Join us for Painting the Masters, a relaxed, welcoming 8-week class series where adult learners discover the joy of oil painting. Each session explores techniques used by great artists throughout history—helping you build foundational painting skills while creating your own masterpieces. Perfect for beginners or those returning to art, this class offers step-by-step guidance, time to experiment, and plenty of encouragement. All materials provided.
Whether you're a beginner or returning to painting after time away, this course will guide you through the fundamental tools, techniques, and traditions of oil painting. Each session is led by a professional teaching artist and inspired by masterpieces in the museum's collection.
Class Schedule: 1:30-3:30p on August 21 • August 28 • September 4 • September 11 • September 18 • September 25 • October 2 • October 9
Weekly Schedule
Week One – Understanding Your Tools (August 21) Get to know your materials—from brushes and paints to solvents and how to care for them. You’ll also complete a color and emotion exercise using crayons or colored pencils, which helps build awareness of how color conveys emotions.
Week Two – Color Theory & Mixing with Oils (August 28) Dive into foundational color theory. You'll create a color wheel you’ll use throughout the course and for your final painting.
Week Three – Value Squares (September 4)Learn how to control color through light and dark. We'll make value scales and discuss your final painting project to begin the planning process.
Week Four – Finding Your Subject (September 11)We'll explore the galleries to choose a painting that inspires you to recreate. You'll receive a gridded reference image and prepare your canvas using either grisaille or an underpainting.
Week Five – Brush Techniques (September 18)Experiment with brushwork and rendering techniques. You'll also learn how to grid a reference image or interpret the subject more freely—your choice.
Week Six – Getting Started (September 25): Begin drawing your image on canvas and mix your color palette. Decide whether to begin with an underpainting or work directly on a white surface—each has pros and cons.
Week Seven – Working Time (October 2)Focus fully on painting your masterpiece. You'll also start to understand the rhythm and timing oil painting, including drying time and layering.
Week Eight – Final Touches & Group Critique (October 9)Wrap up your painting and share your work with the class. We'll reflect together on the creative process—what you learned, where you grew, and what inspired you.
All materials are provided. No prior experience necessary—just bring your curiosity and creativity. Spaces are limited. Advance registration required.
Led by local artist Amy Hucheson, you’ll learn about handling oil paints, color theory, art history, and more. You’ll begin your journey with an introduction to Memphis' art collection, and you’ll come away with your own masterpiece.
Amy Hutcheson was born in 1972 in Kalamazoo, MI. Her work has been exhibited and represented throughout the United States, including the Memphis Botanic Garden and the L. Ross Gallery in Memphis, Tennessee, the Globe Fine Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the Abend Gallery in Denver, Colorado, as well as the Mongerson Gallery in Chicago, Illinois, and the Ground Floor Gallery in Nashville, Tennessee. Hutcheson received her BFA from Memphis College of Art and she currently lives in and works in Memphis, Tennessee. Amy has been teaching art in the Memphis community for over 15 years. Working both privately and with several organizations, Amy teaches both children and adults. She was director of Education for The Art House, lead teacher for Creation Station at The Brooks Museum and has taught for Creative Aging for the 5 years. “It is such a joy to watch someone find that creative spark that I believe lives within all of us. It just takes the right environment and encouragement to bring it out.”
The museum and all its programs are made possible by the generous support of museum members. Members enjoy free daily admission to the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and receive discounts of up to 50% on ticketed events. Join today at thebrooks.org/join
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