Painting & Drawing Classes
From formal drawing and painting courses to open studio and open format workshops, these FAC classes focus on developing and honing the technical skills of these 2-dimensional mediums. Beginning students will develop a strong foundation of skills, while intermediate and advanced students will build on their existing skills with guidance from their instructor.
Read more about our Painting and Drawing classes here!
8 Week Classes
Tuition: $192.00 | Member Tuition: $173.00
4 Week Classes
Tuition: $100.00 | Member Tuition: $90.00
Class Resources
Spring 2026
Watercolor - Beginning, Block 1 (PDF)
Intro to Murals (PDF)
Intro to Oils (PDF)
Intro to Still Life (PDF)
Summer 2026
Beginning Watercolor - Block 1 (PDF)
Whimsy Watercolor (PDF)
Figure Drawing (PDF)
Ready, Set, Caricature! (PDF)
Painting and Drawing Courses at Norman Firehouse Art Center
Painting and drawing classes at the Firehouse Art Center provide a flexible, skill-building environment for observation, technique, and personal expression. These classes are designed to support a wide range of interests, from traditional studio practices to more experimental, mixed-media approaches, all while helping students develop confidence in how they see and interpret the world around them.
Class Format
Painting and drawing courses are typically offered in four- or eight-week sessions, with classes meeting weekly for focused, hands-on instruction. Each session builds progressively, allowing students to develop skills over time while working on a series of studies and finished pieces.
Classes usually begin with demonstrations or guided exercises before transitioning into individual work. Beginners focus on foundational concepts like composition, value, and color relationships, while more experienced students refine their technique, explore new materials, and work on more complex or personal projects. Many courses incorporate a mix of structured assignments and open-ended exploration to support both skill development and creative freedom.
Instructors
Painting and drawing courses are led by practicing artists with backgrounds in fine art, illustration, and contemporary media. Many instructors are actively exhibiting or working professionally, bringing real-world experience into the classroom alongside strong technical knowledge.
Instruction is both supportive and individualized, with instructors offering one-on-one feedback, group critiques, and guidance tailored to each student’s goals. Whether you’re learning how to handle a new medium or developing a consistent style, instructors help bridge the gap between technique and creative intent.
Studio, Materials, and Equipment
Students work with a variety of traditional and contemporary materials, depending on the course focus. Classes may include watercolor, acrylic, oil, charcoal, graphite, ink, or mixed media, with guidance on how to use each effectively.
Some courses provide basic materials, while others require students to bring their own supplies. Instructors provide supply lists and recommendations, along with instruction on proper setup, material handling, and studio practices. Easels, drawing boards, and shared studio equipment are available to support a variety of working styles.
Outcomes
By the end of a painting and drawing course, students develop a stronger understanding of visual fundamentals and how to apply them across different mediums. They leave with a portfolio of work that reflects both technical growth and personal exploration.
Students will also gain the ability to approach their work more intentionally, whether that means refining observational skills, experimenting with new materials, or developing a more consistent artistic voice.
Common Techniques and Areas of Focus in Painting and Drawing
Watercolor, acrylic, and oil painting techniques
Observational drawing and figure studies
Composition, perspective, and spatial relationships
Color theory and mixing
Layering, glazing, and surface development
Mixed media and experimental approaches
Painting and Drawing Workshops
Painting and drawing workshops center on particular subjects, mediums, or techniques, creating space for deeper exploration outside the structure of a weekly class. These shorter sessions are ideal for students looking to try something new or deepen their understanding of a particular method, such as figure drawing, plein air painting, or experimental mixed media.
Led by visiting artists or instructors with specialized expertise, painting and drawing workshops provide fresh perspectives and concentrated practice that can complement ongoing classwork and semester courses.