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

Life Drawing and Anatomy for the Artist[26FA]
09/10/26 - 11/19/26, 7:00PM - 9:30PM | TH
Ages 16 to 120 | Jeff Ridgway | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | 26FAAD14
Members $330 | Non-Members $330
Students learn to draw the human figure, working from a live model using various drawing media. The models will do quick gesture poses at the beginning of each session and then longer poses for the group. Must be 18 to enroll. Students provide their own supplies. Photographic devices are not allowed.
Portraiture[26FA]
09/8/26 - 11/24/26, 7:00PM - 9:00PM | TU
Ages 16 to 120 | Jeff Ridgway | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | 26FAAD12
Members $330 | Non-Members $330
Learn about technique, composition and color while capturing a person's likeness. We'll study examples of portraiture throughout art history. Open to the preferred drawing/painting of each student's choice. Live models are provided for practice. Previous drawing or painting experience is encouraged.
Fundamentals of Acrylic Painting[26FA]
09/14/26 - 11/23/26, 6:30PM - 9:00PM | MO
Ages 16 to 120 | Jess Belangee-Englert | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | 26FAAP11
Members $290 | Non-Members $290
This introductory course will focus on the exploration and play of acrylic painting and techniques. Learn about different types of mark-making, color mixing, and styles of painting.
Into to Watercolor [26FA]
09/14/26 - 11/23/26, 7:00PM - 9:00PM | MO
Ages 16 to 120 | Katie Alldritt | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | 26FAAP11
Members $290 | Non-Members $290
This introductory watercolor class invites students from all levels to explore watercolor using multiple techniques. Discover mark making, color mixing, and a variety of subjects to render in this course.
building
Drawing Lawrence: Urban Sketchbook[26FA]
09/11/26 - 10/2/26, 10:00AM - 12:00PM | FR
Ages 16 to 120 | Kent Smith | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | 26FAAD15
Members $175 | Non-Members $175
A chance to build a custom kinetic sketchbook and drawing kit you will keep, before hitting the streets of Lawrence to practice lessons in drawing architecture, using perspective, and creating mood and character in your artwork. All skills levels welcome!
small drawings in a notebook
Drawing Stories[26FA]
09/9/26 - 10/28/26, 6:30PM - 8:30PM | WE
Ages 16 to 120 | Lora Jost | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | 26FAAD13
Members $330 | Non-Members $330
In this hands-on introduction to visual storytelling, comics, and graphic novels, we will turn experiences into visual stories, brainstorm and draw unique characters, and learn how to draw and sequence story panels.
2D Open Studio[26FA]
09/9/26 - 11/11/26, 9:00AM - 11:00AM | WE
Ages 16 to 120 | Matthew Lord | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | 26FAAX13
Members $285 | Non-Members $285
Spend some time making art with other creative souls! Open Studio gives participants a social setting to work on their personal projects and get advice from an instructor while making use of materials available in the LAC 2D studio.
Art Book Club[26FA]
09/12/26 - 11/14/26, 1:00PM - 3:00PM | SA
Ages 16 to 120 | Matthew Lord | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | 26FAAX16
Members $130 | Non-Members $130
Our book club meets once a month for lively discussion and an art project that celebrates the theme and spirit of the story that we have just read. Class dates are: 9/12, 10/10, 11/14
Beginning Drawing[26FA]
09/9/26 - 11/11/26, 5:00PM - 6:30PM | WE
Ages 16 to 120 | Matthew Lord | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | 26FAAD13
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.
Colored Pencil Drawing [26FA]
09/8/26 - 11/24/26, 6:30PM - 9:00PM | TU
Ages 16 to 120 | Matthew Willie Garcia | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | 26FAAD12
Members $230 | Non-Members $230
This class will allow for students to develop their drawing skills and add color to their art practice. Students will learn a wide range of colored pencil techniques and use various surfaces to explore the medium.
Sumi Drawing Workshop[26FA]
11/20/26 - 11/21/26, 10:00AM - 1:00PM | FR, SA
Ages 16 to 120 | Matthew Willie Garcia | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | 26FAAD17
Members $195 | Non-Members $195
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). This hands-on experience fosters creative exploration while honoring the rich tradition of sumi-e painting.

Class Gallery

Submit Your Artwork

painting of vase with plant

Here and There

Kent Lauridsen

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