Classes & Workshops

Fridays 12 – 3 pm: Aug 7, Aug 14, Aug 21, Aug 28, Sept 4

Not Your Kid’s Colored Pencils: Beginner Class

In this introductory course you will learn the fundamentals of working with colored pencils.
Each class will include a lecture, demo, and class time to apply what you have learned. Topics
include: supplies, pencil strokes, value, color matching through layering, burnishing, and use of
solvent. Note: this is an introductory course for those who have little to no experience with
colored pencils.

REQUIRED MATERIALS: Any brand of professional quality-colored pencils (most students
use Prismacolor Premier colored pencils), 1 pad good quality artist paper (250 gsm or greater)
in your choice of size, kneaded eraser; vinyl eraser (preferably electric), pencil sharpener
(battery or rechargeable), scrap paper for testing colors on, and an electronic device to view
reference photos on.

Saturday, August 8 10:30 – 1:30 pm

Let’s capture the warmth of summer together ✨

Join us for a joyful watercolor workshop where we’ll paint a glowing sunflower — full of light, texture, and rich golden tones.

We will all be working from the same reference image, so you can easily follow along step by step, even if you’re a beginner. At the same time, you’ll have space to bring your own style into the painting.

You’ll learn how to create luminous washes, build depth, and add expressive details that make your sunflower come alive.

All materials are included — just come, unwind, and enjoy a beautiful creative experience 🌿

Have you ever wanted to experiment with creating Cubist artworks?  Well the Jaffrey Civic Center has the workshop for you:  Saturday August 8, 1:00-4:00. Led by artist and retired professor Susan Wadsworth, this workshop is designed to complement the solo exhibition by Fanny Hillsmith.

Susan will inspire you with a review of the works of Fannie Hillsmith in the auditorium gallery. Directly following this lecture you can try your own hand at creating cubist art. Paper, colored pencils and other supplies will be provided.

Open to teens and adults.

The workshop is free and limited to 20 guests so please register if you wish to attend.

Saturdays, Aug. 15, 22, 29 11 – 1 pm

Following the free intro we will move into color! Making marks on paper and then learning how to use those papers in the artwork we make with our own style and voice.

This is not a recipe class. I will teach techniques that you can mix and match to help you develop your own unique expression.

Week 1:  Learn what colors mean to you as an individual. You will be using color and combining the marks you defined for yourself to give expression to your thoughts and feelings

Week 2: Different papers different purpose.  See how different papers affect your different mark making techniques. Learn how you can use paper to make marks.

Week 3: Layer what you know.  See how layering affects the marks and colors. Learn about using different acrylic mediums in collaboration with your papers and paints.

Students will be asked to bring a selection of different brushes for acrylic painting. No brush purchase is required. Just bring different brushes you already own. All other materials provided by teacher.

TUESDAY SESSION: 12-3    AUG 18, 25 SEPT 1 

Summer is in full swing! Go out and be inspired by what lives in or near the ponds, streams and bodies of water that grace our beautiful state.

FIND A FEW REFERENCE PHOTOS OF ANYTHING THAT LIVES IN WATER: FISH, FROGS OR FAUNA

We can explore some wildly wet underpaintings!

BEGINNERS WELCOME!

I have a “suggested” materials list that will be sent out upon registration.

To encourage beginners that may not want to purchase a lot of supplies before trying out pastels, I have a lot of pastels for students to use during class. I also have pastel paper that I sell to students at $5/sheet.

THURSDAY SESSION: 12-3   AUG 20, 27 SEPT 3  

Summer is in full swing! Go out and be inspired by what lives in or near the ponds, streams and bodies of water that grace our beautiful state.

FIND A FEW REFERENCE PHOTOS OF ANYTHING THAT LIVES IN WATER: FISH, FROGS OR FAUNA

We can explore some wildly wet underpaintings!

BEGINNERS WELCOME!

I have a “suggested” materials list that will be sent out upon registration.

To encourage beginners that may not want to purchase a lot of supplies before trying out pastels, I have a lot of pastels for students to use during class. I also have pastel paper that I sell to students at $5/sheet.

Saturday, September 5 10:30 – 1:30 pm

Celebrate the richness of late summer through watercolor painting ✨

In this workshop, we’ll create a lush floral composition inspired by sunflowers and seasonal blooms — full of warmth, texture, and depth. In front of us will be real bouquets, freshly gathered from local farms, bringing natural beauty and inspiration right to your canvas.

This class is suitable for beginners as well as those looking to explore or refine their watercolor painting skills.

All materials are provided — just come, relax, and immerse yourself in a creative late-summer atmosphere 🌿

Fridays 2-5 pm: Sept 11, Sept 25, Oct 2, Oct 9, Oct 16

Not Your Kid’s Colored Pencils: Intermediate Class

This course is part two of my Not Your Kids Colored Pencil curriculum. In this course we will
dive deeper into using colored pencils to create realistic images. Topics included the use of
toned paper, a deeper dive into color mixing, and tackling tricky subjects.

REQUIRED MATERIALS: Any brand of professional quality-colored pencils (most students
use *Prismacolor Premier colored pencils), 1 pad good quality artist paper (250 gsm or greater)
in your choice of size, kneaded eraser; vinyl eraser (preferably electric), pencil sharpener
(battery or rechargeable), scrap paper for testing colors on, and an electronic device to view
reference photos on.
* For this class, a more professional brand would be Faber Castel.

Fridays 10:00 – 1:00 pm: Sept 11, Sept 18, Sept 25, Oct 2

In these classes, you will learn how to paint in watercolors using different techniques such as washes, wet in wet, and how to paint the traditional “transparent” technique involving the overlapping of thin, transparent color washes which rely on the white of the paper for their luminosity. We will learn how to create “atmospheric” effects and render textures.

We will be painting from a variety of subjects: real models (flowers and leaves, branches, apples and other fruit) and sometimes photographs (lakes and sailing boats, birds, pets). There will be many demonstrations and plenty of one on one support. Bring your materials (list is provided) and snacks or lunch to enjoy this fall activity. All levels are welcome.

Materials list:

• Watercolor box (portable): there are many to choose from. I prefer Winsor & Newton, Cotman – but you can choose other brands.
• You’ll need a 12 colors palette watercolor box :
  • lemon yellow(cold), cadmium yellow(warm),
  • orange, ochre, rose red (cold), dark red(warm),
  • cobalt blue and ultramarine blue,
  • Leaf or sap green(clear), green viridian(deep),
  • Burnt sienna, black
  • White (for highlights – but not necessary)
• Half pans or tubes – Half pans are practical – Tubes are better for bigger surfaces and if you continue watercolors..
• Palette – Round or rectangular
• Paint brushes – Sable round and flat:
  • Round: 8,10,12
  • Flat: 8, 10,12
  • Mob brush
  • Smaller brushes are also useful (6 or smaller)
• Arches paper is the best, but you can choose any watercolor paper (strathmore, etc) – different prices
• Paper towels
• Cups for water
• Pencils (H or HB) for sketching and sketching paper (small pad)

Saturdays September 12 and 19 from 10:30-1:30 pm

The white line woodcut or “Provincetown print” method was invented in the early 1900’s in Provincetown by a group of artists working to simplify traditional Japanese woodblock printing. White line prints can be simple or elaborate, realistic or abstract. Learn this low-tech method here, then continue printing in your home or studio!

Material List:

1. A small selection of student-grade or better watercolor paints and palette or plate 2. A simple drawing or image to trace,  5 x 7 “or 8 x 10” approximately 3. A spoon, wooden spoon, or printmaking baren

Teacher will supply other materials.

SOLD OUT

12 -2 pm on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

Free to attend, registration required.

Students will learn how to lay out wool and embellishments in order to felt and full a small piece of wall or table art. Free to attend, registration required. Cookies and tea will be provided.

Saturday, October 3 from 10 – 12 pm

October is breast cancer awareness month! This Food for Life class looks at the research about breast cancer prevention and survival from breast cancer for those who have completed treatment. Presented by a medical doctor, both men and women are welcome to attend this practical class.

Dr Neal Barnard, MD, of the non-profit Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, will highlight the findings from a major research study in a video lecture. Then the physician instructor, Dr Nora E. Hanke, will demonstrate preparation of dishes that can help prevent breast cancer or optimize survival. The class also includes discussion of the research presented and sampling of the dishes made in class, with attendees being given written resources to take home, including the recipes.

Dr Hanke’s previous Food for Life attendees have commented, “It is totally worth it!”; “Very well done and you get dinner/lunch.”

The fee is $30 per person. Please register by the Thursday before class to ensure your place.

SOLD OUT

12 -2 pm on Sunday, October 4, 2026.

Free to attend, registration required.

In this fun and relaxed 2-hour workshop with Summer Langille, you’ll learn the basics of cutting, layering, and composing a lovely still life using just paper and glue. Perfect for beginners and curious creatives alike. Cookies and tea will be provided.

Saturday, October 10 from 11 – 1 pm

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and around the world, and yet it is preventable in the great majority of cases. Eating habits and other lifestyle factors play a key role in determining the risk of clogged arteries, much more so than family history. Pioneering studies have shown that a healthful lifestyle can prevent or delay symptoms, and even reverse moderate to severe heart disease, without surgeries or stents.

Plant-based diets benefit cardiovascular health because they contain no dietary cholesterol, very little saturated fat, and abundant fiber. A plant-based diet can also help improve several risk factors for heart disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis and inflammation.

This class is from the non-profit Physicians Committee’s Food for Life program, and taught by a local physician, Dr Nora E. Hanke. It features a video about research findings published in major medical journals, followed by discussion led by your physician-instructor, food prep demos and the opportunity to taste several plant-based dishes. The class provides an excellent overview of plant-based eating for vascular health. Attendees at recent Monadnock region Food for Life classes have written, “It is totally worth it!”; “Very well done and you get dinner/lunch.”

The fee is $30 per person. Please register by the Thursday before class to ensure your place.

Saturdays October 17 & 24 10:30 – 1:30 pm

Create a unique, lightweight, luxurious scarf using nuno felt techniques (wool combined with silk fabric). All materials supplied. Wear comfortable shoes as work will be done while standing.

Fridays 12 – 3 pm: Aug 7, Aug 14, Aug 21, Aug 28, Sept 4

Not Your Kid’s Colored Pencils: Beginner Class
In this introductory course you will learn the fundamentals of working with colored pencils.
Each class will include a lecture, demo, and class time to apply what you have learned. Topics
include: supplies, pencil strokes, value, color matching through layering, burnishing, and use of
solvent. Note: this is an introductory course for those who have little to no experience with
colored pencils.

REQUIRED MATERIALS: Any brand of professional quality-colored pencils (most students
use Prismacolor Premier colored pencils), 1 pad good quality artist paper (250 gsm or greater)
in your choice of size, kneaded eraser; vinyl eraser (preferably electric), pencil sharpener
(battery or rechargeable), scrap paper for testing colors on, and an electronic device to view
reference photos on.

Fridays 10 – 1 pm: Oct 23, Oct 30, Nov 6, Nov 13, Nov 20

Each class will consist of a half-hour demonstration followed by drawing time and teacher guidance. We will learn how to make progress with the quality of line, texture, value, highlights and shading, space and perspective, composition. We will try different tools, techniques and use of different papers for you to find the most rewarding effects, and find your own style in drawing technique and expression.

There will be a real composition (flowers, pots, fruit, musical instruments, etc) for you to draw, or you can bring 1 or 2 reference photos. I do recommend working from real life.

Materials list:

1. Drawing pad (9×12 minimum) – bigger is better. (Canson, Strathmore or other brands) 2. Drawing pencils (2H, HB, B, 2B, 4, and 6B) (Blick, Fable Castle, or other) 3. Eraser for drawing pencils (Staedtler white Mars or other) 4. Vine or Willow Charcoal sticks or pencils  5. Putty kneadable eraser (for charcoal) 6. Compressed graphite sticks  7. Paper towel 8. sand paper (1 sheet) 9. Rags

If you can’t find the materials, no worries. I’ll have enough if you need them. You’ll be able to try my materials and see if you want to invest in drawing materials. If you have any questions, contact Marylise Reilly-Fajal at madamereillyfajal@gmail.com 

SOLD OUT

12 -2 pm on Sunday, Nov 1, 2026.

Free to attend, registration required.

Explore the beauty of nature as we paint delicate songbirds using soft pastels. Learn how to layer color, blend for smooth transitions, and create texture to capture feathers, light, and movement. Practice simple sketching techniques to build your composition, experiment with backgrounds, and discover how to bring personality and life to your bird portraits. All materials provided. Cookies and tea will be provided.

Saturdays November 7 & 14 10:30 – 1:30 pm

Learn to wet felt using a resist to create a unique, seamless, 3D wool vessel. All materials supplied. Beginner friendly. Wear comfortable shoes as work will be done while standing.

SOLD OUT

12 -2 pm on Sunday, December 6, 2026.

Free to attend, registration required.

In this workshop, we will paint a watercolor winter scene featuring a red barn. All materials will be provided, and we will explore various watercolor techniques throughout the session. Cookies and tea will be provided.