"Bringing Art to the People and People to the Arts"

Upcoming Classes


Pre-registration is required at least three days before the start of the class, unless otherwise specified. You are not fully registered until paid in full. Space will not be held for unpaid registrations. Material fees are included in the class price unless otherwise specified.


3-Day Open Studio

Date: Monday-Wednesday, March 4-6
Time: 9:00am – 8:00pm
Cost: $60 (BRAC Members only)
No Instructor
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome

In an Open Studio you bring all of your supplies. There is no instructor, but you’ll be able to create (all mediums welcome!) all day, alongside your fellow artists. There are daily opportunities to learn from critique inspired support any time you feel the need. Typically the group does a critique session at lunchtime, for those interested in participating. Come and go as you like, but leave your supplies all set up for the next day! Participants bring all supplies, you’ll get table space and an easel (if you need one).

REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 8.


Open Clay Studio

Date: Tuesdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26
Time: 5:30 – 8:30pm
Cost: $30 ($25 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Wendy Converse
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome

Get your hands dirty and create some exciting new clay artwork. Spring is coming – how about from garden markers or flower pockets? Or maybe create a tray or bowl for a special occasion? Join us for an evening or two. There are no special projects planned for these open studio sessions, but Wendy and others in attendance are always happy to help you navigate the best building methods to achieve your clay goals. Some clay experience is helpful, but everyone is welcome. Sign-up for as many days as you’d like, or pay as you go.

Wendy has been working in clay for nearly 20 years, starting first on the potter’s wheel and later moving into hand building. Her work stretches the limits of what we think clay should do.

REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 8.


Abstract Painting with Edie Fagan

Date: Monday-Wednesday, March 25-27
Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm (plus extra access)
Cost: $190 ($180 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Edie Fagan
Skill Level: Intermediate

Download Supply List

Bring your supplies and set up in the Classroom Gallery for three days of instruction in Abstract Painting. We will begin with small abstract black and white collages, move through several other exercises, and then progress to our paintings on canvas. There will be visual examples of different abstract styles and discussions of basic design leading you on the path to discover your own voice in abstract painting. Edie will demonstrate each concept and give you plenty of time to experiment on your own. Critique is part of the structure of her class, as well as stopping and addressing issues that are giving students trouble – be it how to start a painting or mixing stunning colors.

The class time is three days (March 25-27) from 10:00am until 2:00pm each day, but students are allowed to work additional hours and leave their supplies set up in the classroom gallery. Please plan to bring a lunch.

Edie Fagan majored in Art at Queens University of Charlotte. She is a signature member of National Watercolor Society and Florida Watercolor Society. She has studied with many nationally known instructors on her path from representational work to abstraction. She believes in giving students tools and confidence to try new things and solve new problems on their own art journey.

CLASS IS FULL. CONTACT US TO BE ADDED TO WAITLIST. Minimum Participants: 5. Maximum Participants: 8.


What Makes Good Art: Understanding Composition

Date: Tuesday, April 2
Time: 1:00 – 3:00pm
Cost: $40 ($30 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Chris Cartledge
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome

This is the first session in an on-going series which will discuss the composition of Masters’ artworks. Participants will learn the design principles of composition, which can immediately be applied to their own art. Instruction and constructive critiques on the composition of participants’ current works-in-process will also be included at the end of each session. This class is designed to benefit beginner level artists through advanced level artists. Learning the many facets of composition is a journey and a process of recognition and application.

Composition is the most important part of the design process.

“I don’t paint things, I paint relationships.” – Henry Matisse

“I work on composition for two weeks and then paint for two days” – artist unknown

Classes will take place on the first Tuesday of each month from April thru December. While you are not required to attend every month, they 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. A sketch pad and pencil for note taking are also encouraged.

Dates for the full class series: April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3, October 1, November 5, December 3. You will need to sign-up for each session individually.

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.


Using Procreate and the iPad as part of your Art Process

Date: Wednesday, April 3, 10 and 17
Time: 9-11am
Cost: $90 ($80 BRAC Members)
Materials Fee: $50 (payable online in advance)
Instructor: Chris Cartledge
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome

The digital painting program Procreate and the Apple iPad can be used for fast iterations in the compositional thumbnail process. This will allow you to eliminate hours in the concept phase of your design process. You can also edit your current works or reference photos changing colors, sizes of objects and locations on the picture plane in a matter of minutes. This is an invaluable tool saving time and money on wasted supplies.

We will cover the basic tools and operations of the program. We will learn to set up presets and save your favorite tools for quick access. I will share my files, presets and explain my process before I ever put brush to canvas. I will also cover fixing existing paintings where “something seems off”. Lastly, we will discuss compositional and color DESIGN within Procreate.

Participants will need to bring an Apple iPad with an iPencil to each class and have the Procreate app installed onto their device. Instructor will provide handouts and digital files.

Chris started painting while a student at Clemson University in the late 80’s 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, 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: 7.


Handmade Paper Making Practicum

Date/Time: Saturday, April 6 (9:45am-4pm) and Sunday, April 7 (9:45am-1pm)
Cost: $150 ($140 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Catherine Cross Tsintzos & Susan Perry
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome

Join this hands-on immersion into the world of handmade paper making, learning from two world-class paper artists! Learn history, vocabulary, tools and materials use, and ways to connect handmade paper with your own creations. Explore both two and three dimensional opportunities as you hear about the use of handmade paper in contemporary art. Discover resources. Consider paper and place. Connect with the natural world around us. Learn how to prepare raw agricultural materials, garden plants and flowers, invasive species plants to create unique pulps for paper making. Leave with the knowledge and confidence to make paper in the western style on your own.

All materials will be provided. Plan to bring your lunch on Saturday.

Catherine Cross Tsintzos is an artist who uses her knowledge and experience with her practice to create within the realms of both interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary components for outcomes that focus on environmental and social issues, traditional fine craft and sustainability. She has a clear purpose in building and crossing bridges among the arts with a deep focus and balance between artistic practice, teaching, activism and invitation for participation. https://catherinecrosstsintzos.com

Susan Perry received an M.F.A. in Drawing and Painting from California State University, Long Beach. Her artworks focus on kinetic energy and expressive spirit in handmade paper sculpture and mixed media installations. Recently retired from a museum career, Perry also taught art on the college level. She has shown nationally with solo exhibitions and her artwork can be found in private and corporate collections. https://susanperry.art/about/

REGISTER NOW. Minimum Participants: 8. Maximum Participants: 15.


5-Day Open Studio

Date: Monday-Friday, April 22-26
Time: 9:00am – 8:00pm
Cost: $100 (BRAC Members Only)
No Instructor
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome

In an Open Studio you bring all of your supplies. There is no instructor, but you’ll be able to create (all mediums welcome!) all day, all week alongside your fellow artists. There are daily opportunities to learn from critique inspired support any time you feel the need. Typically the group does a critique session at lunchtime, for those interested in participating. Come and go as you like, but leave your supplies all set up for the next day! Participants bring all supplies, you’ll get table space and an easel (if you need one).

REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 8.


5-Day Open Studio

Date: Monday-Friday, April 29 – May 3
Time: 9:00am – 8:00pm
Cost: $100 (BRAC Members Only)
No Instructor
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome

In an Open Studio you bring all of your supplies. There is no instructor, but you’ll be able to create (all mediums welcome!) all day, all week alongside your fellow artists. There are daily opportunities to learn from critique inspired support any time you feel the need. Typically the group does a critique session at lunchtime, for those interested in participating. Come and go as you like, but leave your supplies all set up for the next day! Participants bring all supplies, you’ll get table space and an easel (if you need one).

REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 8.


What Makes Good Art: Understanding Composition

Date: Tuesday, May 7
Time: 1:00 – 3:00pm
Cost: $40 ($30 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Chris Cartledge
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome

This is the first session in an on-going series which will discuss the composition of Masters’ artworks. Participants will learn the design principles of composition, which can immediately be applied to their own art. Instruction and constructive critiques on the composition of participants’ current works-in-process will also be included at the end of each session. This class is designed to benefit beginner level artists through advanced level artists. Learning the many facets of composition is a journey and a process of recognition and application.

Composition is the most important part of the design process.

“I don’t paint things, I paint relationships.” – Henry Matisse

“I work on composition for two weeks and then paint for two days” – artist unknown

Classes will take place on the first Tuesday of each month from April thru December. While you are not required to attend every month, they 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. A sketch pad and pencil for note taking are also encouraged.

Dates for the full class series: April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3, October 1, November 5, December 3. You will need to sign-up for each session individually.

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.


Journey of Exploration

Date: Wednesdays, May 8 & 15
Time: 6:00 – 9:00pm
Cost: $90 ($80 BRAC Members)
Materials Fee: $20, paid directly to instructor
Instructor: Michelle Winnie
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome

This class is experimentally driven, using unconventional methods and materials to discover what it is you are saying in your art as well as finding your strengths to create a voice.

  • it is for the beginner to find the medium of choice and inner style.
  • it is for the intermediate artist who wants to explore.
  • it is for the advanced artist who is ready to dive into their alias self.

The instructor will provide a variety of materials/mediums. The student will provide a willingness to experiment.

Supply List:

  • Pencils
  • Charcoal
  • Black markers (Rhinestone & Thick)
  • Journal
  • Large, Heavy-weight paper (minimum 18″ x 24″)

Michelle Winnie, originally from Saratoga Springs, NY moved to Seneca this past year. Her background in the visual arts began in 1980 where she received an art minor from the State University of NY. Michelle taught for 8 years before becoming a full time studio artist in 2000.

Although considered a figurative artist, Michelle enjoys abstracting the figure, as well as landscapes and all other representational information. She prefers charcoal drawing, but carries out her ideas with oil, acrylic or pastel medium. Recently, Michelle has journeyed into clay sculpture and thrown pottery.

Michelle has been represented in numerous galleries both in the states as well as the Caribbean. She has held membership positions for a number of organizations such as, Beekman, Artists, Oakroom, Artist, NAWA, and the Pastel Society of America. Michelle has been an instructor of drawing, painting and multimedia “creating”, and looks forward to working with the artists of Blue Ridge Art Center.

REGISTER NOW. Maximum Participants: 8.


Exploring Watercolor Workshop

Date: Saturday, June 1
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Cost: $115 ($105 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Dale Cochran
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome

Download Supply List

In this one day Workshop, Dale will provide one-on-one instruction to help you improve your watercolor painting. “Exploring Watercolor – The Basics” includes discussions about supplies and techniques for painting with watercolors. There will be additional discussions about composition, values, and edges that will improve your approach to painting. Dale’s one-on-one instruction meets you where you are in your watercolor exploration. Class discussion about problems and discoveries encountered as each person works on their painting is encouraged. During a BYO brown bag lunch, Dale will do a painting demo.

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
9am – 9:15am: Introductions
9:15am – 10am: Discussion – supplies, techniques, planning your painting (composition, values, edges)
10am – 12pm: Painting time / one-on-one instruction
12pm – 1pm: Lunch (plan to bring your lunch) & Demo
1pm – 3:30pm: Painting time / one-on-one instruction
3:30pm – 4pm: Sharing of the days work and final thoughts

REGISTER NOW! Minimum Participants: 5. Maximum Participants: 10.


Drawing Fundamentals Workshop

Date: Tuesday, July 9
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Cost: $205 ($195 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Craig McInnis
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome

Attendees will learn from the basics up to expert level techniques in these all-encompassing sessions. Classes are an individual attention teaching style in order to accommodate each student’s personal skill level. The focus will be on the 6 basic elements of Drawing; Line, Shape, Form, Texture, Value and Space. We will also spend time with other foundational aspects such as proportion, depth and perspective, to name a few.

Supply List: Drawing Pencils (2H, 4H, 2B, 4B), Eraser, General Pencil Factis BM2-Mechanical Eraser, Blending Stumps, Sketchbook (12″x16″ or larger).

Craig McInnis is a multi-disciplinary Florida based professional artist and arts educator traveling to our area to visit and enjoy a break from the Florida Summer in June / July. He has been a professional artist for over 25 years with over 12 years experience teaching Drawing Fundamentals, Acrylics and Cartoon and Character Design mostly, but he is open to other media as well. In South Florida he taught at Armory Art Center, Lighthouse Art Center, Center for Creative Education, Easel Art Supply and from his own studio. You can view his work at craigmcinnis.com facebook.com/craigartist and on IG @craigmcinnisstudios.

REGISTER NOW! Minimum Participants: 7. Maximum Participants: 15.


What Makes Good Art: Understanding Composition

Date: Tuesday, June 4
Time: 1:00 – 3:00pm
Cost: $40 ($30 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Chris Cartledge
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome

This is the first session in an on-going series which will discuss the composition of Masters’ artworks. Participants will learn the design principles of composition, which can immediately be applied to their own art. Instruction and constructive critiques on the composition of participants’ current works-in-process will also be included at the end of each session. This class is designed to benefit beginner level artists through advanced level artists. Learning the many facets of composition is a journey and a process of recognition and application.

Composition is the most important part of the design process.

“I don’t paint things, I paint relationships.” – Henry Matisse

“I work on composition for two weeks and then paint for two days” – artist unknown

Classes will take place on the first Tuesday of each month from April thru December. While you are not required to attend every month, they 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. A sketch pad and pencil for note taking are also encouraged.

Dates for the full class series: April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3, October 1, November 5, December 3. You will need to sign-up for each session individually.

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.


What Makes Good Art: Understanding Composition

Date: Tuesday, July 2
Time: 1:00 – 3:00pm
Cost: $40 ($30 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Chris Cartledge
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome

This is the first session in an on-going series which will discuss the composition of Masters’ artworks. Participants will learn the design principles of composition, which can immediately be applied to their own art. Instruction and constructive critiques on the composition of participants’ current works-in-process will also be included at the end of each session. This class is designed to benefit beginner level artists through advanced level artists. Learning the many facets of composition is a journey and a process of recognition and application.

Composition is the most important part of the design process.

“I don’t paint things, I paint relationships.” – Henry Matisse

“I work on composition for two weeks and then paint for two days” – artist unknown

Classes will take place on the first Tuesday of each month from April thru December. While you are not required to attend every month, they 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. A sketch pad and pencil for note taking are also encouraged.

Dates for the full class series: April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3, October 1, November 5, December 3. You will need to sign-up for each session individually.

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.


What Makes Good Art: Understanding Composition

Date: Tuesday, August 6
Time: 1:00 – 3:00pm
Cost: $40 ($30 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Chris Cartledge
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome

This is the first session in an on-going series which will discuss the composition of Masters’ artworks. Participants will learn the design principles of composition, which can immediately be applied to their own art. Instruction and constructive critiques on the composition of participants’ current works-in-process will also be included at the end of each session. This class is designed to benefit beginner level artists through advanced level artists. Learning the many facets of composition is a journey and a process of recognition and application.

Composition is the most important part of the design process.

“I don’t paint things, I paint relationships.” – Henry Matisse

“I work on composition for two weeks and then paint for two days” – artist unknown

Classes will take place on the first Tuesday of each month from April thru December. While you are not required to attend every month, they 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. A sketch pad and pencil for note taking are also encouraged.

Dates for the full class series: April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3, October 1, November 5, December 3. You will need to sign-up for each session individually.

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.


What Makes Good Art: Understanding Composition

Date: Tuesday, September 3
Time: 1:00 – 3:00pm
Cost: $40 ($30 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Chris Cartledge
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome

This is the first session in an on-going series which will discuss the composition of Masters’ artworks. Participants will learn the design principles of composition, which can immediately be applied to their own art. Instruction and constructive critiques on the composition of participants’ current works-in-process will also be included at the end of each session. This class is designed to benefit beginner level artists through advanced level artists. Learning the many facets of composition is a journey and a process of recognition and application.

Composition is the most important part of the design process.

“I don’t paint things, I paint relationships.” – Henry Matisse

“I work on composition for two weeks and then paint for two days” – artist unknown

Classes will take place on the first Tuesday of each month from April thru December. While you are not required to attend every month, they 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. A sketch pad and pencil for note taking are also encouraged.

Dates for the full class series: April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3, October 1, November 5, December 3. You will need to sign-up for each session individually.

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.


What Makes Good Art: Understanding Composition

Date: Tuesday, October 1
Time: 1:00 – 3:00pm
Cost: $40 ($30 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Chris Cartledge
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome

This is the first session in an on-going series which will discuss the composition of Masters’ artworks. Participants will learn the design principles of composition, which can immediately be applied to their own art. Instruction and constructive critiques on the composition of participants’ current works-in-process will also be included at the end of each session. This class is designed to benefit beginner level artists through advanced level artists. Learning the many facets of composition is a journey and a process of recognition and application.

Composition is the most important part of the design process.

“I don’t paint things, I paint relationships.” – Henry Matisse

“I work on composition for two weeks and then paint for two days” – artist unknown

Classes will take place on the first Tuesday of each month from April thru December. While you are not required to attend every month, they 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. A sketch pad and pencil for note taking are also encouraged.

Dates for the full class series: April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3, October 1, November 5, December 3. You will need to sign-up for each session individually.

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.


What Makes Good Art: Understanding Composition

Date: Tuesday, November 5
Time: 1:00 – 3:00pm
Cost: $40 ($30 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Chris Cartledge
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome

This is the first session in an on-going series which will discuss the composition of Masters’ artworks. Participants will learn the design principles of composition, which can immediately be applied to their own art. Instruction and constructive critiques on the composition of participants’ current works-in-process will also be included at the end of each session. This class is designed to benefit beginner level artists through advanced level artists. Learning the many facets of composition is a journey and a process of recognition and application.

Composition is the most important part of the design process.

“I don’t paint things, I paint relationships.” – Henry Matisse

“I work on composition for two weeks and then paint for two days” – artist unknown

Classes will take place on the first Tuesday of each month from April thru December. While you are not required to attend every month, they 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. A sketch pad and pencil for note taking are also encouraged.

Dates for the full class series: April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3, October 1, November 5, December 3. You will need to sign-up for each session individually.

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.


What Makes Good Art: Understanding Composition

Date: Tuesday, December 3
Time: 1:00 – 3:00pm
Cost: $40 ($30 BRAC Members)
Instructor: Chris Cartledge
Skill Level: All Levels Welcome

This is the final session in an on-going series which will discuss the composition of Masters’ artworks. Participants will learn the design principles of composition, which can immediately be applied to their own art. Instruction and constructive critiques on the composition of participants’ current works-in-process will also be included at the end of each session. This class is designed to benefit beginner level artists through advanced level artists. Learning the many facets of composition is a journey and a process of recognition and application.

Composition is the most important part of the design process.

“I don’t paint things, I paint relationships.” – Henry Matisse

“I work on composition for two weeks and then paint for two days” – artist unknown

Classes will take place on the first Tuesday of each month from April thru December. While you are not required to attend every month, they 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. A sketch pad and pencil for note taking are also encouraged.

Dates for the full class series: April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3, October 1, November 5, December 3. You will need to sign-up for each session individually.

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.


Cancellations by the Art Center

Classes may be cancelled if enrollment does not meet minimums by the deadline date. Only those registered will be notified of cancellations. If Blue Ridge Art Center cancels a class, the student will have the option to transfer to another class or receive a 100% refund.

Cancellation by the Participant

We understand that life brings many surprises for us all and sometimes you will need to cancel your class reservation.

  • A refund is available if cancellation is made at least 3 days in advance.
  • No refunds will be made for “no shows” or if less than 3 days notice is provided.
  • Emergency cancellations will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

Our community’s health and well-being is paramount to us and we encourage you to do everything in your power to keep yourself and others safe. If you are not feeling well, please do not attend class. Masks are not required, but they are available and welcome if you choose to wear one. We are also limiting our class sizes to ensure there is ample room for social distancing. Thank you for your understanding.