ADULT COURSES & WORKSHOPS

Studio Art Foundation Program

South Shore Art Center offers a new program for students looking to formalize their art studies. Upon completion of a specially designed curriculum, SSAC will award students a Certificate in Studio Art Foundation. Participants in the program will have ongoing support of Art Center faculty to evaluate work and assist in course selection. Certificate Students will have priority registration and be assisted in creating a portfolio of work from their selected courses for presentation and exhibition. They also will have the opportunity to exhibit at SSAC in Certificate Student shows. Courses must be completed within three years of registration. (One course, taken prior to January 2012 is eligible for inclusion in the Certificate Program.)

Registration fee for this program is $50.
Contact 781-383-2787 for more information.

First Year Focus
Basic Drawing (48 hours minimum)
Color Theory (10 hours minimum)
Intro to Painting (24 hours minimum Oil, Acrylic, or Watercolor)
Elective choice (24 hours)

Second Year Focus
Drawing II (24 hours minimum)
Art History (12 hours)
Painting Elective (24 hours minimum)
Elective choice (24 hours)

Elective Courses
Advanced Drawing (24 hours)
Printmaking (24 hours)
Photography (16 hours)
3D ceramics (24 hours)
Visiting Art Workshops (18 hours minimum)

303 Introduction to Drawing

Kimberlee Alemian

Everyone can learn to draw! “Learning to draw is really a matter of learning to see—which involves more than looking with the eye.” (Kimon Nicolaides) Beginning students can be uncomfortable making technical mistakes. In fact, mistakes are unavoidable and, even, desirable! The sooner you make your mistakes, the sooner you will be able to correct them. Corrections are the life blood of drawing. We will look at the works of various masters and analyze their approach as it relates to your own. Through a series of progressive exercises and homework assignments, including line, value, composition, markmaking, you will build skills that will lead to enhanced observation and drawing skills.

7/12–8/16 Fri am 10:00–1:00
$195M $235NM 6 classes

309 Beginner Pastels Painting

Ruthe Sholler

Students will learn a variety of techniques using soft pastels with water media and alcohol starting with an effective under painting and progressing to a final resolution. They will then adapt these techniques in the creation of colorful, dynamic works of art. There will be weekly critique sessions along with informational handouts provided by the instructor to be used for discussion and reference. The prerequisite is for students to have a passion for pastels!

7/10–8/14 Wed am 9:00–12:00
$195M $235NM 6 classes

310* Beginner/Intermediate Watercolor

Mary Callahan

Designed for all levels of the watercolorist, this course will first provide the fundamentals and then explore the many techniques of watercolor. Work from still life set-ups, photos or from your imagination. Emphasis will be on color and design, with the goal of creating an organized emotional statement.

7/11–8/29 Thurs am 9:00–12:00
$215M $255NM 8 classes

321 Oil Painting

Evelina Brozgul

In this course for beginning and intermediate students, you will develop fundamental painting skills, while exploring the potential for self-expression inherent in oil painting techniques. Studio exercises include direct observation and response to still life, as well as instruction for painting the human figure. Students will be introduced to the traditional painting process, from stretching and priming the canvas to the final glazing. Emphasis is on clean, non-muddy color and the human proportions through a painterly technique. Close observation of the paint layers and different techniques will also be discussed. Students will receive individual attention at every level of their ability.

7/23– 8/27 Tues pm 1:00–4:00
$195M $235NM 6 classes

322 Painting as Expression

Valerie Forte Vitali
In this painting class we will consider the act of painting as a developmental process engaged in for its own sake or as a means of articulating meaningful content as a cathartic experience. We will build on past experiences but also take a fresh approach to a variety of media and surfaces. Each week we will confront a challenging subject and consider the application of several techniques, tools and materials. We will work from a variety of subjects, including the figure. The class will go beyond conveying information of the observed subject with visual accuracy, and examine mark and mood, layering and surface patina. Based on students’ individual level of experience and personal objectives, this class will help students to develop a body of work that represents their sense of exploration and discovery. This class will be structured around two three-day sessions in which an aspect of painting technique or subject content will be the focus. Some prior experience with painting is suggested.

7/25–7/27 Thurs–Sat 10:00–1:00
$100M $140NM 3 classes

323 Painting as Expression, Phase Two

Valerie Forte Vitali

This is a continuation and follow up to 322. It is an opportunity to continue the process and areas of interest established during the previous three day workshop or work with the instructor to determine the next step in the creative expressive process. Students will work with the support of the instructor to explore ideas first realized in the previous class, plan creative strategies and engage in critique and discussion on an as need basis to realize a degree of closure and resolution.

8/15–8/17 Thurs–Sat 10:00–1:00
$100M $140NM 3 classes

327 "Alla Prima" Still Life

Dianne Panarelli Miller

This class will begin with an informative demonstration to help students see how to begin a painting. The instructor will work with students on an individual basis to help them improve at their own speed. Students will work outside—weather permitting—or work from still life set ups. Dianne will blend the discipline of Academic Traditional Methods with the freedom of “Alla Prima” (all in one sitting) to help students learn the fundamentals of creating a painting that is structurally sound in color, composition and technique. Whether you are a beginner or advanced artist you will benefit from this class.

7/8–8/26 Mon am 9:30–12:30
$215M $255NM 8 classes

329 Paint the Portrait with Dianne

Dianne Panarelli Miller

“If you want to discover something that other people haven’t, you need to do things the wrong way. Initiate a failure by doing something very silly, unthinkable, naughty, and dangerous...” (Sir James Dyson), and if you want to improve your drawing skills, this is the class for you! This group will study the head, using a live model. We will draw or paint the portrait in a controlled setting using charcoals or oils. Enjoy the camaraderie and feedback from a fun group while Dianne paints with you. We will share information of the academics and talk about values, composition and technique in a simple, easy language. With a disciplined focus, we will work together to help each student keep their painting moving in the right direction. Both beginners and advanced artists will benefit from this class.

7/10–8/28 Wed pm 6:30–9:30
$265M $305NM 8 classes
(Includes model fee)

385 Visual Design

Dorothy Amore Pilla

This introductory design course is for students who wish to learn about visual design concepts and develop an understanding of composition in works of art. This course is organized around design elements (line, shape, texture, color, mass, and form), and design principles (contrast, balance, variation, unity, movement, and harmony). Exercises in design and examples from fine art will be utilized to illustrate and clarify visual concepts and course content. Students will be exposed to a variety of design solutions while actively participating in visual problem solving through observation, discussion, and creation of one’s own art. The emphasis of this course is on enhancing one’s aesthetic awareness and art making skill.

7/10–8/14 Wed pm 1:00–3:00
$125M $165NM 6 classes

390 Introduction to Child Art

Dorothy Amore Pilla

Do you love the freshness of the art made by young children? Drawing, painting, and making things is one way young children internalize and communicate their impressions of the world around them. Through observation, discussion, and hands on participation adult students in this course will learn about the stages of artistic growth all children experience and how that is connected to their physical and mental development.
7/9–7/30 Tues am 10:00–11:30 $90M $110NM 4 classes

500 Life Drawing and Painting Studio

Uninstructed—Michael McNabb, Coordinator

Develop your skills in drawing from the model in this ongoing class. Please call the coordinator 781-545-4991 if you plan to attend.
Ongoing Monday evening.
$10 per session model fee payable at class. 7:00–10:00

395 Advanced Projects: Drawing and Painting as Process

Kimberlee Alemian

Pursue your individual approach to drawing and painting. We will explore the process of drawing, moving into painting, as an open ended activity that is utilized throughout the creation of your work. The importance of proportion and other formal elements will be emphasized. Students will use a variety of materials to investigate a wide range of mark-making possibilities. Line widths, pressure, density, and pattern will be examined. An awareness of pictorial dynamics, spatial relationships and activation of negative space will be topics of discussion. We will look at masterworks that seek the nature of process. How far into realism or abstraction do you want to take your work? How do you get there? Subject matter will include still life, interiors, and, on occasion, a model. Some class time will be devoted to individual critiques.

7/17–8/21 Wed am 9:00–12:00
$245M $285NM 6 classes

340 Beginning/Intermediate/Advanced Monoprinting

Esther Maschio

Learn something new to stretch your imagination. Monoprinting is the most accessible and experimental of any of the visual arts. Technique and process are taught by means of sequential demonstrations starting with basic lessons. An indirect process, imagery is applied to a Plexiglas surface then transferred to archival paper by means of an etching press. Students will learn about mixing inks, roll-ups, viscosity, color theory simplified, additive, subtractive, trace drawing, transfers, blind embossing and chine colle among others. Individual attention is given during each class and group experience and interaction with other students all combine to create a stimulating atmosphere with lots of room for meaningful and fascinating learning curves. Students at all levels of experience are welcome.

7/22–8/26 Mon pm 6:00–9:00
$205M $245NM 6 classes
(includes materials fee for inks and limited paper)

341 Advanced Monoprinting

Esther Maschio

Monoprinting can be a highly experimental medium for creating strikingly unique works of art. An indirect process, imagery is typically created on a Plexiglas plate and then transferred by means of an etching press to archival paper. Brayers and brushes are the primary tools used. Methods and techniques include: additive, subtractive, mixing inks, roll-ups, viscosity, transparencies, color layering, multiple plate printing, plate registration, color theory simplified, trace drawing, collage, chine colle and more. Students will work with the instructor to define goals and then set a plan to begin work. In this dynamic and energetic studio environment, exploration and growth are emphasized at the individual and group level
.
7/22–8/26 Mon pm 9:00–2:00
$250M $290NM 6 classes

350 Introduction to Ceramics

Ann Conte

For the beginning clay student, this course will introduce students to the techniques of coil, pinch, slab, wheel and combinations of these techniques. Functional and non-functional pieces will be created, glazed and fired. Texture, form and surface treatment will be covered as part of the one-on-one instruction, reinforced by demonstrations of technique and process.

7/9–8/13 Tues pm 6:30–9:30
$225M $265NM 6 classes  

352 Potter's Wheel & More

Jeanne Wiley

This ceramic class will cover wheel techniques as well as slab, coil and hand building. Glaze applications will be demonstrated and independent projects are welcomed in this very supportive class. Open to all students.

7/10–8/14 Wed pm 6:30–9:30
$225M $265NM 6 classes
(includes materials and firing fee)

353 Sculpting with Paper Clay and More

Ann Conte

Paper clay is clay that has been mixed with paper pulp. Its properties allow an innovative method of using clay which would not be possible with a regular clay body. It’s easy to use, extremely strong in its unfired stage and easy to repair at any stage in the process. When fired, it is much lighter than conventional clay and is useful for wall installations and delicate sculptural forms. Students will explore hand building and sculptural techniques that will go beyond traditional clay boundaries. Also included in this course will be new ways to finish clay pieces with image transfer, mono printing, photo-lithography, sgraffito, and opportunities for expanding your glazing repertoire. Prior clay experience will be helpful in this course.

7/11–8/15 Thurs pm 6:30–9:30
$225M $265NM 6 classes
(includes materials and firing fee)

371 Basic Digital Photography—Start
to Finish

Tim Waite

Learn how to maximize the digital camera. Students will learn the fundamentals of exposure by taking advantage of the features and functionality specific to their own digital camera. This course will focus on the technical aspects of digital photography, including image file formats, lens selection, the light metering, and developing your own digital workflow. You will build on your abilities week-to-week through various assignments created to reinforce the topics you’ve learned. Students should bring their cameras and manuals to class. Digital SLR cameras required. For more detailed information, please visit www.timwaitephoto.com

7/11–8/29 Thurs pm 7:00–9:00
$205M $245NM 8 classes

372 Lightroom

Tim Waite

Learn how to maximize your digital photography workflow with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom. In this workshop you will learn how to import and manage your digital photographs, as well as how to improve photos, in both color and black & white. Applying preset filters will be discussed and demonstrated as well as how to make your photographs “pop” using Lightroom’s array of image modification tools, such as tone curves. An understanding of digital photography and your camera’s RAW image file format are required. A laptop with the latest version of Lightroom that you can bring to the workshop is recommended but not necessary. A laptop or desktop that you can bring to the workshop, with Lightroom installed, is required. For more detailed information, please visit
www.timwaitephoto.com/lightroom.

7/9–8/27 Tues pm 7:00–9:00
$205M $245NM 8 classes

401 Gold and Graphite: The Alchemist's Self Portrait

Lisa Knox

In this workshop we will combine a variety of materials such as metallic pigments, earth toned washes and graphite to render an unconventional self portrait; one in which YOU, the sitter, are not visible. Your likeness will be represented only by a single article of clothing.The garment you choose should have strong personal associations such as a favorite dress, a piece of a uniform or a pair of pajamas. Once these unusual elements, ideas, and materials are combined, an alchemical transformation occurs. The results are sure to be magical!

5/18–8/29 Saturday 10:00–4:00
$120M $160NM 1 class

444 Solar Plate Etching: Part I

Esther Maschio

Solar plate is one of the exciting newer technologies that make etching low-tech and safer to use than traditional methods. This is a photo-etch process. Plates are created by UV light (using an exposure box) and developed with water rather than chemicals. Both plates and prints can be made within one hour and multiple prints can be made from a single plate. In day 1, you will create an intaglio image using your own art work or sketch as a starting point. In day 2 a relief print will be produced, again with your art work as an image base. Inking and printing will be done each day as part of the learning process. This is an opportunity to express your creative self in a new and different way. Early registration is required as Solarplates must be ordered. Additional, specific information will be given by the instructor upon enrollment.

6/1–6/2 Sat & Sun 10:00–4:00
$165M $195NM 2 classes

451 Mosaic Workshop

Lisa Houck

In this two-day workshop, students will learn to design a mosaic, using bold, graphic shapes. We will cut glass tiles and glue them to a panel to create a work of art which is durable, colorful, and full of lively patterns. Students will go home with all the information needed to make mosaics at home. Come prepared with photographs or drawings as inspiration for your mosaic.

5/19, 5/26 Sunday 10:00–3:00
$155M $195NM 2 classes
($30 materials fee payable to instructor)