Watercolor Portraits with Jessica Lily is a 4-class sequential series all about painting your own photograph in soft, realistic watercolor. For the advanced beginner, intermediate and advanced watercolorists, or for portrait artists working in other media looking to consider and play with watercolor portraits.    

Course Schedule:

Feb 16 | Week 1 - Composition

Mar 2 | Week 2 - Values & Underpainting

Apr 6 | Week 3 - Washes & Color

Apr 27 | Week 4 - Details

In week 1, we will work on building our drawing and selecting our composition.  We will look at the planes in the face, as well as the parts of the face that hold volume and recesses.  We will also talk about the properties of watercolor paper, sizing, tracing and erasing.  We will use a tracing paper to establish our shapes, and then draw details and dimension.  Then, we will select our palette and swatch out our colors!

In week 2, we will talk about values, and study a value map of our portrait photographs.  We will practice lifting and soft edges.  Then, we will paint our underpainting. 

In week 3, we will work on smooth and clean washes in our warm reds and yellows, building value throughout our shapes, and represent our dark masses.  We will also use a lot of lifting to add a sculptural element to our practice and build soft volume.  

In week 4, we will work on details!  We will add smaller textures to wrinkles, eyelashes, hair, and make those eyes sparkle.  All of our darkest darks will go in at this stage, and we will use our tiny brushes to look at my favorite part, the tiny spots and freckles.  We will have a group critique at the end of class to support each other and talk about what we have learned. 

In between our classes, participants will take their portraits home to complete each stage.  If you miss a class, there will be a video class option available to make sure everyone is ready for the next class. 

Click here to see Jessica’s recommended supplies list.
__________

$160 4-Week Series, $25 optional materials kit add-on per series (includes one sheet of 11x14 200 lb Saunders 100% cotton paper, and use of teacher's professional grade paints, brushes, pencils, erasers, resist and additional materials.)

Course Capacity: 8

Watercolor Essentials with Jessica Lily:  Swatching & Paints

Watercolor Essentials is a carefree, skill-building, pain-loving ongoing series for all levels.   It's a perfect introduction to watercolor painting for people brand new to the medium.  It is also a great class for people with more experience who are interested in painting in a group, and learning additional techniques.  

In this class, Swatching & Paints, we will be learning all about the paints in our own palettes. We will swatch our own paints, and study how they move, experiment with texture effects, and talk about lifting, staining and granulation.

Click here to see Jessica’s recommended supplies list.

_______________

$45 each class, $10 optional materials kit add-on per class (includes one sheet of 6x9 paper, and use of teacher's paints, brushes, pencils, erasers, resist and additional materials.) 

Class Capacity: 8

The Avondale Arts Alliance will be participating in CHaRM DeKalb’s Kids Day!

Come out and participate in the programming they’ve put together, and stop by our table for face painting, coloring pages, and more!

Event Details from CHaRM:

Kids Day brings together a number of environmental groups, recycling partners and corporate partners to provide interactive and educational activities for kids. The purpose of the event is to mobilize kids throughout Metro Atlanta to actively engage in recycling and reusing items that will ultimately benefit the environment.

Kids Day is focused on recycling, materials management and how to live a sustainable lifestyle.

The Avondale Arts Center is pleased to present a showcase of works by students at The Museum School.

Coordinated by: Amy Khan, arts educator at The Museum School

FAQ:

The opening reception on Fri., April 25 from 5-8 p.m. is free and open to the public to attend.

The Avondale Arts Alliance will provide a limited selection of complimentary light bites and NA beverages for visitors during the opening reception.

The artwork from this collection is not for sale. The exhibit will remain on view through Sun., March 30.

There is free parking directly in front of the gallery (though the parking lot now requires a turnaround due to road work) as well as two sizable free lots behind the gallery.

Artist Ariel Czesler will facilitate a free monthly critique and conversation at the gallery on Third Thursdays from 6-7:30 p.m.

FAQ:

This event is free and open to the public

Suitable for artists of all ages and experience levels

Bring any current or recently completed pieces to participate in an optional public critique

Come for 10 minutes, or stay the whole time, it’s up to you!

Creative Freedoms: Blackout Poetry Zines

Join us for Creative Freedoms: Blackout Poetry Zines using second-hand books on Sunday, April 13 from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM. This workshop is designed for those who are interested in community building through art, storytelling, and reflection. Led by Srija Potluri, Gita Paladugu, and Ahana Narayanan, seniors at Emory who have been involved with Raksha, the workshop seeks to encourage a creative reflection and engagement with books, poetry, and other forms of media. Attendees will learn about black out poetry, zine making, and can take home their own creative work!

Free! Register here: https://tinyurl.com/rakshayouthworkshop. 

Learn the Art of Acrylic Painting Niki Doshi! 

Unleash your creativity with Atlanta-based artist Niki Doshi. This hands-on experience is perfect for all skill levels! Join us for a hands-on acrylic painting workshop where you'll learn to mix colors, work with acrylics, and create a stunning painting step by step. Don’t miss out—reserve your spot today! 

Tickets are $25/person

Register & Pay Here: tinyurl.com/acrylicpainting-raksha. 

Madhubani Magic: Kids Art Workshop!

This hands-on experience is perfect for children ages 8-14 who love to explore creativity and culture. Led by Shachi Srivastava, an Atlanta-based artist with roots in Mithila, India—the birthplace of Madhubani—this workshop blends traditional folk art with a modern twist! Madhubani, a 5,000-year-old Indian art form, is known for its intricate patterns and bold colors. Kids will dive into its magic, learn the basics, and create their own vibrant masterpiece to take home! 

Tickets are $30/child

Register & Pay Here: https://bit.ly/madhubani-raksha. 

Watercolor Portraits with Jessica Lily is a 4-class sequential series all about painting your own photograph in soft, realistic watercolor. For the advanced beginner, intermediate and advanced watercolorists, or for portrait artists working in other media looking to consider and play with watercolor portraits.   

Course Schedule:

Feb 16 | Week 1 - Composition

Mar 2 | Week 2 - Values & Underpainting

Apr 6 | Week 3 - Washes & Color

Apr 27 | Week 4 - Details 

In week 1, we will work on building our drawing and selecting our composition.  We will look at the planes in the face, as well as the parts of the face that hold volume and recesses.  We will also talk about the properties of watercolor paper, sizing, tracing and erasing.  We will use a tracing paper to establish our shapes, and then draw details and dimension.  Then, we will select our palette and swatch out our colors!

In week 2, we will talk about values, and study a value map of our portrait photographs.  We will practice lifting and soft edges.  Then, we will paint our underpainting. 

In week 3, we will work on smooth and clean washes in our warm reds and yellows, building value throughout our shapes, and represent our dark masses.  We will also use a lot of lifting to add a sculptural element to our practice and build soft volume.  

In week 4, we will work on details!  We will add smaller textures to wrinkles, eyelashes, hair, and make those eyes sparkle.  All of our darkest darks will go in at this stage, and we will use our tiny brushes to look at my favorite part, the tiny spots and freckles.  We will have a group critique at the end of class to support each other and talk about what we have learned. 

In between our classes, participants will take their portraits home to complete each stage.  If you miss a class, there will be a video class option available to make sure everyone is ready for the next class. 

Click here to see Jessica’s recommended supplies list.
__________

$160 4-Week Series, $25 optional materials kit add-on per series (includes one sheet of 11x14 200 lb Saunders 100% cotton paper, and use of teacher's professional grade paints, brushes, pencils, erasers, resist and additional materials.)

Course Capacity: 8

Watercolor Essentials is a carefree, skill-building, pain-loving ongoing series for all levels.   It's a perfect introduction to watercolor painting for people brand new to the medium.  It is also a great class for people with more experience who are interested in painting in a group, and learning additional techniques.  

In this class, Warms & Cools, we will be learning all about a split palette.  We will talk about warms and cools of each color, and how we can mix them to make super-saturated mixes, and how to neutralize.  We will also work with complimentary neutrals to find a wide range of grays.

Click here to see Jessica’s recommended supplies list.

_______________

$45 each class, $10 optional materials kit add-on per class (includes one sheet of 6x9 paper, and use of teacher's paints, brushes, pencils, erasers, resist and additional materials.) 

Class Capacity: 8

Join us at the Avondale Arts Center for Art Party 3.0! This event was designed to bring together artists from various backgrounds to share their unique approaches to their art mediums and processes. Free and open to the public, suitable for all ages.

Event: Art Party 3.0 hosted by Denise Gunter
Purpose: To create a vibrant and collaborative environment where artists can exchange ideas, techniques, and inspiration.

• Artist Presentations: Each artist will have a chance to showcase their work and discuss their creative process.

• Interactive Workshops: Hands-on sessions where participants can try out different mediums and techniques.

• Panel Discussions: Engaging conversations about the challenges and joys of being an artist.

• Networking Opportunities: A chance to connect with other artists, art enthusiasts, and potential collaborators.

Why  Attend?

• Inspiration: Discover new ideas and perspectives from a diverse group of artists.

• Learning: Gain insights into different art mediums and techniques.

• Community: Build connections with fellow artists and art lovers.

• Creativity: Participate in interactive activities that spark your creativity.

Whether you’re an artist looking to expand your horizons or an art enthusiast eager to learn more about the creative process, this Art Party is for you. Join us for a day of creativity, collaboration, and celebration of the arts!

Got questions, or want to get involved? Email Denise@PaintandPaperVisions.com

Artist Ariel Czesler will facilitate a free monthly critique and conversation at the gallery on Third Thursdays from 6-7:30 p.m.

In the March session, topics will include -

Pricing your Artwork

The Value of Your Work: Communicating and Justifying Pricing

FAQ:

This event is free and open to the public

Suitable for artists of all ages and experience levels

Bring any current or recently completed pieces to participate in an optional public critique

Come for 10 minutes, or stay the whole time, it’s up to you!

Watercolor Portraits with Jessica Lily is a 4-class sequential series all about painting your own photograph in soft, realistic watercolor. For the advanced beginner, intermediate and advanced watercolorists, or for portrait artists working in other media looking to consider and play with watercolor portraits.   

Course Schedule:

Mar 2 | Week 1 - Composition

Mar 16 | Week 2 - Values & Underpainting

Apr 6 | Week 3 - Washes & Color

Apr 27 | Week 4 - Details 

In week 1, we will work on building our drawing and selecting our composition.  We will look at the planes in the face, as well as the parts of the face that hold volume and recesses.  We will also talk about the properties of watercolor paper, sizing, tracing and erasing.  We will use a tracing paper to establish our shapes, and then draw details and dimension.  Then, we will select our palette and swatch out our colors!

In week 2, we will talk about values, and study a value map of our portrait photographs.  We will practice lifting and soft edges.  Then, we will paint our underpainting. 

In week 3, we will work on smooth and clean washes in our warm reds and yellows, building value throughout our shapes, and represent our dark masses.  We will also use a lot of lifting to add a sculptural element to our practice and build soft volume.  

In week 4, we will work on details!  We will add smaller textures to wrinkles, eyelashes, hair, and make those eyes sparkle.  All of our darkest darks will go in at this stage, and we will use our tiny brushes to look at my favorite part, the tiny spots and freckles.  We will have a group critique at the end of class to support each other and talk about what we have learned. 

In between our classes, participants will take their portraits home to complete each stage.  If you miss a class, there will be a video class option available to make sure everyone is ready for the next class. 

Click here to see Jessica’s recommended supplies list.
__________

$160 4-Week Series, $25 optional materials kit add-on per series (includes one sheet of 11x14 200 lb Saunders 100% cotton paper, and use of teacher's professional grade paints, brushes, pencils, erasers, resist and additional materials.)

Course Capacity: 8

Watercolor Essentials with Jessica Lily:  Brush Skills

Watercolor Essentials is a carefree, skill-building, pain-loving ongoing series for all levels.   It's a perfect introduction to watercolor painting for people brand new to the medium.  It is also a great class for people with more experience who are interested in painting in a group, and learning additional techniques.  

In this class, Brush Skills, we will be learning all about our brushes and different ways we can use them.  We will learn about how we can best use different types of brushes, and why we might want to.  We will play with different types of brush strokes, and compare wet and dry brush work, learning how to choose to make a soft edge, or a sharp edge, and use water to build highlights and lift.

Click here to see Jessica’s recommended supplies list.

_______________

$45 each class, $10 optional materials kit add-on per class (includes one sheet of 6x9 paper, and use of teacher's paints, brushes, pencils, erasers, resist and additional materials.) 

Class Capacity: 8

Watercolor Portraits with Jessica Lily is a 4-class sequential series all about painting your own photograph in soft, realistic watercolor. For the advanced beginner, intermediate and advanced watercolorists, or for portrait artists working in other media looking to consider and play with watercolor portraits.    

Course Schedule:

Feb 16 | Week 1 - Composition

Mar 2 | Week 2 - Values & Underpainting

Apr 6 | Week 3 - Washes & Color

Apr 27 | Week 4 - Details

In week 1, we will work on building our drawing and selecting our composition.  We will look at the planes in the face, as well as the parts of the face that hold volume and recesses.  We will also talk about the properties of watercolor paper, sizing, tracing and erasing.  We will use a tracing paper to establish our shapes, and then draw details and dimension.  Then, we will select our palette and swatch out our colors!

In week 2, we will talk about values, and study a value map of our portrait photographs.  We will practice lifting and soft edges.  Then, we will paint our underpainting. 

In week 3, we will work on smooth and clean washes in our warm reds and yellows, building value throughout our shapes, and represent our dark masses.  We will also use a lot of lifting to add a sculptural element to our practice and build soft volume.  

In week 4, we will work on details!  We will add smaller textures to wrinkles, eyelashes, hair, and make those eyes sparkle.  All of our darkest darks will go in at this stage, and we will use our tiny brushes to look at my favorite part, the tiny spots and freckles.  We will have a group critique at the end of class to support each other and talk about what we have learned. 

In between our classes, participants will take their portraits home to complete each stage.  If you miss a class, there will be a video class option available to make sure everyone is ready for the next class. 

Click here to see Jessica’s recommended supplies list.
__________

$160 4-Week Series, $25 optional materials kit add-on per series (includes one sheet of 11x14 200 lb Saunders 100% cotton paper, and use of teacher's professional grade paints, brushes, pencils, erasers, resist and additional materials.)

Course Capacity: 8

Watercolor Essentials is a carefree, skill-building, pain-loving ongoing series for all levels.   It's a perfect introduction to watercolor painting for people brand new to the medium.  It is also a great class for people with more experience who are interested in painting in a group, and learning additional techniques.  

In this class, Washes & Edges, we will play with the different ways we can apply our paint to our paper.  We will practice a flat wash, gradient wash, wet on wet, dry on wet, dry on dry and glazing.  We will also compare these various washes with our different brushes to watch the magic that happens when we let our tools help!

Click here to see Jessica’s recommended supplies list.

_______________

$45 each class, $10 optional materials kit add-on per class (includes one sheet of 6x9 paper, and use of teacher's paints, brushes, pencils, erasers, resist and additional materials.) 

Class Capacity: 12

Watercolor Open Studio with local artist Jessica Lily

An all-levels class that meets once a month to work together on on-going projects, and enjoy an instructor led and community engaging critique.

Great for beginners to advanced watercolor enthusiasts, this class offers a space to ask an experienced instructor for assistance with technical issues you are having with your painting, as well as get community feedback and support.  

We will also enjoy an monthly art materials swap!

Click here to see Jessica’s recommended supplies list.

Class Capacity: 12

“The Art of Noticing” is a group exhibition dedicated to the artist's unique ability to offer new perspectives on the world around them.

What might you notice if you slow down and look at the world around you? Whether you notice beauty or pain, grief or joy, or anything in between, the works in this exhibition explore these themes through visual 2D and 3D artwork.

This event is free and open to the public. Artwork will be available for purchase. Free parking is available in the front parking lot and two lots behind the gallery.

Avondale Arts Center is located at 84 N. Avondale Rd., Avondale Estates, GA 30002

Artist Ariel Czesler will facilitate a free monthly critique and conversation at the gallery on Third Thursdays from 6-7:30 p.m.

In the February session, topics will include -

Expanding Your Audience: Sharing ideas and experiences for reaching more people.

Building an Online Presence: Discussing what’s worked (and hasn’t) on social media.

FAQ:

This event is free and open to the public

Suitable for artists of all ages and experience levels

Bring any current or recently completed pieces to participate in an optional public critique

Come for 10 minutes, or stay the whole time, it’s up to you!

Watercolor Portraits with Jessica Lily is a 4-class sequential series all about painting your own photograph in soft, realistic watercolor. For the advanced beginner, intermediate and advanced watercolorists, or for portrait artists working in other media looking to consider and play with watercolor portraits.    

Course Schedule:

Feb 16 | Week 1 - Composition

Mar 2 | Week 2 - Values & Underpainting

Apr 6 | Week 3 - Washes & Color

Apr 27 | Week 4 - Details

In week 1, we will work on building our drawing and selecting our composition.  We will look at the planes in the face, as well as the parts of the face that hold volume and recesses.  We will also talk about the properties of watercolor paper, sizing, tracing and erasing.  We will use a tracing paper to establish our shapes, and then draw details and dimension.  Then, we will select our palette and swatch out our colors!

In week 2, we will talk about values, and study a value map of our portrait photographs.  We will practice lifting and soft edges.  Then, we will paint our underpainting. 

In week 3, we will work on smooth and clean washes in our warm reds and yellows, building value throughout our shapes, and represent our dark masses.  We will also use a lot of lifting to add a sculptural element to our practice and build soft volume.  

In week 4, we will work on details!  We will add smaller textures to wrinkles, eyelashes, hair, and make those eyes sparkle.  All of our darkest darks will go in at this stage, and we will use our tiny brushes to look at my favorite part, the tiny spots and freckles.  We will have a group critique at the end of class to support each other and talk about what we have learned. 

In between our classes, participants will take their portraits home to complete each stage.  If you miss a class, there will be a video class option available to make sure everyone is ready for the next class. 

Click here to see Jessica’s recommended supplies list.
__________

$160 4-Week Series, $25 optional materials kit add-on per series (includes one sheet of 11x14 200 lb Saunders 100% cotton paper, and use of teacher's professional grade paints, brushes, pencils, erasers, resist and additional materials.)

Course Capacity: 8

Watercolor Essentials is a carefree, skill-building, paint-loving ongoing series for all levels.   It's a perfect introduction to watercolor painting for people brand new to the medium.  It is also a great class for people with more experience who are interested in painting in a group, and learning additional techniques.  

In this class, Brush Skills, we will be learning all about our brushes and different ways we can use them.  We will learn about how we can best use different types of brushes, and why we might want to.  We will play with different types of brush strokes, and compare wet and dry brush work, learning how to choose to make a soft edge, or a sharp edge, and use water to build highlights and lift.

Click here to see Jessica’s recommended supplies list.
_______________

$45 each class, $10 optional materials kit add-on per class (includes one sheet of 6x9 paper, and use of teacher's paints, brushes, pencils, erasers, resist and additional materials.) 

Class Capacity: 12

Watercolor Open Studio with local artist Jessica Lily

An all-levels class that meets once a month to work together on on-going projects, and enjoy an instructor led and community engaging critique.

Great for beginners to advanced watercolor enthusiasts, this class offers a space to ask an experienced instructor for assistance with technical issues you are having with your painting, as well as get community feedback and support.  

We will also enjoy an monthly art materials swap!

Click here to see Jessica’s recommended supplies list.

Class Capacity: 12

Watercolor Essentials with artist Jessica Lily is a carefree, skill-building, paint-loving ongoing series for all levels. It's a perfect introduction to watercolor painting for people brand new to the medium.  It is also a great class for people with more experience who are interested in painting in a group, and learning additional techniques.  

In this class, Swatching & Paints, we will be learning all about the paints in our own palettes.  We will swatch our own paints, and study how they move, experiment with texture effects, and talk about lifting, staining and granulation.

Click here to see Jessica’s recommended supplies list.

_______________

$45 each class, $10 optional materials kit add-on per class (includes one sheet of 6x9 paper, and use of teacher's paints, brushes, pencils, erasers, resist and additional materials.) 

Class Capacity: 12

Join us for the opening of our first exhibition of 2025. This is a group exhibition of local Atlanta artists.

“The Art of Noticing” is a group exhibition dedicated to the artist's unique ability to offer new perspectives on the world around them.

What might you notice if you slow down and look at the world around you? Whether you notice beauty or pain, grief or joy, or anything in between, the works in this exhibition explore these themes through visual 2D and 3D artwork.

The opening reception on Sat., Jan 18 from 6-9 p.m. is free and open to the public. Artwork will be available for purchase, and light refreshments will be served. Free parking is available in the front parking lot and two lots behind the gallery.

Avondale Arts Center is located at 84 N. Avondale Rd., Avondale Estates, GA 30002