Painting Classes in Oakland, CA

A painting workshop inspired by artist Alma Thomas — an American painter who built worlds out of deliberate dabs of color. We’ll start with a watercolor underpainting, then layer opaque brushstrokes on top to create a radiant, mosaic-like composition. We’ll learn the difference between transparent and opaque paint, practice color mixing, and discover how patience and repeated mark-making can build something genuinely beautiful. Every artist leaves with a finished, ready-to-frame painting—plus a new appreciation for an excellent modern artist. Drop In Class Registration Cancellation Policy: Registration cancellations made more than 72 hours prior to the drop in class date may receive a refund minus the non-refundable deposit. Cancellations made within 72 hours of the class series start date are NONREFUNDABLE.

In this hands-on workshop, artists create a finished acrylic painting on a real stretched canvas — choosing their own subject from our inspiration wall of shells, flowers, fruits, and curious objects. Along the way, artists learn how underpaintings give a painting depth, how to mix colors with intention, and how patience and layering transform a flat surface into a piece with real presence. By the end of class, every artist leaves with a ready-to-display painting on canvas — and a real sense of what it feels like to make a painting from start to finish. CANCELLATION POLICY Registration cancellations made more than 72 hours prior to the drop in class date may receive a refund minus the 20% non-refundable deposit. Cancellations made within 72 hours of the class series start date are NONREFUNDABLE.

In this hands-on workshop, artists create a finished acrylic painting on a real stretched canvas — choosing their own subject from our inspiration wall of shells, flowers, fruits, and curious objects. Along the way, artists learn how underpaintings give a painting depth, how to mix colors with intention, and how patience and layering transform a flat surface into a piece with real presence. By the end of class, every artist leaves with a ready-to-display painting on canvas — and a real sense of what it feels like to make a painting from start to finish. CANCELLATION POLICY Registration cancellations made more than 72 hours prior to the drop in class date may receive a refund minus the non-refundable deposit. Cancellations made within 72 hours of the class series start date are NONREFUNDABLE.

This 45-minute class is designed for one adult and one child (ages 4–6) to make art together — your participation is part of the experience! We'll guide you both through the day's project at a pace that works for little hands, with materials pre-prepped and scaled for younger artists. In this cozy caregiver-and-me workshop, our youngest artists create a real acrylic painting on a stretched canvas — choosing their own subject from our inspiration wall of shells, flowers, fruits, and curious objects. Each little one starts with a pre-painted underpainting and a beautiful pre-mixed palette, so they can dive straight into the joyful part: looking closely at their subject, dipping into rich colors, and watching their painting come to life layer by layer. Along the way, grown-ups and littles paint side by side, exploring how colors stack, how brushes dance, and how patience turns a canvas into something all their own. Every artist leaves with a ready-to-display painting on canvas — and a special memory of making real art together. CANCELLATION POLICY Registration cancellations made more than 72 hours prior to the drop in class date may receive a refund minus the 20% non-refundable deposit. Cancellations made within 72 hours of the class series start date are NONREFUNDABLE.

This week is a painting workshop inspired by artist Alma Thomas — an American painter who built worlds out of deliberate dabs of color. We’ll start with a watercolor underpainting, then layer opaque brushstrokes on top to create a radiant, mosaic-like composition. We’ll learn the difference between transparent and opaque paint, practice color mixing, and discover how patience and repeated mark-making can build something genuinely beautiful. Every artist leaves with a finished, ready-to-frame painting—plus a new appreciation for excellent an modern artist.