Past Class Offerings
Painting: Inside/Out
Matisse and the Bay Area view
In this six week painting class we will begin by exploring the work of Henri Matisse and other French artists who translate images of the interior and exterior world. As we move from the more interior aspects of winter into spring, this is a good way to discover how light, color and space translate ideas about landscape and public and private space. The Bay Area has its unique quality of light, and a treasure of Bay Area Figurative painters who carried the tradition of quiet observation. We will look at how the influence of Matisse can be found in today’s contemporary painting practices. The class includes weekly painting assignments, research and in class group critiques. The session concludes with an individually driven painting project.
Fridays: February 21, 28, March 6, 13, 20 and April 3rd. NO CLASS MARCH 27TH
$300. Bring sketchbook, paints and scissors to first class meeting. $30. Materials fee payable to instructor.
Printmaking: Experimental Monotype
Bring a sketchbook, scissors and inks to first class. Try something new in this six-week class by experimenting with monotype to transfer images painted on Plexiglas to paper. We will explore a painterly additive process, an abstract subtractive approch and use photo and organic material as resource. For beginner and experienced printmakers who are looking to create a small series of unique prints and have access to the press.
Thursdays 9:30 to 2:00
February 27th, March 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th, and April 2nd $300. Bring sketchbook, and printmaking supplies to first class. Paper available for purchase in class.
$30 materials fee due to instructor at first class meeting
Saturday February 2nd 10:00am - 4:00pm
In this one-day workshop you can discover the beauty of the artist hand-pulled print. With an emphasis on scale, we will explore the large and small format print.
Working with both additive and subtractive process, students will apply ink to Plexiglas plates and transfer them to paper using the Conrad French American printing press. We will develop imagery from photos, drawings, or organic source material to create either a series of small artworks or large format prints that will leave you smiling and high fiving the artist within you. For beginners and advanced printmakers. $125
Price includes ink and most materials. Additional paper available to purchase on site. Bring a sack lunch to keep the creative juices flowing or order from the food truck nearby.
Santa’s Printmaking Workshop
Get a jump on all of the holidays with this printmaking workshop and create beautiful gifts for you and your list of lucky recipients. No experience necessary! Take one or two sessions.
Sunday, December 2nd
9:30am to 12:30pm & 1:30pm to 4:30pm
$75. per person each session or $125. all day
Price includes all materials to create: one canvas bag, 6 note cards, 6 fine art prints or a pocket journal.
Fire and Beauty
Create sculptural chandeliers out of burned and non burned Manzanita, lights and ornamentation. Take home a new addition to the garden, wall or foyer that is an homage to the forces of nature. There is always room for beauty and light.
Sunday, September 30th
10 am to 3 pm
Willis Studio
1830 Soscol Napa
$225 (includes materials)
beverages and light lunch provided
reservations required/space is limited
nancy@nancywillis.com or 707.738.7173