Participants will learn the fundamentals of painting. Beginning with drawing, under painting, glazing, and over painting highlights.

Canvas will be supplied.

Any basic oil set and brushes (some brushes will be available) are required to bring along with a photo to reference. A still life will also be set up for those with or without a photo reference.

Any questions regarding supplies please call Mark directly and he will help you (713)-306-7777.

Day & Time: Thursdays, 3-5pm or 5-7pm

Have you always wanted to learn to draw? Come and join Earl for this fun and easy basic drawing class. No experience needed. You will experience the excitement of drawing through learning special techniques in dimensional shading which will make the subject come alive. Drawing fundamentals will be explored through demonstrations and examples. Group and individualized instruction will be utilized in throughout these 5 weeks. Have fun while learning!

Supplies needing to be purchased prior to your first class.

• General sketching pencil set

• One large design kneaded eraser

• One sketch pad 11- inches x 17 inches

• Exacto knife

• Sandpaper pointer

• Mechanical Pencil

• Carpenter pencil or Flat sketching pencil

Date & Time: Wednesdays, 4pm - 6pm

Feeling stuck?

Curious about gelli plate printing but not sure where to start?

Or simply looking for a relaxed, social space to make art alongside other creative people?

This drop-in gelli plate studio is designed as a low-pressure, open-ended creative session — a place to break a creative slump, experiment with new techniques, revisit old ideas, or just show up and make something without expectations.

Each session offers a loose focus or prompt to spark ideas, but there’s no formal lesson and no requirement to follow along. You’re free to explore at your own pace, ask questions, share discoveries, or work quietly if that’s what you need that day.

Gelli plates, stencils, acrylic paints, and a selection of printing papers will be provided. You’re also very welcome to bring your own materials if there’s a specific technique, surface, or idea you’d like to explore.

This is a supportive, playful studio environment — suitable for beginners and experienced artists alike. Come to learn, experiment, reconnect with your creativity, or simply enjoy making art in good company.

The studio is open on the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month starting in June.

Ages 14 and up

Upon payment received, the instructor will contact you to schedule your private lessons

In these one-on-one lessons, I’ll work with you to discover how easy and fun it is to paint — really paint — on your iPad! The iPad is an exceptional tool because you only need a tablet and an Apple Pencil. No messy supplies, no set-up and clean-up. You can work from the comfort of your sofa or kitchen table! The Procreate app is a complete art studio for creating expressive sketches, luscious paintings, and so much more. It’s easy for a beginner to start using, and powerful enough for the professional artist. 

What we will be doing:

In each one-on-one lesson we will work side by side on our iPads

• We will go over the tools, so you are thoroughly comfortable with them

• We will use them to draw/paint so we become familiar with how they work

• The drawing/painting practices are simple and easy for anyone to do

• We will learn the shortcuts and options for each tool

• We will learn to import images as references or as part of the painting

• We will learn to master the power of layers and masks

• We will learn to create and customize brushes

• We will learn to export a finished painting for printing

Tools required: 

• iPad, compatible with Apple Pencil

• Apple Pencil

• Procreate application (from the App Store, $9.99)

• Some basic familiarity with the iPad would be helpful

About the Instructor

After a career in graphic design, Tracy Zakraysek continues to explore the vast possibilities of digital media by painting on the iPad. Her art is filled with vibrant colors and rich textures, often featuring animals as well as landscapes and abstract works. Prints are for sale at Stella’s Art Gallery and online at her Etsy shop, tracyzakraysekprints.

Create two one of a kind  paintings on canvas using string & acrylic paints. This is a fun, but messy process, so please dress accordingly. 

Paintings can be picked up the next business day during gallery hours.

All supplies to create two 8x10 paintings, disposable gloves, aprons, and a handout of materials used along with some helpful information are included.

Space is limited 

Painting on Black Canvas (Negative Space)

With a black canvas, instead of painting in the darks, we will let the dark canvas create the background and dark parts of the painting while painting in the colors. This requires us to shift our perspective. We will need a basic sketch ready before painting. For those with minimal drawing skills, there will be at least 4 images which can be transferred (mostly birds). Those with drawing skills are encouraged to complete a sketch on paper to transfer to the canvas.

Once we have our image, we will begin adding color.

Animal Patterns

Let’s play with color and pattern!! Tortoises and turtles have repeating patterns that make painting them fun and relaxing. Two templates will be provided to transfer the image onto your canvas (or you can draw your own).

The first class will involve the transfer of the image, selecting your color palette, and the simplest part of painting. This means painting the tortoise/turtle background and beginning the shell design. The second class will be the painting of the pattern where we add a variety of color. Each student can choose to use the examples as a guide or use their own imaginations.

All classes

• At least four examples will be provided as well as techniques that assist and allow participants to improve their skills.

• Group is limited to 6 students ages 14 and up.

• Basic painting supplies will be included (palette knives, brushes and basic paint colors, and an 11x14 canvas).

• Wear something that looks good with paint on it.

• All of my classes are personalized so a student may repeat a class and get new instruction each time.

Join us for beginner watercolor classes. No prior painting or drawing experience is required — all you need is a willingness to learn, experiment, and create beautiful artwork.

This beginner watercolor course guides participants through fundamental techniques (dry brush, wet in wet, and glazing with layers. Painters can use all the materials the instructor uses, including paints, ink pens, brushes, and paper. The focus is on learning the magic of watercolor and enjoying the creative process. No experience is required other than the desire to create. Students can explore abstract as well as more realistic paintings. Examples will be provided or students may bring a picture they would like to paint.

NOTE: a $5 supply fee paid to instructor on day of program. (All the supplies needed for class - paint, paper, ink pens, etc.) If you have your own supplies the fee is waived.

Learn about Jeni and see what other classes she offers.

Description: Create a one of a kind forest painting on a 12x12 canvas using  acrylic paints. This class is designed to teach you how to create depth through working in layers, and how to use detail brushes to create branches.

This is a fun, but messy process, so please dress accordingly. Paintings can be taken home after class.

All supplies to make 1 painting, a handout & aprons are included. 

Space is limited 

Alcohol Ink is a fun and innovative way to create with your imagination.  This class is designed for those who are ready to try their own project with guidance or simply wish to practice and elevate their alcohol ink skills. Instruction and guidance will be available throughout the sessions to help your vision become your work of art. Alcohol inks, 9 x 12 Alcohol ink paper, ceramic 12”x4” tiles and all needed supplies are provided, but you may also bring your own.  The colors are vibrant and full of energy waiting to be sent into motion by your hand.   Dress accordingly for covering clothing or bring an old apron if desired.   No experience is necessary, but basic knowledge is helpful.

Life can be loud and overwhelming.  Mindfulness coloring can quiet our minds and give us a chance to focus on the moment.  Science backs the benefits of this and likens the results to that of meditation. This class will give you a chance to slow down and give yourself  an hour of self-care.   All supplies will be provided with several different coloring mediums available.  However, you are welcome to bring your own if that makes you smile. Teens and Adults welcome.

Acrylic pouring: Using multiple techniques to create dimension with Michelle

Description: Everyone will have fun creating their own unique 12x12 acrylic pour painting using 3 different techniques & 2 different pouring mediums. 

All supplies to create 1 painting, disposable gloves & aprons, and a handout with materials used & helpful information are included.

Ages: teen - adult

Location: Stella’s Art Gallery, Studio 2

We will be covering how to create depth in an acrylic painting by working in layers and glazing using acrylic mediums, acrylic paint & some additional embellishments to create a beautiful & unique galaxy painting. 

NOTES:

• This is a fun, but messy process, so please dress accordingly.

• Paintings can be taken home after class.

• All supplies to make 1 painting

• A handout & aprons are included.

• Space is limited 

Ages: adult/teen

Class Location: studio 2

3 Classes, 3 paintings, lots of fun!

The first class will be spent setting the stage for our flowers and experimenting with ways to create abstract backgrounds using palette knives, brushes, and various common items. We will learn about complementary colors and why they work so well against each other, then we will play. We will be working on three separate pieces which will allow us to experiment and move between each piece while another is drying. At the end of class we have our abstract backgrounds and discuss placement and types of flowers that might work with our backgrounds before we head home. Class 2 will allow us time to decide on our flowers, and their placement before we block them in. We will learn some brush techniques that best suit our choices, and progress on our pieces.  Our third lesson will allow us time to address challenges and add details to finish our pieces.

This can be as simple or complex as the painter desires. 

Ages: 16 and up. 

Basic painting supplies will be included (palette knives, brushes and basic paint colors, and an 11x14 canvas).

Wear something that looks good with paint on it. 

All of my classes are personalized so a student may repeat a class and get new instruction each time.

Alcohol Ink is a fun and innovative way to create with your imagination. You will learn different techniques to create lovely paintings. You will practice different methods before executing your masterpiece. The colors are vibrant and full of energy waiting to be sent into motion by your hand.

• Dress accordingly for covering clothing or bring an old apron if desired.

• All materials will be provided.

• Disposable gloves will also be provided.

• No experience is necessary.

Class length: 2.5 hours

Alcohol Ink is a fun and innovative way to create with your imagination.  You will learn different techniques to create lovely florals. You will practice different methods before executing your masterpiece.   The colors are vibrant and full of energy waiting to be sent into motion by your hand.   Dress accordingly for covering clothing or bring an old apron if desired.  All materials will be provided.  Disposable gloves will also be provided.  No experience is necessary.

First we will draw and/or transfer our bird onto canvas. There will be several examples (birds and crows) to choose from (or you may bring your own photocopy). We will discuss basics of acrylics and color as well as ways to create contrast. Next, we will have the option to use a paintbrush or palette knife to create a simple background using specific contrasting colors based on our bird choice. We will “block in” our birds with color and begin to shape them. In class 2, we will learn some techniques to help us add details and refine our birds and we will add details and highlights.

This is a two class series as it will allow us time to practice, learn, and make a finished piece without rushing. The group is limited to 5 students ages 16 and up.  Basic painting supplies will be included (palette knives, brushes and basic paint colors, and an 11x14 canvas). Wear something that looks good with paint on it.  Limited to 6 students

All classes are personalized so a student may repeat a class and get new, personalized instruction and use different examples each time.

Learn more about Tanya Hough

We have live drawing from - 6:30 - 8:30! This event will be limited to 15 artists. Fee is ONLY $10. You are responsible for bringing your own art supplies. Model will be 6ft away on a pedestal.

Check in at our main desk inside Stella's.

Palette knife painting is fast and creates beautiful color variations. While it uses more paint than traditional painting, and you sometimes have to wait for paint to dry, it can be very exciting! It’s my favorite way to begin a painting.

We will start by choosing a floral drawing from several examples (or one of our own) and either transfer the image or draw our own. (There will be lots of reference photos available, but feel free to print out pictures/photocopies of your own.) Once our image is on the canvas we will discuss some color basics, and learn about palette knives and techniques to use them. We will practice until we feel comfortable getting started with paint.

Next, we will block in the background and note the beautiful color striations we can create as we become more skilled. We will then use the knife to block in the flower colors until we have a rough picture. Finally, we will bring in the paintbrushes to add detail and finish our pieces.  So everyone has a chance to complete their pieces, this will be a two class series. The first class will get us started and comfortable with the palette knives and how to use them. The second class will allow students to learn techniques to refine their paintings, creating detail and contrast.

This class will allow participants to improve their skills, no matter their level.  Group is limited to 6 students ages 14 and up. Basic painting supplies will be included (palette knives, brushes and basic paint colors, and an 11x14 canvas). Wear something that looks good with paint on it.  All classes are personalized so a student may repeat a class and get new, personalized instruction and use different examples each time.

Painting with pen, brush, water, and watercolor pencil.

We will be drawing and painting with pen, brush, and water.  This class is a little like watercolor, but easier. The special pen we will be using “bleeds” a turquoise and pink color when water meets the ink so there will be lots of relaxed experimentation. All materials will be provided as well as techniques that assist and allow participants to experiment and build painting skills.

First we will play with and practice several approaches to making the most of the color “bleeds”.  It takes some practice to figure out how to make the ink flow the way we want it to and create the desired effects. Once we have mastered the basics, we will apply the technique to hand drawn flowers, and finally receive special paper to make a finished piece.  A picture will be provided to those who don’t feel confident enough to draw their own.  Lastly we have the option to use watercolor pencils to color the flower centers and leaves.

This is very individualized and quite relaxing. You will leave with several practice pieces and one potentially finished flower.

This class is designed to allow students to explore works of famous artists and some painting techniques that relate to them. Each week we will peruse and discuss the work of one famous artist and explore their art and approach to painting (5-15 minutes on the large screen). Next we will play with this approach by planning and painting our own pieces using prompts, examples, or items supplied for still lifes.This class is fun, educational, and hands-on and is designed to build community while simultaneously developing and improving painting skills. This class can be as simple or complex as the student desires. The focus is on experimentation and learning using acrylic paints.

 Students will be able to take their pieces home and/or come to an open studio time on Tuesday afternoons to work on them. 

All materials will be provided as well as a schedule of artists we will learn about. The artists in this series will be Monet, Kandinsky (his earlier, colorful work), Van Gogh, (and probably Matisse and Seurat).

6 student limit. Bring a friend.

Wear something that looks good with paint on it.

In each class we will look at a different style and brush technique, then try to imitate it in painting.  First, we will draw (or transfer) the image, make a simple background, and begin to paint our subject. We will discuss each technique and when it works best in a painting (with lots of examples), and how to achieve them. This can be as simple or complex as the painter desires. 

I will provide step-by-step instructions and have specific examples to follow, but personal exploration is encouraged.

We will play around with ways to use them effectively, first sketching or blocking on paper, then moving to canvas. We will use the new techniques to complete a piece of our own each week. Examples will be provided. 

 The class is limited to 5 students ages 16 and up.  Basic painting supplies will be included (brushes and basic paint colors, canvas boards or an 11x14 canvas).

(Students have the option to use examples/subjects provided by the instructor to paint one simpler piece on canvas or canvas board each week OR to bring a more complex subject/image of their own and adapt it.

Wear something that looks good with paint on it.  All of my classes are personalized so a student may repeat a class and get new instruction each time.

This class is designed to allow students to explore works of famous artists and some painting techniques that relate to them. Each week we will peruse and discuss the work of one famous artist and explore their art and approach to painting (5-15 minutes on the large screen). Next we will play with this approach by planning and painting our own pieces using prompts, examples, or items supplied for still lifes. This class is fun, educational, and hands-on and is designed to build community while simultaneously developing and improving painting skills. This class can be as simple or involved as the student desires. The focus is on experimentation and learning using acrylic paints. 

There are options for all levels and types of learners.

Students will be able to take their pieces home to work on them and/or come to an open studio time on Tuesday afternoons to work on them. 

All materials will be provided as well as a schedule of artists we will learn about. The artists in this series include Andy Warhol, Yayoi Kusama, KAWS (his earlier, colorful work), and Burton Morris.

Up to 6 students. Sign up with a friend.

Wear something that looks good with paint on it.

Alcohol Ink is a fun and innovative way to create with your imagination. Elevate new skills utilizing Alcohol inks and how they move differently on a prepared Canvas. The colors are vibrant and full of energy waiting to be sent into motion by your hand. Dress accordingly for covering clothing or bring an old apron if desired. No experience is necessary.

Alcohol Ink is a fun and innovative way to create with your imagination. You will learn different techniques to create a lovely tranquil water scene on 12 x 4” tile ready to hang. You will practice different methods before executing your masterpiece. The colors are vibrant and full of energy waiting to be sent into motion by your hand. Dress accordingly for covering clothing or bring an old apron if desired. All materials will be provided. Disposable gloves will also be provided. No experience is necessary.

Alcohol Ink is a fun and innovative way to create with your imagination. You will learn different techniques to create lovely scenes or abstracts. You will create a painting on both sides of the substrate so you can flip it over in your frame and enjoy 2 separate works of art at different times. You will practice different methods before executing your masterpiece. The colors are vibrant and full of energy waiting to be sent into motion by your hand. Dress accordingly for covering clothing or bring an old apron if desired. All materials will be provided. Disposable gloves will also be provided. No experience is necessary. Ages: Adults and older teens

We will be painting a Full moon with tree branches using acrylic paint on a 12x12 canvas. You can paint as many, or as few branches as you want, it's your own unique painting!

All supplies to create one painting are included. This is a fun but sometimes messy process, so please dress accordingly. Disposable aprons will be provided.

Join Carol Agnew in this unique workshop where you will:

Paint, Sketch, or Build your own Positive Vanitas:

A Still Life of Treasures and Memories

A positive Vanitas communicates gratitude, renewal, joy, or love using your very own personal items that evoke emotions and/or memories.

In this workshop, Carol Agnew will guide participants through creative interpretation—using their personal items to spark artistic exploration.

Her teaching encourages curiosity, experimentation, and confidence. A safe and creative space where each artist can discover their own voice.

Understanding Visual Grammar:
Learn how shapes, colors, symbolic items transmit messages to the viewer making the experience richer and more meaningful.

Alcohol Ink is a fun and innovative way to create with your imagination. You will learn different techniques to create lovely florals. You may choose to paint on 12 x 4” tile or Alcohol ink paper. The colors are vibrant and full of energy waiting to be sent into motion by your hand. Dress accordingly for covering clothing or bring an old apron if desired. All materials will be provided. Disposable gloves will also be provided. No experience is necessary.

Alcohol Ink is a fun and innovative way to create with your imagination. You will learn different techniques to paint a lovely background and custom design your painting utilizing stenciling and stamping inks. The colors are vibrant and full of energy waiting to be sent into motion by your hand. Dress accordingly for covering clothing or bring an old apron if desired. All materials will be provided. Disposable gloves will also be provided. No experience is necessary.