CARLA SONHEIM & FRIENDS: THREE CLASSES

I have said this before but it is still so true for me: one of my favorite things about doing these classes is that I get to reach out to so many artists that I admire. They all have so much to share and we have several classes that are like “samplers” of my favorite artists! Here are three that are full of diverse and wonderful assignments.

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Words & Pictures
Teachers: Carla Sonheim + Many Wonderful Guest Teachers

This class is an exploration of how words play a part in our artwork. They can inspire, inform and even become art themselves. We will be hitting all aspects including illustration, comics, lettering and writing, and will have 15 very special guest artists, including Martha Rich, Susy Pilgram Waters, Andrea D’Aquino, Sarajo Frieden, Kara Kramer and more! This class has a diverse and fun set of assignments for any mixed media artist.

Here is a list of our guest artists and a peek into their artwork:
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“Wonderful set of talented instructors .”  
— Christine W.

“The best gift I gave myself this year! The lessons really pushed me to grow as an artist.”  
— Emily G.

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2022 Yearlong
Teachers: Carla Sonheim + 12 Awesome Guest Teachers!

For this yearlong class we selected 12 artists/teachers to teach the main, mixed-media assignment each month, based around what excites them personally. The lessons include both a warm-up and a main project, and you can expect tutorials in acrylic and watercolor painting, drawing and illustration, collage, paper cutting and more! Plus you can watch the recorded zoom sessions where we worked on the assignments together and shared what we made.

+ 10 MORE!

“Carla, this is my first yearlong. I found it to be well balanced, incredibly informative, and  opened me to processes completely new to me. The guest artists were all fabulous. A truly wonderful year, and I have enjoyed the zoom sessions. Thank you so much!” — Sharon H.

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(Feat.)
Teacher: 6 Guest Artist/Teachers

Meet six fabulous artists with very different styles and personalities in interviews with Carla and then make projects inspired by their art along with Carla in a workshop setting. Sessions are about one hour long and are recorded with “forever access.”

“I love that you chose artists with such different practices and styles. So glad I signed up! Thank you!”
— Meryl S. A.

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Thank you for reading and we hope you find some classes to add to your art life!

Steve and Carla

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THREE WATERCOLOR CLASSES

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Urban Sketchbooking
Teacher: Lewis Rossignol

This class starts with observing and doing loose sketches in ink, but is really about creating landscape paintings with watercolor. Lewis is a master of looking and responding. He teaches us to move quickly and without hesitation or self-judgement. Here is what he says:

“Watercolor really looks best when you allow the water to take the color on a journey, rather than trying to force the colors to do exactly what you think it should do. We’ll also learn how to keep everything loose and confident, which will only make your finished pieces more visually appealing. Although our focus is on urban landscapes, these watercolor and line work methods will easily transition to any subject that you enjoy drawing and painting. I hope you can join me in this fun journey. “

“I loved this class so much that i try to do at least one urban sketch a week to keep my skills going.”  
— Jan W.

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Watercolor Workshop
Teacher: Anita Lehmann

Q: What are the challenges of painting with watercolor?
A: Muddy paint, weak colors, paintings overworked, feeling a lack of control, or too many colors to manage. 

In this comprehensive class Anita addresses all of these issues and endeavors to get you comfortable with your tools: paint, water, a few brushes and paper. She breaks it down for us into four fundamental characteristics: wetness, composition, value and color. If you appreciate the adage, “Learn the rules before you break them,” Anita is the teacher for you!

“Anita, thanks for a great workshop. I learned a lot of new skills and new ways of thinking about painting that I will continue to put to good use.”  
—Caroline U.

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Big Juicy Watercolor
Teacher: Fred Lisaius

Fred is an amazing teacher who takes nothing for granted. He covers every detail and makes sure you have everything you need to be successful…and he finds joy in every mark he makes which is very contagious!

In this class Fred demystifies the form and packs your toolkit with strong watercolor technique as he guides you to play in the balance between abandon and control, exploring the natural flow of watercolor with “wet into wet.” Sessions alternate between experimentation and implementation, and you’ll walk away with at least three large, complete paintings.

“This has been such a fun learning experience. My thanks to Fred for his instruction, feedback, and permission to work large and juicy.” 
— Donna M.

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Thank you for reading and we hope you find some classes to add to your art life!

Steve and Carla

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FIVE PRINTMAKING CLASSES

When I started taking art classes again at 29, I took a printmaking class and monotype printing became my first passion. I loved the surprise of each pull and also the special line and shape quality that you can’t get any other way. I was always held back from pursuing it because of the need for a press, but over the years have learned that expensive tools are not at all necessary!

Here are two sets of classes that bring all the magic and beauty of printmaking using some very basic setups.
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Gelli® Plate Printmaking
Gelli® Plate Plus
Doing More With Your Gelli® Plate
Teacher: Carla Sonheim

I first discovered the Gelli® Plate about 12 years ago now and it rekindled my love for monotypes especially! I now keep the Gelli® Plate out on one of my work tables and use it all the time! So many of my collage materials come from Gelli® prints and the process itself has led to many discoveries and “inventions” that I use now in other work. I taught three classes: the first two are short ones, just three lessons long, and have been some of our bestsellers; the third one combines three of my passions: monotypes, handmade books and animals!

“Wow!! I’ve done monotype printing before and even played a bit on the Gelli® plate, but this was game changing!” — Jenny, on Gelli® Plate Printmaking

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Creative Printmaking 1  
Creative Printmaking 2 
Teacher: Anita Lehmann

Printmaking by hand! These two classes are full of techniques using all kinds of different materials. Anita is one of our most popular teachers. She explains every step in her precise and thorough way… all without losing any of the magic of discovery AND without the need for a printing press! In the first class Anita walks us through her process of monotypes, and in the second class we explore drypoint etching and collographs.

“Anita has years of experience that she translates so effectively and efficiently to teaching. Every class that I take takes my work to a whole different level. ” — Adri P.

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Thank you for reading and we hope you find some classes to add to your art life!

Steve and Carla

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COLLAGE, COLLAGE, COLLAGE!

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The Collage Techniques of Anne Marie Grgich

If you don’t know who Anne is, I urge you to look her up. She is a visionary artist who’s work is celebrated around the world!

This class is unlike any collage class you have seen because Anne works in an almost completely intuitive way. We all want to get into the “flow” when we work and I struggle with trying to get there but Anne pretty much lives there. It is inspirational just to watch her work but she is also a very generous teacher.

“This is one of the BEST classes I’ve ever taken!! Anne is so encouraging and willing to share her knowledge and artwork. I have learned so much.” — Becky D.

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Improv Collage
Teacher: Kara Kramer

Kara takes us on a journey of working very small to very large. She frees us up to make quick decisions which is good for me (Carla) because I tend to get too fussy with my collage. As a prolific children’s book illustrator Kara is skilled at putting thoughts together with color, shape and texture.

“This class sparked something in me and I feel charged and alive!!! I am so motivated and it‘s making me think in different directions. ” — Bhupali G.

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COLLAGE
Teacher: Sarajo Frieden

Sarajo says this about her recent class: “I’m interested in moving through my work with an exuberant uncontainment. A fluid relationship with the idea of what beauty can be—stumbling into an awkward beauty—is what interests me. This way of working is useful in opening doors, changing preconceived outcomes, and simply having fun. In this class I hope to share this way of working with you as we create a large collage piece together from a variety of materials and media.”

“Thank you Sarajo, for a magical new art makingadventure & to all fellow artists who generously shared their work.” 
— Lisa A.

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Thank you for reading and we hope you find some classes to add to your art life!

Steve and Carla

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THREE PAINTING CLASSES

Here are three classes that combine solid painting techniques and a lot of personality!

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Painting with Junko Yamamoto

Every lesson in this class is a fun and laid back exercise in applying luscious color. You don’t need to be an abstract painter to enjoy the process, you just need to love moving paint around. Junko Yamamoto takes us through a series of steps that almost magically resolves itself into a large painting full of depth and meaning. We all love art in our own way and Junko is a delight to be with as she shares hers.

“Thank you Junko for teaching me there is more to painting than brushwork!”  
—Pictures Within

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Big Bold Bloom Wild Painting
Teacher: Lynn Whipple

This is one of our all-time, most popular classes!

Are you ready to work large and loose with lots freedom and color? Lynn Whipple takes you on a playful and layered approach to painting and drawing that embraces your wild side using acrylics, charcoal and chalk on canvases both small and big!

“Life changer for me. Thank you for everything, Lynn!!” — Cindy M.

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Intro to Abstract Painting
Teacher: Karine Swenson

Have you have ever had an interest in abstract painting? Would you like to paint with more freedom or feeling? In this class we will explore a variety of mark-making techniques with an emphasis on finding what works for you as an artist. I will demonstrate drawing and painting intuitively, and share a few of my favorite abstract painters to help you understand some of the concepts behind non-representational painting.

“I ended up loving the rebellious spirit of diving in without a sketch. Scary, but loving it! Thank you again, you’re such a delight!” — Michelle H.

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Thank you for reading and we hope you find some classes to add to your art life!

Steve and Carla

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THREE STUDIO PRACTICE CLASSES

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Making Art a Practice: Sketchbooks
Making Art a Practice: In and Out of the Sketchbook
Teacher: Cat Bennett

With simple materials and a casual, comfortable approach that invites spontaneity, these 2 classes from Cat Bennett class set you up to create and grow as an artist every day. You’ll experiment with mark-making, draw from nature, make portraits, and play with purely imaginative work.

“Taking this class has enabled me to silence the inner critic and enjoy the process of just drawing again.” — Laureen G.

“This experience is a game changer; my sketchbook is filling up fast, each day is filled with inspiration, curiosity and positive challenges that helps me to expand and grow.” — Tina M.
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7 Essentials: The Studio Practice of Anita Lehmann

What makes a successful (and fun) art practice? Anita shares seven of the core essentials that help her to be free, focused, energized and prolific in her mixed-media work. This is an art buffet for all!

“Fun and challenging class. You are a wonderful teacher.” — Karen B.

“It was a wonderful adventure! Such great insights and techniques. I learned so much!” — Sara N.

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2024: Creativity Lab
Teacher: Carla Sonheim

My creative life has always been a mish-mash of experimenting, puttering, teaching and making lots of stuff and this yearlong class is about all of that. I’m teaching 36 recorded lessons  that go from inspiration to finished project in a casual “Lab” format from my working studio. Plus we have twice monthly Live Zoom work sessions. Sign up now and you get all the lessons so far this year and all the lessons still to come!

“Your course, with the live Zoom calls, stands out as a haven for genuine interaction, learning and sparks true creativity.” — ZM

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Thank you for reading and we hope you find some classes to add to your art life!

Steve and Carla

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THREE DRAWING CLASSES

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DRAW!
Teacher: Carla Sonheim

Whether you draw realistically, stylistically, or hardly at all, this 21-day workshop will give you the motivation, direction, and inspiration to get your pencil moving.  Each lesson is quick and fun.

 I know that making that first mark can be the hardest part, so we will start with exercises to help you shed your inhibitions, loosen your hand and eyes, and simply have fun filling the blank page. This class is largely based on my books Drawing Lab and The Art of Silliness.

“Carla helps her students release their inner critic, and what emerges is a whimsy and freedom that makes for truly original artwork.” — Adrienne

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Drawing Workshop
Teacher: Anita Lehmann

We like Anita Lehmann’s teaching style because she immediately brings you into the heart of her process. Everything is connected in her world and she presents her process in a the same way.  She will help you develop your work to a new level… and she has a great sense of humor!

Drawing is a part of everything Anita does and in this class you will work on slowing down, seeing more deeply and developing confidence. She will demonstrate some fundamental techniques as well as an evocative and personal approach to drawing.

“Generous information and teaching as always” — Jo C. 

“I’ve learned so much about drawing in this workshop, especially focusing on the spatial relationships, and negative space. ” — Debbie S.

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The Magic of Colored Pencils
Teacher: Robert Lucy

Robert Lucy‘s classes are a rare combination of easy-to-follow technique, mystery, inspiration, entertainment, and fun. The work in this class is meditative and deep and yet still retains the freedom that we felt as children coloring with crayons. Take this class and you will develop a whole new set of skills!

“I have loved the class and enjoyed everyone’s work. It is a really beautiful technique. I hope everyone got as much out of the class as I did.” — Robert C.

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Thank you for reading and we hope you find some classes to add to your art life!

Steve and Carla

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THREE MIXED-MEDIA CLASSES

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Dream Bubbles, Scrappy Blablahs & More
Teacher: Julie Liger-Belair

Julie describes collage as “soothing and mediative and a chance to delve into story,” and in this class she shares three wonderfully inventive and fun collage projects. So gather your scraps and prepare to take your mixed-media work into undiscovered lands!

“How cool is this class?” — Leslie S.

“I have gotten SO MUCH from Julie’s class. Really, really appreciate her work and the depth of her sharing.” — Carolyn K.

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Mixed-Media Painting
Teacher: Lewis Rossignol

This was our fourth class with Lewis and he is definitely one of our most popular teachers! In this class he brings his freedom, imagination and wonderfully unique style to some larger, colorful acrylic paintings. He makes it look easy because it is!

“It is fun to break all the rules, lol!” — K.J.

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Meaning Making: Inspired by Poetry
Teacher: Lendon Noe

This class is about finding inspiration and adding meaning to your artwork through literature and poetry! Lendon Noe will show you her methods for creating visual metaphors inspired by her favorite poets using ink, pencil, pens, collage, image transfers and more.

“You have stretched my lateral thinking in regards to translating a poetic structure and language into a visual language. ” — Jill H.

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Thank you for reading and we hope you find some classes to add to your art life!

Steve and Carla

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THREE ARTIST BOOK CLASSES

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Mini Artist Books
Teacher: Michele Landsaat

Michèle Landsaat creates beautiful worlds and stories with her work in printmaking and etching, and in this class she brings that magic to us in the form of little art books. She helps us find our own narratives and  shares her techniques for creating pages and assembling three mini artist books.

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Buttonhole Stitch Journal
Teacher: Bari Zaki

Discover the art and tactile pleasure of bookbinding. Bari Zaki introduces you to an accessible technique where you fold, sew, decorate and complete your own handmade book. The organic style of the buttonhole stitch method creates a naturally beautiful object that works well as a sketchbook, photo album or journal.

“Thank you, Bari! I love your calm joy.” — Jane S.

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Blobimal Artist Books
Teacher: Carla Sonheim

Discover what a blobimal is! In this six-lesson class I will take you blob hunting. You’ll create four small artist books using a combination of techniques and materials–watercolor, pencil, collage and more. We hope you love it!

“My art life has changed from being a dreamer into a doer. Can’t thank you enough!” — Linda C.

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Thank you for reading and we hope you find some classes to add to your art life!

Steve and Carla

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THREE SPECIAL “OFF-TOPIC” CLASSES

Most of our classes tend toward drawing, painting, mixed media and collage, but here are three that offer new opportunities with different materials. I have really enjoyed the break these classes gave me from my normal work.

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Procreate with Lewis Rossignol

If you use already Procreate or would like to, this is opportunity to learn from an artist who uses it as an art tool. Lewis shows us how he integrates it with his analog work seamlessly. No experience needed but a basic understanding of layers is helpful.

“What an extraordinary, informative and inspiring course! Wonderful creativity and encouragement to take risks. Thank you!” — Valerie J. 

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Weaving
Teacher: Mandy Greer

Collage with fiber! Join Mandy Greer for a surprisingly expressive and fun class for anyone new or expert. Work with yarn, fabric, recycled materials and whatever else you can dream up. This is packed with techniques for making fine art, abstract pieces.

“Thank you, Mandy for your thorough instructions and creative ideas. You are a wonderful teacher!” — Paula W.

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Intro to Encaustic Painting
Teacher: Stephanie Hargrave

Get a thorough introduction to the rich medium of encaustics. Stephanie Hargrave leads you step-by-step through the process of creating complex, luminous paintings with hot wax and pigment. You’ll get the basic techniques of encaustic under your belt, develop confidence in working with new materials, and walk away with one or more ready-to-hang works.

“There is so much one can do with encaustics. I had no idea before your class.” — Jill K.

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Thank you for reading and we hope you find some classes to add to your art life!

Steve and Carla

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