New Mexico Art League
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Adult Classes

Upcoming events

  • The Portrait in Watercolor with Ruth Andrews-Vreeland (Tuesdays)

    • 09/03/2024
    • 10/22/2024
    • 8 sessions
    • Art League Studios
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    This class is designed for anyone who wants to learn how to paint portraits in watercolor using multiple transparent layers for ultimate depth in their work, with the goal of painting more realistically. Students will learn the basics of handling watercolor paints and brushes, and explore a variety of techniques: glazing, layering, methods for saving the white of the paper, juxtaposing color, key techniques in creating the perfect neutral color, softening and/or losing a few edges, the importance of incorporating the background-color as foreground-shadows, and others. Our portraits will be painted from carefully selected photos, instructor’s choice first, then photos provided by students, learning the importance of working from great, vs. bad photo references. We will also touch on the basic fundamentals of composition, contrast of values, the essentials of a good initial drawing, and how to achieve perfect chiaroscuro. Several technical demonstrations will complement your studio work. The goal of this class is to give students the basic tools necessary to begin their own realistic portrait work.

    Please sigh up early; class size is limited. 

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  • Paint Your Heart Out - for Beginners with Alice Webb (Tuesdays)

    • 09/03/2024
    • 10/22/2024
    • 8 sessions
    • Art League Studios
    • 5
    Register

    This class is designed for those who have a strong desire to paint but are not sure how to begin. Students will learn the basic tools of painting in either oil or acrylic beginning with how to set up your palette and the basics of composition. We will learn to mix color by working at first with a limited color palette and then, as we progress, adding more colors. Proportion, object placement, value, shape and perspective are a few of the elements of art that will be covered.  After focusing on both painting from life and painting landscapes from photographs individual students will choose the subject of their final painting. If you are interested in trying abstraction as this time then go for it! Instruction will include primarily individual guidance along with demonstrations. You will be surprised at how much fun it is to learn to paint!


    Please sign up early; class size is limited to 12 students.




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  • Introduction to Drawing and Painting - Finding Your Own Path with Maria Cole (Wednesdays)

    • 09/04/2024
    • 10/23/2024
    • 8 sessions
    • Art League Studios
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    The objective of this class is to acquaint students with traditional and contemporary techniques in drawing and painting that will give them the solid background needed to develop their own individual style. Class will progress to the introduction of traditional drawing and painting techniques and fundamental principles of design including composition, perspective and color. Classes will begin with a short lecture and demonstration, after which students will explore these techniques working from still life arrangements or their own photographic material.

    Please sign up early; class size is limited to 12 students. 


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  • Painting the Landscape in Oils with Waid Griffin (Wednesdays)

    • 09/04/2024
    • 10/23/2024
    • 8 sessions
    • Art League Studios
    Register

    Students will learn how to paint in oils using the time tested methods of the masters. Color theory and its app-lication to landscape painting will be a central focus as Waid helps each student develop greater skills of observation. Meeting each artist at their individual level of skill, Waid encourages self-expression and individual interpretation of the subject while incorporating the fundamentals of composition, depth of field and balance in landscape painting.


    Class size is limited to 12 students; please sign up early.


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  • New Trends in Pastel (Thursdays)

    • 09/05/2024
    • 10/24/2024
    • 8 sessions
    • Main studio
    Register

    “Things are changing in the world of pastel  - I am constantly amazed at how artists are pushing the boundaries of this versatile medium.”

    -Vasili

    Join artist, VASILI KATAKIS, in this 8-week class taking a fresh look at trends in the world of pastel painting. Applying traditional techniques with a new approach takes pastel a whole new level. The goal of any painting is to stir the inner emotions of the viewer. Techniques range from traditional- to hyper-realistic. Understanding the principles and techniques in this class will allow you to paint with greater confidence, thereby giving you more freedom to compose and create. Some of the topics we will cover include- textured marks, fine line marks, blending/back-blending, background as unifier, color transitions, glazing layers. There is no limit to what we can achieve when combining traditional techniques with new ones. Please feel free to contact the instructor with questions, vasilikatakis2@gmail.com.


    Please sign up early; class size is limited to 12 students.


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  • Expressive Painting with Acrylics and Mixed Media with Maria Cole (Thursdays)

    • 09/05/2024
    • 10/24/2024
    • 8 sessions
    • Art League Studios
    • 4
    Register

    The class will focus on giving students the opportunity to develop their ideas into paintings by first reinforcing basic drawing and painting techniques which make it easier, to create strong works by exploring all the possibilities of combining multiple mediums. There will be short lectures on painting procedures to facilitate and speed up the painting process from beginning to end. Emphasis will be placed on creating works representative of the individual student preferences with new approaches to basic painting and drawing techniques in order  to revitalize works and bring them closer to the envisioned idea. Students will be able to work from their own photographs, sketches or imagination. Class is suitable for all levels, instructor will work with artists individually to help them develop their own style and works that depict the images the artist visualized.

    Please sign up early; class size is limited to 12 students.


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  • Abstraction - Drawing and Painting with Michael Ottersen (Fridays)

    • 09/06/2024
    • 10/25/2024
    • 8 sessions
    • Art League Studios
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Tired of drawing the same old apples and oranges?  How about creating a shape or presenting a color relationship that has never been seen before? This 8-week class will examine the infinite possibilities of abstraction using various dry drawing materials and water based paint and/or through the painting mediums of oil or acrylics.  Each student will have the option to decide what materials to use and when. The exception being the homework assignments which will always be done on paper. Class can be as structured or as open as desired to enable the creative voice to have its say.  Students who prefer more structure will work on in-class assignments while others may choose to treat the class as an open studio, pursuing individual projects. Contemporary artists as well as artist from history will be discussed to remind us of what is happening and what has happened, renewing our connection to world culture. Class critiques will provide a window into ideas, process and intent. This class will be both challenging and fun as you discover the infinite freedom of abstraction! 


    Please sign up early; class size is limited to 12 students.



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  • Devoted to Drawing - Your Sketchbook Practice with Susan Roden (Fridays)

    • 09/06/2024
    • 10/25/2024
    • 8 sessions
    • Art League Studios
    • 1
    Register

    This class will explore the very essence of how ideas are formed from your sketchbook. Practice makes perfect and in this case it is so true. By developing the habit of taking your sketchbook with you everywhere, you will begin to notice more and hone your ability to see and then draw very personal glimpses of life. Regardless of your artistic genre whether it's abstraction or realism, this class will show you how to develop your creative process through a daily record of expressive thoughts.  Sketchbooks can also serve as a place to work out compositions, ideas for a series, preliminary drawing for a painting or any work of art. Sue will guide you through a progression of exercises that will review drawing methods and principals that will become second nature to you as you develop the routine of sketching and drawing every day. Students will be encouraged to incorporate an assortment of markings executed with pencils, inks, adhered ephemera for collage-effects and tints from organic dyes and watercolors. The possibilities are endless! This class is open to artists at all levels.

    Please sign up early; class size is limited.


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  • Independent Study - All Media with Alice Webb (Saturdays)

    • 09/07/2024
    • 11/02/2024
    • 8 sessions
    • Art League Studios
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    This class is for intermediate artists who want to go to the next level. If you are asking yourself “Where do I go from here?”, this class will give you the direction you are seeking. Alice will be working with each student individually to determine how to build on your strengths and how to turn weaknesses into assets. Together you will clarify your visual voice and understand how your personal creative vocabulary is already apparent in your work. Alice will encourage an investigation of the imagery, color choices and composition you are presently using and guide you to a strong individual path in your painting.  Please bring your preferred materials. All media, charcoal and pencil, pastels, oils, acrylics and watercolors, are welcome. 


    Please sign up early; class size is limited to 12 students.



    NO CLASS SEPTEMBER 21

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  • Sketching in Watercolor with Dave Cook (Mondays)

    • 09/09/2024
    • 10/28/2024
    • 6 sessions
    • Art League Studios
    Register

    Join watercolor painter, Dave Cook, in this 6-week exploration of techniques of sketching in watercolor to create colorful compelling paintings.  Whether your interest is in travel sketches, figures, still life, animals, city or landscapes, we will review basic composition principles using pencil and pen with ink.  Moving on, we will study light values and practice simple watercolor brushstroke techniques.  Combining beautiful transparent watercolors with texture of pen and ink helps produce quick impressions of realism. Students will learn to discover and express their inner creativity. Your self-confidence  will improve and you will immediately see improvement in your ability to achieve striking successful compositions. Each class will include progressive demonstrations and individual instruction, with ample time for painting. This course is designed for students at any level always stressing positive feedback.  Prior drawing and sketching experience is helpful. 


    Please sign up early; class size is limited to 12 students.


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    NO CLASS OCTOBER 14 AND OCTOBER 21

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  • Painting Fall Color - Inside and Out with Cynthia Inson (Mondays)

    • 09/09/2024
    • 10/28/2024
    • 8 sessions
    • Art League Studios
    • 2
    Register


    Autumn is spectacular in New Mexico. Whether we are awestruck by the intensity of the yellow of the wild sunflowers or the range of reds in the hollyhocks growing by the wall, we are equally inspired by this beautiful time if year. Join Cynthia in this eight-week class that will focus on creating paintings that reflect that beauty, drama, and character. This is the perfect opportunity to paint both inside and outdoor subject matter. We will be painting either inside the studio from a still life of fall flowers or outside (weather permitting) composing a landscape of the changing season.The plan is to do four interior sessions and four plein aire sessions. The class is also geared toward individual growth as Cynthia devotes ample time to each student’s personal instruction. You are welcome to use gouache, watercolor, and/or oils, either staying with your tried and true medium or exploring something new!

    *Please note that you are not expected to bring materials for all mediums. Please choose the medium that you prefer.

    Please sign up early; class size is limited.


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  • Painting the Alla Prima Still Life in Oils with John Reger (Tuesdays)

    • 09/24/2024
    • 10/29/2024
    • 6 sessions
    • Art League Studios
    Register

      Join artist John Reger for six weeks of a fresh new way of looking at and painting a still life. Students will learn the fundamentals of how to create a  painting during each class from direct observation or “alla prima” which translates from Italian to "at first attempt”. This approach is well suited to subjects that need to be painted quickly, and the result is a fresh and spontaneous painting with lively brushstrokes and thick paint application. Each student will work from a new setup each day. Throughout the class, John will cover the topics including composition, drawing, light, color theory, form, depth, edges and how to work a narrative into your work. In the spirit of the Daily Painter movement these exercises are great for building your painting skills.  With deliberate and intentional brushwork your paintings will be energized and capture the essence of your subject.


    Please sign up early; class size is limited. 
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  • Not Just Sunday Painters - Plein Aire Landscape in All Media with Alice Webb (Sundays)

    • 09/29/2024
    • 10/27/2024
    • 5 sessions
    • On Location
    Register

    Let’s paint outside on Sundays! This 5-week class we will bring landscape painters together in new locations each session. We will spend four days at different spots painting in nature.  The fifth day is reserved for any finishing touches and a group critique and will meet at the Art League studio. Days on location will start with a demo and a short talk by Alice Webb focussing on information on how to create a dynamic composition, accounting for value, how color theory applies to the landscape and atmospheric perspective. Students will have the rest of the time to paint as Alice checks in with each student to work with them individually. All mediums are welcome: oils, acrylics, pastels and pan or tube watercolors. Since we will be outside for several hours please be sure to use sunscreen and wear a hat. If you have a painting umbrella, that’s great. Also bring water, a snack and a folding chair if you want to sit during demos and breaks. Restrooms may not be available but trees and bushes will be ☺.

    Our destinations:

    • Elena Gallegos (restrooms available)
    • Placitas (no restrooms) We will meet at the Merc in Placitias
    • San Yisidro (no restrooms) - We will meet at the Home Depot in Rio Rancho (on 550) 
    • San Diego Canyon north of Jemez Pueblo - no restrooms  - Plenty of bushes everywhere We will meet at the Home Depot in Rio Rancho (on 550) 
    • New Mexico Art League 

    Please sign up early; class size is limited to 10 students.

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  • Wednesday Evening Life Drawing - No Instruction

    • 10/16/2024
    • 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    • Art League Studios
    • 10
    Register


     - SOLVENT FREE STUDIO -

    The New Mexico Art League now holds Wednesday Life Drawing Sessions each week with a  different classical nude pose.

    We will begin with quick warm-up poses so artists can capture the figure in motion and move to extended poses during the 3 hour session.

    These drawing sessions are open to artists of all levels. Artists should bring their own materials and drawing surface. Easels and drawing benches are provided for your use. 

    These sessions do require advance registration.  

    Please check your calendar! Payment is not transferable or refundable.

    Please sign up early; each group is limited to 12 artists.



    Payment must be made at the time of registration

    in order to hold your place.

    Without payment your place will be cancelled.

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  • Sunday Afternoon Life Drawing - No Instruction

    • 10/20/2024
    • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Art League Studios
    • 10
    Register

     The New Mexico Art League holds Sunday Life Drawing Sessions each week with either a clothed or nude model.

    We will begin with quick warm-up poses so artists can capture the figure in motion and move to extended poses during the 3 hour session. These drawing sessions are open to artists of all levels. Artists should bring their own materials and drawing surface. Easels and drawing benches are provided for your use. 



    These sessions do require advance registration.  


    Please check your calendar! Payment is not transferable or refundable.

    Please sign up early; each group is limited to 12 artists.

    Payment must be made at the time of registration in order to hold your place. Without payment your place will be cancelled.

    Show details

  • Wednesday Evening Life Drawing - No Instruction

    • 10/23/2024
    • 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    • Art League Studios
    • 10
    Register

     - SOLVENT FREE STUDIO -

    The New Mexico Art League now holds Wednesday Life Drawing Sessions each week with a  different classical nude pose.

    We will begin with quick warm-up poses so artists can capture the figure in motion and move to extended poses during the 3 hour session.

    These drawing sessions are open to artists of all levels. Artists should bring their own materials and drawing surface. Easels and drawing benches are provided for your use. 

    These sessions do require advance registration.  

    Please check your calendar! Payment is not transferable or refundable.

    Please sign up early; each group is limited to 12 artists.



    Payment must be made at the time of registration

    in order to hold your place.

    Without payment your place will be cancelled.

    Show details

  • Sunday Afternoon Life Drawing - No Instruction

    • 10/27/2024
    • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Art League Studios
    • 12
    Register

     The New Mexico Art League holds Sunday Life Drawing Sessions each week with either a clothed or nude model.

    We will begin with quick warm-up poses so artists can capture the figure in motion and move to extended poses during the 3 hour session. These drawing sessions are open to artists of all levels. Artists should bring their own materials and drawing surface. Easels and drawing benches are provided for your use. 



    These sessions do require advance registration.  


    Please check your calendar! Payment is not transferable or refundable.

    Please sign up early; each group is limited to 12 artists.

    Payment must be made at the time of registration in order to hold your place. Without payment your place will be cancelled.

    Show details

  • Wednesday Evening Life Drawing - No Instruction

    • 10/30/2024
    • 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    • Art League Studios
    • 12
    Register

     - SOLVENT FREE STUDIO -

    The New Mexico Art League now holds Wednesday Life Drawing Sessions each week with a  different classical nude pose.

    We will begin with quick warm-up poses so artists can capture the figure in motion and move to extended poses during the 3 hour session.

    These drawing sessions are open to artists of all levels. Artists should bring their own materials and drawing surface. Easels and drawing benches are provided for your use. 

    These sessions do require advance registration.  

    Please check your calendar! Payment is not transferable or refundable.

    Please sign up early; each group is limited to 12 artists.



    Payment must be made at the time of registration

    in order to hold your place.

    Without payment your place will be cancelled.

    Show details

  • Encaustic Collage and Mixed Media with Carolyn Berry (Friday, Saturday and Sunday)

    • 11/08/2024
    • 11/12/2024
    • 3 sessions
    • Art League Studios
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Join encaustic artist, Carolyn Berry, in this fun and experimental workshop where the sky is the limit! Encaustic wax is a versatile medium made from beeswax, damar resin and powdered pigments that can be used for traditional painting techniques as well as a way to add texture, layer and join mixed media materials together.  We will explore experimental techniques of painting, drawing, collage, stenciling, photo transfer, wax fusing and surface manipulation. Be inspired to create artwork with a unique surface using melted wax and pigments. Using magazine images, photo images and found collage materials students will achieve successful and personal imagery in this creative medium. No previous art experience is necessary only an adventurous spirit.


    Please sign up early; class size is limited.


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  • MASTER ARTIST SERIES Landscape Painting from the Outdoors to the Studio with Phil Starke (Tuesday through Friday)

    • 11/12/2024
    • 11/15/2024
    • 4 sessions
    • Art League Studios
    • 0
    Join waitlist


    Don’t miss this great opportunity to work with landscape painter, Phil Starke in the 4-day plein aire/studio workshop. Through daily demonstrations and individual instruction, Phil will focus on simplifying the main aspects of painting a landscape. We want to be able to “see” as an artist, not as a camera. Students will learn how to simplify the subject to large masses and values which eliminates the need for too much detail. Using the color wheel, students will learn how to easily mix color that suggests light without trying to copy what we see. The workshop will start in the studio for an introduction and then move outside for 2 days, where we will work on color studies and thumbnail drawings. During the last 2 days, we will turn our attention to studio painting, learning how to turn the outdoor studies into finished paintings, focusing on composition and painting techniques. Phil will do 2 demonstrations a day and work devote plenty of time with each student. Phil’s demonstrations will be in oils but artists working in acrylics and pastel are welcome; the thought process and procedure are the same. Please sign up early; class size is limited to 12 students.


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  • Drawing the Portrait from Life - Classical to Contemporary with Coulter Prehm (Tuesday through Friday)

    • 11/19/2024
    • 11/22/2024
    • 4 sessions
    • Art League Studios
    • 2
    Register

     Join Coulter Prehm for this four-day intensive workshop focused on creating a portrait from life. Each day will begin with a demonstration in which Colt will introduce methods that will guide students to achieve a likeness of the model. Artists will enjoy in depth teaching covering topics that include understanding the interaction of light and form and exploring a variety of ways to handle drawing mediums and toned surfaces. Working with students individually throughout the workshop, Colt will encourage work that is both intentional and expressive at the same time experimenting with bold and energetic handling of the surrounding areas beyond the face. This will be an exciting, informative workshop experience!

    Please sign up early; class size is limited.


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Gallery Hours: 10 am to 4 pm Tuesday - Saturday  505-293-5034

3409 Juan Tabo Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87111     Map It  

Mailing address: P.O. Box 16554, Albuquerque, NM 87191                              

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