Scottsdale Artists’ School offers weekly classes and workshops for everyone from the absolute beginner to the professional artist. The School’s programs are taught by working, professional artists who are also experienced instructors.
We are constantly working to update our programs daily. We invite you to check back frequently so that you don’t miss out on any of our exciting new workshops and classes.
Upcoming
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Monet for a Day
Ellen Wagener I Local I Pastel Oct 24, 2025 This class will focus on painting water, reflections, clouds and trees in the color saturated IMPRESSIONISTIC style of CLAUDE MONET. I will provide small sheets of sanded pastel paper for... Read more -
Water Mixable Oils: Solvent Free Painting
Vanya Allison | Local | Water Mixable Oils Oct 24, 2025 Water Soluble Oils are real Oils without the toxicity of mineral spirit. We use water to clean the brushes, thin the paint and use with the mediums. Great for Traveling,... Read more -
Desert Blossoms in Watercolor
Devon Meyer I Local I Watercolor Oct 27 - Nov 10, 2025 The desert is full of inspiration with its magnificent cacti and blooms. In this class students will use this inspiration and some basic techniques to draw and paint desert plants... Read more -
The Traveler's Creative Sketchbook
Jane Barton I Local I Sketching Nov 1, 2025 Ready to travel again? Make it the best ever by using art to enhance the experience! Creating a travel sketchbook will open up exploration and connection. Travelers will return home... Read more
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The Nude in Charcoal and Chalk
Mike Garcia I Local I Charcoal Nov 6 - 20, 2025 In tonal drawing, values—the pattern of light and shadow—provides the illusion of luminosity, depth, and atmosphere. Value control is a fundamental skill for any artist interested in producing realistic work,... Read more -
The Language of Sketching
Duane Blossom | Local | Watercolor Nov 14 - 15, 2025 The class focuses on sketching techniques with emphasis line work, composition, light & shadow and editing; and enhancing sketches with color. Duane, is a Fellow of the American Society of... Read more -
Crash Course in Oil Painting
Brighton Demerest-Smith | Local | Oil Nov 15 - 22, 2025 In this crash course oil painting class, Brighton Demerest-Smith (MFA) will start from square one and take students through everything they need to know to use oil paint. Topics will... Read more -
Watercolor Line and Wash for Sketchbooks "How to Use Photos"
Stevie Denny I Local I Watercolor Nov 15, 2025 Line and Wash is a popular technique for beginner watercolor artists, as well as seasoned painters, to capture the essence of memorable scenes, create a memento of a special time... Read more
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Painting Better Alla Prima Paintings from Photos
Craig Pursley I Local I Oil Nov 15 - 22, 2025 While painting from a live model is preferable, the fact is that most people who take workshops paint from photographs at home. So Craig will show students how to make... Read more -
Expressive Portrait Painting
Jerry Salinas | Local | Oil Nov 17, 2025 In this class students will work on the understructure of a painting. What is that? Painting the human head has no limits. Express yourself with amazing color using a wide... Read more -
Discover your Inner Artist
Linda Pullinsi I Local I Watercolor Nov 21, 2025 This course is about learning different techniques in a variety of media while we discover what makes you tick. A wonderful day of learning and self-discovery creating a few personalized... Read more -
Fundamentals of Landscape Painting
Paul Steele I Local I Oil Nov 21 - 22, 2025 In the world of making paintings there are a lot of terms such as modeling the form, cast shadow vs. form shadow, value, and temperature! it goes on and on.... Read more
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Beginning Oil Pastel
Scott Turner I Local I Oil Pastel Nov 22, 2025 Oil pastels are probably the most misunderstood and underappreciated medium. Many artists, when asked about oil pastels, think of a mixture of oil paint and soft pastels. The average person... Read more -
Painting Old Saint Nick
Robert Lemler I Local I Oil Dec 1, 2025 Whether you have been naughty or nice, you may join Robert Lemler for this festive one-day workshop! Students will practice their figure painting skills with a live, Santa Claus model.... Read more -
Luminous Portraits: Impastos and Glazes
Gustavo Ramos I Local I Oil Dec 4 - 6, 2025 Program Description What is it that gives a masterful oil painting its jewel-like quality, mysterious luster, and lasting freshness? The extensive properties of oil paint have enabled the creation of... Read more -
Making a Studio Landscape Look Like Plein Air
Craig Pursley I Local I Oil Dec 5 - 6, 2025 Students will be able to make significant adjustments so that their landscapes painted from photos look as if they were done on location. Also, time will be given to show... Read more
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Painting Festive Winter Birds
Krista Eaton I Local I All Mediums Welcome Dec 6, 2025 Join artist Krista Eaton for a fun, festive day of painting winter birds! In this one-day workshop, you’ll learn step-by-step techniques for capturing birds with expressive brushwork, vibrant seasonal colors,... Read more -
Watercolor Line and Wash for Sketchbooks: Planning a Two-Page Sketchbook Spread
Stevie Denny I Local I Watercolor Dec 13, 2025 Line and Wash is a popular technique for beginner watercolor artists, as well as seasoned painters, to capture the essence of memorable scenes, create a memento of a special time... Read more -
Oil Painting 101
Mike Garcia I Local I Oil Jan 8 - 29, 2026 Have you ever wanted to learn how to paint but were too afraid to enter a class with people who have been at it for years? Have you dabbled in... Read more -
The Intuitive Painting Mindset
Stan Kurth | Local | Watercolor, Gouache, Ink Jan 9 - 11, 2026 In this workshop, you'll become acquainted with the intuitive painting mindset. In her book Mindset, Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck proposes that human qualities are not fixed—they can be cultivated. People... Read more
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Painting the Figurative Portrait
Linda Tracey Brandon I Local I Oil Jan 9 - 10, 2026 Painting a portrait that includes parts of the figure is a way for the artist to further enhance aspects of the subject’s character. We will have the same model for... Read more -
Color Mixing
Jessica Garrett Lawrence I Local I Oil Jan 9 - 11, 2026 The ability to understand color can easily be broken down into logical methodical elements. First, we will learn how to mix what we see by defining a color in terms... Read more -
Arizona’s Desert Designs, Colors, and Scenic Vistas
David Flitner | Local | Oil Jan 14 - 28, 2026 Arizona Sonoran Desert vistas are unique! This class will focus on bringing light, depth, and color into the forefront of a useful desert painting process. Students will learn how targeted... Read more -
Watercolor: Bold and Loose!
Grace Haverty I Local I Watercolor Jan 16, 2026 During this workshop, students will learn to paint exciting and expressive watercolors! Students will be painting flowers from fresh arrangements that Grace will bring in on the first day; students... Read more
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Pushing Abstraction in the Landscape
Linda Pullinsi I Local I Watercolor Jan 17, 2026 Creative beginners will learn to easily sketch and paint flowers or plants. No straight lines needed! There is something magical about the delicate shapes and soft colors in a field... Read more -
Fundamentals of Landscape Painting
Paul Steele I Local I Oil or Acrylic Jan 24 - 25, 2026 In the world of making paintings there are a lot of terms such as modeling the form, cast shadow vs. form shadow, value, temperature! it goes on and on. One... Read more -
Breaking Down the Visual Language
Laura Lanford I Local I Oil Jan 26, 2026 This one-day class will teach you to have a better understanding of painting using the concepts of light and shadow. Learn to look at any scene and break it down... Read more -
Unfolding the Mystery
Suzie Black I Local I Oil & Acrylics Jan 31 - Feb 21, 2026 This four-week abstract painting class starts at the end of March and goes to the middle of April. It is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn and refine their... Read more
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Oil Painting 102
Mike Garcia I Local I Oil Feb 5 - 26, 2026 Have you ever wanted to take a class that featured a variety of subject matter to help you decide what you want to focus on? Have you dabbled with oil... Read more -
The Pop Art Still Life
John Schieffer I Local I Oil Feb 6 - 7, 2026 In this class you will be shown the design techniques and approach to photography to create a new and contemporary still life. You will learn what makes a good still... Read more -
Beginning Oil Pastel
Scott Turner I Local I Oil Pastel Feb 7, 2026 Oil pastels are probably the most misunderstood and underappreciated medium. Many artists, when asked about oil pastels, think of a mixture of oil paint and soft pastels. The average person... Read more -
Gouache: Take Me Anywhere
Vanya Allison | Local | Mixed Media Feb 9, 2026 We will learn how to use this most versatile and portable water medium to paint anywhere with minimal setup. Ideal for travel, plein air and studio. Become familiar with Gouache’s... Read more
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Painting Pollinators
Devon Meyer I Local I Watercolor Feb 9 - 23, 2026 The Sonoran Southwest is full of gorgeous flowers that need pollinators. This class will discuss and observe bees and hummingbirds. Using simple techniques students will first learn to break the... Read more -
Setting Up the Still Life, Elements and Set Up
Michael Little | Local | Acrylic, Drawing, Oil Feb 10, 2026 This class covers everything from managing effective drapery that works to selecting individual elements that work with both color balance and accepted composition factors. After a series of demonstrations, students... Read more -
Drawing Mans' Best Friend
Jean Hildebrant | Local | Pastel or Oil Feb 11 - Mar 4, 2026 In this class, the student will learn simple techniques for drawing dogs. Students are welcome to use their own high-quality photo reference or choose from instructor-provided reference material. Emphasis will... Read more -
The Beauty of Still Life
Nancy Chaboun I Local I Oil Feb 13 - 14, 2026 The critical elements of a well-designed painting will be practiced and discussed as they relate to the still life. The lessons of composition, form, value, edges, paint quality, subtlety and... Read more
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The Joy of Painting: Abstract Realism
Laurel Bushman | Local | Acrylic Feb 27 - Mar 1, 2026 Come experience joy, humor, and beauty while learning new ways to paint with acrylics in this class with Laurel! Learning and reviewing classic techniques for composition, value, and color choices... Read more -
Oil Painting 103
Mike Garcia I Local I Oil Mar 5 - 26, 2026 Have you dabbled with oil painting, but feel you need to expand your knowledge and techniques? This class is designed not only for those who have gone through Oil Painting... Read more -
Painting Flowers Alla Prima
Ashwini Bharathula I Local I Oil Mar 5 - 7, 2026 The goal of this workshop is to bring clarity and ease to painting flowers. A big part of floral painting is to slow down and pay close attention to the... Read more -
Monet For A Day
Ellen Wagener I Local I Oil Mar 6, 2026 This class will focus on painting water, reflections, clouds and trees in the color saturated IMPRESSIONISTIC style of CLAUDE MONET. I will provide small sheets of sanded pastel paper for... Read more
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Create and Cast Your Own Bronze Sculpture (duplicate)
Jerry Cox I Local I Sculpture Mar 7 - 28, 2026 Jerry will be teaching an exciting sculpture class in which students will create their own small sculpture in wax and watch it cast in bronze at a foundry. In the... Read more -
Watercolor Line & Wash Class: Integrate Lettering in Your Sketches
Stevie Denny I Local I Watercolor Mar 7, 2026 Line and Wash is a popular technique for beginner watercolor artists, as well as seasoned painters, to capture the essence of memorable scenes, create a memento of a special time... Read more -
Landscape Painting in Gouache
Edward Sprafkin I Local I Gouache Mar 14, 2026 Enjoy an immersive one-day workshop exploring the fundamentals and practices of gouache through landscape painting. This hands-on session will cover color-mixing, layering, and blending techniques. The class will start with... Read more -
Abstract Inspirations
Suzie Black I Local I Mixed Media Mar 21, 2026 Zoom in to artistic creativity. In an experimental, easy and fun way elements of abstract painting will be your playthings. Students will learn composition structures, how to make texture, mark-making... Read more
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Paint Loose Spring Florals
Krista Eaton I Local I Water-Mixable Oil Mar 21, 2026 Krista will guide you step by step through painting a beautiful spring-themed bouquet. You’ll learn practical techniques for capturing the rich vibrancy of spring while also exploring tools and methods... Read more -
Acrylic Live! Acrylic Painting!
Edward Sprafkin I Local I Drawing Mar 22, 2026 Join Acrylic Live 2026 featured artist, Edward Sprafkin, for a one-day workshop designed to deepen your understanding of acrylic painting through the lens of landscape art. This hands-on session will... Read more -
Contemporary Still Life: Interpreting Photos to Create Abstract Impressionist Paintings
Vanya Allison I Local I Oil Mar 27 - 28, 2026 Create beautiful and contemporary still life using realism combined with various tools: using different mark making tools, deconstructing, stencils, collage, etc. The overall focus will be edges, composition, color harmony,... Read more -
Sparkling Water Scenes in Watercolor
Linda Pullinsi I Local I Watercolor Mar 28, 2026 In this one-day workshop, you will learn to paint the vibrant water reflections found in lakes and streams. Capture the transparency of the water while staying true to your chosen... Read more
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The Language of Sketching
Duane Blossom | Local | Watercolor Mar 30 - 31, 2026 The class focuses on sketching techniques with emphasis line work, composition, light & shadow and editing; and enhancing sketches with color. Duane, is a Fellow of the American Society of... Read more -
Desert Caballeros: Fundamentals of Landscape Painting
Paul Steele I Local Destination I Oil Apr 9 - 10, 2026 In the world of making paintings there are a lot of terms such as modeling the form, cast shadow vs. form shadow, value, temperature! it goes on and on. One... Read more -
Abstracting the Representational Subject
Laura Lanford I Local I Oil Apr 9 - 23, 2026 Do you find yourself copying photos instead of creating artwork? Do you lack energy, mystery or boldness in your paintings? In this class, you will learn how to break down... Read more -
Painting the Landscape, Everything you Need to Know
Amery Bohling | Local | Oil Apr 10 - 12, 2026 Join Amery for an informative landscape painting workshop. Learn what subjects will make good paintings. Drawing techniques for accuracy. Mix values to prevent flat paintings and finishing details that make... Read more
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The Traveler's Creative Sketchbook
Jane Barton I Local I Drawing, Water-media Apr 11, 2026 Ready to travel again? Make it the best ever by using art to enhance the experience! Creating a travel sketchbook will open up exploration and connection. Travelers will return home... Read more -
Lessons in Abstractions
Suzie Black I Local I Acrylic or Oil Apr 17 - 18, 2026 Zoom in to artistic creativity. In an experimental, easy and fun way elements of abstract painting will be your playthings. Students will learn composition structures, how to make texture, mark-making... Read more -
Capturing the Personality of Your Pet
Linda Pullinsi I Local I Oil Apr 18, 2026 This one day will lead you through painting a likeness of your pet with a focus on their personality. Step by step demo and plenty of individual help. Working from... Read more -
Introduction to Figure Drawing
Edward Sprafkin I Local I Drawing Apr 18, 2026 Discover the fundamentals of figure drawing in a one-day workshop designed for beginners and for those with some experience with gesture drawing. Students will learn essential techniques for capturing the... Read more
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Luminous Portraits: Impastos and Glazes
Gustavo Ramos | Workshop | Oil Apr 20 - 22, 2026 What is it that gives a masterful oil painting its jewel-like quality, mysterious luster, and lasting freshness? The extensive properties of oil paint have enabled the creation of iconic portraits... Read more -
Abstraction/Representation Maturity of Painting
Brighton Demerest-Smith I Local I Oil Apr 25 - May 16, 2026 Demerest-Smith (MFA) has a wealth of experience including 10 solo shows of his large-scale nature-based paintings. This class will bridge the gap between representation, design, and abstraction in a hands-on... Read more -
Intermediate Oil Pastel
Scott Turner | Local | Oil Pastel May 1 - 2, 2026 When you ask the average person what an oil pastel is, the typical response is “a mixture of oil paint and soft pastels.” When you say “oil pastels” to most... Read more -
The Foundation of Portrait Sculpture
Alex Manzanares I Local I Water-Based-Clay May 4 - 7, 2026 Program Description Sculptor Alex Manzanares offers instruction in classical portrait sculpture, drawing from his extensive studies in Florence and Rome. Over the course of four days, students will create a... Read more
