Adult art classes currently enrolling for:
Spring Session runs from April 4 – June 10
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.
We want to help you choose a class that’s right for you.
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.
The Danforth invites you to spend a fun evening with us meeting new friends and making art while enjoying a unique cocktail (or mocktail). Danforth is the proud caretaker of the largest collection of sculptures by Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller. Fuller’s sculptural depictions of the African and African American experience provides the inspiration for this evening’s creative exploration. You will get to mold your own unique sculpture inspired by Fuller’s work, while enjoying a beverage popular during Fuller’s era, the 1920s.
No experience necessary, all materials are provided.
Complimentary assortment of cheeses, crackers, savory bites, and fruit will be served. Cash bar available to those over 21.
Admission is $25 for non-members, $15 for members. Advanced registration is required as only a limited number of spaces are available.
Register For Classes
No class on 4/19.
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 4/18.
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 acrylic) to the first class. Bring any supplies and materials that you prefer to work with.
Register For Classes
No class on 4/19.
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 ClassesNo class on 4/19.
In 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 ClassesNo class on 4/19.
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 ClassesNo class on 4/19.
Students 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 ClassesNo class on 4/19.
This 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 ClassesNo class on 4/19.
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 ClassesNo class on 4/20.
Treat yourself this spring to a drawing class taking place entirely in the Danforth Art Museum! Students will take inspiration from a variety of incredible art in the museum galleries, developing skills in observation along with techniques for creating dimensionality, accurate proportions, and variety with drawing tools. Each meeting will include discussion and critique. Suitable for anyone who has had at least one previous drawing class. Please meet at the museum lobby on floor 2. Drawing at the Museum Supply List
Register For ClassesNo class on 4/19.
Learn about the beautiful and forgiving medium of gouache paint. Working from still life set ups and photographs, students will have lessons in color mixing and various techniques for applying and layering this opaque, flat paint. Suitable for all levels.
Register For ClassesNo class on 4/20.
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 ClassesNo class on 4/20.
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 4/15.
Join us for three Saturdays with three different teachers and three different art projects in this relaxing art-making series. We have asked some of our most experienced artist- instructors to participate in this relaxed series taking place on the weekends for your convenience. No experience required, and all supplies included.
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 ClassesInspired by several Boston Expressionist era works on view in the museum, participants will explore the role of gesture in creating representational and non-representational art. Visit works by Michael Mazur, Lawrence Kupferman, Edmund Nieman, Nina Bohlen and more, and enjoy a brief discussion and sketching session, examining the various expressive mark-making used by the artists. Then indulge in a few hours of experimentation with materials and tools, learning how to create a variety of gestural marks- and then how to combine these into a finished piece. Some art-making experience is helpful but not required. All materials included.
Register For ClassesJoin artist Jill Pottle to learn about her unique approach to capturing objects, color and light in paintings. Participants will visit one of Jill’s recent works on display in the Danforth Art Museum, then settle into one of our studios for an exercise in quickly capturing the forms and elements of objects on canvas. This is an intermediate level workshop. Please bring acrylic paint supplies of your choice and a prepared canvas at least 9×12.
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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