Plein Air Painting – How to Begin

Date: Wednesday, October 7 (1-4pm) + Field Trip on Later Date
Cost: $145 ($135 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Donna O’Hara
Skill Level: Beginner

If you have ever wanted to paint from nature and found the experience overwhelming and just plain frustrating, this class may put you on the right path! You’ll have the chance to discover many types of set-ups, explore a variety of materials, learn how different media and different locations can affect your preparation, set-up and flow. The first class will take place in the classroom at Blue Ridge Art Center and will demonstrate how to set up and how the use a carts, easels, chairs and materials can simplify the process. You will receive a list of absolutes to get you started, along with some suggestions, and room to add to it and personalize your check list for plein air painting. We will also touch on how to break down what you see allowing you to capture the essence of your painting from life and how this differs from studio painting using a photo for inspiration.

The second class is a field trip. We’ll spend time at a location and try out some of the things we learned in the first class. Some set-up items may be available to borrow for the day (such as easels, chairs and possibly a cart), while other items will need to be supplied by the artist. You can of course bring any set-up items you already have to round out your plein air experience. You will also need to bring your own medium and supplies to paint your piece. Donna will demonstrate how she sets up and selects a subject in order to clarify and give an example to all. After painting, the group will gather to compare notes, show off our endeavors and discuss any problems we can dispel. Bring a lunch if you wish. Weather always impacts where to go and how long we stay at our location. So this will be fine tuned at our first class when we have a better idea of the weather predictions .

Donna O’Hara has been painting in plein air for over thirty years. Having taken several workshops in pastel and oil plein air painting, Donna has created her knowledge base along with hundreds of hours painting experience on her own. She belongs to 2 plein air groups and a Pastel group. She has also participated and competed in many plein air competitions across the South East and has won awards for her work in pastel and clay.

REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 12

Author Talk: Katherine Reay

Date: Thursday, October 8
Time: 6:00 – 7:30pm (doors open at 5:30pm)
Author: Katherine Reay
Cost: $20 per person

“During the winter of 1950 in the small Cotswold village of Great Rollright, amateur sleuth Gemma Brown starts to suspect that the town’s best baker, Ursula Beurton, is a Soviet spy, tumbling her headlong into a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse that ends with a decision that will lead her to the Undercover Bookshop and change her life forever.” Join Katherine Reay as she discusses her most recent book, “The Undercover Bookshop”.

Katherine Reay is a national bestselling and award-winning author of twelve novels and one non-fiction work. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Northwestern University, her writing has appeared in numerous publications, including Redbook, USA TODAY, The Daily Beast, Criminal Element, and many more. She holds a master’s in marketing from Northwestern University as well. Katherine resides in Montana with her husband and their dogs. 

Purchase tickets online in advance. Email firstchapterbookshop@gmail.com with any questions or concerns. Ticket includes attendance, a signed book and refreshments.

Tuesday Night Handbuilding
Clay Open Workshop

Date: October 6, 13, 20, 27
Time: 5:30 – 8:30pm
Cost: $30 ($25 BRAC Members) per session
Instructor: Wendy Converse
Skill Level: Some Experience Needed

Join us at the Blue Ridge Arts Center for our Tuesday Night Handbuilding workshops. At this open studio session, all supplies, including clay is provided. Just come with an idea and some enthusiasm and Wendy will help you make your ideas reality. Get your hands dirty as you sculpt, carve and create in three dimensions. Create in a relaxing and supportive environment. There are no specific projects planned, so some experience is helpful as well as an idea of what you’d like to make, but our group of artists will help guide you and give you helpful tips to make the best of your experience. All work will dry for several weeks before being fired then you’ll come back to glaze your piece(s).

Wendy’s passion for clay started in college, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts with a focus in Ceramics and Printmaking. After which, she spent 14 years in Massachusetts studying under numerous ceramic and sculpture artists in order to expand her vision and skills. In 2014, Wendy relocated to Salem, SC to focus on her art and family. Her work has been shown in galleries up and down the East Coast and resides in private collections across the country.

REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 8

PLAY WITH THE ELEMENTS OF DESIGN 2
Learn, Use, Repeat!

Dates: Wed-Fri, October 14-16
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Cost: $235 ($225 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Martha Driscoll
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome

This is an acrylic class.

Choose a composition that inspires you and make it your own, then critique it by using the elements of design. All artists are welcome. This class will be a reinforcement of using the elements of design with the goal of internalizing more painting knowledge. Students are asked to provide their own supplies for this class. Download the supply list.

Martha served on the Blue Ridge Arts Center Board and is a past president. Her reputation as an excellent teacher and an award-winning, innovative painter are recognized by her previous students, fellow artists, and the community at large. As the facilitator of Blue Ridge Arts Center’s Critique-Inspired Support, Life Drawing and Painting Artists Groups, her guidance is sought by professional and amateur artists alike.

REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 12

Watercolor for Dummies

Dates: October 21, 28, November 4, 11
Time: 9:00am – Noon
Cost: $175 ($165 BRAC Members)
Instructor: D Percy
Skill Level: Beginner

Don’t know your frisket from your ferrule, or your wash from your water? This is the class for you! This class is for true beginners in watercolor. We’ll learn the tools and tricks of using this challenging and fun medium to create art. You will do the exercises alongside the instructor, be able to ask questions about each step, and leave this series of classes feeling confident that you can begin your own journey and/or hold your own in future watercolor classes!

Your instructor, D Percy, has a lifetime of creative experience, in creating engaging adult education, and believes that you’re never ‘done’ learning watercolor. She says, “It’s the medium of choice for beginners, life-long learners and recovering perfectionists”.

Classes will be held in-person and have a ‘homework’ element between sessions to make the most valuable use of your instruction time. A materials list will be provided in advance. NOTE: Class 1 – No materials are required. Bring yourself, something to take notes on, and a non-alcoholic beverage of your choosing. We’ll learn all about materials so that you can make informed choices that align with your budget and time available to devote to the adventure.

From the wild landscapes of my youth to the vibrant cultures I’ve encountered across the globe, my journey has always been rooted in a deep reverence for the natural world. Though my early path led me into Wildlife Biology and a decades-long international career far from the studio, the call of creativity never left me—it simply waited for the right moment to resurface. Now, as a watercolor artist, I bring a lifetime of observation, curiosity, and global perspective to each piece I create. I strive to create art that is instantly recognizable yet emotionally resonant. I want to create art that invites viewers to reconnect with the landscapes and creatures that surround us. I paint to honor the wild, to share its stories, and to inspire others to see the world with fresh eyes.

REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 12

Soft Pastels Workshop

Date: Thursday, October 15 (1-4pm)
Cost: $45 (Must be a BRAC Member)
Instructor: Cynthia Jones
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome

Participants should expect a techniques discussion at the beginning of each workshop. Each student, working on their own chosen subject matter, gets individual attention from the instructor as she makes rounds offering help and guidance throughout the studio. Always bring your reference photos!

Payment will be collected at the class. Please bring cash or two checks – one written to BRAC for $12 and one to instructor for $33. A materials list is available at your first class.

Cynthia Jones has been teaching pastel painting to beginner and intermediate artists for the past 15 years, first at Keowee Key and then at BRAC. She has a BFA and teaching certification and has taught “art “ in many mediums to all ages throughout her life. She no longer lives on Lake Keowee, but continues her connection with BRAC by having this monthly workshop.

TO REGISTER: Call Cynthia at 404-242-5038 or email cpj928@yahoo.com. Payment will be made at the door (please bring cash or check). Maximum Participants: 8.

Critique & Technique

Date: Wednesday, October 21
Time: 1:00 – 3:00pm
Cost: $35 ($30 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Chris Cartledge
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome

We will briefly discuss the composition of a Masters’ artwork explaining the composition and design principles, elements and color strategy used at the start of each class. Afterwards, the space will be an open studio and participants will be encouraged to bring in finished or unfinished works for critique and technique advice from a professional artist. Chris has a strong background in visual design as well as experience in drawing, pen and ink, watercolor, acrylics and oils.

This class is designed to benefit beginner level artists through advanced level artists. We will focus on improving your knowledge of the art process and your art through practice and instruction.

Classes will take place on the third Wednesday of each month. While you are not required to attend every month, the sessions will build upon each other with each session including follow up, reinforcement and new material. Masters’ works will be discussed, and handouts will be provided. Plan to bring your own art and ideas for critique and constructive discussion. Participants should bring the materials needed to work on their personal projects.

Chris started painting while a student at Clemson University in the late 80s studying under Professor Ireland Regnier, where he further developed his deep love for the arts and painting. Recently, one of his paintings won honorable mention and was featured in “The Best of Acrylic Artist Magazine and American Artist”. Currently, Chris is on the board of the Blue Ridge Arts Council in Seneca, SC, where he teaches drawing, painting (oil, acrylic, and watercolor), sculpture, and art theory. He creates from his home studio overlooking Lake Keowee.

REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 13

5-Day Open Studio Artist Retreat

Date: Monday-Friday, October 26-30
Time: 9:00am – 9:00pm
Cost: $100 (must be a BRAC Member)
No Instructor
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome

Paint like the Masters of old working alongside a supportive community of fellow artists. Our week‑long Open Studio session offers you a dedicated workspace and the freedom to create whenever inspiration strikes. Come early, stay late, or drop in throughout the day — the studio is yours to enjoy at your own pace.

This is a chance to immerse yourself in your work and an opportunity to be inspired by others. During midday breaks, artists are welcome to participate in informal peer critiques, offering fresh perspectives, encouragement, and thoughtful feedback. Many participants describe this experience as a meaningful catalyst for growth, learning, and renewed artistic energy.

We provide an 8′ table and an easel (if desired); you bring your preferred materials and tools. Set up on the first day and leave everything in place for the entire week — no packing up, no interruptions, just uninterrupted creative flow. 

Artists of all levels have embraced and endorsed this unique opportunity to create, connect, and expand their practice in a relaxed, communal studio environment.

REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 8

5-Day Open Studio Artist Retreat

Date: Monday-Friday, November 2-6
Time: 9:00am – 9:00pm
Cost: $100 (must be a BRAC Member)
No Instructor
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome

Paint like the Masters of old working alongside a supportive community of fellow artists. Our week‑long Open Studio session offers you a dedicated workspace and the freedom to create whenever inspiration strikes. Come early, stay late, or drop in throughout the day — the studio is yours to enjoy at your own pace.

This is a chance to immerse yourself in your work and an opportunity to be inspired by others. During midday breaks, artists are welcome to participate in informal peer critiques, offering fresh perspectives, encouragement, and thoughtful feedback. Many participants describe this experience as a meaningful catalyst for growth, learning, and renewed artistic energy.

We provide an 8′ table and an easel (if desired); you bring your preferred materials and tools. Set up on the first day and leave everything in place for the entire week — no packing up, no interruptions, just uninterrupted creative flow. 

Artists of all levels have embraced and endorsed this unique opportunity to create, connect, and expand their practice in a relaxed, communal studio environment.

REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 8

Vintage Bloom – Introduction to Hyper-Realism

Date: November 2, 9 & 16
Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Cost: $190 ($180 BRAC Members)
Instructor: D Percy
Skill Level: Intermediate, but All Levels Welcome

This class is intended for intermediate adventurers in watercolor although all skill levels are welcome as there is plenty to learn! You will utilize the concept of “seeing” and reinforce color harmonization strategies as you learn to use layering and watercolor’s transparent qualities to paint a glass subject. You will also learn new techniques utilizing drafting tape and tracing paper to drive crisp clean edges. This 3-part class will have a homework element as you work to achieve the level of detail you desire for this piece.

There are no pre-requisite classes, but you might hear reinforcement of things other students may have learned as a part of prior classes. Come join the fun! A high-level outline of process and approach will be provided in addition to traceable image and reference photos. Download supply list.

From the wild landscapes of my youth to the vibrant cultures I’ve encountered across the globe, my journey has always been rooted in a deep reverence for the natural world. Though my early path led me into Wildlife Biology and a decades-long international career far from the studio, the call of creativity never left me—it simply waited for the right moment to resurface. Now, as a watercolor artist, I bring a lifetime of observation, curiosity, and global perspective to each piece I create. I strive to create art that is instantly recognizable yet emotionally resonant. I want to create art that invites viewers to reconnect with the landscapes and creatures that surround us. I paint to honor the wild, to share its stories, and to inspire others to see the world with fresh eyes.

REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 15

Palette Knife Exploration

Date: Friday, November 6
Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Cost: $100 ($90 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Martha Driscoll
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome

Explore the versatility and expressive possibilities of acrylic paint using a palette knife! This class is designed for beginner and intermediate artists who want to loosen up, experiment with texture, and create dynamic paintings – bring your smile, creativity and willingness to experiment!

Supplies:

• Canvas (suggested sizes: 11×14, 16×20 or 20×20) – it’s easier to work on details on a large canvas)
• Acrylic Paints: At least 1 red, 1 yellow, & 1 blue plus white and black. Any other colors welcome.
• Palette
• Paper towels
• 2 palette knives (any shape)
• Lunch

To get a head start, come with an under painting on your canvas, one color or multiple colors. This is simply painting over all of the white of the canvas.

Martha has served on the Blue Ridge Arts Center Board and is a past president and her reputation as an excellent teacher and an award-winning, innovative painter are recognized by her previous students, fellow artists, and the community at large. As the facilitator of BRAC’s Critique-Inspired Support, Life Drawing, and Life Painting Artists Groups, her guidance is sought by professional and amateur artists alike.

REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 12

Bob Ross Fall Florals Class

Date: Saturday, November 7
Time: 1:00 – 4:00pm
Cost: $95 ($85 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Andrea Williams
Skill Level: Beginner

Learn to oil paint with Bob Ross’ wet-on-wet technique from the Joy of Painting PBS show. “The creative process is therapeutic and healing. It makes you take pause and be in the moment. It really is about enjoying the steps and learning to move the paint with purpose.” Andrea is a Bob Ross Certified Instructor (CRFI, CRI) who loves to share the Joy of Painting! In this 3 hour oil painting class, she will lead you on a step-by-step journey thru the whole process, teaching you all the valuable Bob Ross techniques and tips!

All materials are provided, including a large 16×20 canvas and Bob Ross paint and brushes. Breaks will be provided. Please feel comfortable with bringing in your own snacks and beverages.

Andrea Williams has been an Artist/Owner of Errant Artistry for 10 years. She a Bob Ross Certified Instructor, teaching Florals, Seascapes and Landscapes. She travels to venues around the Upstate to conduct paint classes. You can view her website at www.ErrantArtistry.com and like/follow Errant Artistry on Facebook/Instagram.

REGISTER NOW. Minimum: 6 / Maximum Participants: 24

Critique & Technique

Date: Wednesday, November 18
Time: 1:00 – 3:00pm
Cost: $35 ($30 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Chris Cartledge
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome

We will briefly discuss the composition of a Masters’ artwork explaining the composition and design principles, elements and color strategy used at the start of each class. Afterwards, the space will be an open studio and participants will be encouraged to bring in finished or unfinished works for critique and technique advice from a professional artist. Chris has a strong background in visual design as well as experience in drawing, pen and ink, watercolor, acrylics and oils.

This class is designed to benefit beginner level artists through advanced level artists. We will focus on improving your knowledge of the art process and your art through practice and instruction.

Classes will take place on the third Wednesday of each month. While you are not required to attend every month, the sessions will build upon each other with each session including follow up, reinforcement and new material. Masters’ works will be discussed, and handouts will be provided. Plan to bring your own art and ideas for critique and constructive discussion. Participants should bring the materials needed to work on their personal projects.

Chris started painting while a student at Clemson University in the late 80s studying under Professor Ireland Regnier, where he further developed his deep love for the arts and painting. Recently, one of his paintings won honorable mention and was featured in “The Best of Acrylic Artist Magazine and American Artist”. Currently, Chris is on the board of the Blue Ridge Arts Council in Seneca, SC, where he teaches drawing, painting (oil, acrylic, and watercolor), sculpture, and art theory. He creates from his home studio overlooking Lake Keowee.

REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 13

Soft Pastels Workshop

Date: Thursday, November 19 (1-4pm)
Cost: $45 (Must be a BRAC Member)
Instructor: Cynthia Jones
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome

Participants should expect a techniques discussion at the beginning of each workshop. Each student, working on their own chosen subject matter, gets individual attention from the instructor as she makes rounds offering help and guidance throughout the studio. Always bring your reference photos!

Payment will be collected at the class. Please bring cash or two checks – one written to BRAC for $12 and one to instructor for $33. A materials list is available at your first class.

Cynthia Jones has been teaching pastel painting to beginner and intermediate artists for the past 15 years, first at Keowee Key and then at BRAC. She has a BFA and teaching certification and has taught “art “ in many mediums to all ages throughout her life. She no longer lives on Lake Keowee, but continues her connection with BRAC by having this monthly workshop.

TO REGISTER: Call Cynthia at 404-242-5038 or email cpj928@yahoo.com. Payment will be made at the door (please bring cash or check). Maximum Participants: 8.

LEATHERWORKS

Date: Saturday, November 21
Time: 10:30am – 4:00pm
Cost: $118 ($108 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Tom Slavicek
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome

Tom is returning back by popular request. Join him to make a leather shoulder bag or choose any project from the following: leather belt, passport wallet, journal, phone pouch with braided strap, drawstring pouch, clutch purse, or a tote. Depending on the project you chose, you may even have time to make a second item. It is recommended that first-time students make a leather shoulder bag as their first project. This will help you to learn the techniques of cutting leather, using basic tools, and stitching styles. If desired, you can learn to use a wood burning tool to inscribe a design directly onto the leather and then colorize it. All leather, materials, use of tools, and instructions are provided, along with templates. No artistic ability is necessary, nor is any previous leather working experience. You do not need to bring anything except lunch, enthusiasm, and your desire to make something beautiful! Be sure to indicate which project you want to work on when you register. 

Tom Slavicek has been a leather crafter since 1985. He teaches about 35 classes annually in multiple art centers in north Georgia and North Carolina and he and his wife, Karen, do about 10 art festivals each year and have been recognized as “Best in Show” several times. After serving as a director of a national youth organization for 37 years they retired to the mountains of north Georgia in 2011. Tom’s hobbies include leather crafting, reading, Bible studies and teaching classes, and playing/performing classical music on the piano. He serves on the boards of the Chestatee Artists art group in Dahlonega, GA and the Georgia Musicale Group.

REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 10

Author Talk: Susan Zurenda

Date: Tuesday, December 1
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Author: Susan Zurenda

“When author Shannon Irwin meets Grace Ferrall and agrees to interview the younger woman and tell the story of Grace’s forced child marriage and harrowing youth, these very different women begin an unlikely relationship. Grace’s ordeal starts in Louisiana, with an alcoholic father and a mother whose mood swings are often intolerable. When Grace is barely fifteen and living in Oklahoma, her mother manipulates her into marrying Rafe, a scurrilous, older man. Trust builds between the women as Grace shares details she has never told anyone, while Shannon, with a daughter Grace’s age, and ridden with guilt about her former marriage, reveals the dysfunction in her own life and the remorse she suffers.”

Susan Beckham Zurenda taught English for 33 years on the college level and at the high school level to AP students. Her debut novel, Bells for Eli (Mercer University Press, March 2020; paperback edition March 2021), was selected the first place winner for Best First Book—Fiction in the 2021 IPPY (Independent Publisher Book Awards), a Foreword Indie Book Award finalist, a Winter 2020 Okra Pick by the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance, a 2020 Notable Indie on Shelf Unbound, a 2020 finalist for American Book Fest Best Book Awards, and was nominated for a Pushcart Prize for 2021. Susan has won numerous awards for her short fiction, including winning the South Carolina Fiction Prize twice. Her second novel, The Girl From the Red Rose Motel (Mercer University Press, September 2023), was the recipient of the 2024 Patricia Winn Award in Southern Fiction, Gold Medal winner in the 2024 IPPY Awards for Southeast Fiction, a 2024 Pushcart Prize nominee, a Shelf Unbound 2023 Notable 100 books, and a finalist in the American Book Fest Awards. The author lives in Spartanburg, SC. 

Watch for tickets to go on sale in November. Ticket includes attendance, a signed book and refreshments.

Bob Ross Christmas Floral Class

Date: Saturday, December 5
Time: 1:00 – 4:00pm
Cost: $95 ($85 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Andrea Williams
Skill Level: Beginner

Learn to oil paint with Bob Ross’ wet-on-wet technique from the Joy of Painting PBS show. “The creative process is therapeutic and healing. It makes you take pause and be in the moment. It really is about enjoying the steps and learning to move the paint with purpose.” Andrea is a Bob Ross Certified Instructor (CRFI, CRI) who loves to share the Joy of Painting! In this 3 hour oil painting class, she will lead you on a step-by-step journey thru the whole process, teaching you all the valuable Bob Ross techniques and tips!

All materials are provided, including a large 16×20 canvas and Bob Ross paint and brushes. Breaks will be provided. Please feel comfortable with bringing in your own snacks and beverages.

Andrea Williams has been an Artist/Owner of Errant Artistry for 10 years. She a Bob Ross Certified Instructor, teaching Florals, Seascapes and Landscapes. She travels to venues around the Upstate to conduct paint classes. You can view her website at www.ErrantArtistry.com and like/follow Errant Artistry on Facebook/Instagram.

REGISTER NOW. Minimum: 6 / Maximum Participants: 24

Critique & Technique

Date: Wednesday, December 16
Time: 1:00 – 3:00pm
Cost: $35 ($30 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Chris Cartledge
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome

We will briefly discuss the composition of a Masters’ artwork explaining the composition and design principles, elements and color strategy used at the start of each class. Afterwards, the space will be an open studio and participants will be encouraged to bring in finished or unfinished works for critique and technique advice from a professional artist. Chris has a strong background in visual design as well as experience in drawing, pen and ink, watercolor, acrylics and oils.

This class is designed to benefit beginner level artists through advanced level artists. We will focus on improving your knowledge of the art process and your art through practice and instruction.

Classes will take place on the third Wednesday of each month. While you are not required to attend every month, the sessions will build upon each other with each session including follow up, reinforcement and new material. Masters’ works will be discussed, and handouts will be provided. Plan to bring your own art and ideas for critique and constructive discussion. Participants should bring the materials needed to work on their personal projects.

Chris started painting while a student at Clemson University in the late 80s studying under Professor Ireland Regnier, where he further developed his deep love for the arts and painting. Recently, one of his paintings won honorable mention and was featured in “The Best of Acrylic Artist Magazine and American Artist”. Currently, Chris is on the board of the Blue Ridge Arts Council in Seneca, SC, where he teaches drawing, painting (oil, acrylic, and watercolor), sculpture, and art theory. He creates from his home studio overlooking Lake Keowee.

REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 13