
Classes and Workshops
Register here or click on the link contained in each class description. Become a Farmstead Arts member here – enjoy reduced class fees!
Please contact us by email (admin@farmsteadarts.org) if you wish to pay by check. Paying by check allows you to avoid online processing fees.
Please note: Some classes require a minimum enrollment. If the minimum is not met, a full refund will be given. In the event of a class cancellation, you will be notified at least 2 days in advance.
Spring Art Classes - May - June 2023
Colored Pencils with Doug Schiller - May 8 - June 12 - Mondays, 10am - Noon (Virtual)
Oil Painting with Doug Schiller - May 8 - June 12 - Mondays, 2pm - 4pm (Virtual)
Oil Painting with Doug Schiller
May 8 – June 12
Mondays, 2pm – 4pm
$160 members / $175 non-members
Register here
Gain a greater understanding and experience working with oil paints and related materials. Basic skills and materials will be reviewed as still-life arrangements, landscapes, and personal imagery are developed. Demonstrations and personal attention will be given. All levels welcome!
Virtual Workshop held via Zoom – link and passcode will be sent out prior to class
Suggested Material Supply List
- set of oil paints
- Turpenoid
- Palette
- Palette knife
- Canvas board: 11″ x 14″ (minimum)
- Assorted paintbrushes
- pencil & eraser
Intro to Watercolor with Doug Schiller - May 9 - June 13 - Tuesdays, 2pm - 4pm (Virtual)
Introduction to Watercolor with Doug Schiller
May 9 – June 13
Tuesdays, 2pm – 4pm $160 members / $175 non-members
Register here
Students will learn basic watercolor techniques, both traditional and non-traditional. Still-life landscapes will be explored as elements of composition & design; and basic skills will be refined through color, shading, value, and proportions.
Virtual class held via Zoom – link and passcode will be sent out prior to class start
Suggested Materials List
- one watercolor drawing pad: 11″ x 14″ or larger, 140 lb.
- one set watercolor drawing pencils (Derwent recommended)
- one drafting eraser (“Vanish” brand recommended)
- assorted soft oil pastels
- one piece sandpaper
- one set tubed watercolor paints (optional)
- one 1/2″ soft bristle flat paint brush
- one soft bristle pointed paint brush
Trompe L'oeil with Doug Schiller - May 9 - June 13- Tuesdays, 7pm - 9pm (Virtual)
Trompe L’oeil with Doug Schiller May 9 – June 13 Tuesdays, 7pm – 9pm $160 members / $175 non-members
Register here
Students will explore drawing techniques that develop illusionistic, three-dimensional compositions which “fool the eye”. Learn how to manipulate color, light, and shadow to create optical illusions that make you question your perception of what is real. No previous experience required.
Virtual class held via Zoom – link and passcode will be sent out prior to start date.
Material Supply List:
- one Bristol drawing pad. 11″ x 14″ or larger, 100 lb minimum
- 2H & 2B drawing pencils
- one blending stick
- one “colorless blender” blending pencil
- soft charcoal pencils or sticks
- one drafting eraser (“Vanish” brand recommended)
- one small piece sandpaper
Watercolor with Oscar Peterson - May 10 - June 14 - Wednesdays, 10am - Noon (Hybrid)
Watercolor Painting with Oscar Peterson May 10 – June 14 Wednesdays, 10:00 am – Noon $160 members / $175 non-members
Register here
Using traditional and modern watercolor techniques (wet-on-wet, dry brush, gradations, etc.) students will explore the freedom and precision that the medium offers. Although geared towards realism, this class will also examine abstract means and methods of creating art. Demonstrations provided.
Hybrid class held In-person / via Zoom – Link and passcode provided before class start date for virtual students. In-person instruction will be held at Farmstead Arts Center.
Watercolor supplies (Students may use any supplies they already have)
Watercolor paper (140LB or heavier)
Painter’s tape (or masking tape), Pencils, Medium size jar or cup
Paints – Cadmium Yellow, Cadmium Red, Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Sienna, Yellow Ochre, Alizarin Crimson, Cerulean Blue
Brushes – 1/2″ flat brush, Assorted rounds (#2, #7, #10)
Intro to Pastels with Doug Schiller - May 10 - June 14 - Wednesdays, 10am - Noon (Virtual)
Introduction to Pastels with Doug Schiller May 10 – June 14 Wednesdays, 10am – Noon $160 members / $175 non-members
Register here
This course in chalk pastels will introduce students to the basic principles of this medium, as well as experimental techniques. Students will learn how to develop their imagery, working from direct observation and photographic references. No previous experience required.
Virtual class held via Zoom- link and passcode will be sent out prior to start date.
Materials List
- HB Pencil
- Eraser
- Bristol Pad (9″ x 12″ or 11″ x 14″) Vellum or Smooth
- Pigment Liner Set (such as Staedtler or Micron)
- Ruler
- Drawing Board (this is optional, but recommended if you don’t have a smooth surface to work on)
- Reference picture (if you prefer to use your own)
Indoor Studio Landscapes with Doug Schiller - May 10 - June 14 - Wednesdays, 2pm - 4pm (Virtual)
Indoor Studio Landscapes with Doug Schiller May 10 – June 14 Wednesdays, 2pm – 4pm $160 members / $175 non-members
Register here
Students will complete an outdoor landscape working indoors from direct observation, photographic references, and imagination. Step-by-step instruction and demonstrations help develop an understanding of perspective, shading, color and compositional elements as representational, three-dimensional spaces are created. Personal understanding and progress reinforced with individual and group critiques. No previous experience required.
Virtual class held via Zoom – link and passcode will be sent out prior to start date.
Suggested Material Supply List:
- one drawing pad, 11″ X 14″ or larger, 140 lb.
- 2H & 2B drawing pencils
- one drafting eraser (“Vanish brand recommended)
- one blending stick
- one 1/2″ soft bristle flat paint brush
- one soft bristle pointed paint brush
- one :colorless blender blending pencil
- assorted soft oil pastels
- one set watercolor drawing pencils (Derwent recommended)
- one small piece sandpaper
Fundamentals of Drawing with Margaret Fanning - July 12 - Aug. 2 / August 9 - 30, Wednesdays, 2pm - 4pm
Fundamentals of Drawing with Margaret Fanning Wednesdays, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm 4-week sessions $100 members / $115 non-members (materials provided)
July 12 – August 2: Register here August 9 – 30: Register here
Drawing has been the foundation of art throughout the centuries. This class will help students build and refine the techniques needed for drawing. Learn how to use line, shape, and value to form a composition and how to use your observation skills to bring objects to life on paper.
In-Person Classes held at Farmstead Arts Center
Materials List
- Drawing board
- Kneaded eraser
- White plastic eraser
- 11”x14” or similar sized drawing paper
- Drawing pencils in a range of hardness grades (Recommended: 2H, H, HB, 2B, 4B, 6B)
- Ruler or traceable straight surface, at least 12”
- Vine charcoal
- Charcoal pencils (soft, medium, hard)
- White soft pastel
- Grey Toned drawing paper
Optional Materials:
- Colored pencils or pastels for drawing in color
- Tortillons (Blending Sticks)
- Chamois
Watercolor with Margaret Fanning - July 13 - Aug. 3 / August 10 - 31, Thursdays, 10am - 12pm (Virtual)
Watercolor with Margaret Fanning Thursdays, 10:00 am – 12:00 Noon 4-week sessions $95 members / $110 non-members
July 13 – August 3: Register here August 10 – 31: Register here
Learn to control watercolor with a variety of techniques, from basic washes to more experimental approaches. Paint a landscape, a portrait, or an abstract design. Bring your own reference photos if you’d like. Beginner or intermediate painters!
Virtual Classes held via Zoom – link and passcode will be sent out prior to class start date.
Material List
- Watercolor paints (tubes preferable)
- Jar for water
- Paper towels
- 140lb (or higher) cold press Arches watercolor paper
- Practice watercolor paper pad
- Drawing board (unless you are using a watercolor block-pad)
- pH neutral masking tape (preferably black)
- Brushes: 4 sizes of rounds (Sable, Squirrel, or a synthetic blend of sable or squirrel)
- 1 scrubber brush
- Palette with deep wells
- Something to control amount of water used (such as a syringe or eyedropper)
- Sketch pad
- HB or #2 pencil
- Kneaded eraser
- Reference photos to paint from
Watercolor with Margaret Fanning - July 13 - Aug. 3 / August 10 - 31, Thursdays, 2pm - 4pm (In-Person)
Watercolor with Margaret Fanning Thursdays, 2:00 pm – 4:00pm 4-week sessions $100 members / $115 non-members
July 13 – August 4: Register here August 9 – 30: Register here
Learn to control watercolor with a variety of techniques, from basic washes to more experimental approaches. Paint a landscape, a portrait, or an abstract design. Bring your own reference photos if you’d like. Beginner or intermediate painters!
In-Person Classes held at Farmstead Arts Center in Basking Ridge, NJ
Material List
- Watercolor paints (tubes preferable)
- Jar for water
- Paper towels
- 140lb (or higher) cold press Arches watercolor paper
- Practice watercolor paper pad
- Drawing board (unless you are using a watercolor block-pad)
- pH neutral masking tape (preferably black)
- Brushes: 4 sizes of rounds (Sable, Squirrel, or a synthetic blend of sable or squirrel)
- 1 scrubber brush
- Palette with deep wells
- Something to control amount of water used (such as a syringe or eyedropper)
- Sketch pad
- HB or #2 pencil
- Kneaded eraser
- Reference photos to paint from
Portrait Drawing with Oscar Peterson - May 12 - June 16 - Fridays, 10am - Noon (Virtual)
Intro to Cartooning with Stefano Junior - May 12 - June 16 - Fridays, 12pm - 2pm (In-Person)
lntroduction to Cartooning with Stefano Junior May 12 – June 16 Fridays, Noon – 2pm $160 members / $175 non-members
Register here
Students will learn the basics of anatomy drawing, expressive line & gesture, cartooning and embellishment techniques through different mediums utilized in illustration, comic books & sequential art. All levels welcome. Suitable for Adults and Teens 16+
In-Person Classes held via at Farmstead Arts Center
Materials List
- Newsprint sketch pad (9×12 minimum)
- Vine charcoal
- 2B pencil (and assorted pencils)
- Ruler or T-square (12”)
- Bristol paper
- India ink
- Pitt pens
- Kneaded eraser
- Straedler eraser
Figure Drawing with Oscar Peterson - May 12 - June 16 - Fridays, 1pm - 3pm (Virtual)
Figure Drawing with Oscar Peterson
May 12 – June 16
Fridays, 1pm – 3pm $160 members / $175 non-members Register here
Starting with gestures, then short, and finally, long poses — you will learn how to create form and develop it into a completed drawing. Focusing on rendering and shading, you will discover how to define the image. While learning fundamental principles of light, planes, structure, and proportion, students will learn to construct images that look realistic. Demonstrations provided.
Virtual classes held via Zoom – Link and passcode will be sent out prior to class start date.
Materials List (Students may use any supplies they already have)
Drawing paper, and newsprint paper pads (14″x17″ is a good size)
Drawing board
Charcoal and graphite pencils
A small bristle paint brush
Kneaded and plastic erasers
Mat knife and sandpaper (to sharpen pencils)
Paper towels
Landscapes & Still Life with Oscar Peterson - May 12 - June 16 - Fridays, 4:30 - 6:30pm (Virtual)
Landscape & Still Life Painting with Oscar Peterson
May 12 – June 16
Fridays, 4:30pm – 6:30pm $160 members / $175 non-members Register here
Learn how to use color, values, edges and color intensity to create stunning landscape paintings. Also learn what to use when setting up still life paintings, how to create mood, and achieve color harmony. All mediums. Demonstrations provided.
Virtual classes held via Zoom – Link and passcode will be sent out prior to class start date.
Materials – Choose Oil, Acrylic and/or Watercolor (Students may use any supplies they already have)
- Oil or Acrylic Paints (start with a limited palette) – Titanium White, Cadmium Yellow, or Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Red, Cobalt Blue, or Ultramarine Blue, Ivory Black
- Brushes – Assorted filbert bristle brushes (#2 through #8); Assorted round soft brushes (#2 through #8)
- Medium – Linseed Oil, Artist Quality Odorless Mineral Spirits (OMS)
- Painting Palette – Your choice — Masonite, plexiglass, glass, disposable wax paper
- Painting Surface – Canvas, or canvas panel (with acrylic gesso), no smaller than 8×10 or larger than 14×17
- Misc. – Drop-handle painting knife, Palette cups (water jar for acrylics), Cotton rags and/or Paper towels
Pastel Supplies (Students may use any supplies they already have)
Pastel paper pad, or sheets
Any brand of soft pastel (not oil pastels), minimum of 12 colors
Pastel pencils
kneaded eraser
Foamcore board (larger than paper used)
Binder clips, or tape
Watercolor supplies (Students may use any supplies they already have)
Watercolor paper (140LB or heavier)
Painter’s tape (or masking tape), Pencils, Medium size jar, or cup
Paints – Cadmium Yellow, Cadmium Red, Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Sienna, Yellow Ochre, Alizarin Crimson, Cerulean Blue
Brushes – 1/2″ flat brush, Assorted rounds (#2, #7, #10)
Illustration & Cartooning with Stefano Junior - May 13 - June 17 - Saturdays, 11am - 1pm (In-Person)
Illustration & Cartooning with Stefano Junior May 13 – June 17 Saturdays, 11am – 1pm $160 members / $175 non-members Register here
Students will learn the basics of anatomy drawing, expressive line & gesture, cartooning and embellishment techniques through different mediums utilized in illustration, comic books & sequential art. All levels welcome. Suitable for Adults and Teens 16+
In-Person class held onsite at Farmstead Arts Center, Basking Ridge, NJ
Materials List
- Newsprint sketch pad (9×12 minimum)
- Vine charcoal
- 2B pencil (and assorted pencils)
- Ruler or T-square (12”)
- Bristol paper
- India ink
- Pitt pens
- Kneaded eraser
- Straedler eraser
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Acoustic Guitar Lessons with Bert Lams
In a light and fun way, with room for questions and dialogue, the following will be explored in individual (one-on-one) lessons (adapted to your skill level and areas of interest):
- basic principles of left and right hand technique
- learning to read/play notes and melodies in the first position of the guitar
- learning to play chords in the first position
The goal? At the end of the course, students will be able to play a simple melody and accompany a song with chords.
The approach? Play basic exercises together with Bert as a guide, and develop a personal practice on the guitar.
All classes held on Zoom. Links and passwords will be sent out prior to the class start date.
Learn more about Bert Lams: Teaching Faculty
Currently scheduling classes for Spring 2023
Individual Lessons (via Zoom) – 6-week sessions – all levels welcome!
Email admin@farmsteadarts.org to register for classes
Farmstead Members: $225
Non-members: $240
Materials needed:
A guitar (nylon string or steel string, or electric)
An electronic guitar tuner (clip-on, or app on your phone)
Printed materials and scores, sent as a .pdf via email.
Photography Classes (via Zoom) - Spring 2023
Join professional commercial/fine art photographer Thom Williams to learn the essentials of photography.
Beginner I & II, Intermediate, and Advanced classes offered
All classes are virtual (via Zoom) and suitable for ages 13+
More about Thom Williams: Teaching Faculty
Intermediate Photography, Wednesdays - March 8 - 29, 6pm - 7:30pm
Intermediate Photography – 4 weeks March 8, 15, 22, 29 Thursdays, 6:00pm – 7:30pm $90 Farmstead Members / $100 Non-members
Register here
All classes held via Zoom. Link will be emailed prior to class start.
You mastered shutter speed, aperture and ISO in Beginner 1, and got your feet wet with composition in Beginner 2, so now it’s time to uncover your creative voice in photography. This 4-week class will guide you through the process of creating a photographic series of images based on your specific interests. We will briefly cover post-processing techniques. Open to anyone with a camera and an understanding of composition and exposure.
Advanced Photography- Wednesdays - April 12 - May 31, 6pm - 7:30pm
Advanced Photography – 8 sessions
April 12 – May 31 Wednesdays, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm $175 members/$195 non-members
Register here
All classes held via Zoom. Links will be emailed prior to class start.
This is free-form advanced photography class spanning 8 weeks. Every time this is offered, it is different… and every time it will push you into areas of photography you may have never considered exploring. The goal of this course is to keep you growing and can be taken multiple time by students who desire a group learning and critique environment. We will briefly cover post-processing techniques.
Upcoming Events
Made possible, in part, by funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.