This “Loper Method” class is designed to provide students with methods and techniques taught by the late Delaware artist Edward Loper Sr. Students will learn about achieving rich color through direct observation and the use of a limited palette by painting a still life while focusing on light, line, color, and space.  

A course in landscape painting in gouache, using photographs as a reference. 

Gouache is a fun and easy to use water based medium that dries quickly to a beautiful mat finish. It is an opaque version of watercolor. Unlike transparent watercolor, gouache allows for painting light colors over dark, providing greater freedom in how a painting is created. The class will include instruction in choosing a composition, transferring photographic reference to your paper, paint handling & consistency, painting gouache in layers, and techniques for suggesting foliage and other textures. Students will also learn how to mix a wide range of colors from a limited palette. The class will include demonstrations by the instructor and individual instruction based on each student’s level of accomplishment.

This course will focus on approaches and techniques for representational oil painting. Direct observation along with working from a photographic reference will be the basis for combining light, shadow, and color to create realistic paintings.    
This course will focus on approaches and techniques for representational oil painting. Direct observation along with working from a photographic reference will be the basis for combining light, shadow, and color to create realistic paintings.       
This course will focus on approaches and techniques for representational and impressionistic acrylic painting. Direct observation along with working from a photographic reference will be the basis for combining light, shadow, and color to create realistic paintings.

This course offers an introduction to Children’s Book Illustration, exploring the relationship between concept, text and image. The class will give the students opportunity to select a text and practice illustrative techniques by choice. Exploring new approaches is part of the learning experience and the appropriate methods and materials will be discussed individually. Some drawing and/or painting skills are helpful.

Students will:

  • Explore conceptual skills as they relate to image making, working from preliminary sketches to final art.
  • Incorporate design components such as format, layout, and typography in the illustration process. It includes the ability to research for inspiration, references, and professionally based solutions.
  • Develop a working familiarity with a variety of illustrative techniques and apply them to their illustration project.
  • Have a basic awareness of professional ethics and practices.  

WORKING ON A BOOK PROJECT

  • Visual exploration of ideas- thumbnails 
  • Character design development 
  • Chapter illustrations, Single page, Spread, Spot/ Vignette, Frontispiece
  • Graphic design solutions, Working with type
  • Selection of technique, Technique exploration, Final art

ANATOMY OF THE BOOK

  • Book Cover – Specifics
  • Dust Jacket
  • Front Matter 
  • Book Body – Formats, Paper, Design 
  • Back Matter
This course will focus on approaches and techniques for representational oil painting. Direct observation along with working from a photographic reference will be the basis for combining light, shadow, and color to create realistic paintings.    
For artists interested in exploring their inner voice and getting in touch with their creativity, this class is for you! Students will learn the basics of acrylic painting alongside expressive brushwork and color application.
For artists interested in exploring their inner voice and getting in touch with their creativity, this class is for you! Students will learn the basics of acrylic painting alongside expressive brushwork and color application.
This class will offer demonstrations and lessons on painting with a limited palette and split primaries. Also students will receive lessons on tinted watercolor paper and painting on Masa rice paper. Post-beginner to advanced-level students will continue to learn about watercolors and refine their skills as the instructor demonstrates new techniques and gives students attention for their personal projects.
Enjoy the fun of sketching buildings and urban scenes with ink and watercolor — a technique that encompasses the visual appeal of both drawing and painting. The class will include choosing a subject, creating a composition, taking both a methodical and loose approach, line quality, paint handling, and the fundamentals of linear perspective. (These techniques will also be useful for “urban sketching” on location.) The class will include a demonstration by the instructor as well as individual instruction at each students level of ability, but it is suggested that students have basic drawing skills.
Practice basic drawing techniques. Gesture, contour, quality of line, composition, form, and perspective will be emphasized.    
This Art course is designed for Veterans and their support person. (optional) Through a variety of drawing and painting mediums, “Seeing” skills, learning different techniques, exploring color and discovering one’s own unique voice is the focus of this class. Both Realism and Abstract will be used as an avenue in playing with the Visual Language. Included is a trip to a local working artist’s studio and drawing from the collection of the DE Art Museum. We are looking for a few good men and women for some serious play!
Create images of nature scenes, landscapes, wildlife and florals using combinations of watercolor, ink pens, acrylics, and soft pastels as you improve your drawing and observational skills. The class will include weekly demonstrations by the instructor as well as individual instruction at each student’s level of ability, but it is suggested that students already have basic drawing skills. We will be working from reference photos in addition to some still life arrangements set up in the studio.
During this course, we will learn about all of the materials and surfaces for painting with pastels.  We will cover many of the techniques for various strokes and mark-making to apply pastels including hard pastels, soft pastels, pan pastels, and pastel pencils.  You will learn the methods of underpainting using watercolor, gouache, alcohol, pan pastels, and pipe insulation.  I will demonstrate my methods for mounting, fixative, and framing pastels.  Throughout this course, we will be learning about the five steps to making a great painting – composition, values, color, atmosphere, and edges.  Also, we will cover techniques and methods for plein air painting.
Make Tiny Art! Artist Trading Cards are small artworks sized 2 ½” x 3 ½”  done for the enjoyment of creating art and swapping it with friends. ATC’s are quick to make and lend themselves to experimentation. We’ll use collage and mixed media techniques to create an array of mini-works, and then we’ll trade with each other at the end of the session, though you may create some that you want to keep for yourself!
This watercolor class will focus on the traditional landscape with painting demonstrations for skies, water, greenery, and buildings in a relaxed setting.
There’s a whole world out there! Make a little bit of it your own in mixed media. Using a photo as a reference, start with found papers, glue, and scissors. Add paint, pen, crayons, stamps, or markers and create a landscape (seascape, urban scene, moonscape…) that you can visit anytime you like. At the end of class you’ll have a small scene finished or well on its way, and knowledge of how to create more collage landscapes on your own.
This introductory jewelry course will introduce you to a variety of hand-skills and design concepts necessary to begin making your own jewelry. Some essential techniques that will be covered include sawing, filing, riveting, simple forming, hammer texture, soldering, and finishing. You will learn how to make a ring for your desired size and will hand-build a cabochon stone-setting for a ring or pendant. Students will make at least 2 finished pieces in this class.
This is an opportunity for experienced metals students to work independently in the Museum’s metalsmithing studio. A monitor is present for safety and to help guide students with their projects. Completion of Beyond Beginner Jewelry Making or approval by a Museum metals instructor is required to attend. 
This is an opportunity for experienced metals students to work independently in the Museum’s metalsmithing studio. A monitor is present for safety and to help guide students with their projects. Completion of Beyond Beginner Jewelry Making or approval by a Museum metals instructor is required to attend.  
Join Hattie in the studio for a fun, 10-week class and learn how to make metal jewelry using traditional metalsmithing techniques! Students will learn how to use all of the essential jewelry-making tools to create their designs including cutting metal, filing, hammering, cold connections, textures, soldering, bezel settings and more. We will make 4-5 projects out of sterling silver and jeweler’s brass. Students are encouraged to attend all classes, as this is an info-packed class. Please bring a notepad to class.
Participants will see their skills advance as new techniques are added and old techniques are refined. Projects will change each semester. Students must have completed Beginning Jewelry Making.  
In this multi-week class, students will learn how to combine enameled forms and even flat backed stones or found objects with fabricated metal jewelry. This class will expand on introductory metalsmithing and fabrication techniques, so while acting as an advanced metals class, no prior enameling experience is required. Primary techniques demonstrated include introductions to fusing enamel, surface decoration, bezel setting, hydraulic forming, eutectic soldering, ear wires, ring making, brooches, and more. Students are expected to explore narrative and connections between the enameled forms and the jewelry created to house them, making planning and sketching an important part of the process. 
This is an opportunity for students familiar with enameling to work independently in the studio. A monitor is present for safety and to help guide students with their projects. Completion of a beginner Enameling course or permission from a Museum instructor is required to attend.
Students of any background or enameling level will be able to participate in this multi-week class. For beginners, this means basic fusing to introductory techniques such as graphite drawing, glass etching and wet-packing, among others. More advanced students will be able to continue building on their projects while techniques such as luster, overglazes, underglazes, and various other surface decoration techniques are incorporated. Techniques covered: fusing, counter enameling, wet-packing graphite drawing, glass etching, under and overglazes, basse-taille, luster. 
This is an opportunity for students familiar with enameling to work independently in the studio. A monitor is present for safety and to help guide students with their projects. Completion of a beginner Enameling course or permission from a Museum instructor is required to attend. 
Students should have soldering and sawing skills. You will be learning to make a pendant by drilling into a beach pebble (provided by the teacher) to overlay a small stone on the pebble as well as creating a tube rivet through the pebble to hang the pendant on a cord or chain.
Students look forward to engaging their spirit with ceramic pouring vessels. During this workshop, we will look into forms such as teapots and pitchers. We will consider both visual and functions of spouts in search of a steady pouring stream.

January 12, Handmade Butter Dish 

Join us for a delightful workshop where you’ll create your own unique ceramic butter dish! Guided by ceramic artist, Rayna DeReus, you’ll learn hand building techniques and explore decorating options. No experience is required—just bring your creativity! All materials are provided. Bring home a charming, functional piece for your kitchen. Sign up and get creating! Typical firing time is a two week process, once complete you can pick up your handmade butter dish from the museum. 

January 19, Handmade Coffee Pour Over Set 

Dive into the art of ceramics in this hands-on workshop where you’ll create your very own coffee pour over set! Guided by ceramic artist, Rayna DeReus, you’ll learn essential hand building techniques and explore decorating options. No prior experience needed—just bring your passion for coffee and creativity! All materials are provided. Join us for a cozy, creative experience and elevate your coffee ritual! Typical firing time is a two week process, once complete you can pick up your pour over set from the museum. 

February 9, Handmade Serving Tray

Join us for a fun and engaging workshop where you’ll create your own unique serving tray perfect for your next gathering! Guided by ceramic artist, Rayna DeReus, you’ll learn hand building techniques and explore creative designs. No prior experience is necessary—just bring your enthusiasm! All materials are provided. Sign up and get ready to unleash your creativity! Typical firing time is a two week process, once complete you can pick up your handmade serving tray from the museum. 

February 23, Handmade Bird House 

Join us for a delightful workshop where you’ll create your own handmade ceramic bird house perfect to welcome in Spring! Guided by ceramic artist, Rayna DeReus, you’ll learn essential hand building techniques and design your own unique piece. No prior experience is needed—just bring your love for nature and creativity! All materials are provided. Create a charming addition to your garden while giving birds a cozy home. Sign up and let your imagination soar! Typical firing time is a two week process, once complete you can pick up your handmade birdhouse from the museum. 

Enjoy the pleasures of making your own useful pots. Students will explore techniques for creating beautiful ceramic pieces by hand and on the potter’s wheel. Form, function, and various surface treatments will be presented in a fun, informal setting.
Explore the art of hand building pottery in this engaging class designed for all skill levels! You’ll learn techniques such as pinching, coiling, and slab construction to create unique, functional, and decorative pieces while exploring forms and textures in a relaxed atmosphere.
Enjoy the pleasures of making your own useful pots. Students will explore techniques for creating beautiful ceramic pieces by hand and on the potter’s wheel. Form, function, and various surface treatments will be presented in a fun, informal setting.  
Students enjoy a gentle introduction to hand building and wheel throwing in this relaxed beginner’s class.
Students with a foundation of throwing skills can continue to build their voice in this class. Demonstrations will guide individual creative projects and strengthen skills to advance student’s techniques in clay.   
Students will learn basic wheel thrown shapes to build a foundation on the wheel. This class will learn to wedge and center clay, which are necessary elements to wheel thrown pottery. Weekly demonstrations will focus on cups and bowls.
Students with a foundation of throwing skills can continue to build their voice in this class. Demonstrations will guide individual creative projects and strengthen skills to advance student’s techniques in clay.
Learn how to make fabulous cups, bowls, plates, and vases in this fun and informative class designed for beginning level students. Students will start with hand building and transition onto the wheel. 
Enjoy the pleasures of making your own useful pots. Students will explore techniques for creating beautiful ceramic pieces by hand and on the potter’s wheel. Form, function, and various surface treatments will be presented in a fun, informal setting.  
Students will explore a range of techniques for creating decorative and/or functional ceramic pieces on the potter’s wheel. Lessons can include a range from beginner fundamentals to developing skills to improve technique. For more experienced potters, the teacher can help you experiment with more advanced techniques (i.e. clay marbling, donut vase, bigger sizes).
Young artists explore drawing, painting, paper arts, mixed media, fibers and found objects while learning art techniques and history through engaging, inspirational projects.

This music class, geared towards children ranging from 2-5, combines the excitement of music learning with the tranquility of mindfulness. Through interactive exploration of musical elements such as dynamics (soft/loud), pitch (high/low), rhythm (short/long), and articulation (smooth/choppy), students engage in singing, movement, and playing classroom instruments. They will explore short songs, chants, props, and poems that help them begin to understand and express musical concepts.

In addition to music, students will be introduced to simple meditation and yoga practices, including mindful breathing, body awareness, and focused listening, supporting emotional regulation and building calmness in their daily routines. This course nurtures both musical skills and mindfulness habits, fostering creativity, confidence, community, and calm in young learners.

A day off of school means a day to create art! Join us at the Museum for a day of projects inspired by our collection and other great works of art! 
This class is for adult writers who completed the Writing Your Memoir – Part 1 class or writers who are already working on a memoir manuscript. In a supportive writing community, you will be invited to review craft elements of memoir with a focus on expansion and revision, generate new material, and you will have the opportunity to share excerpts of your work in progress. Sharing is always optional and not required. Each session will provide information on specific, relevant craft elements, and allow time for safe and encouraging feedback.
Adult writers of all levels are invited to join this encouraging and supportive generative fiction writing workshop. You will be presented with a diverse selection of inspiring examples and engaging exercises as you apply the foundational story elements to your work. Writers will strengthen their writing voices, explore best practices for finding inspiration and building creative writing into daily life, and complete a draft of a short story. Those who are interested in developing an outline for a book will have the opportunity to create one in class.
Explore a variety of printmaking techniques using the museum’s large Charles Brand etching press. Students may choose between monotype, drypoint intaglio etching, and linoleum relief – or try all three! Experienced printmakers may work independently with guidance and assistance from the instructor. 

1/13/25 Monday, 6-9 pm
Class Photography essentials (focusing, exposure triangle, camera modes, sensor types, metering, ISO, shutter speed, white balance/color temperature, etc) composition, equipment, demonstrations

1/19/25 Sunday, 1-4 pm
Field trip Hagley Museum

1/27/25 Monday, 6-9 pm
Class Review and critique Hagley and other photos, lighting types, composition, introduction to photo processing, continuation of basics

2/10/25 Monday, 6-9 pm
Class Introduction to night, motion, continuation of basics, composition and photo processing

2/16/25 Sunday, 1-4 pm
Field Trip TBD

2/24/25 Monday, 6-9 pm
Class Understanding light and lighting techniques, continuation of basics, composition and photo processing

3/2/25 Sunday, 1-4 pm
Field Trip TBD

3/10/25 Monday, 6-9 pm
Class critiquing of photos, introduction to street photography, continuation of basics, composition and photo processing

3/16/25 Sunday, 1-4 pm
Field Trip Street Photo Outing-Wilmington or Philadelphia

3/24/25 Monday, 6-9 pm
Class critiquing photos, continuation of basics, composition and photo processing