2024 Artist Lectures and Classes at OMAA
Check out our full list of classes below. Artist lectures and classes have a ticket price of $45 per class, pre-registration required unless noted otherwise. Classes will open for registration at the end of April.
Tom Glover, Learning from the Collection: Approaching Painting with OMAA as a Resource
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 3:30 – 6:30PM
For the first hour of this class, students will examine work on view in the Museum and choose an artist’s work that is of interest to them. This will give the students an opportunity to think about a specific style of painting while participating in discussions about the dynamism of modern art in the early to mid-20th century. Together with instructor Glover, participants will specifically examine the artist’s techniques: painterly qualities, color use, composition—all the formal elements the artist deployed in building their painting. For the remainder of the class, students will apply what they have observed to their own practice while plein art painting on the Museum’s grounds. Students will need to bring their own materials.
Carl Austin Hyatt, The Light of Narrow Cove
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 5 – 7PM
Carl Austin Hyatt has been photographing the coast of New England for 35 years. More recently his focus has been on Narrow Cove and nearby Bald Head Cliff (at CLIFF HOUSE MAINE). He will speak about how the ‘spirit of place’ shapes not only art but also the artist and even the community through time. He will share insights into how to create compelling compositions of the sea gleaned from his many years of work on the coast.There will also be an opportunity to have a hands-on experience with his 8″ x10″ view camera. He sees his work at Narrow Cove as contributing to the ongoing legacy of Ogunquit’s original artist community. He will also reflect on the tradition of fine art photography and how that has evolved since he took his first workshop with Ansel Adams in 1971.
Todd Bonita, The Simple Line: Oil Painting for Beginners
MONDAY, JULY 1, 4:00 – 7:00PM
This class is for beginners who have never painted before or for those who have some experience but are looking for more. Using only four colors, we will break down the painting process into three easy steps: assessing color, drawing, and expressive mark making, design, value, color, and creative oil painting techniques will be discussed and demonstrated. With an understanding of these principles, students will be better equipped to meet the challenges of painting and better able to express themselves as an artist.
Ric Della Bernarda & Claire Bigbee, Dueling Painters and Seascapes
TUESDAY, JULY 16, 4 – 6:30PM
Join Ric Della Bernarda, Cliff House Maine Artist in Residence, and Claire Bigbee, local plein air and fine artist, as they explain their technical approach to painting seascapes in a1.5-hour lecture. Beginning with a presentation referencing both their own work and paintings from the Museum’s collection, they will speak about the fundamental principles of painting water – composition, values,color, edges, and, especially, simplifying and loosening brushwork. For the remaining hour, students are invited to practice the aspects of the lesson they found most illuminating by sketching seascapes they findon view in our galleries or taking inspiration from our rocky coastline, if the weather permits. Ric and Claire will circulate and give informal instruction during this time.To participate, students will need to bring a sketchbook and a sketching pencil.
This class is FREE. Pre-registration preferred but walk-ins are welcome.
Heather Lewis, Outdoor Sketching and Painting
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 10AM – 1PM
This workshop is a classic, set in OMAA’s sculpture gardens with its breathtaking views of Maine’s iconic rocky cliffs and sea. Artist/teacher Heather Lewis will share her love of sketching in this location and offer her expertise on capturing what is seen in an outdoor setting, while on the move. Workshop participants will receive admission to the museum with a docent-led tour of the permanent collection and learn about the historic Ogunquit Art communities. All skill levels are welcome.
