Summer Paint Classes
Please scroll down this page to see the complete list of Summer Paint classes for adults.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Did you notice a change in the fee for your class? To simplify our accounting and recordkeeping, we no longer charge separate studio and materials fees. The total price for your class did not increase but it might look like it did. In fact, the class will actually cost less if you are a member since we are now discounting the studio and materials fees in addition to the tuition discount. We will continue to charge the model fees separately and, since the summer camp catalog had gone to press when this decision was made, we will continue to charge materials fees for summer camp programs through the end of this summer.

10% Discount for First-time Students:
First-time students save 10% off the price of a class when they register for their first class at the Art Center. Discount does not apply toward Transportation, Firing, New Student Material, or Model fees; Summer Arts Camp; Birthday Parties; subsidized classes, and cannot be combined with any other offer.

Call 952.473.7361, ext. 16, if you have questions or to register for a class.

Jump to these paint classes and faculty:
INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED PAINTING
BEGINNING / INTERMEDIATE PAINTING
PAINTING ALL LEVELS
WATERCOLOR BASICS
CONTINUING WATERCOLOR I
CONTINUING WATERCOLOR II
ABSTRACT PAINTING
SATURDAY ABSTRACT PAINTING
STILL LIFE: OIL AND ACRYLIC
OIL PAINTING IN AN IMPRESSIONIST PLEIN AIR SPIRIT
PRACTICAL COLOR MIXING FOR OIL AND ACRYLIC
ACRYLIC PAINTING BASICS
OIL PAINTING BASICS
PASTEL LANDSCAPES
SUMI-E (ARTS & CUSTOMS OF JAPAN)

Paint Faculty

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INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED PAINTING
Instructor: Dorothy Odland
Skill Level: AB, I, AD

Understand more about the process of making art and developing personal style, using oil, acrylic or watercolor. Work at your own pace with individual instruction. Bring paints, brushes and painting surface to first class.
Enrollment limited to 20; ages 16 and up

F414
Tuesdays, June 22 - July 20
(5 sessions) 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
$122 Members / $135 Non-members

G414
Tuesdays, July 27 - August 24
(5 sessions) 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
$122 Members / $135 Non-members

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BEGINNING / INTERMEDIATE PAINTING
Instructor: Dorothy Odland
Skill Level: B, AB, I

Learn the basics or brush up on rusty skills. Work in oil, acrylic or watercolor to explore color and personal style. Bring paints, brushes and painting surface to first class.
Enrollment limited to 20; ages 16 and up

F415
Tuesdays, June 22 - July 20
(5 sessions) 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
$122 Members / $135 Non-members

G415
Tuesdays, July 27 - August 24
(5 sessions) 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
$122 Members / $135 Non-members

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PAINTING ALL LEVELS
Instructor: Dorothy Odland
Skill Level: All

Learn basics or brush up on rusty skills. Work in oil, acrylic or watercolor to explore color and personal style. Bring paints, brushes and painting surface to the first class.
Enrollment limited to 20; ages 16 and up

F416
Tuesdays, June 22 - July 20
(5 sessions) 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
$122 Members / $135 Non-members

G416
Tuesdays, July 27 - August 24
(5 sessions) 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
$122 Members / $135 Non-members

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WATERCOLOR BASICS
Instructor: Terry Genesen-Becker
Skill Level: B [core class]

This course provides the foundation for successful watercolor painting. All technical aspects are covered including pigment characteristics, brush handling, texturing, masking and paper stretching. Class exercises are designed to increase confidence, explore value, color mixing and composition. Imaginative assignments integrate content and technical skills. This is a two-part, consecutive series. You must complete the Summer I class in order to take the Summer II class. Supply list will be provided at first class of Summer I.
Enrollment limited to 12; ages 16 and up

F420
Wednesdays, June 23 - July 21
(5 sessions) 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
$122 Members / $135 Non-members

G420
Wednesdays, July 28 - August 25
(5 sessions) 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
$122 Members / $135 Non-members

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CONTINUING WATERCOLOR I
Instructor: Terry Genesen-Becker
Skill Level: AB [core class]

This course is for the painter fresh from Watercolor Basics and provides more directed experience in the media. Material covered will increase familiarity with value structure, composition, color use and painting techniques. Bring supplies to first class. Prerequisite: Watercolor Basics or instructor’s permission.
Enrollment limited to 12; ages 16 and up

F425
Thursdays, June 24 - July 22
(5 sessions) 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
$102 Members / $113 Non-members

G425
Thursdays, July 29 - August 26
(5 sessions) 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
$102 Members / $113 Non-members

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CONTINUING WATERCOLOR II
Instructor: Terry Genesen-Becker
Skill Level: I

Continue developing skills and personal expression in a course that encourages exploration while increasing familiarity with watercolor techniques. General emphasis on individual confidence and growth. Bring supplies to first class. Prerequisite: Watercolor Basics or instructor’s permission.
Enrollment limited to 15; ages 16 and up

F426
Thursdays, June 24 - July 22
(5 sessions) 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
$122 Members / $135 Non-members

G426
Thursdays, July 29 - August 26
(5 sessions) 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
$122 Members / $135 Non-members

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ABSTRACT PAINTING
Instructor: Ellen Richman
Skill Level: All

This course presents abstract painting in acrylic or oil with an emphasis on design, color, composition, and value. It allows students to expand their knowledge of medium and technique, and encourages the development of personal style. Students will work at their own pace on a series of abstract paintings. Supply list available on-line.
Enrollment limited to 15; ages 16 and up

F406
Mondays, June 21 - July 19
No Class July 5
(4 sessions) 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$97 Members / $108 Non-members

G406
Mondays, July 26 - August 23
(5 sessions) 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$122 Members / $135 Non-members

click here for a materials list for this class

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SATURDAY ABSTRACT PAINTING
Instructor: Ellen Richman
Skill Level: All

This course presents abstract painting in acrylic or oil with an emphasis on design, color, composition, and value. It allows students to expand their knowledge of medium and technique, and encourages the development of personal style. Students will work at their own pace on a series of abstract paintings. Supply list available on-line.
Enrollment limited to 15; ages 17 and up

F497
Saturdays, July 3 - 24
(4 sessions) 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$97 Members / $108 Non-members

G497
Saturdays, July 31 - August 21
(4 sessions) 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$97 Members / $108 Non-members

click here for a materials list for this class

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STILL LIFE: OIL AND ACRYLIC
Instructor: Michele Combs
Skill Level: B, AB, I

Still life painting, whether allegorical, botanical or a depiction of everyday life, has a long history dating as far back as the ancient Egyptians. Artists from Jan van Eyck to Edouard Manet to Wayne Thiebaud have all used still life to represent their place, time and style. In this class you will learn to compose and capture still life in oil and acrylic. We will focus on light, shape, value and color. Bring in some of your favorite objects to create an expression of your life at this time and in this place.
Enrollment limited to 18; ages 16 and up

F494
Thursdays, July 1 - 22
No Class July 15
(3 sessions) 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
$97 Members / $108 Non-members

click here for a materials list for this class

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OIL PAINTING IN AN IMPRESSIONIST PLEIN AIR SPIRIT
Instructor: John Currie
Skill Level: All

Reid Galey said that “Painting is a difficult pleasure.” This course is designed in that spirit, emphasizing the latter as a way of overcoming the former. Emphasis will be on painting natural landscapes with loose brushwork and a living color palette and that many rules are––gasp! ––made to be broken. There are many ways to skin a painted cat. How loosely or tightly we paint is less important than being able to tell if it’s a fish or a tree...We will be flexible to meet the needs and desires of both new and continuing students. Each student is given the opportunity to paint on his/her own or participate in painting studies. We will paint studies which explore composition, line, mass and form, experimenting with color palettes, time limits, and working from memory vs. photos vs. real life. The emphasis will be on painting from nature but not being a prisoner of it. A recommended materials list will be provided prior to class.
Enrollment limited to 15; ages 18 and up

G498
Wednesdays, July 28 - August 25
(5 sessions) 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
$122 Members / $135 Non-members

click here for a materials list for this class

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PRACTICAL COLOR MIXING FOR OIL AND ACRYLIC
Instructor: Frank Wetzel
Skill Level: All

No boring color theory or color wheel but a practical method of mixing the color you want each time, every time. No more frustration with mixing piles of paint that you end up wasting and still don't get what you want. The new ARRAY method helps you to learn the 4 simple steps to identifying and mixing the paint. When you take this workshop you'll know the process and know what you need to do in the future to create better paintings. You'll also understand how to use the ARRAY system to make notes for future paintings and to compose paintings for color harmony. All levels of experience are welcome. Materials list on-line.
Enrollment limited to 12; ages 18 and up

F496
Friday and Saturday, June 25 & 26
(2 sessions) Friday 9 AM - 4 PM
Saturday 9 AM - 1 PM
$89 Members / $99 Non-members

G496
Friday and Saturday, August 27 & 28
(2 sessions) Friday 9 AM - 4 PM
Saturday 9 AM - 1 PM
$89 Members / $99 Non-members

click here for a materials list for this class

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ACRYLIC PAINTING BASICS
Instructor: Holly Stone
Skill Level: All

Students will learn basic art principles and techniques important in designing and completing strong acrylic paintings. Beginning students will be assisted with a step-by-step painting process, and given basics in value, color, glazing, brush techniques and more. Returning and more advanced level students will further develop their personal style, improve color and design skills, and be presented with more advanced painting principles and techniques. Supplies discussed first session. View syllabus on website.
Enrollment limited to 18; ages 16 and up

F465
Fridays, June 25 - July 23
(5 sessions) 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$122 Members / $135 Non-members

G465
Fridays, July 30 - August 27
(5 sessions) 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$122 Members / $135 Non-members

click here for a materials list for this class

click here for a description of this class

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OIL PAINTING BASICS
Instructor: Holly Stone
Skill Level: B, AB [core class]

Students will learn basic art principles and techniques important in designing and completing strong oil paintings. Beginning students will be assisted with a step-by-step painting process, and given basics in value, color, palette knife use, brush techniques and more. Returning and more advanced level students will further develop their personal style, improve color and design skills, and be presented with more advanced painting principles and techniques. Supplies discussed first session. View Syllabus on website.
Enrollment limited to 18; ages 16 and up

F464
Fridays, June 25 - July 23
(5 sessions) 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
$122 Members / $135 Non-members

G464
Fridays, July 30 - August 27
(5 sessions) 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
$122 Members / $135 Non-members

click here for a materials list for this class

click here for a description of this class

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PASTEL LANDSCAPES
Instructor: Cynthia Kath
Skill Level: All

The focus of this class is to understand pastels, and help you find, trust and enrich your own artistic voice through this wonderful medium. Study the techniques of master artists to learn how; value, composition, style and color turn into great works of art. Discover the luminosity of this pure pigment and capture the spirit of pastels.
Enrollment limited to 18; ages 16 and up

F475
Thursdays, June 24 - July 22
(5 sessions) 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
$122 Members / $135 Non-members

G475
Thursdays, July 29 - August 26
(5 sessions) 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
$122 Members / $135 Non-members

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SUMI-E (ARTS & CUSTOMS OF JAPAN)
Instructor: Reiko I. Shellum- Koeck
Skill Level: All

Our Sumi-e classes are not just art classes. It is necessary to learn the history, culture and customs of Japan. Sumi-e painting, along with Nihonga and other related artwork, is explained and introduced. The discipline then can be expanded to be used in painting on surfaces other than paper and silk. Traditional calligraphy is offered in conjunction with the class. This correlates to the basic learning of the language. The finished paintings are signed in the Japanese tradition and sealed with a red seal. Students are able to use a Japanese name of their choice, which is registered with the class, thus avoiding duplication. Above all, everyone is friendly and helpful, as there is no competition.
Classes are for students at all levels.
Enrollment limited to 14; ages 18 and up

Morning
F943
Thursdays, June 24 - July 22
(5 sessions) 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$158 Members / $175 Non-members

Afternoon
F945
Thursdays, June 24 - July 22
(5 sessions) 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
$158 Members / $175 Non-members

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PAINT FACULTY

Terry Genesen-Becker
B.F.A., University of Minnesota. Terry’s 28 years of teaching experience include the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, the Minnesota Museum of Art School, Grand Marais Art Colony and the University of Minnesota’s Compleat Scholar. As a nationally exhibited watercolorist she has been awarded signature status in the Transparent Watercolor Society of America, the Red River Watercolor Society and Watercolor USA’s Watercolor Honor Society. Terry’s work was recently included in national invitationals curated by the University of Minnesota and Parkland College, Champaign, IL. Her work and process have been featured in WATERCOLOR magazine. Her watercolors are regularly shown in national juried exhibitions and museum collections which include the Minnesota Museum of American Art, St. Paul, MN, Neville Public Museum of Brown County, Green Bay, WI, Springfield Art Museum, Springfield, MO and the Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon, MI.
http://www.terrygenesenbecker.com

Michele Combs
Michele has indulged her passion for painting and pursued it as a career. She has trained in classical realism at the Minnesota River School of Fine Art. She has participated in courses, workshops, and seminars with nationally recognized artists throughout the United States. Michele prefers to paint from life as it is the best way to capture subtle beauty. When painting an image Michele attempts to do more than simply reflect the combination of individual elements. She uses light, form, perspective and color to lead your eye through the image in a fashion that accents, enhances, and makes a unique viewing process. She has been teaching since 2005.

John Currie
John is a graphic and concept designer, creating restaurants, package graphics, surface textile design, corporate IDs, collateral, publications and books for clients in the US and Europe. He studied Fine Art at the University of Minnesota (the Bad Art classes were full), followed by sculpting classes at the Art Center with Nick Legeros, Roger Junk and Heidi Hoy. He studied studio painting with Clea Fehlein, finger painting with his nieces and plein air painting with Armond Cabrera and his mentor, Reid Galey. With Reid, he was one of the founding members of Outdoor Painters of Minnesota, being colorful while saving electricity. He is a member of Society of Minnesota Sculptors, National Sculpture Society and AAA, and has been a Sculpture Studio Assistant at the Art Center. His work has been in juried shows and fairs in the US and is exhibited in galleries, plus private collections in France, Belgium, Peru and the US. More can be found in the closet in his studio.
www.fineart.currieworks.com and www.currieworks.com

Reiko Ito Shellum-Koeck
Reiko was born in Japan and graduated from Futaba Jo Gakuin where she began her studies in Sumi-e painting of the Nango School. She continued her studies under Nanga masters until 1952 when she immigrated to the U.S. A teacher’s teacher, Reiko has instructed Sumi-e to teachers and students of pottery, oil and watercolor painting, fabric design and batik. She has taught at many area art schools including the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the University of Minnesota Duluth and Macalester College. Her work has been widely exhibited.

Cynthia Kath
B.A., in Fine Arts, and is currently working on a Master of Liberal studies at the U of M in Fine Art, Architecture and Horticulture. She has studied at Parsons in Paris, and privately with Stephen Burr, a renown pastel artist on Maui. She has studied Flemish portrait painting with Jeff Hurinenko, and is presently studying plein air oil painting with Joe Paquet. She has taught watercolor painting at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and at Como Park Conservatory, and has been showing her work in both one woman shows and group juried exhibitions in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Hawaii and France.

Bonnie Lauber-Westover
M.A., Illinois State University, B.A., University of Iowa. Artist and educator, Bonnie teaches at Minneapolis College of Art and Design as well as the Minnetonka Center for the Arts. She has an extensive background teaching in high schools, middle schools, colleges and art centers. Bonnie exhibits and has won awards throughout the Midwest.

Dorothy Odland
M.F.A. and B.F.A., University of Minnesota. Exhibitor, award winner and show juror. Gallery lecturer for 22 years at Walker Art Center. Founding member and mentor with W.A.R.M. (Women’s Art Registry of Minnesota). Her work is in many corporate and private collections.

Ellen Richman
B.F.A. University of Minnesota. Ellen has exhibited extensively and had work in Art in America and other publications. Her work is represented in collections in the U.S. and Mexico. She is the winner of several awards and has also held positions in several museums, photography and design organizations.

Holly Stone
B.S., Wayne State University, Detroit, MI. Holly is an artist-educator who has taught oil painting acrylics and watercolor locally since 1998. Involvement in the arts has included work as a scenic designer/actor/musical director for a local theater troupe for four years, mural painting, and numerous art shows. Her work may be seen in commercial and private collections. She uses her occupational therapy background to assist people of all abilities to find expression in the arts.

Frank Wetzel
Frank works in oil, watercolor, pastel and drawing in the creation of portraits, figures and landscapes. He is the winner of numerous awards including 1st Place in the Minnesota State Fair for his life size painting: “Portrait of Earl Nelson at 80.” His work is in national and international collections. Frank was primarily trained in the classic tradition at the Lack and LeSuer Ateliers. He has taught the above mediums and subjects for 10 years at the Minnesota River School and for 5 years at Art Studio Schools. In addition he has taught workshops in Europe and throughout the U.S.