Pen + Ink Drawing

Learn how to draw using black India ink, a dip pen and brush. We’ll cover techniques such as cross-hatching and stippling. You’ll learn the ins and outs of using a dip pen and brush, then we’ll go over drawing fundamentals such as value, perspective and line. We’ll also study the history of ink drawing by […]

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ONSITE: Mixed-Media Art Exploration (Ages 6-8)

In this workshop we will explore materials and media as we create drawings, paintings, small sculptures, books, prints and more. With the lens of creativity and experimentation we will gain skills in a variety of media and try out new techniques.

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Watercolor Wizardry: Painting Fantasy (Ages 9-11)

Bring mythical creatures and characters to life! Starting with historical figures and or characters from your favorite fantasy books and shows. You'll put your imagination to the test while learning the magical ways watercolor can contribute to developing these beautiful characters.

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Writing Worlds: Worldbuilding in Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Other Genres – New!

Having a richly developed world is the seed of good speculative fiction. We’ll study examples of worldbuilding techniques and learn to create richly-developed settings for your personal writing projects. This course will include elements of writing, research, some drawing and exploration of images, as well as workshopping to help participants create their own imaginary worlds.

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ONSITE: Watercolor Wizardry: Painting Fantasy (Ages 9-11)

Bring mythical creatures and characters life! Starting with historical figures and or characters from your favorite fantasy books and shows. You'll put your imagination to the test while learning the magical ways watercolor can contribute to developing these beautiful characters.

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Introduction to Freelance Writing

For the aspiring writer, freelance can be both rewarding and lucrative. Explore the world of freelancing, both analyzing and writing in a multiplicity of genres such as travel, pop culture, food, arts, profile pieces, humor, etc. We’ll study top-notch examples from well-regarded writers and complete weekly written assignments. Each session will offer valuable insights about […]

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Mixed-Media Art Exploration (Ages 6-8)

In this workshop we will explore materials and media as we create drawings, paintings, small sculptures, books, prints and more. With the lens of creativity and experimentation we will gain skills in a variety of media and try out new techniques.

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Writing the Moment – New!

Explore poetic short forms to hone your power of observation. Focusing on the haiku and other Japanese short forms, we’ll study examples of each style and do multiple rounds of writing/sharing. Since mindfulness is a central concept in these writings, the class will open with a short meditation. Participants will be encouraged to take what […]

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ON-SITE: Bookmaking

Looking for a beautiful handmade gift to give for the holidays? In this class, you will learn to make an accordion pleat book using a variety of beautiful papers for decoration inside and out. You will have the opportunity to make books and will leave with the skills to make more on your own!

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Watercolor Wizardry: Painting Fantasy (Ages 6-8)

Bring mythical creatures and characters to life! Starting with historical figures and or characters from your favorite fantasy books and shows. You'll put your imagination to the test while learning the magical ways watercolor can contribute to developing these beautiful characters.

View

Pen + Ink Drawing

Learn how to draw using black India ink, a dip pen and brush. We’ll cover techniques such as cross-hatching and stippling. You’ll learn the ins and outs of using a dip pen and brush, then we’ll go over drawing fundamentals such as value, perspective and line. We’ll also study the history of ink drawing by […]

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Paper Arts + Book Making (Ages 9–10)

Explore a variety of ways to transform an ordinary piece of paper into something extraordinary. You’ll learn techniques like folding, cutting, layering and sewing to make your very own paper toys, pop-up cards, mini books and more.

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Introduction to Freelance Writing

For the aspiring writer, freelance can be both rewarding and lucrative. Explore the world of freelancing, both analyzing and writing in a multiplicity of genres such as travel, pop culture, food, arts, profile pieces, humor, etc. We’ll study top–notch examples from well–regarded writers and complete weekly written assignments. Each session will offer valuable insights about […]

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ONSITE: Analog + Digital Animation (Ages 9-11)

Explore analog animation with flip books and a simple, single image toy called a thaumatrope, then delve into digital stop-motion animation using a free smartphone app.

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Digital Character Design (Ages 11–12)

Learn the history and basic principles of character design. Character designers are essential to the development of movies, videogames, comic books and all manner of modern entertainment. Use traditional drawing skills as well as Adobe Photoshop and a Wacom tablet to develop your own OC (original character). A basic understanding of figure drawing is recommended.

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Video Art – New! (Ages 15-18)

At the Visual Arts Center of Richmond, high school students ages 15-18 can expand their artistic practice, grow their personal portfolios and prepare for art school. Take an Art League class and get the chance to work in professional studios, alongside working artists. For dedicated students, we offer a certificate program. Learn more about Art […]

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Digital Character Design (Ages 11–12)

Learn the history and basic principles of character design. Character designers are essential to the development of movies, videogames, comic books and all manner of modern entertainment. Use traditional drawing skills as well as Adobe Photoshop and a Wacom tablet to develop your own OC (original character). A basic understanding of figure drawing is recommended.

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Watercolor Wizardry: Painting Fantasy (Ages 9-11)

Bring mythical creatures and characters to life! Starting with historical figures and or characters from your favorite fantasy books and shows. You'll put your imagination to the test while learning the magical ways watercolor can contribute to developing these beautiful characters.

View

Introduction to Freelance Writing – New!

For the aspiring writer, freelance can be both rewarding and lucrative. This class explores the world of freelancing, both analyzing and writing in a multiplicity of genres such as travel, pop culture, food, health/wellness, arts, tech, profile pieces, humor, etc. We’ll study top-notch examples from well-regarded writers and complete weekly written assignments. Each session will […]

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Storytelling + Illustration

Learn how to convey compelling ideas and stories through illustration. We’ll focus on using composition and color to capture mood and develop a personal style. You’ll be coached individually on how to apply these lessons to illustrations for magazine articles, books and cover art.

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Paper Arts + Book Making (Ages 7–8)

Explore a variety of ways to transform an ordinary piece of paper into something extraordinary. You’ll learn techniques like folding, cutting, layering and sewing to make your very own paper toys, pop-up cards, mini books and more.

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ONLINE: Analog + Digital Animation (Ages 9-11)

Explore analog animation with flip books and a simple, single image toy called a thaumatrope, then delve into digital stop-motion animation using a free, smartphone app.

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Present Factory to Take Place at VisArts Fri., Dec. 2 from 5-8 p.m.

The Visual Arts Center of Richmond will open its studios to the community on Friday, Dec. 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. for Present Factory, its annual holiday open house. Present Factory offers kids and adults the chance to make holiday gifts throughout the 15 art studios in VisArts’ 30,000-square-foot facility. The exhibition, “Conjurers: Artists […]

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Stop Motion Animation – NEW!

Learn the basics of stop motion animation by exploring 2-D and 3-D stop motion techniques for collage, drawing, live action, clay and more. Make short sequences using a stop motion app on your tablet or phone. Students will look at examples, watch demonstrations, create short animations using materials around the house, view each other’s work […]

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Narrative Art: Comic Strips, Comic Books and Graphic Novels (Ages 15–18)

Explore the history and techniques of comic art, a narrative artform that uses a combination of words and pictures. We’ll begin with an overview of the history of comic art, with an emphasis on the compositional methods and challenges that are unique to this artform. We’ll cover the basics of character creation, preliminary sketching, plotting […]

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