Spring 2026
Intermediate Drawing Page 1
Spring Into
cre ativit y
Discover Art Classes from Smithsonian Associates Wherever You Are
The spring 2026 Studio Arts season brings a wide range of offerings for students at all levels of experience, aimed at stretching your skills, sparking your creativity, and building confidence along the way.
In this special Studio Arts-focused publication, browse upcoming classes and workshops that span media from sculpture to fiber arts, painting and drawing to photography, all taught by professional artists. The limited class size means you have many opportunities to interact with the instructor and share your journey with fellow students in person or online.
You’ve got the inspiration—now’s the time to let it bloom. Start creating today!
Cover photo: Courtesy of Linda Rubenstein, Studio Arts volunteer; Studio Arts student at work in an Intermediate Drawing class
SPRING STUDIO ARTS CLASSES
SPRING
ART THEORY AND PRACTICE
Color Theory and Practice
INSTRUCTOR: Theresa Otteson
ONLINE: Mon., April 13–May 4, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AKF; Members $165; Nonmembers $190
Hues in Harmony
Color Mixing and Maximizing Your Palette
INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman
ONLINE: Thurs., April 30–May 21, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-AJH; Members $165; Nonmembers $190
Visual Journaling: Creativity Workout
INSTRUCTOR: Renee Sandell
ONLINE: Sat., May 16, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AJN; Members $80; Nonmembers $95
NEW CLASSES
Artful Mind, Tranquil Mind
Artists throughout the world have developed practices that allow them to center themselves and prepare for making art. Students explore some of these techniques: mark making with lines, swirls, and puddles and using paper to experiment with folding and tearing.
INSTRUCTOR: Sushmita Mazumdar
ONLINE: Mon., April 13–May 18, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AKD; Members $160; Nonmembers $195
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Masters and Mediums
Illustrators
Study master illustrators including N.C. Wyeth, Arthur Rackham, Alphonse Mucha, Norman Rockwell, and Beatrix Potter. The aims of this class are to explore the history of these artists and to apply their approaches in a variety of mediums.
INSTRUCTOR: Lori VanKirk Schue ONLINE: Thurs., April 16, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AHU; Members $55; Nonmembers $70
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit Masters and Mediums
Wildlife Artists
Learn about the history of master wildlife artists such as John Audubon, Albrecht Dürer, Carel Fabritius, Maria Sibylla Merian, Károly Lotz, and Diego Velazquez. Work in a variety of mediums to capture the wildlife of your choice.
INSTRUCTOR: Lori VanKirk Schue ONLINE: Thurs., May 21, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AHT; Members $55; Nonmembers $70
Intermediate Drawing
INSTRUCTOR: George Tkabladze
IN PERSON: Tues., April 7–May 19, 2 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AHD; Members $265; Nonmembers $300
Figure Drawing
INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan
IN PERSON: Sun., April 12–May 17, 10:15 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AJQ; Members $255; Nonmembers $290
Exploring Alcohol Inks
INSTRUCTOR: Sharon Robinson
IN PERSON: Tues., April 18–May 2, 10:15 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AJY; Members $130; Nonmembers $155
Sketchbook Habit: The Art of Everyday Life
INSTRUCTOR: Sue Fierston ONLINE: Sat., April 4, 25, and May 16, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-AKB; Members $165; Nonmembers $190
Beginning Drawing
INSTRUCTOR: Josh Highter ONLINE: Sun., April 12–May 17, 10:30 a.m.; CODE 1E0-AHR; Members $220; Nonmembers $255
By Lori VanKirk Schue
By Sushmita Mazumdar
By Lori VanKirk Schue
By Sue Fierston
Student work
By Sharon Robinson
By Nick Cruz Velleman
Sketching the Smithsonian Weekly Lunchtime Drawing Series
INSTRUCTOR: Morgan Kuster
ONLINE: Thurs., April 16–May 21, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AKJ; Members $95; Nonmembers $130; individual sessions also available
Introduction to Biological Illustration
INSTRUCTOR: Scott Rawlins
ONLINE: Thurs., April 16–May 28, 6 p.m., no class May 7; CODE 1E0-AJP; Members $225; Nonmembers $260
PAINTING
IN PERSON
Beginning Acrylic Painting
INSTRUCTOR: Carolyn Marshall Wright
IN PERSON: Tues., April 7–May 12, 3 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AGX; Members $240; Nonmembers $275
Introduction to Watercolor
INSTRUCTOR: Josh Highter
ONLINE: Mon., March 30–May 18, 6 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AHP; Members $275; Nonmembers $310
Complete Colored Pencils
INSTRUCTOR: Lori VanKirk Schue
ONLINE: Thurs., April 23 and 30, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AHS; Members $135; Nonmembers $160
Digital Drawing: Remixing the Collection
INSTRUCTOR: Mike O’Brien
ONLINE: Wed., May 6, 6 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AJD; Members $60; Nonmembers $75
SPRING
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit
Breaking the Line
Contours Inspired by Delacroix and Rembrandt
INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman ONLINE: Sun., May 10, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-AJK; Members $65; Nonmembers $80
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit
Van Gogh’s Toolbox Expressive Techniques in Drawing for Self-Taught Artists
INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman
ONLINE: Sun., May 17, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-AJL; Members $65; Nonmembers $80
NEW CLASS
Still Life in Oil
Figure Painting
This intermediate-level oil painting class for students who are new to drawing the human figure, as well as those with previous experience, provides the opportunity to explore figure painting from a live model.
INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan IN PERSON: Sun., April 12–May 17, 2:30 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AJR; Members $285; Nonmembers $320
Exploring Color Through Observation
INSTRUCTOR: Michelle Cobb
ONLINE: Tues., March 31–April 28, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AHH; Members $200; Nonmembers $235
Continued Watercolor
INSTRUCTOR: Josh Highter
ONLINE: Wed., April 1–May 20, 10:30 a.m.; CODE 1E0-AHQ; Members $275; Nonmembers $310
By Shahin Talishkhan
By Josh Highter
By Scott Rawlins
By Lori VanKirk Schue
By Nick Cruz Velleman
By Michelle Cobb
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit
Techniques in Modernist Painting
INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan
ONLINE: Tues., April 7–May 19, 6 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AJT; Members $260; Nonmembers $295
Beginning Oil Painting
INSTRUCTOR: Theresa Otteson
ONLINE: Thurs., April 14–May 5, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AKG; Members $165; Nonmembers $190
NEW CLASS
Landscape Painting from Photos
Learn the fundamentals of landscape painting using photos or masterworks as a reference. The focus is on composition, color, atmosphere, and contrast in a painting.
INSTRUCTOR: Eric Westbrook ONLINE: Wed., April 15–May 20, 7 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AHB; Members $225; Nonmembers $260
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit Drawing Light
How the Masters Did It in Color
INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman ONLINE: Thurs., April 30–May 21, 2:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AJJ; Members $165; Nonmembers $190
SPRING
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit
Sketching Turner
Expressing Atmosphere and Skies in Watercolor
INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman
ONLINE: Wed., May 6–20, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-AJG; Members $150; Nonmembers $175
Studio Arts classes are taught by professional artists and teachers. View detailed class descriptions and supply lists at SmithsonianAssociates.org/studio
MEDIA
Image Transfers and Altered Photos
INSTRUCTOR: Sharon Robinson
IN PERSON: Tues., March 31–April 21, 6:30 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AJX; Members $140; Nonmembers $165
Gel Print Journal and More
INSTRUCTOR: Sharon Robinson
IN PERSON: Sat., April 4–May 2, 2:15 p.m., no class April 11; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AJZ; Members $140; Nonmembers $165
Altered Books
INSTRUCTOR: Marcie Wolf-Hubbard ONLINE: Wed., April 8–May 13, 1:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AHY; Members $190; Nonmembers $225
Collage and Mixed Media
INSTRUCTOR: Marcie Wolf-Hubbard ONLINE: Wed., April 15–May 13, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AHZ; Members $165; Nonmembers $200
NEW CLASS
Heart to Heart
Pop-up Cards for Mother’s Day
Mixed Media Art
Warmups
INSTRUCTOR: Marcie Wolf-Hubbard ONLINE: Mon., May 4 and 11, 1:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AHX; Members $115; Nonmembers $140
For the heartwarming occasion of Mother’s Day, create an elegant handmade pop-up card for your mom or other beloved women in your life. Learn how to craft and construct different types of 3D pop-up cards.
INSTRUCTOR: Sharmila Karamchandani
ONLINE: Sun., April 26 and May 3, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AJW; Members $115; Nonmembers $140
By Sharmila Karamchandani
By Eric Westbrook
By Sharon Robinson
By Shahin Talishkhan
By Nick Cruz Velleman
By Marcie Wolf-Hubbard
FIBER ARTS
Exploring Traditions and Techniques of Embroidery
INSTRUCTOR: Heather Kerley
ONLINE: Tues., March 31–April 21, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AHF; Members $135; Nonmembers $160
Embroidery on Paper and Photographs
INSTRUCTOR: Patricia Howard
ONLINE: Sat., May 2 and 9, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-AJM; Members $110; Nonmembers $135
How Knitting Changed the World
Explore the key role of knitting in American women’s battle to gain the right to vote, the survival of the musk ox, and anthropological understanding of past cultures and the rise and fall of civilizations. Learn just how powerful a beloved handicraft can be.
INSTRUCTOR: Ann Richards
ONLINE: Wed., May 13, 7 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AHJ; Members $25; Nonmembers $35
Introduction to Blackletter
Calligraphy: Textura
INSTRUCTOR: Sharmila Karamchandani
ONLINE: Sat., April 4–25, 1:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AJV; Members $135; Nonmembers $160
Contemporary Mosaics: Ancient Motifs, Modern Materials
INSTRUCTOR: Bonnie Fitzgerald
ONLINE: Tues., April 14–May 5, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AGW; Members $165; Nonmembers $200
The Art of Floral Design
INSTRUCTOR: Arrin Sutliff
ONLINE: Wed., April 15–May 20, 7:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AGT; Members $160; Nonmembers $195
Gyotaku Hawaiian Style
The Japanese Art of Color Printing with Fish
INSTRUCTOR: Sue Fierston
ONLINE: Sat., April 18, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-AKC; Members $80; Nonmembers $95
By Sue Fierston
Design Principles for Jewelry Makers
INSTRUCTOR: Mïa Vollkommer
ONLINE: Thurs., April 23 and 30, 7 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AJA; Members $135; Nonmembers $160
Read more about programs in this guide on our website. Search by code or date. Expanded program descriptions, presenters’ information, and more at SmithsonianAssociates.org.
Division of Home and Community Life, National Museum of American History
By Bonnie Fitzgerald
By Mïa Vollkommer
By Patricia Howard
SPRING
NEW CLASSES
Beadweaving Workshop:
Phenomenal Fish Pendant
Weave a whimsical fish-shaped pendant in this workshop. Pick up the techniques and learn what materials are needed to add your fish to a necklace or, if you make two fish, create a delightful pair of earrings.
INSTRUCTOR: Mïa Vollkommer
ONLINE: Sat., April 18, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AJB; Members $80; Nonmembers $95
Wirework Intensive: Netting and Knitting
Using only wire, create a stunning necklace featuring a Viking knit chain. Dating back to the 8th century, Viking knit is traditionally used to create a strong, flexible chain to wear as jewelry or trim for clothing.
INSTRUCTOR: Mïa Vollkommer
ONLINE: Sat., May 2–16, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AJC; Members $165; Nonmembers $200
NEW CLASSES
Introduction to Photography
INSTRUCTOR: Andargé Asfaw
TWO IN-PERSON OPTIONS: Tues., March 31–May 19, 3 p.m. (CODE 1E0-AGR); Tues., March 31–May 19, 6:30 p.m. (CODE 1E0-AGS); Ripley Center; Members $255; Nonmembers $290
On-Location Photography
INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky
IN PERSON: Sun., April 12–May 17, 1:45 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AHK; Members $205; Nonmembers $240
The Exposure Triangle
INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky
ONLINE: Thurs., April 2–23, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AHM; Members $160; Nonmembers $185
Don’t Forget to Remember
Monuments and memorials range from monumental and famous to obscure and in danger of being forgotten. Discuss tips, tricks, and strategies to take great photos of such structures, plus everything from statues and fountains to battlefields and murals.
INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky
ONLINE: Wed., April 15–29, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AHL; Members $125; Nonmembers $150
Travel Photography
Develop the skills to capture the essence and sense of place of your next travel destination. Step into documenting your travels from the angle of a photojournalist.
INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky
ONLINE: Thurs., April 30–May 21, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AHN; Members $160; Nonmembers $185
SCULPTURE
Figure Sculpture
INSTRUCTOR: George Tkabladze
IN PERSON: Tues., April 7–May 19, 6 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AHE; Members $310; Nonmembers $345
By Joe Yablonsky
By Joe Yablonsky
By Joe Yablonsky
PHOTO BY LINDA
By Mïa Vollkommer
By Mïa Vollkommer
Meet the instructors
ART THEORY AND PRACTICE
• Sushmita Mazumdar
• Theresa Otteson
• Renee Sandell
DRAWING AND PAINTING
• Cindy Briggs
• Michelle Cobb
• Nick Cruz Velleman
• Sue Fierston
• Sandra Gobar
• Josh Highter
• Tom Kim
• Morgan Kuster
• Carolyn Marshall Wright
• Mike O’Brien
• Scott Rawlins
• Shahin Talishkhan
• Lori VanKirk Schue
• Eric Westbrook
• Amy Williams Dapice
• Lubna Zahid
MIXED MEDIA
• Delna Dastur
• Kate Lewis
• Jean Pederson
• Sharon Robinson
• Marcie Wolf-Hubbard
FIBER ARTS
• Heather Kerley
• Lauren Kingsland
• Tea Okropiridze
• Ann Richards
SCULPTURE
• George Tkabladze
OTHER MEDIA
• Bonnie Fitzgerald
• Sharmila Karamchandani
• Barbara Schmidt
• Arrin Sutliff
• Mïa Vollkommer
PHOTOGRAPHY
• Andargé Asfaw
• Patricia Howard
• Joe Yablonsky
