Wednesdays, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 
Instructor: James Toogood 
Six-Week Condensed Course (36 Hours) 

Enrich your knowledge of painting with an in-depth look at watercolor. Thoroughly investigate a wide range of watercolor materials and techniques while working from your choice of landscape, still life, abstraction, or personal source material. The course is designed to equip each participant with the knowledge and skills necessary to make accomplished, personally rewarding watercolor paintings. Open to watercolorists of all levels and to acrylic/oil painters looking to broaden their skills.

Learning Objectives

• Students will learn about color theory as applied to watercolor.
• Students will receive a comprehensive explanation of watercolor materials and tools, with particular focus will be paid to the properties of paint and pigments as they interact with the paintbrushes and paper.
• Through both discussions and demonstrations, first-time participants and beginners will learn a variety of techniques that are fundamental to watercolor, presented in a systematic step by step method.
• Participants with experience will receive individual instruction for their current skill level.
• Students will acquire the skills needed to achieve a richness of color and a feeling of light.
• Participants will be exposed to a variety of watercolor styles and encouraged to discover their own personal aesthetic.

Image: James Toogood

Register by: May 6 
Materials List 
Please review CE's Summer 2026 Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies, prior to registering.

Wednesdays, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 
Instructor: Al Gury 
Six-Week Condensed Course (30 Hours) 

This in-person/on-campus studio class presents a structured approach to painting the figure in oils from life. Topics include drawing methods, gesture, figure structure, basic anatomy, palettes, and various paint application techniques for layering and alla prima approaches. Includes instructor demonstrations and generous individualized guidance/feedback.

Image: Al Gury

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

Fridays, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 
Instructor: Frederic Kaplan 
Six-Week Condensed Course (30 Hours) 
No class on June 19 

This painting-essentials course presents an in-depth and practical examination of the role of color in oil and acrylic painting. Instruction will explore mixing strategies and the effects of color choices and relationships upon depth, atmosphere, and luminosity. A variety of painting methods will be addressed, with a focus on how to exploit glazing, scumbling, and velatura layering techniques to achieve richer and more lively color. The still-life subject matter is appropriate for painters of all experience levels, although those with prior experience will benefit most from the color-emphasis in content.

Image: Frederic Kaplan

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

Mondays, 1 - 4 p.m. 
Instructor: Roger Chavez 
Six-Week Short Course (18 Hours)
No class on May 25 

Draw what you see competently and with confidence. Drawing is not only the basis for other creative endeavors like painting and sculpting, but also a powerful means of describing the world around you and expressing yourself. Instruction will address fundamental concepts including line, shape, perspective, value, and composition. Draw from still life objects, the life model, and more while learning the proper use of drawing materials, sight-measuring methods to accurately gauge proportions and space, shading techniques to develop three-dimensional form and contrast, and means of developing personal expression. Ideal for beginners and those in need of a refresher. Tuition includes a $20 models fee.

Image: Roger Chavez

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

Monday - Friday, 1 - 4 p.m.  
Instructor: Clay Tenhula
One-Week Intensive/Short Course (15 Hours) 

Discover the sculptural possibilities of handmade paper in this one-week intensive in PAFA's Brodsky Center Paper Studio. Learn fundamentals or build on previous papermaking knowledge as you begin by forming sheets with a mould and deckle, and then move beyond the flat page into casting, draping paper overarmatures, and investigating techniques for creating dimensional paper sculptures. Working with cotton, flax, and abaca fibers, explore how paper can fuction as both surface and structure. Students are encouraged to arrive with a project in mind; those with moulds from previous mould-making classes are welcome to bring them. All participants will gain the experience to continue to work with handmade paper as a sculptural medium. All levels welcome. 

Image: Clay Tenhula

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

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

Register by: May 12 
Materials List 
Please review CE's Summer 2026 Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies, prior to registering.

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

Register by: May 12 
Materials List 
Please review CE's Summer 2026 Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies, prior to registering.

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. 

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