Trestle Workshops Classes, New York

Learn the ancient technique of block printing and go home with a whole new skill to continue exploring on your own! In this class we will learn how to carve and print by hand from rubber and linoleum blocks, following the traditional form of printmaking. Come prepared to learn, explore, and have fun with the endless possibilities of printmaking....

This class will cover fundamental aspects of the visual language of drawing including perspective, charcoal tonal drawing, mark making (line, hatching, cross-hatching, etc), still-life, portraiture, figure drawing with the live model and much more. Behind many great works of art, abstraction or realism, lies a strong drawing. Drawing is the bridge...

An introduction to the basic principles of painting through observational still life exercises. The class will explore color, form, light, shadow and composition. Painting technique demonstrations will include the use of non-toxic methods of painting with oils. (or acrylic if a student prefers) Beginners are welcome! Returning students are also...

In this 4-hour intensive workshop you will learn how to make your own silkscreening set-up that can run right off your kitchen table. You will learn how to prepare a screen, transfer an image, and make a print from start to finish. We supply a tote bag, or you may bring your own t-shirt. Let us guide you through this notoriously tricky medium...

This 3 hour workshop is an overview of Encaustic painting. Participants will learn the fundamentals of working in this medium and will have a chance to explore multiple techniques. We will learn how to melt, mix, and apply the wax to create smooth and textured surfaces as well as how to incise the wax to create intricate drawings. Collage and photocopy...

This transparent water-based painting medium has been enjoyed and used for centuries. Regardless of your experience level, you will learn how to use materials and all the techniques associated with watercolor. You will see demonstrations, and we will discuss composition, design, subject matter, and textures that lend themselves to this medium. You...

In these five-class workshops (a total of 15 hours), students will create a series of eight paintings/drawings from classwork and homework assignments. Novice and experienced painters are welcome. This class will help students delve into personal symbolism to find an authentic voice in their work.  For inspiration we will look at a mixture of...

This class will delve into many different ways of using acrylic paint, from thin washes and transparent glazes to thick impasto incorporating a variety of added textures. Beginners are welcome!  Returning students are also welcome to create individual projects with the instructor as they continue to develop their work during the class. We will...

You will learn traditional botanical illustration technique after which participants can practice such a technique and/or use their specimen to create a contemporary botanical inspired drawing. We will also touch on plants as subjects throughout art history and in the post-modern era.  Seasonal flowers are provided but feel free to bring your...

In this three-class workshop, students will create class exercises in class that will become homework. Using acrylic paint, students will learn how to create exact matches in hue, intensity, values, complimentary colors, and opposite values and intensities.  Q&A Q: Can I make up a class if I miss one? A: No, but you will have time to...

Learn the ancient Japanese art of Shibori or indigo tie-dye.  First students will learn how to prepare a vat of indigo. Students will experience techniques for tying and dipping your fabric. Each participant will get to create 3 dyeing technique samples of loose fabric and a 20x20 pillow cover.  Supplies are included.  If students have...

Students will learn the traditional art form of Pysanky, Ukrainian dyed eggs. Wax is drawn on the emptied out eggs as a resist and then the eggs are submerged into dye baths one by one.   The result is a brilliantly dyed egg with a design of the students’ choice. Traditional pattern will be provided for the students’ reference, but they...

Painting Basics II is an intermediate level course and geared towards students with some experience in painting. Taking Oil Painting Basics is encouraged though not required. Students will have the option to create a painting from an image/photograph, develop a personal project, or paint from a still life over the duration of the 3 class sessions....

No prior experience is needed, and beginners are welcome! This workshop is a hands-on introduction to the possibilities of the Cyanotype process, a photographic printing process that produces a cyan-blue print. By the end of class, students will have learned: the chemistry behind the cyanotype process how to prepare the paper how to expose the...

Watercolor is the perfect medium for painting portraiture and skin tones. Students will learn to see, mix, and apply a range of colors that convey light and shadow in any skin tone, under any light. We will learn how to draw the human head, mix skin tone accurately, convey detailed facial features and various expressions.  Students will experiment...