In this course, students will become acquainted with one of the most painterly methods among the printmaking techniques. Monoprints and monotypes are essentially printed paintings. Although images can be similar, editioning is not possible – no two images can be exactly the same. The monotype process creates a translucency and a quality of light very different from a painting on paper or a print. There is beauty in its spontaneity and combination of printmaking, painting, and drawing. For more information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 10.

In this course, students will discuss the historical uses of collage, from its utilitarian uses by the old masters to its pervasive use in celebrated contemporary art. Students will look at a wide range of styles from revolutionary artists such as Picasso and Matisse, Rauschenberg and Cornell, to current artists like Wangechi Mutu and Misaki Kawai. Various transfer techniques will be utilized to create several complete pieces. There will be an emphasis on composition, design, drawing and painting integration. Students are required to bring source material as a starting point for each project. Class is open to all levels. For more information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12.

Students collaborate on an art project which centers on images of the body in contemporary visual culture. The nature of the project will be built and developed by the group, depending on the interests and media used by students. Examples of artists' collaborations will be presented for consideration. Creative work from the visual arts, theory, and popular visual culture, such as film, advertisements and TV will be used as catalysts for discussion. Students working in any media are invited, including visual-arts, film, music and literature. For more information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12.

Students experiment with different approaches to self-portraiture, and create self portraits with the media best suited to the concept. Different techniques of 2D image-making will be learned, such as drawing with the mirror, painting, photography and collages. Self-portraits in various media, including installation and performance will be presented to consider ways of self exploration and self reflection through the visual arts. Among the artists that will be presented: Rembrandt, Durer, Francis Bacon, Andy Warhol, Dali, Frida Kahlo, Herbert Bayer, Chuck Close, Nan Goldin, Cindy Sherman, Tim Hawkinson, Sandra Scolnik and Janine Antoni. For more information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12.

*Model fee due first day of class, fee varies by class size. This class is designed for beginners and experienced artists alike. Eachweek students start with short, anyone-can-do, exercises in both structure and style. After these brief studies students move on to long poses from a live model. Students are encouraged to explore different mediums and techniques as they focus on developing a strong sense of personal style. For more information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12.

Learn how to paint beautiful portraits in watercolor and to stop being afraid of the figure! Join Laurie for this fun and informative course, as she explores ways to create glowing skin tones and achieve realistic proportions. Also covered are techniques for achieving an accurate likeness. Lessons are accessible for beginners and advanced painters, as students will have the option of working from their own drawings or those provided by instructor. For more information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12.

This course is designed to promote artistic experimentation. Come find new and exciting ways to work in watercolor! As always, Laurie will work with you in a fun and relaxed atmosphere to help you create better paintings with clear focal points and a sense of depth no matter the painting style or surface used. Appropriate for all students from beginners to advanced. For more information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12.

Explore the vibrancy and transparency of this medium. Instructor will emphasize color, design, and contrast. Students will learn to layer and control the pigment, rescue the white paper and still have a spontaneous, fresh-looking result. For more information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12.

This fun, hands-on class will focus on the fundamentals of drawing, with tailored instruction to strengthen the student’s individual skill set. Students will focus on the fundamentals of “seeing”: gauging accurate proportions, correct foreshortening, using negative space, seeing angles, etc. Students will also focus on the basics “mark-making”: line variation, lost and found edges, searching lines, tone variation, gradation, wrapping lines around form, etc. By the end of this class students will be able to draw what they see more accurately and more beautifully! For more information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12

Students are introduced to the French Atelier training to draw the human figure accurately. The method of "sight size", a fundamental scale system, is used to reproduce the figure accurately. Students work from a live model focusing on outline, proportion, shadow, shape and value. *Model fee due first day of class, fee varies by class size. For information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 8

*Model fee due first day of class, fee varies by class size. Come explore what has been one of the cornerstones of fine art throughout history. This class will put students at ease with figure studies and will teach students to how to “build” an accurate and beautiful drawing. We will learn how to use plumb lines as tools to gauge the initial accuracy of the drawing. This prevents an underlying distortion that so often yields unsatisfactory results. Students are encouraged to explore their own strengths and returning students are guided towards developing an individual style and creating a cohesive body of portfolio work. Students will be encouraged to work in different media as appropriate. When you learn to draw the figure, you can draw anything! For information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12

Basic construction techniques covered in this class include: piercing, drilling, bezel settings, soldering, roller texturing and hydraulic forming, as well as design, forging, stretching, inlay, reticulation, and die forming. Advanced and intermediate students pursue projects of choice with instructor supervision. For information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12

Jewelry construction techniques including: piercing, drilling, soldering, riveting, forging, reticulation, and roller printing, as well as hydraulic forming. Advanced topics may include granulation, jewelry rendering, and blanking. A strong emphasis on problem solving helps students develop a personal design vocabulary, while the multi-level class allows new students to see a variety of advanced techniques and applications. Individualized instruction allows students to progress at their own pace. For information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12.

This class will serve to thoroughly introduce beginning jewelry makers to Art Clay Silver and enhance the skill level and techniques of intermediate and advanced metal clay enthusiasts.  We will cover a variety of topics including: the construction various forms of jewelry, creating your own textures for your designs, various methods of stone setting, various methods of ring making, mirror finishing and other finishing techniques, patinas, torch and kiln-firing, and much more. You will leave this class with at least 3 to 5 pieces of finished jewelry . Supplies may be purchased in advance or from instructor. For information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12.

Using the ancient method of mixing oil paint and beeswax we will discover the exciting possibilities of abstract art while developing a cohesive body of work. Students experiment with layers while combining papers, scratching textures and powders, and incorporating found objects such as screen, beads, or glass. During this course the instructor will give encaustic demonstrations and critiques. For information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12

Students paint in a manner that matches your mood. Begin to intuitively consider formal design, color, composition and mark making while learning about pivotal artists in abstract history, including Modern greats such as Franz Kline, Klee, Mark Tobey, Mark Rothko, Barnett Newman, de Kooning, and Gottileb. Learn to paint boldly, instinctively with precise marks. Instructor will give regular critiques and demonstrations. For information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 10

Although this class is open to all levels, some previous painting experience is recommended. Learn to make fresh, finished oil paintings using your sketches, outdoor photographs, and memory. Students learn the essentials of utilizing memory and personal experience in their work to express something interesting and compelling about their subject. Practicing this method, students achieve a unique sense of abstraction, and will see their subject with fresh perspective. Instructor will offer techniques and specific methods to guide students through various technical concerns during painting sessions. Students will also be introduced to different oil mediums and what their effective use can lend to a painting. Class includes informal lectures ranging from painting methods to texts on the inspiration and techniques used by celebrated artists. Given class consensus and pleasant weather, students may paint outdoors. For information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12

Using the works of artists such as twin brothers Moses and Raphael Soyer and Renee Bouche as inspiration, students create portraits from a live model in oil and acrylic. Instructor will emphasize achieving a physical likeness while accurately portraying the model's personality. Students learn to loosen up brush and line work while maintaining bold color and composition. For information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 8

Beginners to advanced students, discover the essentials of abstract art. Learn many different techniques to creatively use mixed media, texture, different paints and pigments. Beginning with jewel tones and a monochromatic palette,  students explore the harmony between backgrounds and foregrounds as well as color placement. Class will progress through texture building and effective use of mediums and ways to create illumination.  Gain understanding of composition, organizing structure, color, texture, and use of selective vision. Nightly demonstrations are given. For information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12

Awaken your creativity! In this course we will learn to transpose and work from your photos and sketches.  Instructor will cover the seven components of any successful painting including color, composition and texture. You may use oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, or mixed media. Individual instruction in each material will be given as students progress in their preferred style. For information or to register call (713) 523-9530. Limit 12