ACTONART DRAWING SCHOOL

Our 2019 Student Art Show was held this past weekend on what may have been the most beautiful day of the year so far! About 600 people came to see the artwork, sample some delicious snacks, and enjoy the activities. This year we were fortunate to be joined for the day by Artists & Craftsmen Supply, an employee owned artist supply chain based in Portland, ME, with stores in Saugus and Cambridge, MA. They brought activities, discount art supplies and a fantastic raffle prize basket filled with good stuff. Congratulations to the Nagar family who won the raffle! We'll be updating our Art Show web page shortly with photos of the show! Nearly all the show artwork will remain on display throughout the coming year so if you missed the show you can still see most of the artwork when you visit the studio.

Summer classes are open!

Looking for information? Click any link below to jump directly to:

Drawing & Fine Art Programs 2018-19

WELCOME TO OUR ACADEMIC YEAR of classes and workshops at ActonArt. Our weekly class schedule is now available. The class days and times will remain the same throughout the fall, winter, and spring unless otherwise noted. We’ve planned some great workshops during the vacation weeks plus a couple in mid-trimesters. And we’ve added some new weekday morning classes specifically for adults who wish to develop or improve some skills.

You can follow our QUICK-LINKS on the left-sidebar to find the information you need fast.

NEW THIS SPRING!

Adult Studio Art

Tuesday, 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon, March 19 to June 11, 2019 Twelve classes

This class has been designed for people who have some experience and would like a mixture of studio time for independent work/experimentation, as well as structured projects that guide students in working with new materials and techniques. We’re also going to include some instructed figure drawing, with at least one class that will feature a live model and a variety of poses. All high quality materials and model fees are included in the course tuition.

Now you can feed your artistic brain—be guided through the use of new materials and techniques—and have complete freedom to work independently—all in the same class!

Introduction to Painting

Mondays, 10am to 12 noon, March 18 to May 13, 2019 Eight classes

A. Zhu - age 17

Painting is a specific form unto itself, and requires different thinking processes, materials and techniques. This intro series will offer an opportunity to “try before you buy” three different paint mediums including watercolor, acrylic and oil paints.
See more info…

Introduction to Oil Painting

Thursdays, 1 to 3 pm, March 21 to May 16, 2019 Eight classes

Oil painting has long been a “standard” among fine-art painters. It’s versatile, flexible and as a water-soluble medium, cleaner and safer today than ever before. This intro level class will lead you through a series of projects designed to teach a comprehensive set of foundation skills.
See more info…

Introduction to Watercolor Painting

Tuesdays, 1 to 3 pm, March 19 to May 14 , 2019 Eight classes

Painting with watercolors can be remarkably simple or impressively complex depending upon your desire to engage with the medium. This intro level class will present a basic foundation that all watercolorists need to have in their skillset.
See more info…

Introduction to Portrait Drawing

Thursdays, 12:30 noon to 2:30 pm, March 21 to May 16, 2019 Eight classes

N. Ward - age 15

Learning to draw portraits is much more attainable than most people realize. It’s not a “gift” that some people possess but a practiced skill that they’ve developed usually with instruction and guidance. And it’s remarkably satisfying to do once you’ve learned the basics.
See more info…

Drawing for Adult Beginners

Tuesday, 12:30 to 2:30 pm, check Comm Ed website—Six classes

Have you ever wished you could draw but didn't know where to begin? Perhaps you even feel intimidated by the idea of taking a drawing class because you don't believe you have "talent" or don't already know how to draw. Drawing is a skill that can be taught and learned and it's never too late to learn. ActonArt's Drawing for Adult Beginners course will introduce you to the concepts and visual perceptions that are the basic foundation of realistic/representational drawing in a relaxing, no-critique environment. Guided projects and exercises will cover the use of line (edges), tone (light and shadow), spaces (negative and positive), and relationships (perspective, proportion, etc.) A variety of mediums may be used, including graphite, charcoal, marker, soft pastel or colored pencil. Absolutely no experience is necessary or expected. All high quality materials are included in the course fee. This class is offered at ActonArt studios…through the AB Community Education web site.

Visit AB Community Ed web site to REGISTER

What Class Next?

CURIOUS about what ActonArt offers students who already know they’re destined for a career in the creative arts? Or possibly you’d just like to know what class makes sense for your child who just loves to draw?

Well then, check out our handy-dandy flow chart that shows the logical progression through classes. Please keep in mind there is no “right” path down the chart. The chart simply illustrates what can be expected in terms of moving into higher level classes over time.

Some students want nothing but Foundation classes, while others want to experience it all! If you have questions please give us a call at 978-266-1600.

ORANGE BOXES represent Foundation classes that teach the comprehensive processes of drawing. BLUE BOXES represent Cartooning and Manga classes which also present foundation concepts and techniques, but always via Manga or Cartoon subject matter. GREEN BOXES represent Portfolio classes that require knowledge and technical skills taught in the foundation classes. These classes are designed to provide students seeking art related careers exposure to, and experience with complex materials, methods and planning processes. Most portfolio classes are open to anyone even if they are not planning to develop a formal portfolio.