Develop Your Painterly Approach!
Meet online almost-weekly from June 19 to August 14, 2026
Fridays from 10 am – 1 pm Chicago time
Or watch recordings any time
Join us this summer for a workshop-style class aimed at developing and improving fundamental skills while motivating you to paint regularly.
$250
Through a series of engaging exercises, you’ll practice fundamental and more advanced painting skills, and progress to the next level with your paintings. Topics will include drawing, tonal value, color use, and edges.
Skill level:
Some experience with drawing and painting is recommended. Beginners willing to work hard are welcome. Artists with lots of experience will be challenged to push their skills and understanding further.
Workshop details:
- Weekly zooms
- Each week we’ll meet, and you’ll get a “painting challenge” that you can complete during our zoom, or work on all week, depending on your time and how much you want to get out of the workshop.
- Get (optional) personalized feedback, homework, and email support between zooms
Supplies:
- Sketchbook (or paper) and drawing & writing materials
- Paints! (see note below)
- A way to connect to the zoom while you paint (laptop, desktop computer next to your painting area, phone, etc.)
* Medium / type of paint: Oils recommended, but you can use any painting medium you enjoy and feel comfortable with. If you’re a new painter, use oil paints or contact me for individualized recommendations. Supply list available.
Demos will mostly be in oil paints but may be in another medium occasionally.
Most projects will work for artists in any medium, but there will be a glazing project which will only apply to the oil and acrylic painters (with an alternative project for painters in other mediums).
Class Daily Schedule:
There will be a warm-up sketchbook exercise, and very short lesson and/or demo. Most of the workshop time will be dedicated to painting! You’ll be able to share or get feedback at several points through the zoom (optional).
Topics will include drawing, composition, tonal value, color use, and edges.
Guarantee:
If for any reason you don’t feel like the workshop is right for you, contact me within 7 days of the start of the workshop for a refund.
FAQ:
Q What if I will miss some zooms?
A You can watch the recordings any time, or skip on to the next zoom.
Q Will I get feedback on my work, or help with a technique?
A Yes, you can share work and questions during the zooms, or Email Jessie between zooms.
Q How much time will the workshop take?
A If time is limited, join us for the zooms, and make progress in your painting journey! What if you will be traveling or otherwise can’t join for part of the year? That’s ok! You will still get a lot out of the workshop, and catch up if you want to with the recordings.
If you want to invest more time in the workshop, that’s great. Start by preparing your own source materials (you’ll get direction). Then do the suggested homework – which can be expanded on to create small bodies of work.
Q: What if I have questions or want feedback on my work? Will I get individual attention?
A: Yes, you’ll get lots of individual attention. You can ask questions during the (almost) weekly zooms, or email Jessie.
Q: Can I enroll my kid in the workshop?
A: This is designed for adult artists. Teens with adult-level maturity would be welcome. For younger kids, sorry, this isn’t the right workshop.
Q: I’m an absolute beginning artist. Is this a good workshop for me?
A: This workshop is designed for artists with some experience. If you don’t mind hard work, this would be a great fit. If you’d like to come in knowing the basics about painting, try Oil Painting Basics, and then spend some time practicing small studies. Just getting the hang of putting paint on canvas (whether you like the results or not) will be very helpful!
Do you have a different question? Ask Jessie.
What to Expect:
✨ ALMOST weekly Zoom Sessions: We will meet on nine Fridays in the summer of 2026. There will be short presentations, exercises, and lots of exploration and painting time.
✨ Recordings: Can’t make it live? No worries—all sessions will be recorded for your convenience.
✨ Exploration and Exercises: Enjoy a challenging and fun new painting exercise at each zoom!
✨ Painting Materials: A sketch book and pencil, and painting materials for small studies. Besides that, you are welcome to use any painting medium you enjoy in this workshop! This workshop is not medium-specific. Demos will mostly be in oil paints, but can also be in acrylics, gouache, or watercolor by request. You can use any of those painting materials, or something different. Contact Jessie for an individualized supply list to fit your personal needs.
✨ Everyone will have the opportunity (but not the obligation) to share and ask questions.
✨ Friendly Discussions: Enjoy open discussions of artwork in a friendly and supportive community.
✨ Email Support: Between Zoom sessions, connect with Jessie through email with any questions.