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

Saturday Zoom Intro, 1 – 3 p.m. and Sunday Outdoors/On-Location, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (See below for rain date.)
Instructor: Colleen O’Donnell
Weekend Workshop
Credit: Non-Credit Only

Nature can stimulate creativity and mindfulness, and likewise mindful creativity can amplify one’s appreciation of nature. Improve your ability to be conscious in and with nature by creating a temporary artwork in a natural setting using the materials found there. Making an artwork onsite not only amplifies attention to the beautiful details of one’s surroundings, but also the ephemeral, or impermanent, nature of land work releases the artist from preconceived ideas or pressures of making a lasting "product" so that they can be concerned only with living and creating in the moment. The class will meet first via Zoom to discuss ideas of land art, view examples, and plan for their activity.  Students will then gather and create their works in Montgomery County's peaceful Fort Washington State Park, and afterward photograph it or make a short video to preserve the memory. This workshop is a great way to use art-makingas a way to relax and connect with nature.No prior experience necessary. Students are responsible for their own transportation.

Note: Please reserve rain dates of July 20 – 21. Regular refund policies apply to original dates only; no refunds available for students unable to attend rain dates. See CE policy guide below for withdrawal policies.

Image: Colleen O'Donnell, Oceanscape, driftwood, shells and plastic straw, 6 x 18 x 6 in.

Register by: July 26
Materials List
Summer 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

Paint from a life model in a single pose for the entire course. Extended time with a single subject allows students to work with the instructor to tailor exercises that address their individual interests, including the development of one large image or several smaller studies. The first session will include time for gestural and thumbnail drawings in preparation for the model’s final placement. Instruction will cover a variety of topics including glazing, broken color, surface texture, composition and design, the relationship of the figure to the environment, the creation of atmosphere and color harmony, disrupted realism, and open- versus closed-form painting. All levels welcome. Students are welcome to draw-only, or use other appropriate media, if they wish. Note: Tuition includes a $35 models fee. 

Image: David Wilson.

Register by: July 5
Materials List 
Summer 2024 CE Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies