ART 101
For SRAL Members Only
Are you a beginning artist and want to learn the basics about different mediums, design, and color? Are you an artist that has wanted to learn a different medium? Then Art 101 is perfect for you. The Art 101 classes offered this fall and winter will be presented by SRAL members volunteering to share their time and expertise. If you have questions regarding any Art 101 classes contact Darilyn Ronn, Art 101 Co- Chairperson, at DarilynR@SantaRitaArt.org or Debra Nealy, Art 101 Co-Chairperson, at DebraN@SantaRitaArt.org. If you need to cancel a registration, contact Darilyn (DarilynR@SantaRitaArt.org) or Debra (DebraN@SantaRitaArt.org) and Susan Ettl, SRAL Web Manager, at SusanE@SantaRitaArt.org to remove your name from the attendance list.
- Each class will be held in the SRAL studio, from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
- Materials for classes will be provided by SRAL and include paints, paper or canvas, and an appropriate paint brush.
- Participants will need to bring a water container, paper towels, an apron, or any
appropriate working clothes.
- The class size is determined by the instructor; generally, 12 – 18 people. We encourage members to sign up for only one media class per month to enable everyone to participate. This will ensure participants a fuller mastery of the new medium and allow us to accommodate more members.
- Registration for each class will be on this page. A small material fee of $10.00 is required to complete and validate your registration. Each class list is compiled on a first-come first-served basis. You will receive notification after you have registered. You will then be notified about how and when the material fee is to be paid.
Intro to Pastels
Instructors: Nanci Sheppard
Pastels is a versatile medium developed in France in the late 1800’s. It was perfected for the French Impressionist because they are immediate, correctable, and can be transported easily. They have a special quality of luminescence that can’t be duplicated with any other medium.
In class I will discuss the properties of pastels, types of pastels, framing, and demo on Uart 400 sanded paper. Each student will be provided with the same color photo reference. Supplies you will be using are: 1 sheet of Uart sanded paper, eraser, and pastels. Ideally each student will leave with a finished painting to take home.
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: SRAL Studio
Class Size: 16
Material Cost: $10 collected at the beginning of class.
Last Day to Register: March 10, 2026.
Cancellation Procedure: If you need to cancel attending this class, please send an email to Susan Ettl, Education Committee Chairperson, at SusanE@santaritaart.org in order for her to remove your name from the registration list. This will enable someone on the waiting list to take your spot.
At the studio, there will be someone there to sign people in, give name tags, and collect the material fee of $10.00.
Biography
I began my journey in Art as an oil painter but switched to pastels about 10 years ago. I love the look of a finished pastel painting. I am a representational artist. I have shown and sold in Oregon and at various venue in Arizona, including the Dessert Museum, St Phillips Gallery, CPAC and Santa Rita Art League. At the Santa Rita Art League, I am involved in Oil Painting, Pastels, Portrait Drawing, Figure Drawing, and Plen Aire SIGs. Pastels give me great joy. My hope is that you will enjoy it also.
Intro to Pastelsadmission
Sold Out
"Intro to Pastels" is currently sold out.
Please check back again later, as spots may become available.
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Intro to Pastels
March 14, 2026
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Asian Brush Painting for Beginners
Instructors: Kate McCavitt
Kate will be teaching the basics of the Asian Brush art form including grinding ink; brush grip and control; basic Brush strokes; composition; and placement of shapes and forms. In this first class we will concentrate on painting Bamboo, one of the four gentlemen of the Chinese Brush and Japanese Sumi-e traditions.
TThe material fee will cover Asian Brush Ink, rice paper, mulberry paper, practice newsprint, plus 1 Shikishi board for a final Bamboo painting that can be displayed on any plate stand. The ink sticks, ink stones and brushes are Kate’s own and are cleaned and are left in the studio at the end of the class.
Date: Friday, March 20, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: SRAL Studio
Class Size: 12
Material Cost: $10 collected at the beginning of class.
Last Day to Register: March 16, 2026.
Cancellation Procedure: If you need to cancel attending this class, please send an email to Susan Ettl, Education Committee Chairperson, at SusanE@santaritaart.org in order for her to remove your name from the registration list. This will enable someone on the waiting list to take your spot.
At the studio, there will be someone there to sign people in, give name tags, and collect the material fee of $10.00.
Biography
Kate McCavitt is a mixed media and acrylic artist now and in her 40th year of painting. She is represented locally in Cobalt gallery in Tubac. The first 12 years of her art pursuit was studying Asian brush in California. She still forms her colorful acrylic artworks with the Asian brush principals and aesthetics.
Asian Brush Painting for Beginners admission
Sold Out
"Asian Brush Painting for Beginners" is currently sold out.
Please check back again later, as spots may become available.
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Asian Brush Painting for Beginners
March 20, 2026
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Assemblage
Instructors: Cheryl Jackson Schaeffer, Loralee Makela, Sue Bollig, and Trena Steward
Come and have fun with us creating Assemblage Art! Assemblage Art combines mundane objects, most of which are recycled, in new and surprising ways. This class will focus on ways to attach objects to a substrate. The only limit is your imagination. The theme will be “The Southwest,” with an emphasis on Arizona. A cigar box, miscellaneous objects, glue and fasteners will be provided. Bring any small southwestern memorabilia if you wish to personalize your piece.
Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: SRAL Studio
Class Size: 12
Material Cost: $10 collected at the beginning of class.
Last Day to Register: March 17, 2026.
Cancellation Procedure: If you need to cancel attending this class, please send an email to Susan Ettl, Education Committee Chairperson, at SusanE@santaritaart.org in order for her to remove your name from the registration list. This will enable someone on the waiting list to take your spot.
At the studio, there will be someone there to sign people in, give name tags, and collect the material fee of $10.00.
About Cheryl, Loralee, Sue, and Trena
Your instructors, Cheryl Jackson Schaeffer, Loralee Makela, Sue Bollig, and Trena Steward are award winning assemblage artists. We are experienced in how to overcome and how to attack various materials and combine them together.
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Assemblage
March 21, 2026
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Abstract Acrylic Painting
Instructors: Barbara Sweeney
In this class, we will discuss the difference between very realistic paintings compared to abstract and the concept that all paintings are abstract. This class is specifically designed for the very beginner, meaning those people who want to explore a new genre. It is also for those who are new to acrylic painting. Together we will look at many abstract artists, talk about process and have fun getting started.
Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: SRAL Studio
Class Size: 15
Material Cost: $10 collected at the beginning of class.
Last Day to Register: March 24, 2026.
Cancellation Procedure: If you need to cancel attending this class, please send an email to Susan Ettl, Education Committee Chairperson, at SusanE@santaritaart.org in order for her to remove your name from the registration list. This will enable someone on the waiting list to take your spot.
At the studio, there will be someone there to sign people in, give name tags, and collect the material fee of $10.00.
Biography
I was an Art teacher for 30 years and during that time taught High School Art for 3 years. I have an Master of Art Education degree.
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Abstract Acrylic Painting
March 28, 2026
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM