Adult Painting Classes in Lawrence

Express Yourself With Drawing & Painting

people in class together
people in class together

Put Your Imagination to Paper & Canvas

Do you have the desire to create a painting or drawing, but wish you had a stronger grasp on the tools and techniques that translate your vision accurately to the page? Or maybe you’re an accomplished artist looking to expand your skills and connect with community?

The Lawrence Art Center believes everyone is an artist–all you need to unleash it is a little guidance!

With financial aid available, adult painting classes and drawing classes in Lawrence are open to everyone who wants to learn about the visual arts.

Our Facilities & Curriculum

The Path to Your Artistry

The painting and drawing classes we offer cover everything from the fundamentals of different painting and drawing mediums to advanced classes like our Open Model options. The choice is yours! For our adult visual arts classes, the descriptions list what to expect from the courses.

Where You’ll Find Our Adult Painting & Drawing Classes

At the Lawrence Art Center, we have six dedicated spaces for our adult visual arts classes to ensure you have everything you need to succeed. Our facility includes two painting and drawing studios, as well as a ceramics studio, digital media lab, metals, jewelry, and fibers studio, printmaking studio, and photography studio.

Our Painting & Drawing Studios feature all of the general studio supplies you need to express yourself and have a lot of fun doing it!

Current Classes

Drawing & Painting

artist working on the early stages of a portrait
Fundamentals of Oil Painting[25FA]
09/9/25 - 10/28/25, 6:30PM - 8:30PM | TU
Ages 16 to 120 | Blanca Herrada | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | FAP22
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
Students will learn the foundations of oil painting through various fundamental exercises. Learn how to develop paintings with lessons in color, composition, and technique. All experience levels are welcome.
Colorful pastel drawing of a reclining man
Life Drawing & Anatomy for the Artist[25FA]
09/11/25 - 11/20/25, 7:00PM - 9:30PM | TH
Ages 18 to 120 | Jeff Ridgway | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | FAD24
Members $330 | Non-Members $330
Students learn to draw the human figure, working from a live model and using various drawing media. The models will do quick gesture poses at the beginning of each session and then a longer pose for the group. Must be 18 to enroll. Students must provide their own supplies. Photographic devices are not allowed.
painting of light gray squirrels
Intro to Water Media[25FA]
09/8/25 - 11/17/25, 6:30PM - 8:30PM | MO
Ages 16 to 120 | Katie Alldritt | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | FAP21
Members $290 | Non-Members $290
This introductory watercolor class invites students from all levels to explore different water-based media and techniques. Discover mark making, color mixing, and a variety of subjects to render in this course.
Sumi Ink Drawing Workshop[25FA]
09/26/25 - 09/27/25, 1:00PM - 4:00PM | FR, SA
Ages 16 to 120 | TBD | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | FAP26
Members $100 | Non-Members $100
This two-day workshop explores the history and expressive potential of sumi ink drawing. Participants will engage with both traditional and experimental techniques, including suminagashi (Japanese marbling), and create large-scale sumi ink compositions. This hands-on experience fosters creative exploration while honoring the rich tradition of sumi-e painting.
Intro to Acrylic Painting[25FA]
09/10/25 - 11/19/25, 7:00PM - 9:00PM | WE
Ages 16 to 120 | Tim Stone | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | FAP13
Members $280 | Non-Members $280
Explore the basics of acrylic painting while working towards a finished canvas painting. Students will learn to lay out a composition, mix colors and experiment with paint application.
Beginning Drawing[25FA]
09/10/25 - 11/19/25, 5:00PM - 6:30PM | WE
Ages 16 to 120 | Tim Stone | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | FAD13
Members $230 | Non-Members $230
This class invites students of all levels to begin learning how to train the eyes and hands together. Observe and translate real objects into a two-dimensional drawing, render light and shadow, and delve into basic color theory.
small drawings in a notebook
From Ideas to Artwork: Keeping & Using a Sketchbook-Journal[25FA]
09/9/25 - 10/28/25, 6:30PM - 8:30PM | TU
Ages 16 to 120 | Lora Jost | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | FAD12
Members $250 | Non-Members $250
Learn how art and life are entwined in this introduction to using sketchbook-journals in the creative process. We’ll draw, practice, experiment, collect, and reflect, using nature, culture, and our own inner worlds as reference material and inspiration.
sketching of a shopping center
Drawing Lawrence[25FA]
09/12/25 - 10/31/25, 10:00AM - 12:00PM | FR
Ages 16 to 120 | Kent Smith | Off-site
N/A | FAD25
Members $230 | Non-Members $230
This adventurous hybrid class will focus on sketching the character of various Lawrence landmarks. This is a hybrid class that will be held at various locations around town and online through Zoom. The instructor will communicate with the students about the location of the class each week. A $45 supply kit fee is included in the price of this class. Supply kits are non-refundable.
Painting Open Studio[25FA]
09/9/25 - 10/28/25, 10:00AM - 12:30PM | TU
Ages 16 to 120 | Jess Belangee-Englert | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | FAP52
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
This open studio is for self-directed students and artists of all skill levels working with oil or water-based media who see lively discussion, individual guidance, and an occasional demonstration. Students are responsible for bringing their own supplies.

Class Gallery

Submit Your Artwork

woman doing art

Make Art Part of Your Daily Life

Interested in enrolling in a painting or drawing class? We have financial aid available to those who need it to ensure classes are accessible to everyone.

paint tubes

Art is for Everyone

Making Art Accessible to All

Lawrence Arts Center is here to ensure anyone—of any age and any background—can connect with a supportive community and flex their creative muscles. With contemporary exhibitions, performances, and an array of visual arts education classes for adults and kids, everyone will find something that’s right for them.

Our primary state-of-the-art facility at 940 New Hampshire St. features classrooms, studios, theatres, and more. To further support the community, we also have a space for classes and rehearsal at 10th & Mass Studios.

paint palette

Why Should You Consider Adult Painting and Drawing Classes