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Saturday, March 18, 2023

Jump into Mixed Media!

Do you have a knack for seeing the unusual in the usual? Do you keep things that are too nice to throw away or find yourself reaching for something that catches your eye out on a walk? Ever since Picasso turned a caned chair into a painting in 1912, artists have put uncommon things together to create new ways of seeing art in everyday objects.


This class gives you the opportunity to bring your sense of adventure in gathering and using diverse materials together in 2D and 3D collages, assemblages, sculptures, and retablos.

We will explore the work of diverse mixed-media artists as inspiration for collecting and using handmade papers, found objects, inkjet prints, cloth, wood, ink, paint mediums, and other media to layer to play with surface textures, visual qualities, and technologies of representation. Please bring an art journal or sketchbook to document your process of discovery and creation!

Meets: (3) Saturdays 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Dates: Mar. 18, 25, & Apr. 1 in 2023
Location: TPS Art Center (2447 N. Los Altos Ave., Tucson, Arizona 85705)

Instructor: Teresa Tipton
Format: Learn from live demonstrations, practice within a studio setting, and receive one-on-one instruction or individual feedback.
Level: No experience necessary. Absolute beginner, beginner to intermediate, all levels are welcome!

Medium: Mixed Media
Technique: The process of mixed media & collage, exploration & experimentation
Materials:  Bring a sketchbook and use it to journal both during and outside the class. The instructor will email a materials list before the first day of class.<

Saturday, March 11, 2023

Creative Pathways (Mar. 2023)

Creative Pathways (Mar. 2023)

Creative Pathways (Mar. 2023)


Do you want to be in the driver’s seat and have guidance and support to help you along your artistic journey? Creative Pathways combines an open studio experience with an instructor who leads constructive, structured critiques that include group discussions, one-to-one instruction, and optional exercises to push you to the next level.


These classes are perfect for those who want to benefit from feedback, inspiration, and the vitality achieved when working with other creative individuals. The instructor will guide you in finding your visual voice, achieving your artistic vision, and cultivating creativity.

Meets: (4) Saturdays 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Dates: Mar. 11, 18 & 25 in 2023
Location: TPS Art Center (2447 N. Los Altos, Tucson, Arizona 85705)

Instructor: Lisa Larrabee
Format: Demonstration & group critique, studio practice with individual feedback, and one-on-one instruction.
Level: No experience necessary. Absolute beginner, beginner to intermediate, all levels are welcome!

Medium: Any 2D art medium is welcome!
Technique: Short demonstrations in a variety of 2D art mediums
Materials: Bring your supplies. Some materials are available for experimentation. Still life objects with studio lighting are available, or bring reference material. Easels, drop cloths, tables & chairs are provided. Painters must use drop cloths over tabletops. Oil painters must use Gamsol or odorless mineral spirits at all times & dispose of their rags in the red can marked for safe disposal of solvent-soaked materials.


Participant's Work






Monday, March 6, 2023

Portrait Drawing Essentials

People are naturally drawn to faces! It is one of the reasons so many artists want to learn how to draw or paint them. Portraits are a challenge, but there are many tips you can learn to help you through the process. When you learn a head's basic measurements and structure, you begin with a solid foundation.


The features are incredibly important, but so are the relationships between them. Nicely drawn eyes don't feel right if they are drawn too large or placed too high on the head. Starting with the basic structure, you will learn to create a convincing form to add light, shadows, and details. The more you practice, the better your portraits will become because you will build from a solid foundation. Whether learning the basics or honing your skills, this class will help you take your portraits to the next level.


Meets: (4) Mondays 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Dates: Mar 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2023
Location: TPS Art Center (2447 N. Los Altos Ave., Tucson, Arizona 85705)

Instructor: Lisa Larrabee
Format: Lecture & demonstration, studio practice with individual feedback or one-on-one instruction.
Level: Some prior drawing experience is recommended. Learn to draw or refine your portrait skills.

Medium: Charcoal, graphite, or any 2D drawing medium is welcome!
Technique: Deconstructing structure from photos and life drawing from plaster casts.
Materials: The instructor will email the materials list before the first day of class.


Instructor Demo




Participant's Work









Sunday, February 26, 2023

Fun with Pencils: Seeing Form and Shape

Fun with Pencils: Seeing Form and Shape

Explore pencil techniques that create the illusion of form in your drawings. Learn to see shapes or forms and translate them onto paper. Learn simple steps to creating organic or geometric shapes. Capture the essence of any subject and have some fun! Get started, or use this class as a refresher to practice your drawing skills within a studio environment!


Meets: (3) Saturdays 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Dates: Feb. 26, Mar. 5, & Mar. 12 in 2023
Location: TPS Art Center (2447 N. Los Altos, Tucson, Arizona 85705)

Instructor: Jill Bauman
Format: Demonstration, lecture, hands-on studio practice with one-on-one instruction or individual feedback.
Level: No experience necessary. Absolute beginner, beginner to intermediate, all levels are welcome!

Medium: Pencils, colored pencils, Conte pencils, or any type of pencils are welcome!
Technique: Specific to drawing in pencils.
Materials: The instructor will email the materials list before the first day of class.



Participant's Work


Colored Pencils


Experimenting with Watercolor Pencils


Experimenting with Watercolor Pencils



Monday, February 6, 2023

Drawing Facial Features: Eye & Nose

Drawing Facial Features: Eye & Nose

Drawing Facial Features: Eye & Nose


 Creating a portrait is a challenge, so let’s simplify! Focus on one feature at a time to develop a greater understanding of each part to build your knowledge and confidence.



Drawing facial features follows the same process as drawing anything else. It’s all about shapes, values, and relationships. However, there are also symbols and habits you may need to unlearn to objectively see the features accurately.

To help better understand each feature, we will examine the structure of the form before drawing from a larger-than-life-sized detailed plaster cast. If you have ever been interested in drawing or painting portraits, this is the perfect class to get you started or to hone your portrait skills.

Meets: (4) Mondays 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Dates: Feb. 6, 13, 20, & 27 in 2023
Location: TPS Art Center (2447 N. Los Altos Ave., Tucson, Arizona 85705)

Instructor: Lisa Larrabee
Format: Lecture & demonstration, studio practice with individual feedback or one-on-one instruction.
Level: Some prior drawing experience is recommended. No previous experience is required.

Medium: Charcoal +/or graphite
Technique: Learn to draw and/or refine your skills to prepare for portrait drawing and/or painting.
Materials: The instructor will email the materials list before the first day of class.


Participant's Work







Sunday, February 5, 2023

Jump into Abstract Art!

Do you love to draw and paint realistically but feel mystified about where to start creating Abstract Art? Have you tried making abstract art and still aren’t satisfied with the results? Explore a new direction using an interactive approach. This class will provide instruction on the tools, methods, and materials needed to push the borders of representation beyond resemblance and will develop your confidence.


Playful experimentation in combining the elements of art to create non-objective ideas or emotions will give you a unique starting point. Each session will offer a new approach to using line, shape, form, color, or space and introduce creative ways to think about design in your abstract compositions.

Meets: (3) Sundays 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Dates: Feb. 5, 12, & 19 in 2023
Location: TPS Art Center (2447 N. Los Altos Ave., Tucson, Arizona 85705)

Instructor: Teresa Tipton
Format: Learn from live demonstrations, practice within a studio setting, and receive one-on-one instruction or individual feedback.
Level: No experience necessary. Absolute beginner, beginner to intermediate, all levels are welcome!

Medium: Mixed Media
Technique: The process of abstraction. Create abstract designs, working with our images and using those from abstract artists of the 20th century.
Materials:  Bring a sketchbook and use it to journal both during and outside the class. The instructor will email a materials list before the first day of class.

Saturday, February 4, 2023

Creative Pathways (Feb. 2023)

Creative Pathways (Feb. 2023)

Creative Pathways (Feb. 2023)


Do you want to be in the driver's seat and have guidance and support to help you along your artistic journey? Creative Pathways combines an open studio experience with an instructor who leads constructive, structured critiques that include group discussions, one-to-one instruction, and optional exercises to push you to the next level.


These classes are perfect for those who want to benefit from feedback, inspiration, and the vitality achieved when working with other creative individuals. The instructor will guide you in finding your visual voice, achieving your artistic vision, and cultivating creativity.

Meets: (4) Saturdays 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Dates: Feb. 4, 11, 18 & 25 in 2023
Location: TPS Art Center (2447 N. Los Altos, Tucson, Arizona 85705)

Instructor: Lisa Larrabee
Format: Demonstration & group critique, studio practice with individual feedback, and one-on-one instruction.
Level: No experience necessary. Absolute beginner, beginner to intermediate, all levels are welcome!

Medium: Any 2D art medium is welcome!
Technique: Short demonstrations in a variety of 2D art mediums
Materials: Bring your supplies. Some materials are available for experimentation. Still life objects with studio lighting are available or bring reference material. Easels, drop cloths, tables & chairs are provided. Painters must use drop cloths over tabletops. Oil painters must use Gamsol or odorless mineral spirits at all times & dispose of their rags in the red can marked for safe disposal of solvent-soaked materials.



Instructor Demonstration



Participant's Work




Cloudscapes in Watercolor

Cloudscapes in Watercolor

Cloudscapes in Watercolor


Paint beautiful and realistic clouds within your landscapes using a simple approach! We’ll start with a step-by-step demonstration of how to capture the structure and features of fair-weather clouds. Learn how to work with color and composition as you enjoy painting the vibrant colors of the “golden hour” when the sunlight and clouds turn magical. Vivid or wildly colored clouds, as we commonly see during Arizona’s monsoon season, may serve as supporting actors, or with a few tips, we can make them stand out as the star of your painting!


Meets: (3) Sundays 9:30 PM - 12:30 PM
Dates: Feb. 4, 11, & 18 in 2023
Location: TPS Art Center (2447 N. Los Altos, Tucson, Arizona 85705)

Instructor: Stacy Egan
Format: Demonstration, lecture, hands-on studio practice with one-on-one instruction or individual feedback.
Level: No experience necessary. Absolute beginner, beginner to intermediate, all levels are welcome!

Medium: Watercolor
Technique: Painting wet-into-wet, layering, color mixing
Materials: The instructor will email the materials list before the first day of class.


Friday, January 20, 2023

Drawing Facial Features: Mouth & Ear

Drawing Facial Features: Mouth & Ear

Drawing Facial Features: Mouth & Ear


Creating a portrait is a challenge, so let’s simplify! Focus on one feature at a time to develop a greater understanding of each part to build your knowledge and confidence.



Drawing facial features follows the same process as drawing anything else. It’s all about shapes, values, and relationships. However, there are also symbols and habits you may need to unlearn to objectively see the features accurately.

To help better understand each feature, we will examine the structure of the form before drawing from a larger-than-life-sized detailed plaster cast. If you have ever been interested in drawing or painting portraits, this is the perfect class to get you started or to hone your portrait skills.

Meets: (4) Mondays 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Dates: Jan. 9, 16, 23 & 30 in 2023
Location: TPS Art Center (2447 N. Los Altos Ave., Tucson, Arizona 85705)

Instructor: Lisa Larrabee
Format: Lecture & demonstration, studio practice with individual feedback or one-on-one instruction.
Level: Some prior drawing experience is recommended. No previous experience is required.

Medium: Charcoal +/or graphite
Technique: Learn to draw and/or refine your skills to prepare for portrait drawing and/or painting.
Materials: The instructor will email the materials list before the first day of class.



Instructor Demonstration



Participant's Work







Saturday, January 7, 2023

Ink with a Brush

Ink with a Brush

Ink with a Brush


Create ink drawings using a brush! Learn how to create ink washes and work with various colored inks and ink types. Use pen and basic brush strokes to create beautiful lines and forms.


Practice using an ink brush pen for travel in guided exercises on a small scale. Explore the traditional brush painting concept of “less is more” as you learn how to capture the essence of your subject using only a few strokes. Work your way up to finished pieces that explode with color!

Meets: (3) Saturdays 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Dates: Jan. 7, 14 & 21 in 2023
Location: TPS Art Center (2447 N. Los Altos, Tucson, Arizona 85705)

Instructor: Christy Olsen
Format: Demonstration, lecture, hands-on studio practice with one-on-one instruction or individual feedback.
Level: No experience necessary. Absolute beginner, beginner to intermediate, all levels are welcome!

Medium: Ink & Ink washes
Technique: Demonstrations in mark-making using a brush or brush pen.
Materials: The instructor will email the materials list before the first day of class.


Creative Pathways (Jan. 2023)

Creative Pathways (Jan. 2023)

Creative Pathways (Jan. 2023)


Do you want to be in the driver’s seat and have guidance and support to help you along your artistic journey? Creative Pathways combines an open studio experience with an instructor who leads constructive, structured critiques that include group discussions, one-to-one instruction, and optional exercises to push you to the next level.


These classes are perfect for those who want to benefit from feedback, inspiration, and the vitality achieved when working with other creative individuals. The instructor will guide you in finding your visual voice, achieving your artistic vision, and cultivating creativity.

Meets: (4) Saturdays 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Dates: Jan. 7, 14, 21 & 28 in 2023
Location: TPS Art Center (2447 N. Los Altos, Tucson, Arizona 85705)

Instructor: Lisa Larrabee
Format: Demonstration & group critique, studio practice with individual feedback, and one-on-one instruction.
Level: No experience necessary. Absolute beginner, beginner to intermediate, all levels are welcome!

Medium: Any 2D art medium is welcome!
Technique: Short demonstrations in a variety of 2D art mediums
Materials: Bring your supplies. Some materials are available for experimentation. Still life objects with studio lighting are available or bring reference material. Easels, drop cloths, tables & chairs are provided. Painters must use drop cloths over tabletops. Oil painters must use Gamsol or odorless mineral spirits at all times & dispose of their rags in the red can marked for safe disposal of solvent-soaked materials.


Participant's Work