  
Instructor: Shushana Rucker 
Ten-Week Course (30 Hours) 
No class on July 7 

This extended course explores landscape drawing and painting in the studio using reference photos and sketches. Students will learn how to create effective reference materials through photography, sketching, and observation, and how to translate these references into compelling compositions. Instruction will focus on principles of design, including balance, value structure, and spatial organization, alongside an in-depth exploration of color relationships, atmosphere, and light. Through a series of projects and critiques, students will develop technical skills and a personal approach to interpreting the landscape.

Image: Shushana Rucker, The Schuylkill, oil on panel, 10 x 20 in.

Register by: May 19 
Materials List
Please review CE's Summer 2026 Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies, prior to registering.





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