
Farmstead Arts Center, 450 King George Road, Basking Ridge, New Jersey 07920
admin@farmsteadarts.org | 908.636.7576
Our office and gallery are now open to the public on a regular schedule. The best way to reach us is by email at admin@farmsteadarts.org.
All Rights Reserved 2022 © Farmstead Arts Center
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.
Fall Art Classes & Workshops
Master the Art of Colored Pencils - Mondays, Sept 12 - Oct 17, 10am - Noon
Oil Painting - Mondays - Sept. 12 - Oct. 17, 2pm - 4pm
Oil Painting with Doug Schiller
September 12 - October 17
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
Introduction to Watercolor - Tuesdays - Sept. 13 - Oct. 18, 2pm - 4pm
Introduction to Watercolor with Doug Schiller
September 13 - October 18
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
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 - Tuesdays - Sept. 13 - Oct. 18 , 7pm - 9pm (Virtual)
Trompe L'oeil with Doug Schiller September 13 - October 18 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 Painting - Wednesday - Sept. 14 - Oct. 18 , 10am - Noon (Hybrid)
Watercolor Painting with Oscar Peterson September 14 - October 19 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 class 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 - Wednesdays - Sept. 14 - Oct. 19, 10am - Noon (Virtual)
Introduction to Pastels with Doug Schiller September 14 - October 19 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 - Weds. - Sept. 14 - Oct. 19, 2pm - 4pm (Virtual)
Indoor Studio Landscapes with Doug Schiller September 14 - October 19 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
Painting with Watercolor - Thurs - Oct. 6 - Nov. 10, 10am - 12pm (Virtual)
Watercolor with Margaret Fanning October 6 - November 10 Thursdays, 10:00 am - 12:00pm $160 members / $175 non-members 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
Painting with Watercolor- Thurs. - Oct. 6 - Nov. 10, 2pm - 4pm (In-Person)
Watercolor with Margaret Fanning October 6 - November 10 Thursdays, 2:00 pm - 4:00pm $160 members / $175 non-members 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 - Fridays - Sept. 16 - Oct. 20, 1om - Noon (Virtual)
Figure Drawing - Fridays - Sept. 16 - Oct. 20, 1pm - 3pm (Virtual)
Figure Drawing with Oscar Peterson
September 16 - October 20
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
Landscape & Still Life - Fridays - Sept. 16 - Oct. 20, 4:30 - 6:30pm (Virtual)
Landscape & Still Life Painting with Oscar Peterson
September 16 - October 20
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 8x10 or larger than 14x17
- 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)
Introduction to Cartooning - Fridays - Sept. 16 - Oct. 20, 12pm - 2pm (Virtual)
lntroduction to Cartooning with Stefano Junior September 16 - October 20 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.
Virtual Classes held via Zoom - Link and password will be sent out prior to class start date.
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
Illustration & Cartooning - Sat. - Sept. 17 - Oct. 22, 11am - 1pm (Virtual)
Illustration & Cartooning with Stefano Junior September 17 - October 22 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.
Virtual Classes held via Zoom - Link and password will be sent out prior to class start date.
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
Colored Pencil Workshop - Saturday, Oct. 15 - 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (In-Person)
Colored Pencil Workshop with Margaret Fanning Saturday. October 15, 1pm - 4pm pm $55 members / $65 non-members
Register here
In this workshop, students will learn to better master colored pencils with techniques for blending colors, creating hard or soft edges, and heightening value. This workshop will also go over proportion and perspective, how to make objects appear 3-dimensional, and how to better understand and utilize the colors we have. Think of the subjects you'd like to draw with colored pencils: a still life, a floral, a landscape, or a portrait. The possibilities are endless! Students are welcomed to bring their own reference photos to the class.
Material Supply List:
- Set of colored pencils ('Prismacolor Premier' are recommended)
- Pencil sharpener
- HB pencil
- Eraser
Optional:
- Drawing board
- Colorless blender
- Reference photos
Pastel Workshop - Saturday, Nov. 5 - 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (In-Person)
Pastel In-Person Workshop with Margaret Fanning Fanning Saturday, November 5, 1pm - 4pm pm $55 members / $65 non-members
Register here
Pastels have been used to create beautiful and bold color drawings throughout the centuries. Learn about the different types of pastel and how to blend and layer to get a soft haze or sharp edge. The instructor will demonstrate how to approach a pastel drawing through various stages, from the composition and getting the correct proportions and perspective, to understanding which colors to use to get the correct shade you are looking for. Students can bring in their own photos or use the reference provided by the instructor.
Material Supply List:
- Set of soft pastels (optional - students can get two types of pastels: stick pastels and pastel pencils for greater precision)
- Pad of drawing paper for practice (white or gray-toned)
- Textured surface for final drawings, such as Mi-Teintes Touch pastel paper or Ampersand Pastelboard (toned surface recommended)
- HB pencil
- Eraser
Optional:
- Pastel brushes
- Gloves, finger cots, or skin barrier cream
- Workable fixative
- Drawing board
- Artist Chamois
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 August
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) - September - October
Join professional commercial/fine art photographer Thom Williams to learn the essentials of photography...
Beginner I & II - Photoshop - Intermediate - Advanced Photography classes offered!
All classes are virtual (via Zoom). All classes suitable for ages 13+
More about Thom Williams: Teaching Faculty
Intermediate Photography - Wednesdays, June 8 - 29, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Intermediate Photography - 4 weeks
Wednesdays: June 8, 15, 22, 29 - 6:00 - 7:30pm
$90 Farmstead Members/ $100 Non-Members
Register here
All classes held via Zoom. Links will be emailed prior to class start.
You've mastered shutter speed, aperture, and ISO in Beginner I. You got your feet wet with composition in Beginner II. 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. Open to anyone with a camera and understanding of composition and exposure.
Introduction to Lightroom - Thursday, June 9 - 30, 4pm - 5:30pm
Introduction to Lightroom - 4 Weeks
Thursdays: June 9, 16, 23, 30 - 4pm - 5:30
$90 Farmstead Members / $100 Non-Members
Register here
All classes held via Zoom. Links will be emailed prior to class start.
An introduction to the #1 software package used by photographers around the world. This will give an overview of all modules with additional attention given to the library module and develop modules to help you get the most out of every image in your catalog. Please have lightroom classic cc installed on your computer.
Beginner Photography I - Tuesday, July 5 - 26, 6pm - 7:30pm
Beginner Photography I - 4 weeks
Tuesdays: July 5, 12, 19, 26 - 6pm - 7:30pm
$90 Farmstead Members / $100 Non-members
Register here
All classes held via Zoom. Link will be emailed prior to class start.
Isn't it time to get the most out of your dslr or mirrorless camera? Take your camera out of automatic mode and understand how to maximize its full power. Learn about aperture, ISO, shutter speed... what they do and what they can do for you. Recommended for dslr and mirrorless users. Not recommended for camera phone users.
Advanced Photography- Thursdays - October 6 - December 1, 6pm - 7:30pm
Advanced Photography - 8 weeks
Thursdays: Oct 6 - 27; Nov 3 - 17; Dec 1 No class Nov. 24 $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.
Beginner Photography II - Tuesdays , August 2 - 23, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Beginner Photography II - 4 weeks
Tuesdays, August 2, 9 16, 23 - 6:00 - 7:30 pm
$90 Farmstead members / $100 non-members
Register here
Now that you've learned about the exposure triangle it's time to get into composition. Learn about and practice through weekly exercises, photographic composition rules to help expand your photography. Anyone with a camera and understanding of exposure can take this class. Open to dslr, mirrorless and camera phone users.
Upcoming Events
Made possible, in part, by funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey Historical Commission.