Adult Classes and Workshops
Welcome to the Riverside Art Museum (RAM) and to our Adult Art Classes and Workshops. The classes are designed for you to experience the arts and are taught by an amazing group of accomplished and talented artists and teachers who are ready to help you become the artist you want to be. Find your inner artist in our beautiful art museum, conveniently located in downtown Riverside. Our historic 1929 building designed by famous architect Julia Morgan, who also designed the "Hearst Castle," is the perfect environment to join friends, have fun, and get creative.
Sign up for a class today!
RAM’S Adult Art Classes and Workshops are taught by talented and prominent artists and art teachers from throughout the southland. The program was put together by the museum’s new Art Educator, Beth Yeager.
Payment-in-full must be received one week prior to the first day of the earliest-starting class registered for or student will be dropped. 15% fee retained for cancellation by enrollee. Must be in writing and received one week prior to start of class. No exceptions.
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UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
Exploring Nature @ UCR Botanic Gardens, with Gina Genis
Join award-winning photographer Gina Genis, for a fun day of digital photography at the beautiful University of California Riverside Botanic Gardens. You will learn the techniques necessary to produce stunning images of the flowers, trees, and gardens.
“My goal is to send you home with images of photographic art, not just pictures.”
Secrets about shooting tips and equipment will be shared with you. You will learn about white balance, metering, and using your camera's settings for each type of photo you take. There are vast photographic opportunities for macro and wide-angle lenses. You will also learn how to edit your favorite image using imaging software.
This photography workshop is perfect for photographers with a working knowledge of their cameras.
Who is Gina Genis?
Gina Genis has exhibited her work in museums and galleries across the U.S. She is included in the permanent collections of the Sackner Archive of Concrete and Visual Poetry, the Otto G. Richter Library Special Collections Division of the University of Miami, Orange County Transit District, and IBM, and the Hard Rock Casino among others. Publications include Outdoor Photographer's web edition, Adorama's Imaging Resource Center, Idyllwild Life Magazine, and the Idyllwild Visitor's guide. A full feature article on Gina appeared in American Contemporary Art Magazine. She recently was awarded “Best Art Show of 2011” by OC Weekly Newspaper for her Artist-In-Residence project, Economy Portraits at the Huntington Beach Art Center.
She teaches in-the-field workshops in the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Idyllwild, and Laguna Beach. She also teaches online courses through The Compelling Image.
Gina Genis, Instructor | Saturday, March 24 | 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
1-day workshop | $170 (Museum members $150)
Beyond Monotype, with Ron Pokrasso
Daily demos and instruction.- Cost includes inks and use of equipment.
- Participants supply their own paper or can purchase paper from the museum.
- Meals and drinks not included. (Bring your own; you will want to stay energetic.)
Ron Pokrasso covers a range of creative techniques in the monotype process. Artists will be encouraged to pursue personal vision using monotype as a primary mark-making tool in combination with a breadth of other techniques as necessary and available. The notion of the “artist as an inventor” will be stressed. The hands-on approach is energetic and open.
Modifying inks, multiple plate printing, exploring the limits of paper, collage, and built-up surface will all be discussed. Use of drawing materials and finishing prints as resolved and complete expressions, including solving issues after printing are aspects of the workshop. All levels of experience are welcome.
What is a monotype? Who is Ron Pokrasso?
Our Beyond Monotype workshop will attract professional and amateur artists alike. Their monotype workshop creations will be seen as nothing short of amazing. However, monotypes are one of the simplest forms of printmaking. All that is required is pigment, a surface to apply the medium, and a press.
Monotypes are considered unique because each piece “pulled” will look considerably different from the previous impression. The new impression may be further manipulated after it is removed from the press. Furthermore, the monotype printing surface may be altered previous to pressing the next impression. Although simple, the monotype process is ideal for those interested in unbridled creativity.
Ron Pokrasso is a master printer and has led this type of workshop several times at RAM. Raised in New York and with an MFA in Printmaking from Pratt Institute of Brooklyn, for decades Ron has been instrumental in motivating and mentoring aspiring printmakers throughout the US and in Europe.
Ron Pokrasso, Instructor | Wednesday, March 28 - Sunday, April 1 | 10:00 a.m. -- 4:00 p.m.
5-day workshop | 15 students maximum | $525 (Museum members $500)
Click here for workshop schedule and necessary supplies, etc.
Open Studio: Printmaking
Open Studio Procedures:
- Please register at least two days prior to start of class.
- Maximum of 8 participants per day so register early.
- You do not have to be a member of RAM to use the Open Studio.
- A facilitator will be present.
- You may arrive for set up at 9:45 a.m.
- You must be approved to print. Acceptable proof of experience includes completion of a 5-day printmaking workshop or equivalent experience.
- Paper will be available for sale. All other supplies/equipment will be provided.
- The studio has a basic table set up with palettes. Additional supplies (phone books, trays, Akua inks, sponges, plates, mixing cans, etc.) will be available.
- You must have your area cleaned up and supplies put away by 4:15 p.m.
Saturdays, April 14-May 5 | 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | $35 for any one Saturday or $100 for all 4 Saturdays | 8 participants maximum daily
Painting Outdoors, with John Budicin
Oil will be the medium- All levels from beginner to professional are welcome
- Instructor demonstrations
- Individual attention to students
- Portable easel and transportations needed
Painting outdoors is challenging. Learning what to select and what to omit to make a strong design and statement is the goal. We are not obligated to paint everything as it is; a camera does a better job.
The emphasis will be on simplifying and organizing shapes.
Beginning with a simple statement we capture the shapes, values, and light source quickly and from there we will work toward a finished work. Demonstrations supplemented with visual aids will help to clarify the key elements discussed.
What is important to me, as a teacher, is to share whatever knowledge I have with my students. I have no secrets about the way I paint, my philosophy, or my approach. I want to give each student all I can through personal attention, direction, and group discussions. There are no shortcuts in reaching our goals, just hard work and determination.
Who is John Budicin?
John Budicin was born in Rovigno, Italy. He was 12 years old when his family settled in Southern California. After working as a commercial artist for 19 years, John finally decided to make his true passion, art, his lifetime profession. Working primarily on location, he finds his inspirations directly from life.
With many awards and honors, John’s work has been in museum exhibitions and featured in many art magazines, such as, Cowboys and Indians, Art of the West, Southwest Art, Pasadena Magazine, California Art Club Newsletter, and Art Business News. Several of his paintings were selected and published in 200 Great Painting Ideas for Artist, and have been reproduced in several other art books. He is a Signature Member (and Past President) of Plein-Air Painters of America, California Art Club, Oil Painters of America, and Laguna Plein Air Painters Association.
John Budicin, Instructor | Friday, April 20 - Sunday, April 22 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
3-day workshop | $440 (Museum members $400)
Click here for more information and a list of necessary supplies.
Watercolor From Within: Painting the Essence of Nature, with Barbara Nechis
This workshop is for all who want to gain a deeper understanding of the creative process of painting and who are willing to be flexible, take risks, have fun, and be intuitive and inventive. We will not be using rules and formulas, but the emphasis will still be on concept, color, and design. My inspiration comes both from nature and the inevitable unpredictability of the watercolor medium. Both abstract and realistic forms will be addressed.
My objective is to introduce the participants to my thought process in constructing a painting. By learning how I think as I demonstrate various watercolor techniques, students receive tools to stimulate their creative imagination to produce original design in their own personal statements using either abstract or realistic forms.
I present and demonstrate a different method or idea each day covering a range of subject matter with an emphasis on concept, color and design. I use several techniques to show how to construct original paintings from both source material and the imagination.
Topics covered will include controlling paint on wet paper, under-painting, layering and combining watercolor with gouache. Daily demonstrations and critiques will each last about an hour so that time for painting and individual assistance will be ample. Critiques will approach problem solving upon the premise that there is always a solution that can turn an unsuccessful painting into a successful one. This class is for the advanced beginner and above.
Who is Barbara Nechis?
Barbara Nechis is an artist who has developed a style known for its masterful balance of spontaneity and control of the watercolor brush. She holds a BA in History and Fine Arts from the University of Rochester and an MS from Alfred University. She was a faculty member of Parsons School of Design for many years and has taught seminars at Pratt Institute, throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.
You can find her paintings in museums and collections worldwide including the Butler Institute of American Art; Banco de Crefisul; IBM; the Slater Memorial Museum; CBS; Margrit Biever Mondavi, Napa Valley, CA; and The Napa Valley Heritage Foundation. She has served as a juror and director of the American Watercolor Society and has juried shows for the National Watercolor Society, Transparent Watercolor Society of America, Watercolor West, New England Watercolor Society, and Oregon Watercolor Society. She is one of the best known Watercolor Artists in the United States.
Barbara Nechis, Instructor | Monday, May 14 - Friday, May 18 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
5-day workshop | $425 (Museum Members $400)
Click here for a list of necessary supplies.
Wearable Art Jewelry, with Richard Salley
Learn how to get the classic look of silver earrings and pendants without paying the current price in "Make an Impression".
Get the classic look of silver without paying the current price. How? By using readily available and inexpensive, silver-bearing, lead-free solder. Heated to a molten stage, the solder can be easily stamped and takes on the look of cast silver. In this class, you will learn how to etch a master stamp of heavy gauge non-ferrous sheet metal and use the stamp to create “cast silver” components. You will then learn to set cabochons into bezel cups which will be affixed to the “silver” impression. Riveted onto a metal backdrop, theses will turn into gorgeous earring or pendants, or both for the ambitious, industrious student.
Upcycle your workshop scraps into mixed-metal, multi-layered pieces of wearable art in "Bits & Pieces".
We all have scraps on our workbench that are too big to throw away and perhaps too small or irregularly shaped to be used on their own. In this workshop, you will learn how to combine those otherwise useless scraps into a mixed-metal, multilayered piece of wearable art. The class will focus on joining metals of different types and gauges using cold aas well as soldered connections. Learn how to bezel set a stone that will be combined with your scraps to create a truly unique sculptural piece of jewelry. One or more pieces will be completed during the class session.
Design and make a custom-fit "Balance Beam Bracelet".
Students will learn the design of the bracelet as well as its components: the bezel-set stone, spring mechanism, clasp and hinge, and the shaping of metal, annealing, and hardening. We will solder, shape, and hammer our way to a custom fit bracelet.
Who is Richard Salley?
Regularly featured in national art jewelry magazines, "Master of Metal" Richard Salley consistently sells out his workshops around the country. A self-proclaimed "maker of wearable art", Salley will hold a 3-day jewelry workshop here at the Riverside Art Museum.
Richard Salley, Instructor | November 9, 2012: Make an Impression; November 10, 2012: Bits & Pieces; November 11, 2012: Balance Beam Bracelet | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
3 1-day workshops | Any one day: $170 (Museum Members $145); Any two days: $295 (Museum Members $270); All three days: $420 (Museum Members $395)
SPRING CLASSES
Photography Unleashed
Beginner Level
There is a lot involved in capturing a great photo. This class will cover camera basics, aperture, shutter, ISO, exposures, the importance of knowing your equipment, flashes, lens, and other parts of the camera. Participants will learn about the importance of lighting in getting a great shot. Also covered will be workflow, capture, file, assessment, and cataloging. Image enhancement, Photoshop, Lightroom, and HDR will be addressed as well. Lastly, sharing of photos on Facebook, blogs, etc. will be detailed. The Riverside Art Museum building and galleries will be the perfect backdrop for photo sessions!
Bob Adams, Instructor | Tuesdays, March 6 – April 10 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
6 classes: $150 (Museum Members $135)
Participants are encouraged to bring their own camera.
Wonderful Watercolor I
Beginner Level
Watercolor painting is considered to be a difficult medium, but once you know the basics, paint and water will become your friends and you will marvel at what you can create. In this course, students will prepare a drawing from an image and proceed to paint it, learning the basics of watercolor painting. Each class lesson will contain color theory and a variety of watercolor techniques. Students will work on one image per week. Come join us in creating Wonderful Watercolors!
Connie Lynn Pico, Instructor | Wednesdays, March 7 – April 11 | 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
6 classes: $175 (Museum members $157.50)
Necessary materials: 8 sheets Arches 140lb cold press paper and a support for attaching the paper such as a stiff board or Masonite 16” by 20” OR one Arches cold pressed watercolor block 12” by 16”, pencil and eraser, a palette with wells to mix paint, a container for water, Grumbacher Academy Watercolors (Ultramarine Blue, Thalo Blue, Cobalt Blue, Cadmium Red, Permanent Rose, Cadmium Orange, Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Yellow, Viridian, Sap Green Thalo Green, Burnt Umber, and Burnt Sienna), watercolor brushes-natural or synthetic bristle. #2 and #10 or #12 ROUND and 1” and ½” FLAT and ½” FLAT ANGLE, #0 LINE BRUSH (rigger).
Wonderful Watercolor II
Intermediate/Advanced Level
You know the basics of watercolor. In this course, students will learn about and apply more advanced techniques to prepare a drawing and bring it to life. Come join us in creating Wonderful Watercolors!
Geeta Pattanaik, Instructor | Thursdays, March 8 – April 12 | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
6 classes: $175 (Museum members $157.50)
Necessary materials: 8 sheets Arches 140lb cold press paper and a support for attaching the paper such as a stiff board or Masonite 16” by 20” OR one Arches cold pressed watercolor block 12” by 16”, pencil and eraser, a palette with wells to mix paint, a container for water, Grumbacher Academy Watercolors (Ultramarine Blue, Thalo Blue, Cobalt Blue, Cadmium Red, Permanent Rose, Cadmium Orange, Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Yellow, Viridian, Sap Green Thalo Green, Burnt Umber, and Burnt Sienna), watercolor brushes-natural or synthetic bristle. #2 and #10 or #12 ROUND and 1” and ½” FLAT and ½” FLAT ANGLE, #0 LINE BRUSH (rigger).
Stained Glass
Beginner/Intermediate Level
Taught by renowned Riverside glass artist Judy Davies, this class is for anyone wanting to learn the intricate art of stained glass. Participants will learn the techniques of scoring and breaking glass, cutting, and grinding. Each student will complete a beautiful stained-glass garden stake which will enhance their home garden. There are some required supplies totaling $165 that you will need to purchase through the instructor and they will be yours to keep for all your future stained-glass projects. Come and learn this fascinating craft and create a garden treasure!
Judy Davies, Instructor | Tuesdays, March 13 – April 17, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
6 classes: $175 (Museum Members $157.50)
Necessary Materials: cutter, breaker/grozer pliers, solder, solder iron, temperature controller, pattern shears, flux, cutting oil, patina, flux cleaner, copper foil and lead or zinc edging, glass. All materials will be available for purchase at first class meeting.
Amazing Acrylics
Beginner/Intermediate Level
If you want to try acrylic painting or have some experience in acrylic painting, then this is the class for you! Starting with basic color mixing and advancing to color theory, you will be taught all aspects of color theory and how to use it to enhance your work. Color theory will be taught using only the three primary colors combined with white, black, burnt umber, and burnt sienna acrylic paints. Value and contrast will be addressed as well. Many techniques will be taught, including but not limited to, wetbrush, dry brush, layering, stippling, highlighting, and shadowing. Other techniques will be added as your paintings progress. Beautiful results guaranteed!
Connie Pico, Instructor | Thursdays, March 22 – May 10 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
8 classes: $165 (Museum members $148.50)
Necessary materials: Two 11x14 or 16x20 canvases. Cansons Can-va Paper pad 9 x 12. Grumbacher Acadamy Acrylics or Liquitex Basic Acrylics. (Please no flow formula acrylics.) Colors: Ultramarine Blue, Cadmium Red (deep or medium), Cadmium Yellow (medium), Titanium White, Black, Burnt Umber and Burnt Sienna. Brushes: Synthetic bristle for acrylic., 1/2 inch flat, 1 inch flat, 1/2 inch angle, #10 round and #0 or #2 rigger (liner brush).
Vintage Bookmaking
Beginner Level
Learn the basics of bookmaking and how to bind hardcover books using the Two Needle Coptic Stitch. You will take home two books, one remade from a vintage book and one of your very own design. This is a beautiful, exposed-spine bookbinding technique that lends itself to creativity. Bookbinding basics will be covered, including what tools you need to make your own books at home. You will make two blank books with high quality pages that can be used as sketch books, journals, or guest books. For one book, you will repurpose a lovely vintage or antique book of your choice. You will create another book using gorgeous papers from around the world.
Amy Spencer, Instructor | Tuesdays, March 6 – April 10 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
6 classes: $150 (Museum Members $135) + $20 materials charge
Mosaic Tile Home/Garden Art
Beginner Level
This class is for you if you have wanted to learn the art of Mosaics and create something beautiful for your home or garden. The class includes instruction on safety, tools, methods, all materials, and grouting in an informative, fun, and relaxed atmosphere. Everything you need for your project is included, but you are welcome to bring any tiles, broken china, jewelry, or interesting found objects to enhance your piece and make it meaningful and special. We will have a wide variety of tile, glass gems, ceramics, and specialty handcut pieces for you to choose from. The featured project will be a 12-inch square garden stepping stone or an 8-inch round terracotta pot. Additional bases that you may select are a 10-inch square wood-framed mirror or a 15-inch lazy susan, available for an additional $15 material fee. Come make a treasure and learn this unique art form!
Cathleen Maxwell, Instructor | Saturday, March 17 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 18 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
2 sessions: $150 (Museum members $135)
All materials provided.
Portrait Drawing
Beginner/Intermediate Level
There is nothing more challenging or satisfying than drawing a realistic portrait. By learning to construct the portrait from the inside out, this academy-style workshop teaches the rules of proportion, light logic, simple value shapes and rendering, tonal drawing, and goes into the simple use of color. Participants have the choice of working from either a model or photographs during the final session.
Cheryl Magellen, Instructor | Wednesdays, March 7 – March 28 | 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
4 classes: $140 (Museum Members $126)
Decorative Painting
Beginner Level
In this class you will learn the essential brush strokes necessary to create an array of florals, scrollwork, and even some of nature's little creatures. The instructor will touch on the basics of brush care, shading, color, and composition, all while you learn her quick and easy painting technique. In no time at all you will be on your way to painting on canvas, furniture, and even fabric. Consider your Christmas gift giving wrapped up as you delight each friend and family member with original art that you painted yourself. No prior painting experience is necessary. ANYONE can learn this technique and turn out impressive paintings in as little as six weeks.
Anna Vanover, Instructor | Wednesdays, March 7 – April 11 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
6 classes: $150 (Museum Members $135)
Necessary materials: Delta Ceramcoat Paint (or similar) in the following colors:* Black Green, Leaf Green, Mendocino Red, Bright Yellow, White, Black, Burnt Umber, Pthalo Blue, Dioxazine Purple. *If you have your own paint, feel free to bring it. The above colors are suggested but not mandatory. Paper pallette, large pad of newsprint or other low priced paper 16x20 or 18 x24 are good sizes. 1" flat shader brush, 1/4" flat glaze or shader brush, 1/2" flat shader brush, # 2 round, # 3 round, # 2 script brush, #1 script or liner brush, 1/2" Scumbler brush. Water basin, paper towels.
