YAY! IN PERSON WORKSHOPS ARE BACK!!!!!

Please scroll down this listing for fuller descriptions of workshop and classes OR click on the menu on the right to go to specific classes and workshops to register.

 WEEKLY CLASSES

PRIVATE MENTORING: By arrangement
Contact mira: mira@mirawhitefineart.com
$225 w/2 hour minimum

MIRA’S MIXED MEDIA MASH UP
January 9-February 27, 2023
March 20- May 8, 2023
June 5- August 7, 2023 ( no class June 19, July 17)
September 18-November 6, 2023
Mondays 10 am-1 pm
Studio 55, 55 Howe Road, Martinez
Register:https:// http://www.studio55martinez.com
Tuition: $325

MIX THOSE MEDIA!
Nov.15-Dec.13( Short session $122)
Jan.10-Feb.28, 2023
Tuesdays 6:30-9:30 pm
Studio One Art Center
365 45th St. Oakland, CA 94610
Register:https://www.studiooneartcenter.net/ 510 597-5027
Tuition:Res. $244 Non Res $288

THE WAY OF WATERCOLOR( For Beginners)
Nov.16-Dec. 14 ( Short Session- $122)
Jan.11-Feb.22, 2023
Wednesdays 6:30-9:30 pm
Studio One Art Center
365 45th St. Oakland, CA, 94610
Register:https://www.studiooneartcenter.net/ 510 597-5027
Tuition: Res.$244 Non Res $288

CONTINUING WATERCOLOR ( for continuing watercolorists only)
Jan.12-Feb.23, 2023
Thursdays, 6:30-9:30 pm
Studio One Art Center
365 45th St. Oakland, CA 94610
Register:https:www.studiooneartcenter.net/ 510 597-5027

BREAKING BOUNDARIES WITH WATERCOLOR: Intermediate/ Advanced
January 11-March 1, 2023
March 22- May 10, 2023
June 7- July 26, 2023
September 20-November 8, 2023
Wednesdays, 10 am- 1 pm
Studio 55, 55 Howe Road, Martinez, CA
Register: https://www.studio55martinez.com
Tuition: $ 325LIFE DRAWING(live models)
Jan.14-Feb.25, 2023
Saturdays 10 am-1 pm
Studio One Art Center
365 45th St. Oakland, CA 94610
Register:https:www.studiooneartcenter.net/ 510 597-5027

NEW!!! ONE DAY INTENSIVE WORKSHOPS!
                     Come Play With Me!
Pick your favorite medium and your favorite Saturday!
All workshops with be from 10 am- 4 pm(bring your lunch)
Tuition: $ 175 and payable to Studio 55
Register: https://www.studio55martinez.com

1. LET’S COLLAGE! Rip, Tear, Cut, Layer & Sand!
   January 21, 2023,  Saturday
   BRING: Your panel or paper, adhesives, dry media, collection or papers for collaging
   I SUPPLY: Sander, variety of tools, oil pastels, crayons, other media

2. MARKING YOUR STORY with Oil, Pigment Sticks, Cold Wax
   April 22, 2023, Saturday
   BRING: Paper or panel, Pigment Sticks ( R&F or other) Cold Wax, Your collection
   I SUPPLY: Additional Oil Media, Solvent, additional tools
   

     3. EXPERIMENTS WITH GRAPHITE(Subtle is the key word here)
         June 3, 2023,  Saturday
        BRING: Your gessoed paper or panel, any form of graphite tools( Lyra, Derwent, Art Graf tailors              chalks, graphite powder,
        I SUPPLY: Additional tools, templates, papers for transfer, alcohol, fixative

   4. LARGE FORMAT WATERCOLOR
       August 5, 2023, Saturday
       BRING: 22”X30” or 30”x40” Watercolor paper and support board, Your paints and containers for          mixing & pouring, 6 small sprayers(www.harmonyfacevalues.com), large trigger sprayer
       I SUPPLY: Additional sprayers,  paper for templates and stencils, containers

Continue reading →

November 5-6, 2022

     A wonderful opportunity to experiment with with watercolor in a variety of experimental ways on a large scale.Historically we associate watercolor with small scale works on paper. In this workshop, our efforts will be magnified, very physical and exciting. We will be working wet & dry. Open to continuing artists who love  the adventure of the way of watercolor, and those who want to explore and expand their personal vision and celebrate the versatility of this vibrant medium!

Sat-Sun. 10 am-4 pm
Studio 55, 55 Howe Road, Martinez, CA
Pre-Register: http://www.studio55martinez.com
Tuition: $250

MATERIALS LIST:

 Paints:

Tube watercolors: I primarily  use Daniel Smith, some Winsor Newton, Holbein and Graham
Suggested colors: Cadmium Yellow Hue, both medium & Deep, Quinacridone Gold,
                               Cadmum Orange Hue,Quinacridone Sienna, Quinacridone Coral,  Cadmium Scaret Hue, Pyrrol Red   
                               Quinacridone Rose, Quinacridone Magenta, Carbazole Violet
                                French Ultramarine Blue, Indanthrone Blue, Pthalo Blue
                                Pthalo Green Yellow Shade (PG 36), Perylene Green
                                Payne’s Grey, Lunar Black

( This is just my collection- feel free to eliminate or add your own choices)
                                                          

PAPERS:

5 sheets 30″x40″ 140 lb or 300 lb watercolor paper .
If pssible ,A roll of 44″x10 yd D’Arches cold press or hot press watercolor paper,  or Strathmore, which is considerably cheaper,  and is also 42″x10 yards.( E Bay)The process for flattening the paper is a bit arduous, but well worth the effort. 

BRUSHES:
Your collection of both rounds and flats, making sure you have some really big round mop brushes 
7″ Hake goat hair brush (wide flats made by Mandalay: get at Jerry’s Artarama online

SUPPORT BOARDS:

Boards need to fit size of paper:1/2″ foam core about 30″x40″ because it is light.  If you prefer, plywood will work fine.
I have sealed large sheets of both cardboard and 1/2″ foam core on both sides with clear packing tape. They make perfectly adequate support boards.
2 large  sheets  old plexiglass  30″x40″(the plexiglass can be thin sheets)( if possible)( If you can- optional)

ADDITIONAL MATERIALS:

Covered Palette,
smaller plastic dishes for mixing and pouring
6 small travel size spray misters ( http://www.harmonfacevalues.com) 
Larger spray bottle for water( Amazon)
White metal mixing tray 2 “ or wider Masking tape, Bull dog clips , Blending stumps/Q tips
Portfolio ( can be homemade & cardboard) for storing work
Extra mark making tools: scrapers, silicone wedges
Roll of paper towels
Rags ( to use as brushes)

Working with Hot Wax & Mixed Media

May 27-29, 2023

This vibrant workshop combines multiple media techniques with melted beeswax on a variety of surfaces, emphasizing unity of design, texture & color.  We work with a combination of both dry & wet media, including soft pastels, watercolor, oil paint/ sticks, charcoal, graphite & collage. No acrylic media. All imagery applicable. Use mediums of choice. Appropriate for continuing painters and collagists. Beginners in Encaustic are welcome.  Instructor supplies the wax medium, wax paint, heating tools, practice surfaces and 1 panel per student.

Sat-Mon.May 27-29,2023 – a 3 day workshop
Mendocino Art Center,45200 Little lake St.
 Mendocino, CA
Tuition: $495
Pre-register:https://www.mendocinoartcenter.org

INSTRUCTOR  BRINGS : 1 Cradled, primed Birch Panels 8″x8”  for each student
Paint Brushes
Encaustic Medium ( wax with damar resin)
Encaustic Paint ( the rainbow spectrum plus white)
Heat Guns, torches, heating surfaces ( electric griddles, fry pans)
Graphite Powder, Charcoal powder
Some scraping tools
Some Collage tools
Some Oil Pastels , soft pastels & Drawing Media, watercolor in spray bottles
Tubs for pouring Wax

MATERIALS YOU BRING :  

1.You will need 300 lb w/c paper or 4 or 8 ply museum board – 1 full sheet cut up in 8“ squares for exercises You should  have several pieces for samplers
2. Your collection of watercolor, drawing, oil  and collage materials including:Watercolor crayons, charcoal, oil pastels, water based graphite pencils, colored pencils, Oil paint sticks, graphite pencils. Wax loves Oil. No acrylic paint
3  Additonal Surfaces to work on:  Must be Absorbent and Inflexible2 Wood *or prepared Encaustic panels—8”x8” up to 14”* 1/2″  birch or finished plywood is great

ADDITIONAL:

3 Bristle utility brushes ,  variety of sizes ½”, 1”, 2” – cheap are fine.
           Scissors, Tweezers,
           Collage materials: Papers, Threads, Xerox images, photos
          Masking Tape for stenciling—1/2 “ , 1”
          Rags/ Wear crummy clothes, bring an oven mitt
          The following mediums are entirely optional but extremely useful

           Oil Paint Sticks ( Sennelier or R&F are best)
           Oil Pastels
           Woody Stabilo pencils
            Soft Pastels  – both stick and/or Pan pastels                                        

Abstract Intentions with Hot Wax & Mixed Media

February 3-5, 2023

3 Day Intensive Encaustic Workshop

This vibrant workshop combines multiple media techniques with melted beeswax on a variety of surfaces, emphasizing unity of design, texture & color.  We work with a combination of both dry & wet media, including soft pastels, watercolor, oil paint/ sticks, charcoal, graphite & collage. No acrylic media. All imagery applicable. Use mediums of choice. Appropriate for continuing painters and collagists. Beginners in Encaustic are welcome.  Instructor supplies the wax medium, wax paint, heating tools, practice surfaces and 1 panel per student.

Studio 55:Fri.-Sun 10 am-4 pm                  
Studio 55, 55 Howe Road,Martinez. CA 94553
Tuition: $400(additional $50 materials fee to instructor)
Register: https://www.studio55martinez.com/tel:925 937-6422
Advance Registration required (workshop limited to 7 ) (At this point with masks)

MATERIALS LIST

Due to the nature of this workshop, the Instructor is supplying many of the materials and requires a materials fee of $50  to  help defray the costs. Please pay at the workshop. CASH is preferred payment.  

 INSTRUCTOR  BRINGS : 1 Cradled, primed Birch Panels 8″x8”  for each student
Paint Brushes
Encaustic Medium ( wax with damar resin)
Encaustic Paint ( the rainbow spectrum plus white)
Heat Guns, torches, heating surfaces ( electric griddles, fry pans)
Graphite Powder, Charcoal powder
Some scraping tools
Some Collage tools
Some Oil Pastels , soft pastels & Drawing Media, watercolor in spray bottles
Tubs for pouring Wax

MATERIALS YOU BRING :  

1.You will need 300 lb w/c paper or 4 or 8 ply museum board – 1 full sheet cut up in 8“ squares for exercises You should  have several pieces for samplers
2. Your collection of watercolor, drawing, oil  and collage materials including:Watercolor crayons, charcoal, oil pastels, water based graphite pencils, colored pencils, Oil paint sticks, graphite pencils. Wax loves Oil. No acrylic paint
3  Additonal Surfaces to work on:  Must be Absorbent and Inflexible2 Wood *or prepared Encaustic panels—8”x8” up to 14”* 1/2″  birch or finished plywood is great

ADDITIONAL:

           3 Bristle utility brushes ,  variety of sizes ½”, 1”, 2” – cheap are fine.
           Scissors, Tweezers,
           Collage materials: Papers, Threads, Xerox images, photos
          Masking Tape for stenciling—1/2 “ , 1”
          Rags/ Wear crummy clothes, bring an oven mitt
          The following mediums are entirely optional but extremely useful

           Oil Paint Sticks ( Sennelier or R&F are best)
           Oil Pastels
           Woody Stabilo pencils
            Soft Pastels  – both stick and/or Pan pastels                                        

July 15-17, 2023

This 3 day workshop focuses on building an abstract visual structure through the application of multiple layers,  working primarily with a combination of dry media, acrylic paint and collage. Dry media includes graphite, soft pastels. We do morning exercises, have informal lecture and continual demonstration. The intention of this workshop is to enrich your current practice with a combination of spontaneous, innovative paint processes and mark making.  Ample time for personal exploration and individual attention. For continuing artists.

Saturday-Monday 9:30 am-4:30 pm                         Tuition: $495
Mendocino Art Center, 45200 Little Lake St.     Pre-register: https://www.mendocinoartcenter.org
Mendocino, CA

MATERIALS LIST:

Liquid Media:Your collection of acrylic paints
                        White & Black Gesso
                        Acrylic gloss medium
                       Matt or Gloss Acrylic Gel

Dry Media:    Soft Chalk  Pastels( should include  Sennelier or Schminke or
                         Great American Artworks)Pan Pastels can be included
                         Colored Pencils, Watercolor Pencils, Water-soluble Oil Pastels
                         Water Soluble Graphite ( Lyra brand from Amazon or Blick)
                          Dry pigments ( optional)

Collage Papers: Your collection of both bleeding and non-bleeding tissue , hand painted ,           decorative papers- all workable

Surfaces:       2 sheets full size  Gessoed watercolor paper, 140 lb or 300 lb hot or cold press
                      10 pieces smaller sheets of Strathmore watercolor for exercises
                      2 same size size cradled wood panel at least 12″  for o focused diptych

 Mediums: Gel medium- mat or gloss &  Liquitex Clear Gesso

Additional Tools:

6 small spray misters (order from:https://www.harmonfacevalues.com).99 each

Palette of some form- Cookie sheet or tray is great
Wax Paper or freezer paper
2 Spray bottles 1 for water and 1 for Alcohol
Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol 70%
Dense Foam smooth rollers – contractors pack- roller handles are separate
Your collection of brushes and scraping tools
Drawing board of some kind- 1/2″  foam core is great- and light

                                  September 21- November 9, 2022

This watercolor class is for artists who have experience working with watercolor and have  a strong foundation in watercolor fundamentals.  Designed for intermediate/ advanced artists and very experimental in nature.  A wonderful opportunity to work with watercolor in a variety of experimental ways on both unusual formats and also large scale. Historically we associate watercolor with small-scale works on paper. In this workshop, our efforts will be magnified, very physical, and exciting. We will be working wet & dry. Open to continuing artists who love the adventure of the way of watercolor, and those who want to explore and expand their personal vision and celebrate the versatility of this vibrant medium!

September 19-Nov. 7 2022
An In Person weekly class!

Monday mornings 10 am-1 pm
Studio 55, 55 Howe Road, Martinez, CA

This vibrant  class explores abstraction with multiple layers and multiple media techniques.  Oil, cold wax, pigment sticks and collage converse on a variety of surfaces, emphasizing unity of design, texture and color.  We  work with a combination of both dry & wet media, including soft pastels, watercolor, oil paint, pigment sticks, charcoal, graphite and collage.  Acrylic media can serve as a base underpainting.  All imagery applicable.  Appropriate for continuing painters, who work toward developing a strong personal vocabulary.The class will meet weekly from 10 am-1 pm for discussion, live demos, an opportunity to work in class and presentation of work. It is my hope that participants can  exchange ideas and form a lively exchange.

 This class will be limited to 10 participants,  fully vaccinated. Masks will still be required. Materials list will be supplied upon registration.

Payment for this class is $325.00 Payment is through PayPal to the following address:https://www.studio55martinez.com

To register for my private classes & workshops: 925 947-5773 / mira@mirawhitefineart.com
REFUND & CANCELLATION POLICY FOR MY PRIVATE  CLASSES & WORKSHOPS: Cancellation will yield a refund only if cancellation occurs no later than 2 weeks before said workshop.

Questions: mira@mirawhitefineart.com

    Join me for  a second  wonderful opportunity to experiment with soft pastels in a variety of experimental ways in gorgeous Whidbey Island: underpinnings with acrylics, watercolors or pastels diluted with rubbing alcohol .( No petroleum based solvents) We will be layering  with both dry and wet media. Lots of exuberant mark making on several surfaces! Focus on this workshop will be on building structure. Open to continuing artists of all levels and media-  and adventurous beginners who want to explore the versatility of this vibrant medium!

Pacific Northwest Art School, Coupeville , Whidbey Island  
June 17-19, 2023 Saturday-Monday, 9 am-4 pm,
Tuition $675
Pre-Register: https://pacificnorthwestartschool.org Coupeville, Washington, Whidbey Island

MATERIALS LIST:YOU BRING:

Soft  Chalk Pastels: Your collection of soft chalk pastels, preferably:  Schmincke, Sennelier, or Great American ArtWorks  , ( the richer and softer pigment load make for a richer , more vibrant result) and 1 set of Rembrandts for foundation work.

 Papers: Surfaces

  2 sheets  full size Gesso Primed 140 lb or 300 lb watercolor paper ( both sides)
  2 12”x12” cradled panels, primed with 2 coats gesso (can be larger)
  10 sheets of hardware grade 320 grit wet/dry sand paper( 8″x10″ ( It is black) ( for  warm   up exercises)

Paints & other media: Your collection of acrylic paints / colored inks, collage  papers,colored pencil, oil pastels, graphite tools

 Brushes: An assortment of inexpensive hog bristle brushes that can withstand sanded pastel papers,acrylic paint, and painting with rubbing alcohol on a roughened surface.

Additional materials:

 Acrylic Gel Medium for gluing collage papers
 1 pint Liquitex Clear Gesso ( has pumice, for layered priming – only this brand)

 70 % isopropyl rubbing alcohol 1 pt.
 Trigger sprayer with variable spray ( 8 oz size)
 2 “ or wider Masking tape, Bull dog clips , Blending stumps/Q tips

 Surgical/protective gloves/ protective hand creme

 Utility knife

  Drawing board to fit size of paper, water containers
 Glassine paper for protecting work. and portfolio ( can be homemade & cardboard) for storing work
 Fixative for pastels( archival) :Use Spectrafix or my own fixative:

1part 70%isopropyl rubbing alcohol
1part fat free milk
(combine and spray in a Pre-Val Sprayer( any hardware / paint store has this)

INSTRUCTOR BRINGS:


Graphite powder and dry pigments,
Additional tools and mediums
Extra mark making tools

Mail Order Suppliers:  Dakota Pastels http://www.dakotapastels.com

                                             March 17-19, 2023

Friday-Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Studio 55, 55 Howe Road
Martinez, CA                                      
Tuition: $ 375
 Pre-register:https://www.studio55martinez.com
 More info: mira@mirawhitefineart.com
       

This workshop will  focus on a variety of innovative  techniques with oil /cold wax and pigment sticks. During our time together we will work with a variety of mixed media methods with the wax, exploring its diversity.  You will leave the workshop with at least 3 panels that can work separately or together as a triptych. For continuing painters familiar with oil media. 

• You are fascinated with Abstraction as a way to bring more personal meaning, excitement and  drama into your work.
• You are obsessed with color, texture, and design and want to incorporate these elements more fully into your work:
• You are fascinated with layering processes and the possibilities of layering and excavating- it is kind of an archeological dig.
• You want to learn how to combine  pastels and oil pigment sticks in a way that enhances rather than muddies.
• You want to experiment with  mark making, doodling and develop a  more personal   calligraphy and visual vocabulary.

MATERIALS LIST 7You will need 300 lb w/c paper or 4 or 8 ply museum board – 1 full sheet cut up in 6 “ squares for exercises You should  have about 15 6″x6″ pieces for samplers. You can also use Arches Oil Paper

1. Your collection of oil  and collage materials including:
   Oil paint, Watercolor crayons, charcoal, oil pastels, water based graphite pencils, colored pencils, Oil paint sticks, graphite pencils. Wax loves Oil. No acrylic paint
2. I use R&F Pigment sticks; also workable are Shiva, Winsor Newton & Sennelier
3. 3  Additonal Surfaces to work on:  Must be Absorbent and Inflexible
   3 Wood *or prepared Encaustic panels—8”x8” up to 14”
   * 1/2″  birch or finished plywood is grea
   4.Gamblin cold wax 1 pint, variety of scraping, spreading tool
   4. 1pint Citra Solv or Gamblin’s Gamsol
   5. 1 tube Gamblin’s G Gel
   6. Variety of scrapers, innovative tools: Meissermeister bowl scraper( from Amazon)
   7. Bristle utility   brushes , variety of sizes ½”, 1”, 2” – cheap are fine.
   8.Scissors, Tweezers,
   9. Collage materials: Papers, Threads, Xerox images, photos
   10. Masking Tape for stenciling—11/2 “ , 2-4”
   11. Rags/ Wear crummy clothes, Protective gloves and/ or hand creme

          Nail scrubber and bar soap
         Wax paper