Art Workshops, Classes & Retreats

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"Drawing Basics Boot Camp"
May 29, 2026
 

Don't know how to draw? No problem! This hands-on course will introduce you to the fundamentals of drawing using clear, step-by-step instructions. Participants will learn essential skills—from how to hold a pencil to mastering shading techniques. Hatching, cross-hatching, and stippling will all be covered in detail. This class focuses on core drawing principles, from structure to value. A variety of drawing techniques will be introduced throughout the workshop, beginning with an overview of essential materials and tools. You'll develop your own value scale and learn how to apply it to create accurately rendered objects. Students will be encouraged to observe their environment with fresh, imaginative eyes and incorporate their surroundings into their artwork.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Allison Luce
Cost: $50
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Paint Fast: Textures (For Oil & Acrylic Painters)"
June 5 & 6, 2026
 

Instructor Nancy Mitchell will help students loosen up, paint larger, and achieve amazing texture using a wide range of techniques. This workshop for oil and acrylic painters of all levels encourages artists to simplify shapes, work boldly, and build richly tactile surfaces with confident, expressive strokes. Through demonstrations and guided practice, participants will explore multiple approaches to creating depth, contrast, and visual interest through texture—learning how to layer, scrape, scumble, dry brush, and manipulate paint to suggest everything from subtle surface variation to dramatic, dimensional effects. Nancy will share her approach to painting quickly and intuitively, helping artists balance control with spontaneity to keep their work fresh and energized!
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Nancy Mitchell
Cost: $120
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Drawing from Nature: Lowcountry Life"
June 10, 2026
 

This class focuses on drawing inspiration directly from our environment, celebrating the stunning Lowcountry as your muse. Using botanicals and treasures from the beach, participants will create nature studies that capture the essence of our beautiful home on Hilton Head Island. You'll explore techniques such as negative space and expressive line work while expanding upon drawing fundamentals, including structure and value. Students will be encouraged to observe their surroundings with fresh, imaginative eyes and discover new ways to interpret the natural world. Participants are welcome to bring their own favorite objects from nature—shells, driftwood, flowers, or any natural treasures that inspire you—to incorporate into their drawings. This class is developed for students of all skill levels.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Allison Luce
Cost: $50
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Open Painting in The Medium of Your Choice"
Mondays, July 13-27, 2026
 

Unleash your creativity in a fun, relaxed studio setting where you can paint your way! Choose your favorite medium—oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, charcoal, or colored pencil—and dive into new projects or bring along unfinished pieces. Enjoy as much one-on-one guidance from Dennis as you like, plus inspiring mini demos, technique tips, and helpful critiques of your work. Whether your style leans toward realism, impressionism, or bold modern expression, this open painting session is your space to explore, create, and grow. This class is appropriate for beginner painters, intermediate painters and advanced painters of any medium. The main purpose of this course is one-on-one assistance from the instructor with whatever you need help with (fixing, composition, specific subjects, etc.).
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Dennis Lake
Cost: $150
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Exploring Mixed Media"
September 28 & 29, 2026
 

Discover the limitless potential of mixed media in this dynamic workshop led by acclaimed artist Rose Cofield. Designed to spark your imagination, this session invites you to experiment with texture, color, and form as you blend a variety of materials into cohesive, expressive works of art. Draw inspiration from captivating themes—faces, stairs, doors, flowers—and explore the art of layering to add depth and meaning to your creations. With Rose’s expert instruction and creative insight, you’ll gain fresh techniques and the confidence to push your artistic boundaries. This course is appropriate for students of all levels, even beginners. Students should bring $20 cash to pay the instructor for materials, most of which will be provided for you.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Rose Cofield
Cost: $100
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Painting the Pastel Landscape: Tools, Tips & Techniques"
October 23-25, 2026
 

Join us for the "Painting the Pastel Landscape: Tools, Tips & Techniques" workshop with the renowned artist Eve Miller. This exceptional event offers a unique opportunity to delve into Eve's innovative approach to capturing the beauty of landscapes with pastels. Participants will gain valuable insights into establishing correct values, while the workshop emphasizes mastering color temperature, composition, and mark-making. Each day features engaging demonstrations, and you'll receive personalized, one-on-one instruction to refine your skills. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a passionate beginner, this workshop promises to enhance your artistic journey and elevate your pastel landscapes to new heights. Don't miss the chance to learn from a true master—secure your spot today!
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Eve Miller
Cost: $500
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Very Very Beginner Watercolors"
Mondays, January 18 - February 22, 2027
 

If you’ve always wanted to paint with watercolors but were afraid to try, this very beginning class will introduce you to the joys of creating beautiful, glowing watercolor paintings. Using the elements and principles of design and composition, you’ll learn the following techniques: color mixing, wet-on-wet wash, wet-on-dry techniques, glazing, color charging, tricks with salt, oozles, scaping and much more. This class is designed for those with no watercolor experience, or those who have tried watercolor painting but need a refresher. There will be a printed handout with each class.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Nancy Carney
Cost: $300
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Watercolor for Intermediate to Advanced Level Artists"
Fridays, February 5-26, 2027
 

Chris will demonstrate multiple paintings (seascape, floral, & island theme) from beginning to completion. Areas of demonstrations and techniques will include, design, drawing, color, value, washes, glazing, wet in wet, masking, dry brush, lifting out and more. Chris will guide you through the techniques and help you develop skills needed to produce beautiful watercolor paintings. He will not only tell you how but also show you! For more information about Chris, visit his website at www.dreyerdesign.com.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Chris Dreyer
Cost: $200
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"The Ins & Outs of Painting Plein Air with Oils"
March 17-19, 2027
 

Unlock the secrets to capturing light, color, and atmosphere directly from nature. Whether you're taking your first steps into outdoor painting or seeking to refine your plein air practice, this comprehensive three-day workshop with accomplished artist Lee Copen will transform your approach to working on location. Plein air painting offers unparalleled opportunities to observe and render the nuances of natural light and color—yet the ever-changing conditions and complexity of outdoor scenes can present significant challenges. Through expert instruction, practical demonstrations, and guided painting sessions, Lee will help you develop strategies to simplify the process, work with confidence, and enjoy the plein air experience. All levels of students are welcome; however, some drawing and painting knowledge and experience is important.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Lee Copen
Cost: $550
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Finding Your Focus in Pastel"
April 1-3, 2027
 

A successful painting relies on the harmonious interplay of essential elements: color, value, technique, and a clear focal point. In this workshop, Aline explores these fundamental principles through an innovative approach—viewing subjects as abstract shapes to create compelling illustrative works. Students will work from their own photographic references, transforming them into expressive pastel paintings. Through daily painting demonstrations, Aline will guide participants in understanding color through the lens of temperature, intensity, and value, while demonstrating how to translate these concepts using pastel techniques. A key focus will be the practice of building shapes and strategically carving back into them to achieve a dynamic, painterly finish. This class is a great choice for intermediate and advanced-level pastel painters.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Aline Ordman
Cost: $550
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Painting Impressions with Watercolor"
April 20-22, 2027
 

In this workshop designed for intermediate level watercolor students, you’ll begin to see the world through a new lens—learning how to transform everyday reality into expressive, impressionistic paintings that evoke mood and atmosphere. The focus is not on replicating every detail, but on capturing the essence of your subject. Keiko will guide you from that first spark of inspiration through a process of simplification, leading to a compelling painting rich in composition and meaning. Key topics covered in this class include: • Creating a strong preliminary drawing and composition • Exploring a range of watercolor techniques and brush handling • Understanding what makes a strong design • Mastering the relationship between light and dark values • Balancing planning with intuition • Learning how to simplify and edit complex visual information
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Keiko Tanabe
Cost: $650
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Painting Expressive Skies in Oils or Acrylics"
September 30 & October 2, 2027
 

Discover the joy of painting expressive, atmospheric skies in this dynamic workshop designed for artists of all levels. Join award-winning artist and renowned instructor Eric Jacobsen for an inspiring experience tailored to both oil and acrylic painters. Key topics include composition, value, design, choosing a motif, identifying and mixing accurate warm and cool colors, establishing a focal point, and valuable tips and do’s and don’ts for the landscape painter. Special emphasis will be placed on mark making, helping you bring energy and expression to your brushwork. The workshop will feature a combination of informal lectures, instructor demonstrations, and plenty of hands-on painting time, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging learning experience.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Eric Jacobsen
Cost: $550
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


 

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