Classes & Workshops

Wednesday Session: May 27, June 3, June 10, June 17 1-4 pm 

Learn to capture the beauty and energy of a simple still life as you follow the instructor to create your own masterpiece filled with brilliant color and dynamic brushstrokes.  In this beginner-to-intermediate, 4-session course, you will move from an initial sketch to the final highlights which will make your painting pop.  Along the way, you will learn oil painting tips and tricks, color basics and brush techniques. Come join us!

1 Spot Left!

Friday Session: May 29, June 5, June 12, June 19 Fridays 1-4 pm 

Learn to capture the beauty and energy of a simple still life as you follow the instructor to create your own masterpiece filled with brilliant color and dynamic brushstrokes.  In this beginner-to-intermediate, 4-session course, you will move from an initial sketch to the final highlights which will make your painting pop.  Along the way, you will learn oil painting tips and tricks, color basics and brush techniques. Come join us!

TUESDAY SESSION: 12-3   June 2, 9, 16    $90

Whether the subject matter is a beautiful still life or a bird, or an animal, are you struggling with what do you do for the background? You’re not alone! In this session, we will discuss composition as well as different ideas for backgrounds to best highlight the main characters within a painting.

BRING A FEW REFERENCE PHOTOS OF A STILL LIFE OR AN ANIMAL WITH YOU TO THE FIRST CLASS

I will help you with suggestions for various options for backgrounds for you to consider

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   June 4, 11, 18    $90

Whether the subject matter is a beautiful still life or a bird, or an animal, are you struggling with what do you do for the background? You’re not alone! In this session, we will discuss composition as well as different ideas for backgrounds to best highlight the main characters within a painting.

BRING A FEW REFERENCE PHOTOS OF A STILL LIFE OR AN ANIMAL WITH YOU TO THE FIRST CLASS

I will help you with suggestions for various options for backgrounds for you to consider

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.

Saturdays 10:30 – 1:30 pm: June 13, June 20, June 27

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 be painting from real models (flowers) and sometimes photographs. 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 springtime/summer 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
  • Mop 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)

SOLD OUT

12 -2 pm on Sunday, July 5, 2026.

Free to attend, registration required.

Create your own vibrant sunflower painting using colored pencils in this fun and relaxed workshop. All materials are provided to complete a beautiful 5″ x 5″ artwork suitable for hanging or gifting. No drawing experience is necessary—step-by-step guidance will help you build color, add depth, and bring your sunflower to life. Along the way, enjoy learning fascinating facts about sunflowers and their symbolism. This is a perfect opportunity to explore colored pencil techniques before committing to a longer class. All materials provided. Cookies and tea will be provided.

TUESDAY SESSION: 12-3   July 7, 14, 21   

Birds from the water’s edge, backyard trees, and farmyard, make for inspirational subjects to paint. In this session, we will incorporate the chosen subject’s habitat in our compositions.

BRING A FEW REFERENCE PHOTOS OF YOUR FAVORITE BIRD WITH YOU TO THE FIRST CLASS

I will discuss with you which reference photo has the strongest composition and why

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 July 9, 16, 23

Birds from the water’s edge, backyard trees, and farmyard, make for inspirational subjects to paint. In this session, we will incorporate the chosen subject’s habitat in our compositions.

BRING A FEW REFERENCE PHOTOS OF YOUR FAVORITE BIRD WITH YOU TO THE FIRST CLASS

I will discuss with you which reference photo has the strongest composition and why

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.

Fridays 10-1 pm: Can be taken individually or as a package!

July 10: Drawing portraits

Drawing faces, or portraits and the human figure are some of the most interesting subjects to draw. They have been a constant endeavour and challenge for professional artists and amateurs throughout the centuries. If you are interested in learning how to draw your children, grandchildren or people in general, this class is for you. You will focus on drawing heads and faces, considered a harmonious pair, by using universal rules of proportions.

You will be able to draw a face with graphite pencils, or charcoal if you prefer, by building the basic face structure, interpret the proportions and apply shading, add texture (hair and skin), and bring life to your portrait. There will be plenty of demonstrations and individual feedback.

July 17: Drawing pets and animals

Did you ever want to draw animals you love, your pets or beautiful and wild animals around your neighborhood? I’ll show you that you are able to draw them! My class provides guidance that  is easy to follow and absorb. I’ll show you how to draw your favorite animals step by step.  There is plenty of demos and one on one feedback. Bring a photo of a favorite pet or animal.

July 24: Drawing a covered  bridge and other buildings

In this class, you will learn about perspective and how to draw buildings in space, using one or two point perspective. You will be able to draw a stone bridge, a covered bridge and a house or barn of your choice (bring photos). 

Materials list:

1. Graphite: Drawing pad (9×12 minimum – Vellum paper) – bigger is better. (11×14 or 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. Colored pencils (optional)
2. Only if you want to work in charcoal (optional): 1. Charcoal paper (Michael stores, Hobby Lobby  or online) 2. Vine or Willow Charcoal sticks or pencils 3. Putty kneadable eraser (for charcoal) 4. Compressed graphite sticks 5. Paper towel 6. Sand paper (1 sheet) 7. Rags for charcoal work

A list of materials necessary for this class will be available. You are welcome to use the materials I will have brought with me, or try new ones. Drawing portraits is a lot of fun! I enjoy drawing portraits everywhere I go, and I hope you will find out you can do it as well. 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.

Saturdays 10:30 am – 5 pm July 11, July 18, July 25

France Menk works as an international photographer and creative director. She will help you develop creative approaches and solutions to your own photography.

Loads of personal attention. Direct feedback on your images. Targeted practical exercises. Individual instruction at your experience level. Exchanges of tips, ideas and loads of inspiration. A relaxed, non-intimidating environment

JOURNEY#1 JULY 11 We will walk through Jaffrey with history in mind. This day will not only give us objective details to photograph, but a sense of the character and history of the place. Substance gives nourishment to the power of a photograph. It alters how we look at something and, by that act, how we represent that something.

JOURNEY#2 JULY 18 Finding the unexpected: Cheshire Rail Trail in Troy. We will meet in Troy, and may relying on car pooling. The distance from Troy to Fitzwilliam is about 4 1/2 miles in length, and we will adjust our distance from Troy to the preferences of the group. The trail travels through beautiful New Hampshire scenery, including Rockwood Pond, a nice place to swim in summer.

JOURNEY#3 JULY 25 Composition and color: Hiking in Annett State Forest offers routes through a 1,494-acre preserve in Rindge, New Hampshire. The landscape is characterized by dense woodlands, ponds, hills, and summer blooms. With many focal points at hand, we will practice decision making and composition.

Discover how your camera lens differs from your eye; how you can find the language to interpret those differences.

Each journey will be from 10:30am to 5pm. Fee is $100 per journey. If you sign on for all three, you will receive a small backpack large enough to carry your gear and lunch for the day. I will contact each of you with details.

REACH OUT TO ME ANYTIME: francemenkstudios.com  845 750 5261  iam@france-menk.com

Saturday, July 18 10:30 – 1:30 pm

Join us for a relaxing and inspiring watercolor workshop where we will paint delicate water lilies together.

During the class, everyone will be working from the same reference image, which makes the process easier to follow step by step while still allowing your own artistic touch to shine through.

This workshop is perfect for beginners as well as those who want to refine their watercolor skills. Olha Necheporenko will guide you through the entire process.

All materials are provided — just come and enjoy the creative atmosphere ✨

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 🌿

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 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.

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.

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 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.