Taking advantage of the scenic beauty of the Hudson Highlands, we will visit four locations that provide photo opportunities ranging from close-ups to grand vistas. We’ll start with a basic overview of exposure and any questions about camera operation, then set out on our first shoot. Following sessions will meet on-location (within 5 miles of GAC) and focus on various forms of composition and photographic techniques. The instructor will give immediate feedback on student work and progress. Cameras suitable for this course range from smartphones to DSLR and mirrorless. Useful options include close-up, wide-angle, and telephoto lenses. This class is for adults and mature teens of all skill levels. Cameras are not included; please bring your own to class. 

This class will take place in a different location each week. Students will receive an email with location information for the first class. 

Our class/workshop cancelation policy can be found here. 

We believe art should be accessible to all. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

Different Tree Types: Recognizing Trees and Their Many Painting Facets.

The Spring session with 6 classes:

Day 1 and 2: Techniques of painting trees in a landscape

Recognizing Trees  and learning to sketch and paint different kinds of trees

Trees in a landscape. Learning to paint a landscape with trees in the foreground and background and their perspective.

Day 3 and 4: How do we use light and see shadows to bring life into painting trees?

Trees in light and shadow. How do we portray the shapes?

How do we find the right colors to depict the many variations of green in lights and darks that trees represent?

Day 5 and 6: Sketching and painting trees outside, i.e., ‘en plein air’

How do we set up outside and paint in watercolors?

How do we deal with sunny days and dark days to paint a scenery of trees?

How do we depict the scene accurately with its proportions and selection of subject matter?

Open to all who have basic knowledge of painting in watercolors.

Additional materials required

No class May 11 or May 25

This class is scheduled to be in our print studio, which is only accessible by stairs.

Our class/workshop cancelation policy can be found here.

We believe art should be accessible to all. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

Learn the traditional techniques of etching on copper! In this class, we will practice drypoint, hard ground etching, and aquatint to develop images with a full range of values, and, of course, printing those images on GAC's American French Tool Co. press. Both experienced printmakers and beginners are welcome. This class is open to adults and mature teens of all skill levels and all materials are included. Students have access to 6 hours per week of open studio time to practice and work on your projects outside of class.

This class is scheduled to be in our print studio, which is only accessible by stairs.

No class May 26

Our class/workshop cancelation policy can be found here. 

We believe art should be accessible to all.  Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

You’re not a little kid anymore and you’re too young to drive. You like your independence and want to build your artmaking skills. This mixed media class is just for you! Create art that honors your younger self, who you are now, and your dreams for the future. Using recycled materials, traditional art supplies, and text, tell your story and be in community with other young artists. Some of the art activities include: wood and toy assemblage sculpture, abstract painting to music, and collaged memorabilia scrapbooks. There will be choices of materials for each week and students are encouraged to take the projects into independent directions. This class is intended for middle school aged students and is open to 11-14 year olds of all skill levels.

Materials are included; students can bring in old toys, photographs, candy wrappers, etc. to supplement class materials.

Our class/workshop cancellation policy can be found here.

We believe art should be accessible to all. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

White line woodcut was developed in the early 1900’s in Provincetown, Massachusetts by a group of artists, including Blanche Lazzell and B.J.O. Nordfeldt, who wanted an alternative to traditional Japanese woodblock printing.  They were interested in simplifying the process and worked out a way to use one woodblock instead of several, one for each color. We’ll focus on creating an image, cutting the block, registration, using watercolor or gouache to print, and experimenting with different Asian papers.  In some ways these prints are like monotypes.  Each color is painted on the woodblock and hand printed using a baren to create a transparent or opaque hue. You can create a monotype or a variable edition. This class is for adults and mature teenagers of all skill levels and includes 6 hours a week of open studio time.

All materials are included.

This class is scheduled to be in our print studio, which is only accessible by stairs. 

Our class/workshop cancellation policy can be found here.

We believe art should be accessible to all. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

Have you begun to learn the basics of painting and are ready for more? Build on the skills you learned in Learning to Paint Again (or a similar experience) and take your painting to the next level. This class focuses on refining your technique, deepening your understanding of color theory, and experimenting with advanced brushwork and texture. You’ll work from life to improve composition, light, and shadow, while developing a more intuitive and personal approach to painting. Whether you're refining your skills or exploring new techniques, this class offers a supportive environment where you can push your boundaries while continuing to develop your skills and artistic voice. This class is for advanced beginners who are building their confidence and are interested in going beyond an absolute beginner-level class. 

All materials are included. The quality of water-based acrylic paint has improved greatly over the years, and we will be working with acrylic and a slow drying medium that increases paint flow. If you prefer to use oil paint, please email the instructor.

 No class on May 10th + 24th

Our class/workshop cancellation policy can be found here.

We believe art should be accessible to all. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

This workshop is for children ages 8-12 and their caretakers. This workshop is for families ONLY, not for individuals. Please register for each family member. 

The public can join Jeremy Dennis on an exploration of the themes of Indigenous identity, history, and the layers of meaning within his artwork. Participants are invited to join Jeremy on a walk with their choice of camera, trying to see the landscape through the eyes of Indigenous peoples. The participants will have an opportunity at the end to share one image and why they created it.

The public can join Jeremy Dennis on an exploration of the themes of Indigenous identity, history, and the layers of meaning within his artwork. Participants are invited to join Jeremy on a walk with their choice of camera, trying to see the landscape through the eyes of Indigenous peoples. The participants will have an opportunity at the end to share one image and why they created it.