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

Painting Open Studio w/Jess [24SU]
06/4/24 - 06/25/24, 6:00PM - 8:00PM | TU
Ages 14 to 120 | Jess Belangee-Englert | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CAP32
Members $99 | Non-Members $110
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.
Mixed Media Watercolors[24SU]
07/2/24 - 07/23/24, 5:30PM - 7:30PM | TU
Ages 14 to 120 | Blanca Herrada | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CAP12
Members $99 | Non-Members $110
Learn how to bring mixed media watercolors to life! Students will draw and paint with watercolors, add mixed media, and collage elements to create vibrant and expressive works of art. All levels welcome.
Mixed Media Abstraction[24SU]
07/10/24 - 08/7/24, 7:00PM - 9:00PM | WE
Ages 14 to 120 | Javy Ortiz | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CAP13
Members $126 | Non-Members $140
Each session will focus on discussing and using different tools and surfaces to create abstract compositions.
Beginning Drawing [24SU]
06/5/24 - 07/31/24, 5:00PM - 6:30PM | WE
Ages 14 to 120 | Rachel Beer | Lawrence Arts Center
Class is Full - contact about waitlist | CAD13
Members $144 | Non-Members $160
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. No class on June 19th.
Intro to Watercolor [24SU]
06/3/24 - 07/22/24, 5:30PM - 7:30PM | MO
Ages 14 to 120 | Jess Belangee-Englert | Lawrence Arts Center
Class is Full - contact about waitlist | CAP21
Members $180 | Non-Members $200
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.
Oil Painting Portraits[24SU]
06/8/24 - 07/27/24, 1:00PM - 3:00PM | SA
Ages 14 to 120 | TBD | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CAP26
Members $180 | Non-Members $200
Students will learn the importance of portraiture when presenting a likeness, the various ways to achieve flesh tones, and how to construct facial features in oil paint. Previous painting experience is encouraged.
Drawing Lawrence: Feathers & Fur[24SU]
06/7/24 - 07/26/24, 9:00AM - 11:00AM | FR
Ages 14 to 120 | Kent Smith | Off-site
Enrolling Now | CAD15
Members $180 | Non-Members $200
What has beaks, talons, and scales all over? Lawrence, of course! Merge feral and fine art in this sketchbook safari, traveling to a new location and drawing new creatures every week! This class will focus on observational drawing, anatomy, value and texture, gestural mark making, and composition. A $40 fee for a supply kit is included in the cost of this class. Students who enroll will receive details on when and how to pick up these kits from the Arts Center before the start of the class. The supply kit fees are non-refundable.
Life Drawing & Anatomy for the Artist[24SU]
06/6/24 - 08/8/24, 7:00PM - 9:30PM | TH
Ages 18 to 120 | Jeff Ridgway | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CAD24
Members $234 | Non-Members $260
Students learn to draw the human figure, working from a live model and using various drawing media. No photographic devices allowed. Must be 18 to enroll. No class July 4th
Open Model[24SU]
06/2/24 - 08/4/24, 1:00PM - 3:00PM | SU
Ages 18 to 120 | Jeff Ridgway | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CAD27
Members $198 | Non-Members $220
This class provides an opportunity for skilled artists to draw a model each week using their choice of media. The models will do quick gesture poses at the beginning of each session and then a longer pose for the group. This class is not for beginners. Enrollees must provide their own art supplies. Must be 18 to enroll. Photographic devices not allowed. Students who are also enrolled in Life Drawing will get 50% off tuition on Open Model.

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