Art Student Academy Blog!

Painting History: Tobacco Barns

2012-03-01T07:53:00.001-05:00

Some students who painted "Tobacco Barns"

Tobacco barns are an integral part of North Carolina's past and many communities grew as a result of "tobacco money." For many, the hard work in the barns and fields was the only good paying job and listening to the stories is a step back into a not so distant time!

The barns remain scattered across the state in every form from log construction to cinder block but the appeal and memories are timeless.

What an amazing job these students did working from a painting that Theresa created while at her parent's farm outside of Greenville, NC. Stephen Filarsky taught the class.

Feb 28-Paint Tobacco Barns!

2012-02-26T18:40:00.001-05:00

This is an example of our Tuesday night Feb 28 painting at the Twisted Vine Shop from 7-9!
Sign up online at
http://artstudentacademy.com/Tobacco-Barns.html

COWS in the COW class!

2012-02-24T08:44:00.000-05:00

"Painting Cows" in acrylics

Wed night was "Painting Cows" class and what an assortment of wonderful results we got!

Can you tell the teens who previously participated in the "Pop Art Pets" class? They took their cow paintings in a completely different direction with wonderful results!

These students were beginners who enjoyed Steve's individual instruction and were thrilled with their final results!
Next set of classes is this Saturday with "Cardinal in the Snow" (yes even though it seems like spring!) and "Hot Air Balloons!"

Wild Ponies and Lighthouses

2012-02-21T20:22:00.000-05:00

Wild Ponies of the Outer Banks

These were a few of the happy participants
in our Saturday classes, "WIld Ponies of the Outer Banks" and "NC Lighthouses."

Wonderful job all

Next class Wed, Feb 22 6-8 Painting Cows!"

NC Lighthouses

The Class PHOTOS from Valentine Night!

2012-02-15T10:44:00.000-05:00

A few of our Valentine Day evening participants!

More amazing, individual art!

A picture tells a thousand words and here you have results from just one class!

For many we also took their photos with their own phones (oh have times changed!) so if we did not get yours, email us and we'll send the individual images of you from this collage!

(email way below)

myclassphoto@artstudentacademy.com

2012-02-15T09:26:00.000-05:00

Settling in with friends and painting!

The crowd started arriving about 6:45 and the last painter left around 9:30! What a great night!

All ages, from all over the area and from all different backgrounds, they all came together on Valentine Evening to have fun and paint and sip wine!

Steve making the rounds and helping

Pat raised a toast to finishing a beautiful painting!

Now really, it doesn't get much better than this. 32 people, 32 different paintings (no paint along here!) and the creative juices were flowing!

We were proud of the men who, with dogged determination, produced some beautiful and vivid art!

They can be proud of what they accomplished!

Pat was one of the first arrivals and while her husband, who said that he had not painted anything since 1944, and relaxed on the couch to enjoy the group, Pat went right to it and created a beautiful Valentine Tree!

More images coming later with art results from the couples!

and the Valentine Tree fun continues....!

2012-02-14T09:19:00.000-05:00

Painting the Valentine Tree on Feb 13

By Feb 13, we have enjoyed watching couples paint many versions of the Valentine Tree and every time we are amazed at the creativity and fun they generate while doing so!

Last night's class was large and many took on the challenge of painting matching and intertwined trees!
The results are beautiful!

The historic,Twisted Vine wine shop, where the class was held, supplied a sommelier for the group and they had the advantage of purchasing their choice of vintage wines by the glass (or bottle)

Looking forward to tonight's final Valentine Tree class with 15 couples coming to enjoy a unique Valentine Day evening!

Results from THE VALENTINE TREE!

2012-02-12T10:06:00.001-05:00

Our Saturday, 2/11, 3:30-5:30 pm class

Results from two of the five classes we had Friday night and Saturday on painting the Valentine Tree!

What makes these classes so unique is that none of ours are " paint along" classes. Every art piece is unique and individual as the person painting it!

Our Friday, Feb 10 evening class!

Our classes are a nice offering of realistic and abstract. Plenty to choose from that strike your fancy on our calendar.

In all, the participants have a great time. In all of them, they leave with an amazing painting, a fun experience...and really, you can't put a price on that can you?

Just two classes and a few spots left for the evenings of Feb 13 and 14 at the Twisted Vine Wine Shop location!
Sign up online at only $45.00 per couple

"Friends don't let friends paint alone!"

The Valentine Tree!

2012-02-08T08:39:00.000-05:00

AH, the Valentine Tree!

Paint your own or paint with your significant other and combine the two! Make it your own and have fun! Do something totally different than the usual :-)

We have as many as 8 classes scheduled through Feb 14 with this playful theme so join us! Only a few spots left and some times are filled. Several are BYOB classes and several are at our other location at the Twisted Vine Wine Shop!

See the classes with this link:
http://www.artstudentacademy.com/Getting-Started-Dates-and-Times.html

Painting TULIPS in WATERCOLOR

2012-02-06T07:46:00.000-05:00

Our next class is this Wed from 6-8 pm and Steve will be instructing participants on "Painting a vase of Tulips" in WATERCOLOR!

These images will give you an idea of what we'll be working with!

Want to see more of Steve's watercolors?

This is a BYOB class so come on out and learn some watercolor techniques!

Pop Art Pets AND Paint your Pet classes

2012-02-05T10:45:00.000-05:00

POP ART PETS with Art Student Academy

POP ART PETS!

What a FUN class this was! And not as easy as you might think. It can be challenging to switch gears from realistic thinking to pop art thinking!

But I would say this group did it admirably!

The second collage is a few of the earlier group who worked diligently to Paint their own Pet!

The ORIGINAL "Paint your Pet" art classes with Art Student Academy!

We are the ORIGINAL "Paint your Pet" instructors and our students create lovely original art, by hand, without painting on top of a photo!

Check our calendar to see when these classes come back up!

Girls Just want to have fun!

2012-02-03T08:58:00.000-05:00

Girls just want to have fun!

Ok, we let guys in too :-) Stay tuned-we have plenty of them!

Bonding with your offspring

2012-01-31T13:15:00.001-05:00

They come to us in pairs. All ages, all abilities....husband and wife, father and daughter, mother and daughter (or son), couples looking for new horizons, sisters, cousins, neighbors, friends...the point is that when they leave two hours later, they have shared an experience together, a few hours from their lives, schedules and a new appreciation for each other and each one's abilities!

Now really, it doesn't get any better than that!

Three sisters-NC Mountains in Watercolor

Father and daughter-NC Mountains in Watercolor

Mother and daughter "Children Sledding" in acrylics

Grandma with her 3 grandchildren "Paint your Pet"

Husband and wife "Paint your Pet"

Mother and Son "Blue Ridge Parkway" in watercolor

Exotic Paintings!

2012-01-22T09:23:00.000-05:00

We usually offer two classes on a Saturday. A 10:00-12:00 and an afternoon 1:00-3:00. Our Jan 21 morning class was filled with students painting Van Gogh's "starry Night" and the afternoon class was "Gardens of the Louvre". Exotic locations and exotic subject matter!
They did a terrific job! Most of our new students fast become regulars in our classes and their growth in their art skills is awe inspiring.

Painting the Louvre Garden in acrylics!

A group of 6 moms joined our afternoon class and had a great time painting-no kids, no husbands, no worries! Although they forgot their planned bottles of wine, in actuality they were engrossed in their paintings the entire two hours. A few of our regulars were delighted with their results in this challenging subject!

"Starry Night" in acrylics

Painting Van Gogh's "Starry Night" with it's swirls and colors is a different challenge! We love to see teens painting on a Saturday morning with us and we had several including a father with his daughter, a mom with her daughter and an uncle with his 3 nieces.

We like to think that "Friends don't let friends paint alone!" could also be worded "Family members don't let family members paint alone!"

A wonderful memory builder!

Next class January 25, A BYOB event "Hot Air Balloons!"

BYOB art class tonight!

2012-01-18T12:16:00.002-05:00

A double choice!

Come and paint "the Red Door" or "Through the Garden Gate!" (sign up for the red door and just choose the other painting to do at the class!)These have been super fun classes for our participants and a request was made for a choice tonight so here it is!

Through the Garden Gate

The Red Door

All supplies included. $30.00 for one participant-$45.00 if you bring a friend! (Friends don't let friends paint alone!)

Tulipmania! (in acrylics)

2012-01-14T23:02:00.000-05:00

It might still be January but on this cold sunny Saturday, we painted TULIPS in acrylic paint!

Long time friends shared a bottle of wine, a 9 year worked with her arm in a sling and a charming young man decided painting tulips was OK since his was going as a gift to his grandma!

There is no doubt that tulips have been THE flower of choice over the centuries! Well, maybe the rose, but something about vivid colors and tall straight stems....a great job from this group!

What new watercolor students did!

2012-01-07T19:04:00.000-05:00

These are amazing paintings by beginner watercolor artists in our Art Student Academy Mountains in Watercolor!

Take a look at the detail, the transparency and the colors of these stunning mountain views.

We could not be any prouder of their efforts :-)

Steve guided the group through their assignment. An uncle brought his 3 nieces (lol-see what the 5 year old did!), a father and daughter bonded for 2 hours over watercolor, and 2 friends shared a bottle of wine at the end of class and caught up on their news.

Nope. It doesn't get any better than that. Friends don't let friends paint alone! Great job!

Mountains in watercolor!

2012-01-06T19:51:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow, Jan 7, from 1-3, we'll paint mountains in watercolor! A fun 2 hr. class that will leave you wanting more watercolor! This class is full but keep watching for another one!

Watercolor Mountains by Stephen Filarsky of Art Student Academy

New Year, new calendar, new changes!

2012-01-03T08:21:00.002-05:00

Welcome to a new year!

Have we got a treat in store for you! Not only are we sure that this will be a banner year for us all, but we have some super cool changes on our Art Student Academy website that are sure to make your choice of classes easy to find and fun to participate!

Now, in one fell swoop, you can see our new calendar by the month with the images we will be painting! We also added a Frequently Asked Questions page (FAQ) to answer the most often asked questions and to make it less cluttered with explanations on the home page!

Gotta get busy! I have to get ready for the afternoon kid's classes and we have a class tonight-Painting flowers in Watercolor (not just sunflowers) from 7-9

and tomorrow night we'll be painting (in acrylic) Field of Poppies from 6-8 pm!

Be sure and sign up for our monthly newsletters where you will find art tips, show and tell photos and cool news!

2011-12-25T12:26:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

Paint your Pet all day classes!

2011-12-18T12:56:00.000-05:00

a few of the participants

This past Saturday we held our popular "Paint your Pet class twice! Once from 10-noon and the afternoon session from 1-3. The results were stunning!

The animals painted ranged from dogs to cats to polar bears and wolves...and it doesn't get much more diverse than that!

Max's beautiful work!

Lauren's green eyed wonder!

Two more classes next week include Dec 20 "Paint like Picaso"
from 7-9 (an art and wine class) and Dec 21 "Cardinal in the Snow"! (Feel free to BYOB to this one!) Cider and coffee available.

Video-Painting Mountain Sunsets!

2011-12-14T21:20:00.000-05:00

Ready to see a fun, fast YouTube video of Steve painting our Mountain Sunset painting for a class? Click here!

RED HOT Chili peppers painting class!

2011-12-10T21:01:00.001-05:00

Whether you think of beautiful red and green chili peppers as southwest cuisine or Christmas tidings, come join us for an ART and WINE class at the Twisted Vine in downtown Wake Forest on Dec 13 from 7-9 pm!

Painting Sunsets over water

2011-12-03T18:55:00.001-05:00

Painting Sunsets over water results!

This group of student's expertise ranged from "I haven't painted since 1990" to "I've taken a few classes." But my oh my, look what they created!

Using acrylic paints and under the direction of owners/instructors Steve Filarsky and Theresa Brown...well, the results speak for themselves.

No one outgrows "Show and Tell!"

How to paint Children in the SNOW!

2011-12-02T20:08:00.001-05:00

A table of hard at work painters!

Well no two ways about it-Painting children in the snow is fun! The topic was fun, the wine and coffee were great and several of the participants were moms with their adult daughters!

How fun is that? We will offer the same class again after the New Year.

One set of mom and daughter

Another set of mom and daughter!

A "learn to draw" tip from us!

2011-11-22T21:24:00.001-05:00

coffee cup

We have all kinds of tips and techniques when it comes to showing people how to paint a subject but the one thing we hear a lot of is someone telling us that "they don't know how to draw." Well, we also have some tips on learning to draw that are simple, effective, inexpensive and only require........consistency!

All you need is a pencil and a small 5 x 7 (or smaller) sketchpad that you can carry around with you. At least 4 times a week, set something simple, like a coffee cup, salt shaker, bottle...one object only-by a strong light. The light can be a lamp or a window but you want the light to cast a shadow. And sketch what you see.

Sign and date the sketch. 30 days later, go back and draw the same thing. Wait till you see the difference! Practice really does make perfect!

tube of paint

Amazing SNOW class!

2011-11-22T10:06:00.001-05:00

A group ranging in ages from 7 to into their 50's all sat and painted their snow scenes and what a pleasure their creativity was!

Although we had one major painting to work from, each student added their own twist-a hard thing to do at first!
The results, from snow covered tobacco barns to Christmas cottages, speak for themselves!

Painting Snow Scenes!

2011-11-16T07:41:00.001-05:00

Snow-ah, there's something about a cold, muffled winter day with 16 inches of snow blanketing the ground........well maybe 2-3 inches..... :-).

Depending on your viewpoint and where you live, snow covered buildings and scenes are a popular subject matter! And what better way to embrace it than in a beautiful, picturesque scene that you have painted yourself?
Our class, "Painting Snow Scenes" for tonight from 6-8 pm is full but don't worry-we will offer another soon!

You are right! Snow is not all white!

Loved how this turned out!

Abstract cats and Thanksgiving Harvest CLASS

2011-11-09T06:23:00.000-05:00

Abstract Cats!

Abstract cats and design were the topics for the after school class on Tuesday.

What a great job they did!
Students have just an hour to design and then create their version of an abstract cat and the results were exciting!

Thanksgiving harvest

Our next image is what we will be painting tonight in our 6-8 class, "Thanksgiving Harvest!"

A few spots left! All ages, all abilities! Sign up at: http://www.artstudentacademy.com/Thanksgiving-Harvest-Bowl.html

Paint Your Pet fundraiser!

2011-11-06T07:40:00.000-05:00

What fun we had on Saturday Nov 5 at the Orange County Animal Services facility with our participants painting their pets!

And to see a short video clip check here:

Paint Your Pet at Orange County Animal Services

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-xzPsq4ZsA

"Through the Garden Gate" Students Rock!

2011-11-02T08:53:00.000-04:00

A series of images from our "Through the Garden Gate" class! So much fun as none of the students thought, at first, they could paint Steve's display painting!

This class was held at the Twisted Vine Wine Shop in Wake Forest.

Remember-we can come to you!

Questions about our classes? Just contact us!

Steve teaching the class

Rebecca was happy

Cindy relaxed and had a great time!

Karen never thought she could do this!

I am SO pleased!

Ok, You're right, it looks good!

Allan zipped right through his painting!

"Through the Garden Gate" painting class Nov 1

2011-10-31T10:03:00.001-04:00

Through the Garden Gate (copyright SFilarsky)

We keep raising the bar in your artistic performance!

Who would not want to paint this lovely image of a garden entrance?

Join us Tuesday evening, Nov 1 from 7-9 at the Twisted Vine Wine Shop and experience what art and relaxation are all about!

A painting for yourself or as a gift for someone special!

Register online today!

1 day 2 classes-amazing results!

2011-10-29T20:04:00.000-04:00

Field of Pumpkins class October 29, 2011

"Field of Pumpkins" was a delightful class that had participants scurrying into the warmth of the Wake Forest Frame Shop from the cold, pelting rain that dampened Saturday morning!

All ages created beautiful, realistic pumpkins from our painting and even examined a real pumpkin to get the feel of the shape and ridges. The results speak for themselves.

This morning class ran from 10-12:00 and we worked in acrylic paint.

Colors of Fall class, October 29

The afternoon class, from 1:00-3:00, "Colors of Fall" was also a big hit! Working from our original painting, students embraced the bright colors of fall and their amazing paintings of a maple tree by a lake were stunning!

Our students rock! We raise the bar on your creativity!

Painting Sunflowers in Acrylics

2011-10-28T09:46:00.000-04:00

"Field of Sunflowers class Oct 26

What a great time we had in our "Painting Sunflowers" class. We like to think we raise the bar in our classes and the results of these intrepid painters proves just that!
Sometimes you just have to go for it and they did! Wonderful job by all.

Painting Halloween

2011-10-27T08:29:00.000-04:00


After school class creating Halloween Tote Bags

Nothing is more creative than giving kids paint, a fabric bag and a few ideas about Halloween and letting them run with it!
The Tuesday class did just that (both age groups) and loved the idea of creating their own "trick or treat" bags or just something cool to put stuff in!

Results from the Red Door class

2011-10-26T07:06:00.000-04:00

It was a lot of fun! I never knew I could actually paint. :)

A beautiful setting, friends, a few glasses of wine, a paintbrush and canvas and......beautiful results from all of our participants in the "Red Door" class last night at the Twisted Vine! Melody said it best with ".....I never knew I could actually paint!"

Join us! We raise the bar in group art lessons!


A few of the students painting "the Red Door" at the Twisted Vine location!

Steve was the instructor. Join us tonight (October 26) at the Wake Forest Art and Frame shop to paint "Fields of Sunflowers!"

2011-10-23T17:57:00.001-04:00

So what are we painting at our class at the Twisted Vine Wine Shop in Wake Forest this Tuesday night, October 25 from 7-9 pm? How about this beautiful "RED DOOR" in acrylic paint? Join us!

The RED DOOR!

All supplies included as usual for this fun class! You may purchase wine by the glass or the bottle if you'd like from the sommelier and follow along with Steve while he shows you how to create a painting just like this! All ages-all abilities!

Interior of the Twisted Vine location!

Oct 19 Watercolor class-an evening of fun!

2011-10-20T18:18:00.000-04:00

We had a great time at our Watercolor class last night! The full house consisted of all ages and friends came with friends and a mom came with her son...... and frankly, no one says it better than someone who was there! Read our client's comments about our class in this link

http://allthingsquilty.blogspot.com/2011/10/watercolor-painting-class.html

Drawing Exercises

2011-10-18T20:21:00.001-04:00

Success

Colors of fall

Drawing from life

The after school classes have been hard at work learning to see, really see, their subjects! After drawing their subjects today...and what else, pumpkins, they then enjoyed working the same subjects in pastels! Are they good or what?

working on the subjects

Welcome AmazonLocal students!

2011-10-17T09:12:00.000-04:00

Welcome new students! We can't wait to see you in our classes and to share with you the ways and means to open up a whole new world of art! For those who have just joined us through the AmazonLocal promotion, visit our website, fill out the form with your voucher number, then scroll down to see what our next classes are! Regardless of what location you signed up for, YOU CAN SIGN UP FOR ANY SINGLE CLASS AT EITHER LOCATION in Wake Forest! That's right. You are not confined to just one or the other. We want you to select a class that you feel would interest you. We have plenty of them scheduled :-)

The joy of what we do is that we're not limited to just one age or one group of students. Our students are every age, every ability and they all have one thing in common.... They want to paint.

Now we know that all parents encourage their children to explore new avenues and abilities and they would not dream of labeling their offspring as "un-artistic." But you would be amazed at how many adults believe that they "have no artistic abilities whatsoever" so we love to prove them wrong!

We will see you at one of our classes!

Painting from life with oils!

2011-10-11T08:47:00.002-04:00

Steve's students spent 4 hours on October 8 painting from life! The beauty of a still life is that it is real, 3 dimensional and a challenge to those used to painting from photos.
The paintings with the coffee cup are a few examples of what our more experienced students created and they were ecstatic with their results!

This landscape was a quick oil study created in the final 45 minutes of the class!

Of course the fancy French name is "plein air" painting (plane air) which is "from life" and for the artist new to this time honored technique, the feeling of accomplishment is priceless!

The "old Porch" in oils!

2011-10-01T10:05:00.002-04:00

Oil Painting Class!

October 8th will be a unique class for all of those who have asked us to show them how to paint in oils!

Steve will show you how to work on a simple still life (from life!) and a landscape at our Franklinton Studio. This special 4 hour class is the same investment as if you purchased 2 of our 2 hour ones at $45.00 so if oils are what you want to know then this class is for you!

Please bring whatever oils you may have (most of our inquiries have been because they DO have the supplies!) but we will have supplies as well!

2011-09-29T21:04:00.000-04:00

This collage is from 2 classes and the kids had a ball working with liquid watercolors on diffusion paper! They experimented with salt...and a close look at some of the watercolors will show the very cool dappling that results when adding sea salt to damp watercolor!

They really enjoyed the random explosion of color, and the resulting designs were varied and diverse!

"Painting Birds, Birds, Birds" class!

2011-09-20T08:16:00.000-04:00

As promised here are some images from our Bird, Birds, Birds! art class. Ten students came out that evening and we love to see the repeaters! One student is in our after school program and she came with her mom...and nothing creates that unique bonding activity more than parent/child...unless of course it is husband and wife!

The class at Wake Forest Art and Frame

Now we don't have everyone individually-for some, shyness just has to be chipped away :-) The men are the worst about having their photos taken of their painting efforts! But in a group setting they are fine. What we encourage and our students do, is to step out of their comfort zone.

You can't put a price on that achievement!

Debbie was in our Lighthouse Painting class and exceled in this one too!

This was her first class with us and this is a lovely job!

Next class on Wednesday night, Sept 21 is Painting FARM ANIMALS! That includes, sheep, donkeys, cows, goats....Come on! We meet from 6-8 and you can sign up online!

online

Kelly was also in our Lighthouse class and this bluejay is stunning!

Mom came with her daughter and this is their rooster! Great job!

Daughter Sarah did an outstanding job!

Tamara was thrilled with her Gold Finch painting!

Our students keep getting better!

2011-09-17T10:23:00.000-04:00

So many 2 hour art classes assume that their students will be unable to paint anything "too" complicated in just two hours. Well we, at Art Student Academy, have always challenged that and our slide show gallery shows the amazing results from expecting the best from our students! From absolute beginners to advanced painters, our classes offer the skills, techniques and motivation that is sometimes necessary to just come on out and paint!

Above all else, Art Student Academy offers something that money cannot buy-that wonderful feeling that comes when you achieve something that you never thought you could achieve! Let the smiles show you that!

2 hours at our Art and Wine Class!

Warm and cool colors in our Childrens Art Program

Warm and cool colors in our Childrens Art Program's older class


This photo of this couple from Wilson in one of our two hour classes is one of my favorites especially the "I can't believe I did this" part!

So come join us in one of our classes and leave with a painting that will amaze your friends! :-)

BLuejays, kingfishers and cardinal class! Steve's paintings

2011-09-13T10:04:00.000-04:00

Kingfisher-oil-SFilarsky

Bluejay-oil-SFilarsky

Goldfinch oil SFilarsky

How can you not like these little guys?

Steve created all of these, in oil, on small 4 x 6 or 5 x 7 canvases. Just stunning! And you can do the same thing! We'll use acrylics rather than oils but the colors are the same and you can enjoy the fun that comes with photographing them at your feeders for more inspiration!

winter house wren-oil-SFilarsky

Join us in Wed Sept 14 from 6-8 pm
for Birds, birds, birds!

Sept 10 classes! CReatures of the Sea and Colorful Beach Scenes!

2011-09-09T08:02:00.000-04:00

Our last CREATURES of the SEA was so popular, we are squeezing it in again before our fall lineup! Add COLORFUL BEACH SCENES and you have a wonderful day of painting and thinking "days of summer!"

Proudly add the American flag to your beach scene!

And since the tenth anniversary of Sept 11 is the same weekend, we will also offer the option of including our American Flag in the scenes as a reminder of how much we owe our country and our freedoms to paint as we choose! Here are just two images you can use in our afternoon class! 1-3 pm
http://artstudentacademy.com/Colors-at-the-Beach.html

Now just add some red, white and blue Adirondack chairs!

What was created in our last Creatures of the Sea class? Well, lots of dolphins but don't forget that there are Sea Otters, whales (well a lot of tails!)

fish from your fish tank, seahorses, an octopus and even a shark if you want to paint one!
http://artstudentacademy.com/Creatures-of-the-Sea.html from 10-noon

One of several amazing dolphins from our last class!

After school class and their designs

2011-09-07T23:21:00.000-04:00

September 6 was the first day of our weekly art classes for ages 6-17 and what a series of designs they created!
Actually I gave minimal instructions as there is nothing that kicks in the creative juices

Design class creations!

like having them come up with their
own designs! A great job by them all!

By the way this Saturday we'll be in Wake Forest for our two Saturday classes: Colorful beach scenes and sea creatures!
Check our schedule online

A busy fall line up!

2011-09-02T21:57:00.000-04:00

Crazy hair art!

Watercolors!

Colorful collage!

September marks the start of so many thing: school, holiday season, sports, and MORE art classes!

Watch for our updated schedules and Tuesday, September 6 is the first day of our ART CLASSES for kids!

I have a great program planned for the two age groups so make sure you contact me with any questions!

Learning to paint portraits!

Learning to paint animals!

Learning to paint landscapes!

Think you can't paint people?

2011-08-29T07:51:00.000-04:00

All ages can draw people!

After 6 various classes, Sandy felt she could expand into people and was more than delighted with the difficult subject she chose! Look at her husband in the water with their Golden Retriever!

And Julie, who usually comes with Sandy, created this wonderful painting of a baby on the beach! Stunning efforts by determined painters!

Children's afternoon art classes!

2011-08-20T16:12:00.000-04:00

We're offering classes for two different age groups starting the week after Labor day in Wake Forest and Henderson!

Ages 6-9 (or 10) class in Wake Forest will meet 2:30-3:30 and the older class will meet from 4-5 pm every Tuesday starting Sept 6!

Ages 6-9 class in Henderson will meet 3:00-4:00 and the older class will meet from 4:30-5:30 every Thursday beginning Sept 8!

IF there is enough interest we may offer morning classes-there have been inquiries so ask away! Better yet CALL me! 919-880-7431!

A student in Henderson with his landscape!

A young Wake Forest student with a portrait painting!

Come Paint People! August 25 3:00-5:00

2011-08-19T13:14:00.000-04:00

Hey don't worry! This fun class is not so in depth that you will feel like you are struggling! There are some cool tips and techniques that we'll show you to take some of the fear out of painting people.
You'll learn some photo tips, painting tips, posing, lighting and getting a likeness tips...then you just have to practice! So relax-we'll be painting in acrylics and painting loosely so come on and have some fun with us on August 25!
Sign up online!
http://artstudentacademy.com/Painting-People.html

Twisted Vine Art and Wine event!

2011-08-17T21:10:00.000-04:00

What fun we had! The paintings are from our Tuesday night participants are being displayed at the Twisted Vine Wine Shop till our next event on August 30!

Paint NC Lighthouses!

2011-08-13T19:52:00.000-04:00

Deb is a beginner!

Eileen did an excellent job!

A collage of our participants of the Lighthouse class. Are they happy campers are what?
Beautiful work and they created paintings of the Ocracoke, Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout lighthouses.

This was a two hours class and they painted with acrylics. Individual photos scattered around!
I was very pleased with their efforts today.

Enjoy their efforts!

Lauren with her beautiful painting

Marilyn with an exceptional effort!

Ben with his gorgeous rendition of Cape Hatteras

Kelley has a good eeason to smile so large with her Ocracoke Lighthouse

Mary Lou did an amazing job!

Trudy also did a great job on her Cape Lookout painting!

Friday night art party!

2011-08-12T22:28:00.000-04:00

What a great time tonight! SO many people came in and some painted for a few minutes, some for hours :-)

Wonderful to see father/daughter, friend/friend and mother/daughters painting together and having fun!

Tomorrow's classes are the NC lighthouses and dolphins and whales!

ART PARTY! FRIDAY AUGUST 12 6 till 9!

2011-08-12T09:11:00.000-04:00

Hey this is Wake Forest's second Friday and the perfect evening to come to the Wake Forest art and frame to see your Art Student Academy instructors in action!. Well actually you will see me, Theresa. Steve will be across the street at the Twisted Vine Wine Shop promoting their (and our) August 16 Design and Wine evening class!
Wow-that's a lot of links :-)

In the meantime enjoy this stunning view from Blowing Rock, NC where we were for shows the past few weeks (well Steve was, I only managed 5 days of cool heaven!)

Glitch resolved! All links work!

2011-07-24T11:51:00.001-04:00

Oh my gosh, how annoying is it when your server malfunctions and your domain name goes to a landing page?!

Well, it's all fixed now! Thanks to those who notified us!

So link away happily!

Moms Night Out!

2011-07-20T10:00:00.000-04:00

It doesn't get much better than friends, wine, art and conversation! Cary Moms Group taking a break from mom chores and painting the challenging scene of the gardens at the Louvre, Paris! What a great job these ladies did! Some had never painted before! A big hand to the dads also who, for the most part, did not call in for reinforcements!

Results from 5 day Portrait Art camp!

2011-07-16T07:00:00.001-04:00

Creating Portraits of people is not easy. Creating a Pastel portrait in just over an hour is equally as challenging! But Cameron was one of 6 students who did just that in our recent week long Portrait art camp for tweens/teens held in the Wake Forest Art and Frame shop! The students first worked with caricatures, cartoons, pencil shading before moving into acrylic and pastels! Great job by the whole group!

Teen Portrait Art Camp

2011-07-15T08:21:00.000-04:00

Last day of the teen portrait art camp but wow, what a job they have done!
Pizza party yesterday set the tone for the day's class and the final day is a compilation of all that they have learned from a week of drawing, sketching and painting a most difficult art form-the human face!

Another fun Art Party evening!

2011-07-09T18:15:00.000-04:00

What a hot, sultry day yesterday was! But inside the Wake Forest frame shop, it was cool and wonderful!

We stayed busy all evening with people popping into the work area to join those already there painting and it was fun to "be a destination" for many of them :-) In these free art events, participants simply enjoy putting paint on a surface. There is not particular subject...it is more like "paint what appeals to you." Once they grasp that concept, they jump right in! I was not able to photograph them all but the faces below say it all!

The final class Gallery

2011-06-29T17:43:00.000-04:00

As promised, here are the images of the student's classwork!
They all did a wonderful, creative job!

Next 4H camp is July 18-20!
Complete schedules at www.ArtStudentAcademy.com

4H camp in Henderson

2011-06-29T09:26:00.000-04:00

Well, Henderson may be a hike from Raleigh, NC but it's home to a great group of enthusiastic and artsy 4Her's who have been participating in a 3 day "Paint you Dog!" class designed especially for them (by us) at the Hills Music Shoppe.
I have to smile as I was NOT what they were expecting! Nor has the class been what they might have thought it was going to be! Excitement is mounting as moms are not allowed of course to view the art until today!
So keep an eye out for the final results :-)
The photo below is the first day...and my did they start off quiet....until about 10 minutes into the class....the youngest are young, 6-9.

Another successful START ART class!

2011-06-23T07:57:00.000-04:00

What a great time we had last night and we even forgot the wine in the midst of it all!

Several of the participants are regulars in our classes but Rachel came along with her husband and painted an incredible cat for her first painting! Take a look and be patient while we adjust our very busy July schedule to add more of our fun art classes!
4H workshop in Henderson June 27-29
STARTART Party (free) July 8 in Wake Forest
TEEN Portrait Art Camp July 11-15
Adult Pastel Portrait class July 30-31 in Raleigh!
And all around that are our art shows! So check back in a couple of days and in the meantime enjoy the collages of photos throughout the blog!-THeresa

Happy Painting to all the Dads!

2011-06-19T08:02:00.000-04:00

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all the DADS out there!

Friday night art party!

2011-06-13T19:48:00.000-04:00

Friday nights FREE art Party in Wake Forest! Are these happy campers or what? This night it was all the adults playing with paint!
next free art party is Friday July 8 at Wake Forest Art and Frame!

Draw Anything class coming up!

2011-06-12T17:29:00.000-04:00

So many people tell me "I can't draw." Somewhere in their past they heard those words....and it is an amazing fact in this era of "feel good" comments that no one takes it the wrong way! They simply assume you either have it or you do not!

Well, I have a surprise for you...there are tips and techniques that you can learn that will open up a whole new world to you...and little drawing exercises that, if you are serious (like a diet now) you can see amazing results in just a few weeks :-)

Simple subjects, a pencil and paper and before you know it....you CAN draw!
Come out Tuesday June 14 to the Wake Forest Art and Frame-see all the info to the right.

Space is more limited in the Wake Forest location than our Franklinton Studio so sign up today!

Summer landscape painting!

2011-06-08T10:03:00.000-04:00

Bragging rights! A collage of what our students accomplish in our classes. Many of these are first time landscape painters and the fun of using one particular image is that whenthey are all done, no two paintings are alike! Aa great lesson in how people see things differently!

4 H fundraiser is a big hit!

2011-06-04T16:26:00.000-04:00

Oh my, we might have been crowded but we had a hardworking group of kids who created some amazing paintings! I have enlarged this collage of photos so that the tiny ones can be better seen. Take a look and see if you don;t agree that 29 girls did an exceptional job in just 2.5 hours!

Working with the 4H

2011-05-27T12:35:00.000-04:00

I hope to shortly post or add to this post, photos from last night's 4H class where we had 29 students! The two hour START class lasted a little longer (added 30-40 minutes) from sheer numbers but this bright group of young women painted their little hearts out from 6:30-9 pm as part of a 4H sponsored event!
We were at MacNairs Country Acres a beautiful horse facility in south Raleigh where this energetic 4H horse club is home stationed! So stay tuned for some incredible....you guessed it....HORSE PORTRAITS!

Beach Art and Wine class!

2011-05-21T15:00:00.000-04:00

Get in the mood for the Holiday weekend with our BEACH ART class!

This 6:00-8:00 pm art class is special! A wine and design art class with a beach art theme! Bring your bottle of wine (have to be over 21!), we'll have the corkscrew and glasses as well as the paint, canvas and everything you need to enjoy a relaxing two hours of creating your own art!

Follow along with Steve while you enjoy creating your own lighthouse! And if we complete that, we'll paint a beautiful tropical island!
Sign up here: http://www.portraitsnc.com/lessons/Beach-Art.html

Learn to SEE Drawing class!

2011-05-16T13:42:00.000-04:00

DRAWING! (Pencil)

Tuesday May17, 4:00 - 6:00 pm Instructor: Theresa

Location: 139 S White St. Wake Forest NC 27587
Wake Forest Art and Frame Shop

Think you can't look at something and draw? Did you try to draw and decided, or were told, that you have no talent? Well, we'll put an end to that myth in this fun, eye opening class as you learn the little tips and techniques on how to look at anything and draw it! This IS something that will amaze your friends! We'll work simply in pencil on a sketch pad.

Fun at the Art Party!

2011-05-14T17:31:00.000-04:00

May 13 Art Party at Wake Forest Frame Shop!

Well it doesn't get much better than good food, terrific music and lots of painting-all in one evening!

If you missed our Art Party, held in conjunction with Wake Forest's second Friday, you'll have a chance to do it again June 10!.

Meanwhile, check out our upcoming workshops as www.artstudentacademy.com

Art, Roses and Mimosa drinks!

2011-05-09T14:38:00.000-04:00

You would have thought we were at one of those "wine and design" classes! A dozen attendees arrived at our gardens on a beautiful Saturday and all agreed that It was an "Art Party" workshop!

The full day of what we did is on the Jerrysartarama blog, Splatter .

A collection of a few images from the day is below!

Our Paint the Roses Art Workshop!

Come learn to paint "Plein Air!" May 7

2011-05-04T10:47:00.000-04:00

Plein air or Painting from Life. In our case-painting the roses and flowers outside next to our studio!

We can't wait to show you the tips and techniques needed to make this timeless art method a joy for you to pursue! Perfect for anyone who has always wanted to know how to be one with their art and their environment and feel the peace of the "art zone."

Wow that sounds ideal doesn't it? Well it can happen. And it can change how you forever see the colors, shadows and your world around you! This class will be our usual Saturday 2 class special! Visit our website for complete details! on this special day. Gift certificates available for MOM! :-)

Watercolor success!

2011-04-30T07:46:00.000-04:00

It's hard to use watercolors successfully without getting them muddy or too opaque! So the 9 participants in Steve's watercolor class at the Wake Forest Art and Frame shop were delighted to create beautiful watercolors in the April 28 class!

Starting with a single image of a palm tree on the beach at sunset (or sunrise!) he showed them how to lay in the background wash before adding the tree. You would be surprised how many people want to paint the tree first then add the background! A simple tip with amazing results! Not all the participants are in this collage but the happy faces of those that are, say it all!

Next class is a unique outdoor class at our studio May 7 to paint the blooming roses! Learn what it takes to paint "plein air" :-)

Painting by the LAKE!

2011-04-23T20:43:00.000-04:00

The lake where our ART workshop was held

Wow what a great day we had outside Wilson, NC in a little lake house near Stantonsburg! Who would not want to paint next to this gorgeous lake? A group of the Wilson Active Artists met here on Saturday April 23 and painted their little hearts out! The cool morning fog gave way to warm afternoon sun and by the end of the day (3:00 pm) everyone had at least 1 painting completed and one had completed 3!

Steve, during lunch, deciding maybe we can paint without him!

Lunch was ham, fried chicken, potato salad, deviled eggs, fruit....oh my! There are Art workshops and there are ART parties and this was a party! Our Thanks to Susan and Don for graciously providing the beautiful location for our two START classes today and additional thanks to the Wilson Active Artists for asking us here! A great time was had by all!

Students coming in!

Working away!

Her beautiful painting!

Painting her own horse!

First cat!

One of 3 paintings completed in one day!

Happy with her first dog painting!

Delighted with her efforts!

Beautiful horse!

A wonderful dog!

Susan graciously loaned her Lake Cottage to the group!

Delighted to paint her own dog!

Anyone for cows?

2011-04-21T14:39:00.000-04:00

Cindy also painted the same cow!

Betty brought her niece,Mary Beth

Kat decided there was something about this particular cow.......

Betty has been to a number of our classes!

A few of our painters in Steve's April 9 class all picked the same cow to paint with wonderful yet different results! Many non-painters think that if everyone paints the same subject, all the paintings will look the same-close maybe, but even the same artists, painting the exact same image will never paint it exactly the same each time! That is the beauty of human individuality. We are not computers, able to point and click and duplicate each effort.

Every time we paint, we bring a little something else to the table...a little more experience, a little more of our own style!

What's coming up next

2011-04-16T15:06:00.000-04:00

We have some easy features for you to know what's happening next in our classes! We have several locations where we hold our classes. Our main art studio is in Franklinton, NC and we partner with Wake Forest Art and Framing in Wake Forest, Franklin County Arts Council in Louisburg, NC, and Hills Music Shoppe in Henderson, NC. But don't worry. To the right of our blog will be our newest upcoming class and a google map for its location!

So the next class?

Painting Horses! Wed, April 20 from 6-8 pm at the Wake Forest Art and Frame Shop in downtown Wake Forest. This is a popular class where we paint the head and shoulders of a horse in acrylics. We like to keep it simple but efficient by using our own system of colors and techniques.
We'll learn to add expression to the horse's eyes and use light and shadow to create a 3 dimensional horse! Sound complicated? Don't worry! Wait until you see what you'll create in two hours!

Welcome to YOUR blog!

2011-04-16T13:01:00.000-04:00

In reality, for all the Art Student Academy students, this IS your blog! Without all of your amazing paintings and drawings, there would not be a blog so enjoy the images of your efforts!
Have something you painted or drawn outside of class? Then email it to me and I will post it here. We never outgrow "show and tell" so what better way nowadays than to display on the Internet?
Watch for our next classes and our art tips!