New! Have you had some very basic tempera, acrylic or watercolor painting experience in the past, but have become curious about oils? With the arrival of spring and light, let’s turn that curiosity outdoors - toward nature, land and sky. Learn to navigate oil’s challenges and take advantage of the benefits: brighter colors, slower dry time, ease in blending, minimized color change through drying process, etc. Gain a better understanding of mixing oil colors, paint application, composition, and value, and explore new styles such as Impressionism and American Tonalism. In a supportive, meditative, relaxed setting, have fun getting to know oils, while further exploring your own unique style. Classes held at Memorial Park gazebo, across from the high school; poor weather classes will be held in the high school art studio. Supply list provided once class determined to run. 

Chris graduated from Bowdoin College with a BA in Visual Arts. He’s a painter, exhibitor, and art teacher inspired by the synthesis of nature, the evolving play of light, and each artist’s unique, mindful expression of feelings and interpretation.

Six Thursdays, 04/27 to 06/01/2017

6:00 to 8:00 pm

$80, plus approx. $60-100 in supplies purchased ahead by student 

Instructor: Christopher Reed

This class will incorporate mindfulness based techniques with an expressive approach to painting using a variety of medium, including tempera, graphite, and charcoal. Exercises emphasize various mark making and painting effects in an abstract way while providing an understanding of the basic principles of line, form, value and composition. Objective is  to gradually overcome natural inhibitions and perfectionism, in order to fully express yourself at an intuitive level. No experience required, just a willingness to tap into unchartered territory to discover your creative potential. Supply list provided once class determined to run. 

Chris graduated from Bowdoin College with a BA in Visual Arts. He’s a painter, exhibitor, and art teacher inspired by the synthesis of nature, the evolving play of light, and each artist’s unique, mindful expression of feelings and interpretation.

Six Tuesdays, 03/07 to 04/11/2017

6:00 to 8:30 pm

$99, plus $60 to 80 in supplies purchased ahead by student 

Instructor: Christopher Reed

New! You’ve dabbled in drawing or taken one of Chris Reed’s Mindful Beginner Drawing classes before. You enjoyed it, you have the materials, and want to expand upon the basic principles of drawing. We’ll focus on implementing finer details and textural effects, while building on tonal gradations and composition of still lifes and landscapes. Mindful exercises will be continued to allow the inner artist to unfold naturally without judgment and fears that impede the creative process. Open to beginners as well since class will be structured to meet different skill levels. Students may be asked to bring in still life pieces or photos that appeal to their senses, or evoke strong inner feelings or passions; for those without supplies from past classes, supply list provided once class determined to run. Chris graduated from Bowdoin College with a BA in Visual Arts. He’s a painter, exhibitor, and art teacher inspired by the synthesis of nature, the evolving play of light, and each artist’s unique, mindful expression of feelings and interpretation.

Five Tuesdays, 01/17 to 02/14/2017

6:00 to 8:00 pm, $67

Instructor: Christopher Reed

New! With the average book taking 7-10 years to write, it isn’t surprising that authors feel their job’s done at publication. But nothing could be further from the truth! Whether you’re thinking about writing a book, you’re in the middle of writing one, have already self-published, or were published by a traditional publishing house, you’ll be surprised to learn that marketing your book will almost certainly be your responsibility. Cover basics of ethical, efficient and effective book promotion: What is an author platform? Why should you consider yourself a brand? Why is achieving “Best-Selling” status on Amazon soon to be obsolete? Learn how local authors are working together to promote their books, and how you can, too. Participants will receive a wealth of essential tips and toolsso they can get started on promoting their book right away. Laurie taught marketing at USM, and is author of Enough! How to Liberate Yourself and Remake the World with Just One Word published by Conari Press. Within 6 months of its launch, she appeared on radio shows, hosted online webinars and blogs, presented at venues and expos across the US, serving as conference keynote at three – all without spending a fortune on P.R. and marketing.     

Tuesday, 01/31/2017

6:30 to 8:30 pm, $35

Instructor: Laurie McCammon, MS 

New! This is a beginner-level class for people who love their pets, and want to capture their dog or cat in either realistic or abstract art form. Learn basic drawing for scaling the portrait to proper proportions. The principles of line, form, texture, value, and composition will be emphasized. Participants will bring their favorite close-up photo of their pet’s front or side view face; supply list provided once class is determined to run. 

Chris graduated from Bowdoin College with a BA in Visual Arts. He’s a painter, exhibitor, and art teacher inspired by the synthesis of nature, the evolving play of light, and each artist’s unique, mindful expression of feelings and interpretation.

Five Tuesdays, 04/25 to 05/23/2017 

6:00 to 8:00 pm

$67 plus approx. $40 in supplies 

purchased ahead by student

Instructor: Christopher Reed

New! Beginners learn the basics of hand-building with instruction on a variety of methods and approaches to surface design. Learn to use your hands, as well as assorted pottery tools, stamps, construction templates and items used to create texture. Basic pottery and sculpting techniques, and different ways to prepare items for sgraffito and carving will be emphasized. There will be samples to play on, to help you decide on projects. Use slump and hump molds and make surface designs to create whimsical soap or candy dishes, spoon rests, vessels, or other small creations. Just in time for Valentine’s or Mother’s Day! Material fee covers clay, use of tools and brushes, two firings (one bisque, one glaze), use of molds, materials, colored slips and glazes. Bring notebook, pen, apron, small towel; some items with interesting texture; and pictures, drawings or designs to inspire. Rebecca shares her passion for pottery and encourages you to cultivate your own creativity. View her work at: www.rebecca-hillmanpottery.com

Session I: 

Four Tuesdays, 01/17 to 02/07/2017

6:00 to 9:00 pm

$60, plus $60 required separate material fee paid to instructor at first class

Instructor: Rebecca M. Esty Hillman

H

ave you done some beginning drawing or painting on your own, in a past class with Chris Reed, or through another art program – but want a chance to continue your work? Have you already purchased your supplies and want to continue using them? Open studio offers a supportive, creative space to work on your own in pencil, acrylic, tempera, pastel, or oil, and be able to request individual guidance from an instructor, while continuing to develop your own unique style. Enjoy the company of others in this relaxed, unstructured setting, yet be reassured you have the support you need, when you need it. Bring optional floor or table easel, all your own supplies, and something to transport them. 

Chris graduated from Bowdoin College with a BA in Visual Arts. He’s a painter, exhibitor, and art teacher inspired by the synthesis of nature, the evolving play of light, and each artist’s unique, mindful expression of feelings and interpretation.

Five Thursdays, 03/09 to 04/06/2017

6:00 to 8:00 pm, $50

Instructor: Christopher Reed