Adult art classes currently enrolling for:
Spring Session dates are April 7 - June 6
We especially welcome new students as well as returning students to join us this spring to learn together.
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.
View the digital Spring Catalog Here.
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.
No class 4/21 or 4/28.
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.
No class 4/21 or 4/28.
Register For Classes
Join landscape artist Richard Kattman in this class as you discover new methods to achieve abstraction in the landscape genre. Using vibrant acrylics or water- based oils, students will examine and refigure representational landscapes inspired by photos, works in the Danforth Art Museum exhibitions and the instructor’s artistic practice. Through technique demonstrations and discussion, students will focus on mark-making, mood, atmosphere, color, composition, and design as they build landscape images in the abstract style. this class is intermediate level. Abstract Landscape Painting – Supply List
No class on 4/21.
Register For ClassesJoin herbalist Colleen Colvin in this new class exploring the ways that various plants have been imbued with meaning and even used to convey messages across time and culture. Students will participate in a live botanical study and create observational drawings of various plants, practicing techniques to capture nuance and details of the plants in colored pencil and other drawing media. Throughout the session, the instructor will provide historical context for the significance of the plant subjects during times of change. Visits to the museum will round out discussion and understanding of the natural world around us.
Register For Classes
No class on 4/22.
Continue your watercolor and drawing studies and work with artist-instructor, Angela Ackerman, to learn how to create an accurate and simple line drawing to form the basis of your watercolor composition. Using transfer techniques as well as simple observational drawing, students will develop confidence with realistic as well as experimental and abstract subject matter. The instructor will review several techniques with watercolors, using brushes, sponges and other tools to build up the watercolor image. Foundations of Drawing & Watercolor with AA – Supply List
No class on 4/22
Register For ClassesNo class on 4/22.
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.
No class on 4/22
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Register For ClassesNo class on 4/22.
Working with portrait artist Farzaneh Safarani, students will explore the anatomy of the head, discovering how to reveal accurate proportion, structure, and likeness through demonstration and detailed instruction. Added focus will be on using light and color to articulate forms. Palette knife and brush techniques will be included. In this class we will work from a live model in addition to printed material. Class cost includes model fee.
Portrait Painting – Supply List
No class on 4/22.
Register For ClassesNo class 4/22.
Have you ever traveled somewhere that was so beautiful and wish you knew how to put that vista on paper or canvas? You can learn the elements of creating an effective landscape through a variety of exercises using beautiful acrylic paints. Students will learn how to design a strong composition, how to simplify forms and to accomplish a sense of perspective in a picture plane. This class is great for students who have taken a few painting or drawing classes in the past. Foundations of Landscape Painting Supply List
No class 4/22.
Register For ClassesNo class on 4/22
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. Class starts January 14.
No class on 4/22
Register For ClassesNo class on 4/22.
This is a continuing class for those who have basic watercolor skills, and wish to improve them working from a variety of subject matter. Students will explore techniques for brush handling, wet-into-wet, dry brush, washes, and layering, strengthen their observation skills and understanding of color and composition. Intermediate Watercolor Supply List
This class meets 8 times. No class on 4/22.
Register For ClassesNo sessions on 4/22.
Come to the Danforth for a leisurely life model class, where you can work at your own pace and practice your life drawing skills. This open session meets weekly for three hours with a rotation of models. There is no instruction and you must bring your own supplies. Easels, painting tables, drawing boards, stools and chairs are in the studio for your use. We must receive at least 4 registrations in order to run this open session.
No sessions on 4/22.
Register For Classes
No class on 4/22.
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.
No class on 4/22.
Register For ClassesLearn basic hand-building techniques in clay as you capture the sounds of spring with your own ceramic wind chimes. Inspired by the work of ceramic artist and instructor Elizabeth Cohen, students will create a number of small sculptural pieces which will come together to form a unified windchime design. Includes all materials and firing. Some assembly required after firing.
Class meets for two hours, three times 4/8, 4/18, 5/6.
Register For ClassesNo class 4/23.
Are you over 50 and would like to spend some time learning about art and creativity? Join us in this new class to explore ideas, meet new friends and have fun experimenting with art materials in a relaxing, no-pressure environment. The class will start in the museum as we view selected works, discussing ideas related to the process artists use and the subjects they focus on in various paintings, drawings, photos, sculptures and more. We will then gather in an art school studio to practice creativity together with a little guidance from an instructor. No class 4/23.
Thanks to a generous gift from a donor, we have created this program to welcome older adults in our community to enjoy the Danforth at no charge. Donations to a scholarship fund are welcome. You may donate here.
Register For ClassesNo class on 4/24
A weekly three-hour studio period for those who enjoy painting independently within a welcoming community. This class includes critique and guidance from artist-instructor, Susan Bauer. Bring any current work and all supplies and enjoy a relaxed time at the art school with other artists. Students are welcome and encouraged to visit the museum to help support learning.
No class on 4/24.
Register For ClassesNo class on 4/24
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
No class on 4/24.
Register For ClassesKnow someone who loves art? Consider the gift of an art class! Gift Certificates for art classes may be purchased here
Important Information
Please see all policies here.
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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