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Class and Workshop Registration

Register for our Year-Round Classes and special Workshops below in the Upcoming Events area.  Scroll down to find more events.  You must first become a PHAC member to register for classes or workshops. 

Become a Member now!

For detailed information about our year long classes, workshops and instructors please see Course schedule and Workshop pages under the Class/Workshop Information Pull Down Tab on the Home Page.



Upcoming events

    • 07/16/2025
    • 08/06/2025
    • 4 sessions
    • Historic Grant Ave, 216 South Grant Street, Denver, CO 80209
    • 5
    Register


    Wednesdays, July 16 to August 6, 2025, 12:30 - 3:00 pm, 4 sessions*

    Unleash your Creativity with Sketchbooking!

    A sketchbook can be a record of your own personal, unique artistic journey. In this class we are going to play in our sketchbooks without worrying about creating beautiful artworks. The aim of the class is to quiet the voices in your head that say your art isn’t good enough and just have fun creating.

    The instructors will bring lots of supplies for you to play with. You will only need to bring a pen, pencil, eraser, and a sketchbook.

    Each class will start with a warm-up followed by 2 or more demonstrations that you’ll, then try out in your sketchbook. You will fill your sketchbook pages with simple pattern designs, quirky collage scenes and characters, continuous-line, still life, portrait drawings, figure sketches, and mixed media projects that use collage, markers, watercolor paints, stencils, and stamps.

    LEVEL

    Beginning


    SUPPLIES INSTRUCTOR WILL PROVIDE

    Watercolor paints and brushes, watercolor markers and other markers, gel pens, watercolor crayons, colored pencils, pastels, collage papers, magazines and magazine cutouts for collage, glue, stamps, stencils, scissors, paper towels.


    SUPPLIES FOR STUDENTS TO BRING

    • A black waterproof pen. Gelly Roll is Ruby's favorite, but an ultra fine Sharpie or Posca Pen or similar will work.

    • A mechanical or a #2 pencil

    • Your favorite eraser (for pencil lines)

    • A sketchbook: Choose a sketchbook of any size with good paper like good watercolor paper or mixed media paper (NOT drawing paper.) If you have an old sketchbook(s) with blank pages, you can use that. Spiral-bound books are easy to use. Note: The store FIVE BELOW has an HQ Watercolor spiral-bound sketchbook with good paper for $5. It's 9x12" and has a toucan on the cover.

    • A #6 or #8 round brush watercolor brush. Princeton SNAP brushes are inexpensive and you can get them at Guiry's or Meiningers.

    • A water container and a paper towel or rag

    • Bring any other supplies you think you'd like to use in the class (see what supplies the instructor will bring to see what kinds of supplies we'll use.) We are going to be working almost exclusively in water soluble mediums.


    ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS

    Wanda and Ruby have been active Park Hill Art Club members for several years. They share a love of mixed media art and both have extensive backgrounds in teaching and learning. Ruby has kept sketchbooks for 10 years and has recently started a regular daily sketchbook practice. Wanda has practiced her art for decades and has piles of files where she keeps all her practice artwork. After planning this class, she is now thinking that perhaps keeping her practice artwork in a sketchbook is a good idea!


    QUESTIONS

    Please direct questions to Ruby at akaruby2001@yahoo.com or 303-960-0617.


    * NOTE: Doors open at 12:00 and close at 3:30 to give the instructor and students time to set up before class begins and to clean up at the end of each class.

    • 08/06/2025
    • 12:15 PM
    • 08/20/2025
    • 3:15 PM
    • NEW LOCATION: Historic Grant Avenue, 216 S Grant St, Denver, CO 80209
    • 13
    Register


    Wednesdays, August 6 - 20, 2025, 12:15 - 3:15 pm - 3 Sessions*

    Get Expert Advice on Any Work in Progress

    Students are invited to bring in any piece of work in progress — all media and styles of art. It can be acrylic, watercolor, oil, pastel, or mixed media — abstract to realistic, landscape to still life. You create it and bring it in for a critique or advice on how to proceed to finish and continue in class. When time allows, Cliff will give a demo and talk about an aspect of art, design, composition, mark making, materials, etc. that students inquire about. Students will be limited to two paintings for a critique so that everyone can have time to paint and observe. This will be a very interactive class in which students and instructor will work intuitively together. 


    Student Level

    All levels


    Supplies Students BrinG       

    Student brings their own painting and supplies.            

    PLEASE NOTE: Students are required to bring a container for acrylic and/or oil paint waste and will need to take it home to dispose of properly. It CANNOT be poured down the drains at our new location. Students are also encouraged to wipe brushes clean.


      CLASS CAPACITY

      Minimum of 6 students, Maximum of 10


      Questions

      Email or call instructor. cliffaustin@comcast.net or 720-401-3496.


      About the Instructor

      Cliff Austin is a graduate of Denver Institute of Technology and the Rocky Mountain School of Art. He lives in Aurora Colorado. He has been painting and illustrating since 1980 when he graduated from RMSA. He has affiliation with many Colorado art organizations such as the Pastel Society of Colorado, the Plein Air Artists of Colorado, the Oil Painters of America and the American Impressionists Society. His work can be seen at Mary Williams Fine Art Gallery, Boulder CO. After many years working in the corporate field, Ball Aerospace to Douglas Aircraft, the love of landscape painting never diminished. The core of Cliff’s art is the relationship of light on shape using line and tone and color as it wraps and flows around the landscape and cityscape. He has won many national awards in Pastel and Oils. 

      www.cliffaustin.com 
      cliff@cliffaustin.com

      www.pastelsocietyofcolorado.org
      www.pleinairartistscolorado.com
      www.americanimpressionistsociety.org
      www.oilpaintersofamerica.com


      * NOTE: Doors open at 12:00 and close at 3:30 to give the instructor and students time to set up before class begins and to clean up at the end of each class.

      • 08/07/2025
      • 9:15 AM
      • 08/21/2025
      • 12:15 PM
      • Historic Grant Ave, 216 South Grant Street, Denver, CO 80209
      • 16
      Register


        Thursdays, August 7 - 21, 9:15 am - 12:15 pm - 3 Sessions

        Learn Abstraction Like A Master!

        In this class, we are going to be studying the Masters like Miro and Picasso! In this class we aren't going to do the traditional study where we are trying to replicate whole paintings, we are going to study the color palettes the masters used and see how we can incorporate their color palettes in our own work.

        You can use any of the old abstract masters you find inspiring to do your studies. Once we identify a few paintings we love, we'll then break out what colors are used in the art and create some of our own art using these colors. Its a wonderful way to work with some interesting, proven color palettes. I always learn new things when i start projects and push outside my comfort zone.

        If color is your problem area, the thing you dread the most when you start creating.....then this will be especially helpful exercise for you!


        LEVEL

        All levels


        SUPPLIES TO BRING

        Acrylic paints,, markers, pencils and brushes

        Any type of paper (copy, watercolor, sketchbook, etc.)

        Canvas- small medium

        Modpodge or gel medium

        Scissors

        Tape

        Water container: PLEASE NOTE: Students are required to bring a container for acrylic paint waste and will need to take it home to dispose of it properly. It cannot be poured down the drains at the new location. Students are also encouraged to wipe brushes clean.


        Questions

        Reach Jennifer at jenniferbobola.art@gmail.com or 303-884-5753.

        About the Instructor

        Jennifer Bobola joined Park Hill Art Club in January 2013. She has had a wide range of teaching experience from undergraduate to adult education. Jennifer studied art in the Netherlands, attending the Utrecht School of the Arts, and with Kevin Weckbach and Mark Nelson of Colorado. She also studied music performance at Metropolitan State University for saxophone. Jennifer uses a thoughtful approach, allowing experimentation and improvisation to make her work more balanced and alive, while manipulating dimensions of color and shape.

        * NOTE: Doors open at 9:00 and close at 12:30 to give the instructor and students time to set up before class begins and to clean up at the end of each class.

        • 09/10/2025
        • 12:15 PM
        • 10/01/2025
        • 3:15 PM
        • NEW LOCATION: Historic Grant Avenue, 216 S Grant St, Denver, CO 80209
        • 17
        Register


        Wednesdays, September 10 - October 1, 12:15  - 3:15 pm - 4 Sessions*

        Free up your Watercolors this Autumn!

        Join Steve for this ‘Paint Along’ class where he will construct a different landscape painting from start to finish, during each class, while you paint along with him. Steve will take you through the process step-by-step. He will demonstrate how he moves through the steps to create a loose, moving, and evocative painting. Plan to have fun, try some new painting techniques, and see what you can do when you paint with a loose watercolor style!


        LEVEL

        All Levels


        SUPPLIES TO BRING

        Paint

        VanGogh or Daniel Smith brands

        • Ultramarine Deep
        • Permanent Red Light
        • Gamboge
        • Oxide Black

        OR (don’t buy both)

        Cotman (This brand is an acceptable alternative)

        • Ultramarine
        • Cadmium Red Hue
        • Gamboge Hue
        • Lamp Black

        Paper

        1 - 30 x 22 sheet Arches 140# rough OR cold press torn or cut into ¼ sheets

        Brushes

        • #12 AND #14 round brush (Princeton Neptune recommended but not required)
        • 1” Flat Brush

        Miscellaneous

        • 1 16” x 20” Masonite, Luan, or equal board to mount paper
        • 1” roll masking tape
        • 2 water containers
        • 1 box tissue (no perfumes or lotions)
        • 1 cello sponge


        ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

        I've always been a dreamer, a romantic, and an artist. I've been told more than once that I have my 'head in the clouds.' I admit that is true. I see the world differently. Maybe that is why I like watercolor so much. It is fluid and free and has a hard time playing by the rules.

        I received a traditional art education at both Michigan State University and Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, but I just couldn't seem to follow the rules either. I kept asking, "What if I did this?" Or, "What if I changed that?" Early on I developed a loose style of watercolor painting and over time it has evolved to a very loose style. I start a story with my paintings but then, I want the person looking at them to find their own story and finish what I started. That is how I connect with the collector, by creating a story telling relationship. I want to do more than paint a pretty picture. I want to create art that connects us through thoughts, memories, feelings, and beauty.

        Learn more about Steve and his art at his website.

        You can also listen to an interview with Steve and his wife Sue here (use the password PHACArt).


        QUESTIONS

        Please direct questions to Steve at steve@stevegriggswatercolor.com.


        * NOTE: Doors open at 12:00 and close at 3:30 to give the instructor and students time to set up before class begins and to clean up at the end of each class.

        • 09/11/2025
        • 9:15 AM
        • 10/02/2025
        • 12:15 PM
        • Historic Grant Avenue, 216 S Grant St, Denver, CO 80209
        • 15
        Register


        Thursdays, September 11 - October 2, 2025, 9:15 am - 12:15 pm - 4 Sessions *

        Master Pastel Landscapes!

        Learn how to paint landscapes with pastels in the Alla Prima style. Techniques for approaching how to paint a landscape will be covered in this class at an intermediate and advanced level. Class will be structured around the drawing, painting and development of expressive techniques of landscape art with students working in  pastels.

        Experience level

        Intermediate to Advanced

        Supplies Students BrinG       

        • Set of 40 half stick Soft Pastels containing both primaries and secondaries
        • Recommended - Sennelier Extra soft 40 assorted half pastels 
        • Uart 400 or 500 texture sanded pastel paper 9 x 12 
        • White Art tape or beige masking tape, Note: Not green frog tape or blue painter’s tape 
        • Drawing Board or backing board like foamcore or Masonite drawing board to tape the paper on to 
        • Landscape photo references 
        • Viva Paper Towels  

        Materials will be discussed at the first class.


          CLASS CAPACITY

          Minimum of 6 students, Maximum of 10


          QUESTIONS

          Email or call instructor. cliffaustin@comcast.net or 720-401-3496.

          About the Instructor

          Cliff Austin is a graduate of Denver Institute of Technology and the Rocky Mountain School of Art. He lives in Aurora Colorado. He has been painting and illustrating since 1980 when he graduated from RMSA. He has affiliation with many Colorado art organizations such as the Pastel Society of Colorado, the Plein Air Artists of Colorado, the Oil Painters of America and the American Impressionists Society. His work can be seen at Mary Williams Fine Art Gallery, Boulder CO. After many years working in the corporate field, Ball Aerospace to Douglas Aircraft, the love of landscape painting never diminished. The core of Cliff’s art is the relationship of light on shape using line and tone and color as it wraps and flows around the landscape and cityscape. He has won many national awards in Pastel and Oils. 

          www.cliffaustin.com 
          cliff@cliffaustin.com

          www.pastelsocietyofcolorado.org
          www.pleinairartistscolorado.com
          www.americanimpressionistsociety.org
          www.oilpaintersofamerica.com


          * NOTE: Doors open at 9:00 and close at 12:30 to give the instructor and students time to set up before class begins and to clean up at the end of each class.

          • 09/11/2025
          • 10/02/2025
          • 4 sessions
          • Historic Grant Avenue, 216 S Grant St, Denver, CO 80209
          • 10
          Register


          Thursdays, September 11 - October 2, 2025,  - 9:15 am - 12:15 pm - 4 Sessions *

          Learn to draw using contour lines, value, and shading!

          In this Beginners Drawing Class students will learn various techniques of drawing, from linear work to shading!

          We will start with CONTOUR DRAWING. Contour drawing is seeing the contour of objects, subjects, faces, hands, etc. and drawing lines to identify these contours. Modified contour with variation of line and weighted line.

          Then we will proceed with VALUE. Values in drawing means the shading of shadows, drop shadows, while preserving the highlights, etc. These range from the darkest values to the white of page with grays in between giving a drawn subject the illusion of being 3-dimensional. Students will learn to SHADE and create value gradients using three finely sharpened wooden carbon pencils while learning about the varying hardness and softness of these carbons. Then we will use a few erasers for highlighting. Blending values using a stump as well as using differing pressures.

          DRAWING Then you will also learn how to draw and shade a cone, cube and sphere for practice that leads into doing your final drawing of choice using contour drawing and shading with the skills you have learned. You will finish this class with the confidence to draw any subject and to shade it to create a 3-dimensional, beautiful finished drawing you can be proud of.


          LEVEL

          Beginning


          SUPPLIES INSTRUCTOR WILL BRING

          Teacher will bring a few extra sheets or paper and pencils.


          SUPPLIES TO BRING

          All these supplies are what I have learned helps with drawing artwork

          1- Strathmore 400 Series Sketch Pad, 9” x 12”, 24 Sheets 

          1- Pencil bag or Ziplock baggy

          1- HB Pencil                   

          1- 4B pencil      

          1- Ebony pencil   

          1- Large Kneaded Grey Eraser w/ Case (Faber-Castell) or another brand

          1-Pink Pearl Eraser 

          1- handheld pencil sharpener w/ container for shavings 

          1-12" clear plastic ruler 

          Extras:                       

          2- blending stumps, small (#1) & large (#3)

          1-Mr. Pen Drafting brush or 2" Chip Paint Brush for dusting off eraser shavings

          All supplies can be purchased at Meininger’s, Guiry's or on Amazon


          ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

          Lara Hooper is a Colorado watercolor painter, oil painter, printmaker and educator.

          Lara has a BFA and a Master’s in Education.

          For the past 27 years, Lara has had a wonderful career teaching High School Drawing, Painting, Printmaking and Metal-smithing for the Jeffco Public Schools. She also taught metal-smithing and photography at Red Rocks Community College. In addition, she taught private watercolor painting lessons.

          She has been exhibited in various Art exhibits including The Annual Juried Jeffco Art Teacher’s Exhibit at the Lakewood Cultural Center receiving awards for her jewelry and printmaking.

          She is a member of the Colorado Watercolor Society and an avid Plein Air painter.

          Learn more about Lara by visiting her website.


          QUESTIONS

          Please direct questions to Lara at larahoops@icloud.com.


          * NOTE: Doors open at 9:00 and close at 12:30 to give the instructor and students time to set up before class begins and to clean up at the end of each class.

          • 10/09/2025
          • 9:15 AM
          • 10/23/2025
          • 12:15 PM
          • Historic Grant Avenue, 216 S Grant St, Denver, CO 80209
          • 10
          Register


          Thursdays, October 9 - October 23 , 9:00 am - 12:30 pm - 3 Sessions

          Paint Realistic Still Lifes in Watercolor!

          Learn how to make your watercolor still life paintings pop off the page! In this 3-week class, we’ll focus on how to build form using light, shadow, and color—so your apples look round, your mugs feel solid, and your compositions feel full of depth.

          You’ll explore how to:

          • See and paint simple shapes as three-dimensional forms
          • Use warm and cool colors to create the illusion of volume
          • Layer watercolor transparently to add depth
          • Control edges to make some areas soft and subtle, others crisp and focused

          Each week includes short exercises and one guided painting project. You’ll leave class with at least one finished still life painting and the tools to keep going on your own.

          All levels welcome, but some watercolor experience is helpful. This class is perfect for anyone looking to strengthen their painting foundations and bring more life to their still lifes.


          LEVEL

          Beginner


          SUPPLIES INSTRUCTOR WILL PROVIDE

          • Reference Photos
          • Graphite sticks


          SUPPLIES TO BRING

          • Arches cold press watercolor paper 9” x 12”
          • 2H graphite pencil
          • Kneaded eraser
          • Artist tape
          • Mix of warm/cool colors and neutrals; recommended colors:

          o Cadmium Red Light

          o Alizarin Crimson

          o Ultramarine Blue

          o Cadmium Yellow Light

          o New Gamboge

          o Burnt Sienna

          o Yellow Ochre

          o Payne’s Gray

          o Indigo

          • Mix of flat and round brushes; recommended brushes:

          o Princeton Velvetouch Rounds 12, 8, 4, 2, liner

          • Water container
          • Paper towels
          • Sketchbook
          • Scrap watercolor paper


          ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

          Lisa Riannson is a Colorado artist and experienced art instructor who loves helping people explore their creativity. With a knack for breaking down techniques and making art approachable, she’s taught workshops, private lessons, and community sessions for artists of all levels. Lisa’s teaching style focuses on building confidence while having fun, whether she’s guiding beginners through watercolor basics or helping more advanced students refine their skills. She believes art has the power to connect people and bring joy, and she’s passionate about sharing that with her students.


          QUESTIONS

          Please direct questions to Lisa at lisa@lisariannson.com.

          * NOTE: Doors open at 9:00 and close at 12:30 to give the instructor and students time to set up before class begins and to clean up at the end of each class.

          • 10/29/2025
          • 11/19/2025
          • 4 sessions
          • Historic Grant Avenue, 216 S Grant St, Denver, CO 80209
          • 4
          Register


          Wednesdays, October 29 - November 19, 1:00 - 3:00 PM - 4 Sessions * 

          Bring Your Vision to Life in Watercolor!

          PAINT what YOU want to paint in this FUN 4 week class! Students will work individually on their own watercolor paintings. Instruction on all aspects of the painting process, drawing, color mixing, composition, watercolor techniques and more. Class is for beginner to advanced painters. Students must bring photos and reference materials for their paintings.


          LEVEL

          Any


          SUPPLIES INSTRUCTOR WILL PROVIDE

          • reference materials, light box, a few extra palettes with paint and brushes


          SUPPLIES TO BRING

          Reference materials for their paintings


          Watercolor Paints - M. Graham, Da Vinci, Daniel Smith, Winsor and Newton, Cheap Joe’s American Journey (brands recommended)

          • ultramarine blue
          • cerulean blue or cobalt blue
          • cadmium yellow medium
          • gamboge yellow (want yellow orange color some brands look brownish)
          • cadmium red
          • alizarin crimson
          • sap green
          • burnt sienna
          • raw sienna

          Arches 140# paper cold press watercolor paper (9 x 12 inch sheet size works well)

          WC Paint Brushes: synthetic or golden taklon, short handle

          • Round #10 or brush
          • Round #2 brush for detail
          • Flat 1 inch brush

          Palette (Folding Palette works well)

          Board (12 x 16 or larger, this is to tape watercolor paper to)

          Masking Tape

          Pencil

          Kneaded Eraser

          Cups/containers for water

          Paper Towels

          Blow Dryer


          Get Supplies at:


          ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

          Pam McLaughlin is a Colorado watercolor painter, photographer and author.

          Pam's paintings have been in numerous exhibitions including the International American Watercolor Society’s Exhibition in New York City and are featured in the Spring 2023 edition of the Art of Watercolor Magazine (49th Issue).

          For the past 15 years, Pam has taught watercolor. She is presently on the faculty at the Art Students League of Denver and teaches at the Arvada Center for the Arts.


          QUESTIONS

          Please direct questions to Pam at Watercolorsplash@gmail.com.


          * NOTE: Though the classes are listed as lasting from 1-3 pm, students are welcome to arrive earlier as early as 12:00 pm to work on their projects beforehand or get warmed up for creating with Pam. Doors close at 3:30.

          • 12/03/2025
          • 12/17/2025
          • 3 sessions
          • Historic Grant Avenue, 216 S Grant St, Denver, CO 80209
          • 9
          Register


          Wednesdays, December 3 - 17, 12:15 - 3:15 PM - 3 Sessions * 

          Capture Your Canine Loved One in Watercolor!

          Draw and paint your dog in this FUN three-week course. In the first week and start of second week, instructor will give step by step instruction in the anatomy, drawing and painting of a dog of her choosing. In week 2 and 3 of class, students will draw and paint their very own dog. Students must bring an 8.5 x 11 photocopy of their dog with the head filling most of the picture.


          LEVEL

          Any


            SUPPLIES TO BRING

            8.5 x 11 color photocopy of their dog with the head filling most of the picture.


            Watercolor Paints - M. Graham, Da Vinci, Daniel Smith, Winsor and Newton, Cheap Joe’s American Journey (brands recommended)

            • ultramarine blue
            • cerulean blue or cobalt blue
            • cadmium yellow medium
            • gamboge yellow (want yellow orange color some brands look brownish)
            • cadmium red
            • alizarin crimson
            • sap green
            • burnt sienna
            • raw sienna

            Arches 140# paper cold press watercolor paper (9 x 12 inch sheet size works well)

            WC Paint Brushes: synthetic or golden taklon, short handle

            • Round #10 or brush
            • Round #2 brush for detail
            • Flat 1 inch brush

            Palette (Folding Palette works well)

            Board (12 x 16 or larger, this is to tape watercolor paper to)

            Masking Tape

            Pencil

            Kneaded Eraser

            Cups/containers for water

            Paper Towels

            Blow Dryer


            Get Supplies at:


            ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

            Pam McLaughlin is a Colorado watercolor painter, photographer and author.

            Pam's paintings have been in numerous exhibitions including the International American Watercolor Society’s Exhibition in New York City and are featured in the Spring 2023 edition of the Art of Watercolor Magazine (49th Issue).

            For the past 15 years, Pam has taught watercolor. She is presently on the faculty at the Art Students League of Denver and teaches at the Arvada Center for the Arts.


            QUESTIONS

            Please direct questions to Pam at Watercolorsplash@gmail.com.


            * NOTE: Doors open at 12:00 and close at 3:30 to give the instructor and students time to set up before class begins and to clean up at the end of each class.

          Email: parkhillartclub@gmail.com

          Mail:
          Park Hill Art Club
          P.O. Box 200572
          Denver, CO 80220

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