Attend a class.
Whether you're an experienced artist or a curious beginner, our workshops and classes are designed to inspire creativity, build skills, and connect you with a vibrant artistic community. From painting and drawing to specialized workshops, we offer something for everyone.
Watercolor Landscape Workshop with Doug Fortin
Join us for an immersive watercolor workshop where you'll learn to create
expressive and dynamic landscapes using a three-wash technique incorporating
opaque washes. This hands-on session will guide you through essential elements of
composition, color palette setup, and preliminary sketching, helping you build a
strong foundation for your paintings.
Through a step-by-step demonstration during the two-hour demo session, and
guided practice during the six-hour workshop, we'll explore various texture
techniques to add depth and movement to your work. This includes wet-into-wet, dry
brushing, and scumbling. You'll also experiment with thumbnail sketches and
preliminary drawings to refine your composition before applying washes. The demo and workshop are available for purchase separately. Students are not required to attend both the demo and workshop sessions, but are highly encouraged.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist looking to expand your skills, this
workshop will provide valuable techniques and insights to elevate your watercolor
landscapes.
Materials
Doug recommends students use the following materials for the workshop. Materials will not be provided by ALNB or the instructor.
Paint
For watercolor paint brands, I recommend Holbein, Daniel Smith, or Windsor Newton. For the sake of this demo, we will be using the limited color palette below:
Cobalt Blue
Cadmium Yellow Medium
Light Red or Burnt Sienna
Paper
The most important aspect of this technique is using a rough or cold pressed watercolor paper. Arches, Saunders Waterford, or Windsor Newton works, as long as it has a rough texture or is cold pressed.
Brushes
Mop brush: size 14 or 18 (for washes and skies)
Squirrel mop brush: size 0 or 2 (for trees and texture)
Synthetic watercolor brush: sizes 8, 10, and 12
Additional Supplies
A pencil, sketchbook, atomizer (small spray bottle), and water cup will be needed for the planning and execution of the painting. For mounting your watercolor paper, bring masking tape and a watercolor block. Corrugated plastic or a hard board is a fine substitute for a watercolor block.
About the Instructor
Doug Fortin is a New England-based artist whose evocative watercolor landscapes
celebrate the natural beauty of the world around us. A graduate of the University of
Hartford Art School in 2006, Doug spent his early career in San Francisco,
immersing himself in the vibrant art scene and honing his craft as a professional
artist.
A decade ago, Doug returned to his New England roots, where he discovered a
deep connection between his two passions: painting and the great outdoors.
Specializing in plein air watercolor landscapes, his work captures the fleeting light,
shifting seasons, and timeless charm of the region. By painting directly from nature,
Doug brings an immediacy and vitality to his work that reflects his love for the
environment and his appreciation of the watercolor medium.
Doug's art invites viewers to pause, reflect, and connect with the serene yet powerful
beauty of the natural world.
See more of Doug’s work on his website or below.
Watercolor Landscape Demonstration with Doug Fortin
Join us for an immersive watercolor workshop where you'll learn to create
expressive and dynamic landscapes using a three-wash technique incorporating
opaque washes. This hands-on session will guide you through essential elements of
composition, color palette setup, and preliminary sketching, helping you build a
strong foundation for your paintings.
Through a step-by-step demonstration during the two-hour demo session, and
guided practice during the six-hour workshop, we'll explore various texture
techniques to add depth and movement to your work. This includes wet-into-wet, dry
brushing, and scumbling. You'll also experiment with thumbnail sketches and
preliminary drawings to refine your composition before applying washes. The demo and workshop are available for purchase separately. Students are not required to attend both the demo and workshop sessions, but are highly encouraged.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist looking to expand your skills, this
workshop will provide valuable techniques and insights to elevate your watercolor
landscapes.
Materials
No materials are required for the demo; notetaking is welcome.
About the Instructor
Doug Fortin is a New England-based artist whose evocative watercolor landscapes
celebrate the natural beauty of the world around us. A graduate of the University of
Hartford Art School in 2006, Doug spent his early career in San Francisco,
immersing himself in the vibrant art scene and honing his craft as a professional
artist.
A decade ago, Doug returned to his New England roots, where he discovered a
deep connection between his two passions: painting and the great outdoors.
Specializing in plein air watercolor landscapes, his work captures the fleeting light,
shifting seasons, and timeless charm of the region. By painting directly from nature,
Doug brings an immediacy and vitality to his work that reflects his love for the
environment and his appreciation of the watercolor medium.
Doug's art invites viewers to pause, reflect, and connect with the serene yet powerful
beauty of the natural world.
See more of Doug’s work on his website or below.
Mindful Painting with Rebecca Washington
Description
On Sunday 5/4/2025 from 10am-1pm come experience the combined benefits of mindfulness and creativity! You are invited to join in a guided meditation, then create your inspiration with provided paint supplies and canvas. You are welcome to bring other mediums to create if you wish.
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1 Canvas
Some Acrylic Paint
1-4 Paint Bruses
1 Easel
1 Side Table
1 Water Glass
About the Instructor
Rebecca Washington, LMSW, is a caring, compassionate and creative woman, proud veteran of the Army National Guard, social worker, and artist. She combines her unique blend of skills and the arts to promote mindfulness, self-empowerment, and community. With a genuine passion, Rebecca creates welcoming spaces where everyone can express themselves and foster connections.
Rebecca was born and raised in Connecticut. She graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in Urban and Community Studies and Geography then with her Master of Social Work in 2023. In 2013 she enlisted in the Connecticut Army National Guard as a Human Resources Specialist where she served for 10 years.
She completed the Mindfulness Facilitator Course at Copper Beech Institute and weaves mindfulness techniques with her social work education, leadership skills, and compassionate nature. theheartspaceonline.com
Wabi-Sabi Photography
Discover the art of imperfection in this unique photography program, where we embrace the flawed, the weathered, and the unconventional. Step away from the pursuit of perfection and capture the raw beauty of nature’s quirks—wilted flowers, double-headed blooms, decaying leaves, and the mesmerizing patterns of rust and oxidation.
Through the lens, we’ll explore Wabi-Sabi, the Japanese philosophy that finds elegance in impermanence and imperfection. Learn to slow down, appreciate overlooked details, and see beauty in the everyday. This program also touches on UrbEx (urban exploration), where abandoned spaces reveal stunning textures of decay and resilience.
Celebrate the art of life’s imperfections and transform the way you see the world. Sign up now!
📸 More info: photographybylisaandtom.com
Cinematic Portrait Lighting with John Helmke
Take your photography to the next level with our in-depth class on cinematic portrait lighting. Learn how to craft stunning visuals by:
Mixing light temperatures for dramatic effects
Blending natural and artificial light seamlessly
Feathering light
Exploring lighting techniques tailored for black-and-white photography
Designing light setups that elevate storytelling
This class is designed for photographers with prior experience using flash or constant lighting who want to refine their skills and develop a cinematic edge. Join us to transform the way you see and use light!
Individualized Painting Workshop with Antony Zito
Tuesday Mornings 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Course Dates: January 14, January 21, January 28, February 4, 2025.
Price: $50 per class
Save $40 with a 4-Pack
CT/NYC artist Antony Zito offers his guidance for your individual painting projects in all subjects, styles and skill levels. Focus is on strong composition, rendering, expressive mark-making techniques, use of color/value and on any area that is of interest to the artist. Work with the materials and subject of your choosing. This group class explores varied approaches, techniques and concepts with intense focus in a light-hearted atmosphere. Zito is a professional portrait painter and muralist with decades of experience as a working artist.
Materials
Primed canvas or panel
Paints
Brushes (sm, med, lg)
Rag
Water cup
Palette (can be anything i.e. paper plate, etc)
About the Instructor
Zito is a professional portrait painter and muralist with decades of experience as a working artist. Although his work is centered primarily around portraiture, this class covers any and all aspects of painting. See more of his work at www.zitogallery.com
Light Painting with Richard A Busch
Learn the art of using long exposure times and moving light sources to “paint" with photography!
Karen Israel: Still Life In Pastel Workshop
Capturing the movement of objects in a still life can be challenging. How do we avoid making tour painting appear static?
In this one-day workshop, Karen will discuss principles of design, lighting, and still-life setup. She will explain pastel techniques. You will each paint from the set up and Karen will give individual attention to each artist and an informative critique of each artist's work will end the day.
Karen Israel: Still Life in Pastel Demo
Attend a shortened demonstration of Karen Israel’s upcoming workshop, “Still Life in Pastel”!
Tuesday Adult Painting Course
Four classes are included with purchase.
Tuesday Mornings 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Course Dates: October 22, October 29, November 5, November 12
CT/NYC artist Antony Zito offers his guidance for your painting projects in all subjects, styles, and skill levels. The focus is on strong composition, rendering, expressive mark-making techniques, use of color/value, and on any area that is of interest to the artist. Work with the materials and subject of your choosing. This class explores varied approaches, techniques, and concepts with intense focus in a light-hearted atmosphere.
-
Primed canvas or panel
Paints
Brushes (sm, med, lg)
Rag
Water cup
Palette (can be anything i.e. paper plate, etc)
Zito is a professional portrait painter and muralist with decades of experience as a working artist. Although his work is centered primarily around portraiture, this class covers any and all aspects of painting. See more of his work at www.zitogallery.com
Photography Workshop: Discover the art of Shaping Light for Stunning Portraits
About The Instructor
CHARLES ‘DUCK’ UNITAS, CPP
“Duck” is a certified professional photographer, graphic designer, and illustrator operating a small photography studio in Shelton, Connecticut. His work ranges from food, product, and brand photography to corporate headshots, logo design, and spot illustrations. Primarily specializing in tabletop photography for e-commerce and environmental portraiture, his clients range from tech manufacturers and school supply companies to local restaurants and Amazon retailers.
“Duck” also teaches photography and photo editing through various local camera clubs, meetup groups, and workshops, both live and online. Currently, you can catch him teaching online with his Monday Night Online Sessions on the first, second, and third Mondays of the month starting at 6:30 pm EST. For information on these events go to his Facebook group, “Learn Photography with Duck”.
For more information on Duck visit his website at unitasphotography.com.