CONTEMPORARY IMPRESSIONISM

September 28, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM (EDT)

Description

Sheila Barbone 

Inspired by the contemporary impressionist style, this class explores painting from photographs while developing skills in composition, color, and expressive brushwork. Students will learn how to visualize and simplify a scene, create a strong composition, and translate a reference photo into a dynamic painting.

Through instructor demonstrations, students will explore drawing on canvas, the use of paint, color, and a variety of painting techniques in either oil or acrylic. Individual guidance will be provided throughout each class, with critiques offered as time permits.

Timed painting exercises from still life arrangements using large brushes will encourage loose, confident brushwork while strengthening observational skills. The course emphasizes composition, color, painterly expression, and an understanding of materials, helping students develop a more confident and expressive approach to painting.

Medium: Oil or Acrylic
Some painting experience recommended.

5-week series

Mondays, 6pm – 8:30pm

September 28 – November 7 (No Class on October 12)

Members $210 / Nonmembers $250

Class Supply List

Please bring the following materials for the class:

1. Reference Images: Bring 4 photographs that you are passionate about featuring an urban scene, town, beach landscape, or any scenic image to use as inspiration.
2. Canvas or Painting Panels

• Canvas or panels in sizes around 12″ x 14″ to 12″ x 16″ (slightly smaller or larger sizes are also acceptable)
• Additional small canvases or panels for experimentation, such as 4″ x 6″ or 8″ x 10″

3. Additional Supplies

• Paper towels
• Disposable rubber gloves
• Trash bag for taking home used paper towels

4. Brushes & Palette Knife

• Flat brushes: Sizes 4, 6, 8, 10, 12
• Round brushes: Sizes 2, 4, 6
• Filbert brushes: Sizes 4, 6, 8
• Palette knife

5. Paint Colors

• Titanium White
• Blues: Ultramarine Blue, Phthalo Blue, Cerulean Blue
• Yellows: Cadmium Yellow (light, medium, lemon)
• Reds: Cadmium Red (light, medium), Alizarin Red
• Greens: Viridian Green

Additional colors may be brought based on personal preference.

6. Other Materials

• Odorless paint thinner and a container/jar
• Empty container with lid for used thinner
• Pencil or charcoal
• Drawing paper