Adult art classes currently enrolling for:
Faculty Spotlight
We offer five levels of study suited to everyone from absolute beginners to those developing their own body of artwork. Students may remain in any level for as long as they would like; instructors will adjust lessons to accommodate new and returning students. Our diverse faculty pool allows students to study painting, drawing and other media with instructors from many backgrounds and perspectives.
All artwork on these pages was created by our students or faculty.
Beginning classes- are for people who may have never taken an art class before. The instructor will explain suggested materials on the first day of class and provide instruction in technique and concepts. Students may remain in the beginning level for several sessions of classes.
Foundations classes- are for those who have taken one or more beginning level classes; instructors offer lessons which build off beginning level concepts. Students may remain in either level for several sessions.
Intermediate classes- are for those who have taken some classes and would like more focused and complex study. Instructors continue to set lessons, as well as allowing students to pursue individual goals. Many students remain in intermediate level for a year or more.
Independent classes – are for those who have a body of work and would like individualized critique on works in progress to help develop specific personal artistic goals.
Professional Development- are classes and workshops designed for working artists and teachers.
Create unique and experimental prints and collages using the Printmaking Press (etching press). Work in nontoxic water based media on plexi-glass. Students will learn how to use the press and develop skills to create one of a kind prints to be combined with collage where integration and adhering with gel medium will be discussed and demonstrated. No previous printmaking experience necessary. All supplies provided for the first class at which time the instructor will review supplies to be purchased.
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Register For ClassesThis class is designed for the student who seeks to develop their painting practice while receiving individual critical feedback from the instructor. Work alongside peers to further develop your personal approach. Bring a sample of your work (in oil or acrylic) to the first class. Bring any supplies and materials that you prefer to work with.
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Develop and improve your understanding of traditional watercolor painting techniques and explore more contemporary and experimental ways of painting with watercolor. Enhance your personal painting style and discover your artistic voice. Some watercolor experience recommended. Intermediate Watercolor Supply List
Register For ClassesNo class on 9/27.
No previous experience needed! Designed for students with little or no art experience, this class will give you a chance to explore watercolor’s unique transparent properties. Learn about different types of brushes and paper, as you enjoy demonstrations designed to break down the process of using watercolor. Practice basic painting techniques and color-mixing in still-life and landscape compositions. All supplies provided for the first class, at which time your instructor will describe a modest supply list for you to purchase.
Register For ClassesIn this class you will use a palette knife instead of a brush to learn how to define the planes of objects as they wrap around forms. Work to find the correct color and value for each plane, and your resulting paintings will be strong and sculptural with little (if any) blending. All supplies included for the first class; at that time your instructor will explain what materials to purchase.
Ruth Scotch, Sardine Study- detail, oil on canvas
Register For ClassesThis class is designed for the student who seeks to develop their palette knife painting practice while receiving individual critical feedback from the instructor. Work alongside peers to further develop your personal approach. Have a sample of your work (in oil or acrylic) available for the first class. Please use any supplies and materials you prefer to work with.
Register For ClassesStudents in this drawing class will explore a broad range of drawing ideas, focusing on line, value, texture, proportion, composition and expression. This class is suitable for anyone who has taken at least one drawing class and wants to continue to develop foundational skill with this practice. Foundations of Drawing Supply List
Register For ClassesThis class is designed for the student who seeks to develop their painting practice while receiving individual critical feedback from the instructor. Work alongside peers to further develop your personal approach. Bring a sample of your work (in oil or acrylics) to first class. Bring any supplies and materials you prefer to work with.
Register For ClassesLine is the foundation of all art. It is the first and most versatile of the visual elements in art. Join instructor Lee Ball in the studio to explore the characteristics of line in creating interesting and compelling compositions. Students will work with multiple materials including pencil, ink, watercolor, wire and embroidery to develop new skill sets in creating lines in their artwork. Suitable for experienced as well as beginning artists.
Register For ClassesThis drawing class is designed for those who enjoy picking up a pencil to sketch things as you see them, or as you imagine them to be. Donna Melanson will lead you through a series of enjoyable and rewarding lessons in a variety of drawing media, focusing on capturing accurate proportions, creating textural effects, discovering blending techniques and expressive compositions. This class is suitable for anyone who has taken a couple of drawing classes and wants to continue to develop foundational skill with this practice.
Intermediate Drawing Supply List
Register For ClassesNo class on 11/10.
Create complex, colorful prints and collages. Students in this intermediate class will continue to work with the etching press and expand upon their existing printmaking skills and techniques. Color overlays and multiple plate processes will be explored while advancing composition and conceptual building. Integration techniques for collage will be covered through instructor demos. This course is ideal for students who have printmaking experience using the etching press and wish to advance their techniques.
Intermediate Monotype with Collage Supply List
Register For Classes
No class on 11/10
This class is designed for the student who seeks to develop their painting practice while receiving individual critical feedback from the instructor. Work alongside peers to further develop your personal approach. Bring a sample of your work (in oil or acrylics) to first class. Bring any supplies and materials you prefer to work with.
Register For ClassesThis workshop is about drawing draped fabric in the classical manner. Some of the methods and techniques reviewed will be line, value, form, texture, schema drawing, measuring, rendering hard and soft edges and reflected light. The characteristics of draped fabric will be discussed leading to creating realistic forms of the fabric.
This is an intermediate level workshop. Drawing Draped Fabric Workshop Supply List
Register For ClassesSpend a day with Lee Ball learning how to create the illusion of depth in your painted and drawn compositions. She will teach the basics of adding atmospheric dimension– a great way to create depth and realism in your artwork. Learn how to use size and placement, overlapping objects, layering of color, value, basic linear perspective, and focus to mimic three dimensions on an otherwise two-dimensional (flat) surface.
Some art making experience required.
Register For ClassesTogether with art instructor Angela Ackerman, learn how to explore the wonderful world of watercolor without fear! You can create beautiful botanical paintings even if you’ve never before worked with this exciting medium. This workshop offers step-by-step demonstrations and exercises which teach you all the basics you need to get started in painting the beauty of nature. Through expressive brushstrokes and new techniques using charcoal, you will create a vibrant naturalistic painting.
Register For ClassesIn just one day, fashion designer and bead artist Nadia Byczko will teach the basic techniques for sewing beads as well as stitching simple embroidery patterns on fabric. Practice each of the stitches while you make a stitch sampler flower pin with textural variations. At the conclusion of this workshop, you will have the skills you need to embellish many beautiful creations with beading and embroidery.
Register For ClassesJoin artist Chaitrali Yadav in this day-long workshop learning about Indian art and culture. Students will be introduced to various Indian folk art forms and will learn techniques to create two paintings inspired by this tradition. At the end of the day, participants will go home with a beautiful Madhubani “Tree of Life” painting symbolizing prosperity as well as a Warli Art painting representing rural village of the Warli tribe.
Register For ClassesSpend a few hours in our studios playing with fabric and designs as you create a unique art quilt using your own special fabrics or some from our collection. Artist Donna Melanson will guide you through some simple techniques for piecing fabric, hand stitching, and applique. Participants will learn how to create texture with embroidery, how to add backing and how to bind the edges to create a beautiful finished wall hanging. No experience required. Bring any fabrics or special threads if you prefer.
Register For ClassesDive right into Photoshop Elements and do something incredible with your artwork. Join artist Leslie Graff as she teaches you the basics of opening/saving a file, manipulating ratios, cropping images, cut/paste and editing techniques, white balance, and filtering/simple layers. Grab your laptop or tablet and learn the digital tools to support your creative practice as an artist.
Register For ClassesSpend a quiet morning amidst the artwork in the Danforth Museum galleries as you enjoy a series of breathing exercises to promote relaxation and mindfulness. Continue in the meditative experience by creating contemplative mark making using pen and pencil, letting go of expectations and allowing for the inner quiet and creativity to emerge on the paper. No experience required. Please bring a yoga mat and dress for comfort.
Register For ClassesKnow someone who loves art? Consider the gift of an art class! Gift Certificates for art classes may be purchased through the Register for Classes Link.
Important Information
The Danforth Art School is accessible by elevator which is located in the lobby of the building directly connecting the parking lot. Our parking lot has several designated accessible spots adjacent to the building. If you need additional accommodations, please do not hesitate to reach out to school staff: danforthartschool@framingham.edu.
We have created a series of experience levels to help, but we understand that these levels may not capture the full picture of individual experience. School staff are always happy to speak with you to help place you with an instructor and class that will meet your goals. Reach us by phone 508-215-5116 or danforthartschool@framingham.edu
We are unable to prorate the class cost due to student absences with the exception of health emergencies. Please call us if you have further questions.
We order online from blick , many of our teachers use jerrysartarama, and Michael’s or Post Road Art Center in Marlborough usually has most of what you will need.
At this time, we have decided to offer classes in our studios and not online in order to provide the most effective learning environment.
Ruth sees the essence of what is being painted and guides me to feel accomplished as an artist ” Beth B.-student in Ruth Scotch's Independent Palette Knife Painting class—read more about Ruth here
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