About our classes
Bridge I Classes: These classes focus on building foundations for artists in specific mediums.
Bridge II Classes: These classes are for artist that would like to advance to the next level and build depth in multiple areas.
Intro to Drawing and Painting
Have you ever wanted to learn to draw or paint, but didn’t know where to start? At Two Bridges Art Academy we believe there is an artist within all of us, and we have created the perfect onramp to launch you onto your creative journey. Welcome to Intro to Drawing and Painting! This is a no pressure, hands on class where you will learn the basics of both drawing and painting. The focus for each class will be in the practice, not the outcome. We will start off discussing basic drawing tools and vocabulary. Things like drawing lines and shapes, pencil pressure, shading and blending will be reviewed. We will render a simple still life and landscape with the tools we have learned. Our focus will then move into the basics of painting, learning about the types of paint, surfaces, and brushes. We will have plenty of hands-on exploration by putting brush to paper with simple shapes, eventually rendering a simple still life. Throughout the class there will be a lot of dialogue and practice to develop skills, muscle memory, and comfort level. If you want to learn art in a supportive and fun environment, this is the class for you!
When Intro to Drawing and Painting is over you will be ready to take on any one of our Bridge I classes listed below.
Drawing Fundamentals
Bridge I
Open to beginners and artist of all levels. If you’re new to drawing or looking to strengthen your understanding of good rendering skills this fun and informative class is for you. Learn foundational drawing skills in this fast paced, no pressure session such as linear drawing 2-D, form drawing 3-D rotation, vanishing points, spatial distance, textures, values and negative space. In-session drawing prompts include still life, portraits, landscapes, the human form, animals and more. Instruction is done by verbal, written and instructor demonstration. Each three-hour class concludes with a homework prompt. The highlight of our classes has become group review critique, an inclusive no pressure, supportive teaching style.
When Drawing Fundamentals is over, expect to feel well prepared to move to our Drawing Next Level class or another beginner painting class.
Beginner Watercolor
Bridge I
Have you ever wanted to try watercolors but were afraid to jump in too quickly? Our Beginner Watercolors class is the perfect place for you. In this class, we welcome you to the world of watercolor painting as we focus on the process, not the outcome. We will teach you the basic skills that, over time, will level up your control of painting with water. We will experiment with different brushes and learn about how water, pigment, paper, and drying time all impact your results. In this class we will be working from a limited palette which will help build your confidence with the medium. Our main subjects will be simple still-life and landscape projects. This class will be about experimenting and learning together each week in a supportive and judgement free environment.
We encourage you to give Beginner Watercolors a try. We are confident that you will love this medium and will be signing up for one of our more advanced watercolor classes when you are done.
Watercolor Fundamentals
Bridge I
This class is geared towards artists with limited watercolor experience. In this progressive class we’ll start with revisiting the basics and will move on to more technical concepts and complex palettes. We’ll cover various applications of paint including wet into wet, wet onto dry and glazing. You’ll learn about paint opacity and how/when you can best showcase these mixtures in your work. You’ll also give various textural stokes a try, learn about palette temperature and find out how important it is to have strong values in everything you do. Our subjects will include loose landscapes, still-life, and we’ll even give portraits a try.
When Watercolor Fundamentals concludes we hope you’ll feel more confident using watercolors and will want to keep going with this challenging but fun medium in our Watercolor Next Level class.
Watercolor Techniques
Bridge I
This watercolor class is open to artists at all levels. Each week we will focus on a new technique that will help to build your understanding of this fun and challenging medium. We'll work with a variety of color schemes, learning about how different color combinations can impact a painting. Various paint applications like wet into wet, glazing, and the right water to pigment ratio will be reviewed. You’ll learn about paint opacity and how/when you can best showcase these mixtures in your work. And all of this will be done in a supportive and fun environment. This is a class that you can take multiple times as we are always changing the techniques taught.
Colored Pencils & Watercolor Pencils
Bridge I
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to use Colored Pencils and Watercolor Pencils, this class is for you. The session is broken into three different segments with equal time spent on the different mediums listed. It’s informational and experimental. FUN! Learn about wax and oil based colored pencils. Understand layering and pressure techniques to achieve a “painterly look”. Experience the usability and versatility of watercolor pencils and create a watercolor painting that stands alone or introduce the effects of inking lines too enhanced details. When this class is over, we think you’ll be inspired to dive further into each one of these mediums or combine them to create a unique style all your own. This is part of a 4-class series focused on different formats of colored pencils.
Colored Pencils & Inktense Pencils
Bridge I
This Two Bridges Art Academy class will focus on being illustrative with your colors. Using some of the same techniques students learned in the Colored Pencil and Watercolor Pencil class we will explore the intense water-soluble colors found in Inktense pencils. Due to the more time intensive layering, burnishing and glazing techniques found in these pencil-based mediums we’ll focus our attention more on details. Some instructional efforts might take more than one class to complete based on the scale of our canvas or the “up close” complexities in the assignments. This session is open to all students but it’s beneficial if you have had previous drawing and or painting classes. The basics of drawing will be assumed as we dive deeper into the richness of these painterly pencils. This is part of a 4-class series focused on different formats of colored pencils.
Graphitint & Watercolor Pencils
Bridge I
Drawing pencils come in many shapes, forms, and colors. In this session, we will explore the earthy, muted tones of water-soluble graphite and compare them with the vibrant shades of watercolor pencils. While both are water-activated, these two mediums behave very differently. Subject studies for this course will include landscapes, seascapes, portraits, and still life. This class is beginner-friendly, and advanced students will enjoy exploring the unique illustrative qualities these pencils can achieve. This is part of a 4-class series focused on different formats of colored pencils.
Acrylic Studies
Bridge I
This class is open to both novice acrylic painters and those with some experience with the medium. In Acrylic Studies we will explore the key concepts for working with acrylics. We’ll start with color mixing and will experiment with how to use underpaintings to provide depth to our paintings. We will then move on to layering and using expressive brush strokes to create movement and visual appeal. We will also explore the importance of using bold color choices and strong values in our paintings. Ever painted with just a palette knife? We’ll be experimenting with this technique as well. Our subjects will include both landscapes and still life studies. This will be an opportunity for you to learn some new techniques or further build upon techniques learned in prior classes. It will be helpful if you have taken our Drawing Fundamentals class or have basic drawing skills before taking this class.
Gouache Fundamentals
Bridge I
Gouache is both a versatile and challenging medium that can produce amazing results once you learn how to use it. And although it has been overlooked in the past, gouache has seen a recent rise in popularity and we are here for it! It’s a great alternative to watercolor or acrylics. We will provide you with a complete understanding of the properties of gouache and will focus our exercises on different techniques so that you can feel confident in your ability to use this medium.
During this class we will dive into different materials and experiment with different applications of the paint. We will use a variety of surfaces which will change the effect of the paint. Brush strokes and expressive mark making will be discussed. Understanding how to effectively layer to create dimension and depth will be a cornerstone to everything we do in class. We will also review the concepts of color, light, and values. Our subjects will consist of still life paintings, landscapes and some figure/portrait work. When this class concludes, you will have a solid understanding of how to utilize gouache to create frameable pieces. It’s not mandatory, but it is useful if you already have some three-dimensional drawing skills, or you have taken our Drawing Fundamentals class before you start to paint.
Join us for this fun and challenging gouache painting class and see what all the buzz is about!
Drawing & Painting
Bridge I
At Two Bridge Art Academy we believe good drawing skills are the backbone to good painting results. We also believe that learning how to paint helps you draw better. What if there was a single class that focused on both needs? Introducing DRAWING and PAINTING.
In this fun eight-week session your first challenge could be rendering a still life. The following week you return and learn how to paint that same still life as a separate standalone effort. Each week we’ll rotate back and forth covering additional subjects such as landscape, portraits, animals and the human form. Four individual weeks drawing and four individual weeks painting. Please check the supply list but be prepared to have graphite, charcoal and acrylic paint available. We look forward to seeing you in this fun and relaxed class.
Explorations in Ink
Bridge I
Artists often use a ballpoint pen to scribble and sketch for fun but then forget about this versatile tool when they take on a new art project. In this session, students will rediscover the fun of working with a ballpoint pen. We’ll then move on to rendering with drafting pens (Microns), dipping pens and finally a brush. In this class learn a wide variety of textural effects, shading, contouring, line width and diluted ink value washes. We’ll render landscapes, animals, portraits, still life and more. You’ll work at a furious pace where the emphasis is on capturing spontaneous energy and emotion. We’ll then slow it down and focus on creating intricate controlled detail in our efforts.
When this session is over, we believe you’ll have a new passion for ink, and it might become your favorite medium!
Painting with Pastels
Bridge I
Pastels are often underrated, but they are a very powerful medium that every artist should have in their portfolio. After all, Edgar Degas and Mary Cassatt loved them! And you will too after taking this class. Paper texture and the hardness of pastels have a great influence on the outcome of a pastel painting, and in this class, we will review and experiment with both. We will discuss how to build a painting through multiple layers and how to blend colors to get the effect you want. We will also learn how to make expressive marks that convey emotion in your painting. And we will have fun! Our focus for this class will be mainly still life and landscapes.
At the end of Introduction to Pastel, you will feel comfortable with the fundamentals and will have many finished pieces to prove it. And because you loved the class so much, you’ll be ready to sign up for Pastel Next Level!
Sketching Portraits and Figures
Bridge I
In this relaxed portrait and figure drawing course, students will continue to develop skills originally introduced to them in Two Bridges Art Academy fundamental and next level drawing classes. Students who have not been in the TBAA program are welcome but some basic drawing skills coming into the class will be assumed. A typical sketching session will have students working flat AND on an easel. We’ll cover rendering planes, spatial distances, cast and form shadows, blending techniques and hard blocking. Each week we’ll try our hand at time limit thumbnails and larger pieces that take longer. Every two weeks our sketching schedule will switch between working on the face and then the body. The idea behind this is finding total body likenesses not just in facial features but how people present themselves via their natural postures. Sketching will be done in graphite, vine charcoal, pan pastel, white chalk/colored pencil and conte crayons. Color is not the focus in this session, but we will introduce two color sketching when our light and dark efforts are best represented on toned paper. Finally, portraits and figure work reference material will showcase drawing angels in full, 3/4, profile and backside views. We’ll also challenge you with unique birds-eye and worms-eye perspectives. Come join us in this fun and challenging class!
Limited Palette Portrait Sketching
Bridge I
In this limited palette portrait class students will continue to develop skills originally introduced to them in Two Bridges Art Academy Fundamental and Next Level Drawing classes. Students who have not been in the TBAA program are welcome, but some basic drawing skills coming into the class will be assumed.
Starting with graphite and vine charcoal, students will revisit how to use their spatial distance, blocking, facial plane and value skills. We’ll then move to using tonal paper and a contrasting color with our pencils and charcoal mediums. Don’t be surprised if we also sketch with a ball point pen. Anything to keep the process fun while challenging your comfort levels. In the closing weeks a soft tipped foam palette knife will be introduced as well as your paint brushes. Singular and two pigment acrylic and watercolor efforts will close out the session. This class will always revolve around staying loose and working fast. Filling your sketchbook with variety and spontaneity! More detailed portrait efforts will be saved for the upcoming “Detailed Portraiture” class. Sound like useful tools for your artistic toolbox? Come join us.
Sketching Landscapes
Bridge I
In this class, students will continue to develop skills introduced to them in Two Bridges Art Academy drawing classes. New students are welcome but some basic drawing skills coming into the class will be assumed.
This landscape sketching class will focus on specific techniques that will set you up for success when rendering landscapes, whether your end result is a drawing or a painting. Each week we will focus on a new element and will explore how that element impacts the overall outcome. We will learn to simplify complex landscapes into basic shapes and then turn those shapes into a realistic drawing. We will work on tonal values, understanding how the elements of foregrounds and backgrounds present themselves and how to render for maximum impact. Light and shadow will be discussed along with how to best handle textures and details in your work. We will dive into different types of perspectives and will study various composition techniques. Color is not the focus of this class, although we will introduce color during a few of the exercises. The main mediums used will be graphite and charcoal. Come join us and bring your landscapes to the next level!
Pan Pastels & Pastel Pencils
Bridge I
At Two Bridges, we love pastels but understand they can be messy and create dust which can be problematic for some. With PanPastels, that problem is solved! PanPastels are ultra-soft pastels compressed into pans that allow for a dry, paint-like application using sponges. They are highly pigmented and produce minimal dust, making them ideal for blending, layering, and making beautiful pieces. And they are so fun to use!
In this class we will start by understanding how to apply PanPastels using different tools and will also learn how to effectively blend colors. Although there are over 140 colors of PanPastels to choose from, you can make any painting using just 5 colors. Once we get comfortable with how to apply PanPastels, we will begin to add pastel pencils to our work. The great thing about PanPastels is that they can be used alone or combined with pastel pencils or regular soft pastels. With the addition of pencils, we can render more detail into our work. Starting with still lifes, we will move on to landscapes as we learn how to effectively render shadows and light. In the last few weeks, we will move on to more complex subjects like animals and portraits.
This class is open to all students. However, the basics of drawing will be assumed so it will be beneficial if you have taken a previous drawing and/or painting class.
Drawing Next Level
Bridge II
Open to anyone who has taken Drawing Fundamentals or has worked with Scott/Lisa in a previous class. In this session we’ll sharpen everything we’ve previously covered and then guide you to the next level. The pace of the class slows a bit as we start to develop more complex images and dive deeper into good drafting skills. In addition to verbal, written and instructional demonstrations we will start to learn about the history of artists especially proficient in the techniques we are studying. In this class you will develop your understanding of shadows and light. Learn why composition plays such an important role in your drawings. Continue developing your portrait skills and work on capturing a likeness. Learn the art of multi view rendering. Develop multi point perspectives and scale (drawing on small then a larger canvas.) In-session drawing prompts include, muscular and skeletal drawing, a variety of portrait positions, detailed still life, landscape/seascape and new perspective challenges. When Intermediate Drawing is complete, we believe you’ll now be prepared take any advanced class we offer.
Watercolor Next Level
Bridge II
This second class in our watercolor series is open to any student who has taken Watercolor Fundamentals or a student who is already familiar with each of the techniques listed its description. In this Watercolor Next Level class we’ll learn when it’s best to use multiple transparent washes throughout your work. We’ll challenge you with gray scale painting and working with only the primary colors. We’ll learn more about adding texture with granular paint and how to showcase light and shadow. We’ll work fast and loose and we’ll slow things down and allowing you to add more detail. Landscapes, still life, figure painting and portrait will be used as inspiration as we learn many of these techniques.
When Watercolor Next Level concludes we hope your portfolio of knowledge is well rounded and you never stop having fun painting. We encourage you to take this class multiple times, or move to our Watercolor Continued class.
Watercolor Continued
Bridge II
In the previous Two Bridge Art Academy watercolor classes (Fundamentals and Next Level) we focused our attention on learning specific techniques and rendering projects that best represent that specific skill. The emphasis in Watercolor Continued will be on the artist putting ALL of those skills to work, thinking through what skill is needed and how it can best be utilized. A “think tank” discussion kicks things off each week and we’ll then do quick color thumbnail before we proceed. Gaining confidence in your ability and developing an action plan is the focus. Landscapes, still life, portraits and figures will be the primarily subjects but be prepared for random surprises. Open to students who have taken our Watercolor Next Level Class or students who are well versed in the medium are looking to join a supportive group of returning students. This class is not designed to have an ending rather a place for students who love watercolor to always call home!
Gouache Landscapes
Bridge II
In this class, students will continue to develop skills originally introduced to them in Two Bridges Art Academy classes that used gouache (Acrylic & Gouache Class, Gouache Fundamentals and Studio Invitational). Students who have not been introduced to gouache at Two Bridges are welcome, but a basic understanding of gouache will be assumed.
We will revisit some of the concepts like layering, dry brushing, and underpaintings as we focus solely on landscapes as our subject matter. We will dive into more challenging subjects like shadows, reflections, rendering snow and water. Our goal will be to practice and get as many learning cycles as we can, so we will be working small. To help us catalogue our learnings, we will be building a gouache workbook for our studies. This is a great way to keep all of our studies in one place with reference notes.
When this class concludes, you will have a full book of paintings and moreover, will have specific notes that you can refer back to as you work through other pieces. We look forward to seeing you in class!
Drawing Animals & Pets
Bridge II
This class offers an opportunity to learn numerous techniques for sketching animal forms, ranging from the anatomy of a horse to the unique proportions of a penguin. We will cover everything from an expressive chimpanzee face to the dexterity of raccoon paws; no animal and their mesmerizing movements are off-limits. Fundamental drawing class skills will be expected coming into this course. We’ll conclude with a final project in which students render a more detailed portrait of their own pet or favorite animal.
Studio Invitational
Bridge II
As a pre-requisite for this class, you will have taken at least one Bridge I class and have a comfort level with different mediums in order for you to hit the ground running in this more advanced session. Studio Invitational is a chance for artists to explore different mediums and techniques. We will deep dive into different artists and study their techniques to better understand how we can transform our practice.
This class will require you to have a lot of different supplies on hand. We will use a variety of different mediums and surfaces, depending upon the instructors’ choice. A general list of materials will be sent out prior to class, but things like acrylics, gauche, pastels, ink, etc. are the types of mediums that will be used, along with miscellaneous different household items. You never know what to expect. This class is about learning, pushing the boundaries of your artistic expression, and having fun!