Workshops
VIVA Gallery offers an exciting and diverse selection of instructional workshops in various styles and media in our classroom above the VIVA Gallery. One-off classes are listed first, following by Ongoing Series.
Note that our classes include more than painting workshops! See our growing list of Other Classes at the bottom of this page, including Yoga and Meditation evening classes.
If a class is highlighted (blue box), click on its title for more details and sample images. To register for any workshop, please contact the individual instructor (or organization).
Art Workshops for Adults – Special Dates/Series:
Collage & Journal Construction
Various Sundays, 1–5pm, starting June 1, 2008. Workshops with Reva Solomon, (323) 876-7090.
Figure Photography (entry level) *new
Sunday, June 27, noon – 5pm. Workshop with Gustavo Castilla. All materials supplied by instructor. We will be working with one camera, 8 x 10. If you do not have holders and or film let me know so I can bring some for you to use. The focus of the workshop is working with models and figure. Hot lights will be used so that we can work with shadows and highlight and enhancing form.” Model: Betcee May. Maximum 8 students. $150.00 per person. Contact Gustavo at (818) 632-2035. Visit Gustavo’s Workshop page.
The Art of Pastel Painting
Saturday, July 19. Instructor: renowned pastel artist Loraine Veeck. Pastel painting with emphasis on the Elements of Art and Composition. Call Loraine, (818) 346-0855. More details and images
Workshops with Tally Oliveau
Visit Tally’s website www.papierstudio.com for important details and photos. To register, please contact her at 818-264-9474 or by email at tally@papierstudio.com.
Brown Bag It – A Paper Bag Book
Monday, July 7, 2008. 7–9:30pm. Fee $35. Create your new favorite art journal or book with simple paper bags. Pockets suddenly appear to hold your secrets, personal notes, favorite quotes or poems, or cards and tags that you embellish, as desired.
Background Papers to Treasure
Monday, August 11, 2008. 7-9:30pm. Fee $35. Let’s have some serious fun, and let’s get messy! This class is all about creating extraordinary painted papers for you to use in journals, collage, cards or even just frame as is!
Gelatin Monoprinting
Tuesday, August 26, 2008. 7-9:30pm. Fee $20. Discover the easy and fun art of monoprinting, using an unusual substance: gelatin! This is a fun class for all levels in making whimsical or sophisticated monoprints. All ages also welcome!
Tissue Paper Collage
Tuesday, September 16, 2008. 7–9pm. Fee $30. Tissue paper is one of my favorite art supplies – and after this class, you will have a good understanding of why. Each student will walk away with a piece(s) that can be framed, or added to art journals or other collages.
The Crit: Feedback and Discussion on your Art *new
Six Monday evenings, September 15, 22, 29, October 6, 20, 27, 2008, 7–9pm. Group critiques led by Carol Bishop, artist and author. Get objective, constructive response to your paintings, photos, sculptures or any project you bring in for discussion. What is your art saying? How does your work communicate? All artists need objective reactions to their work. In these sessions, you'll learn what people really see, receive tips on your projects that need something extra you can’t put your finger on, and get ideas for finishing your pieces professionally. Contact Carol Bishop at (323) 466-2589, or e-mail her at harryspoon@aol.com. Series cost: $120.00. Beginners and advanced artists welcomed.
Sketching with Watercolor
With Brenda Swenson. Three days: Fri-Sat-Sun, September 26, 27, 28, 2008. Improve your drawing and painting skills or create travel journals – and come away excited and inspired about sketching. More details and images.
Art Workshops for Adults – Ongoing Series:
Basic Oil Painting with Scott Kiche *new
First and third Fridays of the month 9:00am-1:00pm. Oil painting workshop class with Scott Kiche. Class will explore composition and color. Students are welcomed to bring existing work from home. Cost: $40 per session. For more info call Scott Kiche at (818) 626-4292.
Mandala Painting
Series of 3 Sundays: September 7, 14, and 21, 11:30am–3:30pm. Three session series exploring the cultural tradition of Mandala Painting world wide, discovering your own personal symbols of expression using the circle form which represents coming from your heart center. We will paint with acrylic on canvas. Classes will cover various techniques including stencils and how to make them, transferring images, tools, taping, using raised paint, and decorative options. As you open up your creative channels you will complete a colorful personal Mandala as a symbol of learning, growing, healing, and exploring your artistic talent. Contact Judith Bloch, your facilitator, at (818) 906-7993 or email for questions, enrollment, and materials list. Series cost is $100. Beginners welcome.
Painting Fast, Loose and Free
Workshops with Diane Dubin. New 6-week session starts May 20. Call Diane at (818) 342-6161. More details and images.
Watercolor with Rea Nagel
Watercolor Workshops. A 10-week series on Tuesday afternoons, 12:30–3:30pm. Call Rea at (818) 908-5919. More details and images.
Gene Inglis-Ward
Watercolor, Acrylic & Collage. Every 4th Monday of the month, 10am–4pm. Call Gene at (805) 688-5282.
Out of Sight Monotypes
Diane Dubin monotype printmaking workshops, every 2nd Tuesday of the month. New students welcome. More details and images...
Alexandra Tarakanov
Personalized Art Workshop. Every Thursday evening, 6:30–9:30pm. More details and images...
LA Experimental Artists
Experimental Mixed Media & Collage Workshops. Please note that these are “co-op” classes; each experimental group consists of approximately 12 artists, and each member teaches one session per year. Cost: $60 per year for 12 sessions, paid in advance at the start of the year to the group leader. Groups 1–3 are currently at full enrollment. The LAEA groups hold an annual exhibition, which is optional and a separate fee.
Group 1
Led by Ben Goldman. Last Thursday of every month, 10am–4pm. Currently at full enrollment. More details and images...
Group 2
Led by Chris Meyer. Second Friday of every month, 10am–4pm. Currently at full enrollment.
Group 3
Led by Avinger Nelson & Alan Christopher. Third Thursday of every month, 9am–4pm. Currently at full enrollment.
Group 4 - Currently forming
Led by Pat McMahon. First Thursday of every month, 10am–4pm. Contact: Pat Mc Mahon at (818) 787-3169 or email her at patmcm3@sbcglobal.net
Historical Photography * planning *
With photographer Gustavo Castilla. Classes in historical photography processes, including photograms, negative and printing with non-silver methods. Now in planning stage. More details and images...
New dates to be announced / call for wait list:
Painting with Watercolor
With Brenda Swenson. Three days: Fri-Sat-Sun. With each day of the workshop you’ll build a stronger understanding of design, color, content, value, edges and much more. More details and images.
Society for Calligraphy Workshops:
Pointed Pen Calligraphy
With calligrapher Xandra Y. Zamora of XYZ Ink. More details and images..
Italic Calligraphy, or Uncial Calligraphy
With calligrapher Carrie Imai. More details and images.
Art Workshops for Children & Teens:
Art Studio for Children
With Alexandra Tarakanov-Plax. Every Thursday evening, 5–6:30pm. More details and images...
Children’s Art Classes
With Kathy Barbro. Saturday mornings, 10:30am–12noon. More details and images...
Michelle Katona
Oil Painting & Drawing. Every Friday evening, 6–10pm. Inspirational coaching in technical and spiritual artistry. Beginners and children (from age 8) welcome. Call (818) 905-3350. Details and images on Michelle’s website.
Other Classes and Workshops held at VIVA:
Art As Therapy *new*
Creative Psychotherapy with Dr. Anita Bavarsky. First Session: Saturday, 8 December 2007. Call (818) 340-4999.
Yoga and the Art of Good Health *new*
Body/Breath movements for beginners and continuing students. Every Tuesday evening, 7:00-8:30pm. Certified instructor: karen M. Kadens. Fee: $10.00 for 90-minute class; eight-week renewal sessions. Discount for full time students with ID: $8.00 a single class. No penalty for missed classes. For more details, contact karen at (818) 681-3416, or email her at kmkyoga@att.net.
Meditation Classes
Gary Davis for Khandakapala Buddhist Center. Advanced & beginners. Every Monday night, 7:15–9:15pm. More details... Series starting March 2008: Introduction to Buddhism.