Courses and Workshops
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Unlock your creativity and find joy today!
Who is this for?
Did the big box of crayons make you swoon with joy? Did you find refuge in high school art class? Do you wish you could carve out time and space for yourself and your creativity again? Me too! That’s why I taught art in the public schools and why I ended up as a professional artist. I can’t get enough of that flow state of mind that I find when I paint!
My classes are for you if you want to learn how to paint or how to improve your art, but you’re not quite sure where to begin. As a professional artist, I can help you take your art to the next level so you can enjoy that creative flow and jump back into the healing experience of making paintings. Online classes are designed to be watched anytime and anywhere. Complete the classes with a few friends and a bottle of wine, or move through them at your own pace whenever the mood strikes- even in your pajamas! This class is excellent for teens and pre-teens trying to build their portfolios as well as artists of any age who want to spruce up their skills and have fun. I offer my tried and true tips and tricks from working as a professional artist and show you how to skip the art supply store overwhelm and jump straight into making gorgeous art for your own home. If you have a story to tell and you’d like to say it with beautiful paint and colors, you are in the right place. Welcome home, love!
What will you learn?
You’ll learn everything from the supplies I adore and how to cultivate safer painting practices to the professional design secrets I use to create my paintings. My process is a step by step cycle that can be repeated again and again to make paintings in your own unique voice. Each course offers choices so that you can closely follow along with my example or use the information to forge your own path, integrating professional painting tips into your personal subject matter. I will never ask you to paint a color wheel or create unoriginal paint-by-number paintings! Instead, I show you exactly how to apply my personal painting secrets to your own work. It has taken me over 20 years to perfect my process, and at last I am ready to spill the beans!
What are students saying?
“This was the best workshop I have ever attended! I learned more from this class than I have ever learned in a workshop! I can’t wait to paint again.” - client on Figure Eight Island, N.C.
“Katie is a storyteller. I love hearing the anecdotal stories she intertwines in her classes. I will definitely be back with friends. Her classes are so much fun and she is a great teacher. She really puts students at ease and makes it so enjoyable!” - client in Greensboro, N.C.
“Katie’s classes and workshops are my favorite way to relax and have fun. Plus, I end up with beautiful paintings to keep or give to my children!” - client in Raleigh, N.C.
A Place to Start: Oil Painting for Beginners
Katie’s first online class!
This course offers a space for you to reclaim your creativity and joy through oil painting. Learn the basics from safer supplies to easy clean up while building artistic skills that will carry over to any creative practice. A great painting begins with great design. Let me show you how to get there with the process I use in my everyday practice. You can use your own source image or follow along with me to create your first masterpiece. This class features 13 short videos that may be watched anytime, anywhere. Once purchased, you will never lose access. The early bird special won’t stick around long! Secure your discounted spot today!
Botanical Ink Painting and Bloom Bar Workshop at My Garden Blooms
Saturday, September 20th, 2023, 2-5 p.m.
This year was full of botanical ink experiments as I learned to make a rainbow of colors from natural ingredients. Join us for this in person workshop where I’ll teach you how to make your own proprietary inks from botanical elements from the flower garden. After ink making, I’ll show you how to use your ink to paint custom stationery designs. You’ll have full access to experiment with my rainbow of natural inks and I’ll teach you simple steps that anyone can use to paint beautiful floral designs on paper. For inspiration, a selection of my floral paintings will be on display (and available for purchase if you like!), and I’ll offer individualized tips and tricks to help you find the joy of painting with homemade botanical inks. In addition to fabulous refreshments, you'll take home:
Your own custom botanical ink
A hand painted notecard set for sending special snail mail to loved ones
Recipes to make your own rainbow of botanical ink colors
A vase arrangement from the Flower Bar for inspiration
Join me Saturday, September 30th from 2-5 p.m. at My Garden Blooms, a fresh flower farm in Kernersville, N.C. Space is limited to 12 students. $110
To register for the event, please contact Shellie Ritzman at 336.287.2186.
Spring Peony Paintings
Join me at The O’Brien Gallery’s brand new space in Greensboro to paint spring peony bouquets in oil. I’ll show you step by step how to create gorgeous petals with painterly brush strokes. We will relax and have a blast losing ourselves in the lush beauty of flowers while we create a 12 x 16 inch painting on panel for your home. All skill levels are welcome and all supplies and lunch are included. Bring a sense of humor and some clothes that can get a little messy. Just don’t wait too long to reserve your spot because these go quickly! Space is limited. Welcome sweet spring!
Sunday, March 26th, 10-2 p.m. (FULL)
or
Tuesday, March 28th, 10-2 p.m. (FULL)
The O’Brien Gallery, 715 N. Eugene St., Greensboro, N.C.
Join the Studio Insiders to be the first to know our schedule for 2023. To request details or pre-register for workshops, please call or text Kathy O’Brien at 336.707.7476.
$165 per student with all supplies and lunch included.