Sonoma Community Center
Enriching lives through education and the arts — for Sonoma Valley and beyond
Events
Three-Week Watercolor Class: Alla Prima Still Life Painting
Friday, April 18 from 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Age
18+Class Details
Schedule
Fridays, April 18 – May 2, 2025
1:30 – 4:30 PM
Instructor
Robert Benson
Location
Ages
Adults
Skill Levels
Not sure which level is right for you? Click here.
Registration Cost
$175 registration fee – Includes materials
$160 registration fee – Does not include materials
Please see the supply list here to determine if you have the necessary supplies. If not, you can register at the $175 rate and the program director will purchase your materials ahead of time for you.
About the class
Join us for a three-week watercolor class where students of all skill levels can explore the art of alla prima* painting. Each week, we’ll dive into a different still life theme, allowing you to develop your observational and painting techniques while building a complete artwork in a single session.
Week 1: Fruit Still Life
Start the journey by capturing the vibrant colors and textures of fresh fruit. Learn how to observe light, shadows, and textures to bring your subject to life with quick, confident brushstrokes.
Week 2: Ceramic Objects
Explore the soft, reflective surfaces of ceramics as you work with delicate light and shadow transitions. Understand the nuances of painting shiny, smooth textures while honing your speed and precision.
Week 3: Collective Still Life
For the final week, we’ll create a unique still life by combining objects brought in by each student. This collaborative arrangement will challenge you to paint a composition made up of different shapes, textures, and colors, encouraging creativity and adaptability.
Throughout the class, you’ll focus on developing a painting from start to finish in one sitting. You can choose to bring your own materials (see supply list) or select the optional materials fee to have all materials provided for you. This class is designed to help you develop confidence in your painting abilities, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist.
No prior watercolor experience is required but having some foundational drawing experience is recommended.
*Alla prima is an Italian phrase that means “at first attempt.” It refers to a painting technique that focuses on completing a piece of art in one sitting.
About the instructor
Robert Benson
Instructor / Artist
http://www.bensonfinearts.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bensonfinearts/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bensonfinearts
Class FAQ
All Memberships(Excluding the $50/year tier) receive 10% off any purchase above $40. You should have received your discount code in your membership confirmation email.
If you have any questions regarding the use of your code, you can contact Sean Baskin at sean@sonomacommunitycenter.org or call the office at (707)938-4626.
Not a member? View more information about our monthly and yearly plans here.
The Sonoma Community Center is committed to creating an accessible learning environment. If you require any special considerations(medical, physical, learning) please share them with Sean Baskin, Program Associate, by emailing him at sean@sonomacommunitycenter.org so that he can forward them to the relevant Program Director and Instructor.
We ask that you notify us at least 10 business days in advance of a class if you need to cancel your registration. You may cancel by phone or email and we will gladly offer you a refund or credit toward a future class. If you cancel with less than 10 business days notice, we will not be able to provide a full refund. A flat cancellation fee of $15 will be charged to cover the transaction fee.
Sometimes, the Sonoma Community Center has to cancel a class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or health emergency. If this happens and we do not offer a reschedule date, you will be refunded 100% of your registration fee, or credit towards a future class. If we are able to offer a reschedule date but you are unable to make the new date, we will gladly offer credit towards a future class.
Late additions to any program, class, or workshop that has already begun will be allowed on a per-case basis depending upon the Program Director & instructors approval. Late additions will have to pay the full registration cost of the class, along with any materials fees, and will not be prorated for the time missed. You may reach out to the program directors directly, or the Program Associate Sean Baskin at sean@sonomacommunitycenter.org to request a late addition.
You can view our full class policies and guidelines here.
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