Desert Art Center upcoming events

WORKSHOP: What is Old is New Again (10/09/2026)

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

What is Old is New Again

Date: October 9, 16, 23, 30, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Cost: $300 for the set of 4 days plus $75 materials fee to be paid directly to instructor.
Instructor: Alane Levinsohn

Workshop Description:
Take a deep dive into archaic art mediums. We’ll prepare at 4 traditional panels with rabbit skin glue and traditional chalk and pigment gesso. Then use the panels to paint in egg tempera, silverpoint, gilding and underpainting and glazing in oil. The first three of these techniques require prepared panels, so this session is mandatory to continue with a hands on experience.

Session One: We’ll see how to prepare panels for traditional mediums. We’ll size with rabbit skin glue and apply 8-10 layers of traditional gesso and the following day (at home) sand until smooth (if needed). This will be the substate for the egg tempera, the silverpoint and the gold leafing. This session is mandatory for those sessions (reach out the Alane if you are unavailable for this session).
Session Two: We will learn how to prepare egg tempera the traditional way with egg yolk and dry pigment. We will also learn a more modern shortcut that uses the egg yolk with pigment. We’ll learn the various ways of paint application: crosshatching, skumbling and glazing the undercolor and work on a painting of your choice. We’ll also work with metalpoint in this session: silver, gold, brass and aluminum are the typical wires, but our hands on will focus on silver. We’ll work with both silver and metal pads to achieve the look of the Renaissance masters and discuss how to preserve the metal as is, or encourage tarnishing for the warm browns of the masters. You’ll work on one of your prepared panels on a design of your choice.
Session Three: We’ll gold leaf a panel. You can choose whether to gold leaf the entire panel or gold leaf a specific area within the panel to create either a flat or raised pattern. We will talk about grounds and their traditional relationship to the leaf. We’ll talk about Russian icons and their methods of creating raised patterns under the gold leaf to create the ornate raised motif in the halos around the heads.
Session Four: Oil Painting. We will make our own oil pigments using dry pigments. There are several reasons to know how to make your own pigments - reducing toxicity by using archival but non toxic oils, mixing special colors that are otherwise unavailable and mixing a specific viscosity. We will explore making our own thickened linseed oil and using egg yolk as an additive to increase viscosity and brush stroke retention. We’ll also look at doing the underpainting in grisaille and/or verdaccio and using glazes to build up flesh tones that have an unsurpassed luminosity.

Supplies:
$75 materials fee to be paid directly to instructor.

WORKSHOP: Photography in Joshua Tree National Park (10/14/2026)

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Photography in Joshua Tree National Park

Date: October 14, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM (4 hours)
Cost: $250
Instructor: Mitch Miller

Workshop Description:
Explore Joshua Tree National Park and improve your photography skills with award-winning Joshua Tree photographer Mitch Miller. DSLR, Mirrorless and camera phones welcome. Adverse weather normally does not cancel, but rather improves our light and compositions.

Supplies:
Registrants will be emailed a list of what to bring and a weather forecast link.

WORKSHOP: What is Old is New Again (10/16/2026)

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

What is Old is New Again

Date: October 9, 16, 23, 30, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Cost: $300 for the set of 4 days plus $75 materials fee to be paid directly to instructor.
Instructor: Alane Levinsohn

Session One: We’ll see how to prepare panels for traditional mediums. We’ll size with rabbit skin glue and apply 8-10 layers of traditional gesso and the following day (at home) sand until smooth (if needed). This will be the substate for the egg tempera, the silverpoint and the gold leafing. This session is mandatory for those sessions (reach out the Alane if you are unavailable for this session).
Session Two: We will learn how to prepare egg tempera the traditional way with egg yolk and dry pigment. We will also learn a more modern shortcut that uses the egg yolk with pigment. We’ll learn the various ways of paint application: crosshatching, skumbling and glazing the undercolor and work on a painting of your choice. We’ll also work with metalpoint in this session: silver, gold, brass and aluminum are the typical wires, but our hands on will focus on silver. We’ll work with both silver and metal pads to achieve the look of the Renaissance masters and discuss how to preserve the metal as is, or encourage tarnishing for the warm browns of the masters. You’ll work on one of your prepared panels on a design of your choice.
Session Three: We’ll gold leaf a panel. You can choose whether to gold leaf the entire panel or gold leaf a specific area within the panel to create either a flat or raised pattern. We will talk about grounds and their traditional relationship to the leaf. We’ll talk about Russian icons and their methods of creating raised patterns under the gold leaf to create the ornate raised motif in the halos around the heads.
Session Four: Oil Painting. We will make our own oil pigments using dry pigments. There are several reasons to know how to make your own pigments - reducing toxicity by using archival but non toxic oils, mixing special colors that are otherwise unavailable and mixing a specific viscosity. We will explore making our own thickened linseed oil and using egg yolk as an additive to increase viscosity and brush stroke retention. We’ll also look at doing the underpainting in grisaille and/or verdaccio and using glazes to build up flesh tones that have an unsurpassed luminosity.

Supplies:
$75 materials fee to be paid directly to instructor.

WORKSHOP: What is Old is New Again (10/23/2026)

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

What is Old is New Again

Date: October 9, 16, 23, 30, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Cost: $300 for the set of 4 days plus $75 materials fee to be paid directly to instructor.
Instructor: Alane Levinsohn

Session One: We’ll see how to prepare panels for traditional mediums. We’ll size with rabbit skin glue and apply 8-10 layers of traditional gesso and the following day (at home) sand until smooth (if needed). This will be the substate for the egg tempera, the silverpoint and the gold leafing. This session is mandatory for those sessions (reach out the Alane if you are unavailable for this session).
Session Two: We will learn how to prepare egg tempera the traditional way with egg yolk and dry pigment. We will also learn a more modern shortcut that uses the egg yolk with pigment. We’ll learn the various ways of paint application: crosshatching, skumbling and glazing the undercolor and work on a painting of your choice. We’ll also work with metalpoint in this session: silver, gold, brass and aluminum are the typical wires, but our hands on will focus on silver. We’ll work with both silver and metal pads to achieve the look of the Renaissance masters and discuss how to preserve the metal as is, or encourage tarnishing for the warm browns of the masters. You’ll work on one of your prepared panels on a design of your choice.
Session Three: We’ll gold leaf a panel. You can choose whether to gold leaf the entire panel or gold leaf a specific area within the panel to create either a flat or raised pattern. We will talk about grounds and their traditional relationship to the leaf. We’ll talk about Russian icons and their methods of creating raised patterns under the gold leaf to create the ornate raised motif in the halos around the heads.
Session Four: Oil Painting. We will make our own oil pigments using dry pigments. There are several reasons to know how to make your own pigments - reducing toxicity by using archival but non toxic oils, mixing special colors that are otherwise unavailable and mixing a specific viscosity. We will explore making our own thickened linseed oil and using egg yolk as an additive to increase viscosity and brush stroke retention. We’ll also look at doing the underpainting in grisaille and/or verdaccio and using glazes to build up flesh tones that have an unsurpassed luminosity.

Supplies:
$75 materials fee to be paid directly to instructor.

WORKSHOP: What is Old is New Again (10/30/2026)

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

What is Old is New Again

Date: October 9, 16, 23, 30, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Cost: $300 for the set of 4 days plus $75 materials fee to be paid directly to instructor.
Instructor: Alane Levinsohn

Session One: We’ll see how to prepare panels for traditional mediums. We’ll size with rabbit skin glue and apply 8-10 layers of traditional gesso and the following day (at home) sand until smooth (if needed). This will be the substate for the egg tempera, the silverpoint and the gold leafing. This session is mandatory for those sessions (reach out the Alane if you are unavailable for this session).
Session Two: We will learn how to prepare egg tempera the traditional way with egg yolk and dry pigment. We will also learn a more modern shortcut that uses the egg yolk with pigment. We’ll learn the various ways of paint application: crosshatching, skumbling and glazing the undercolor and work on a painting of your choice. We’ll also work with metalpoint in this session: silver, gold, brass and aluminum are the typical wires, but our hands on will focus on silver. We’ll work with both silver and metal pads to achieve the look of the Renaissance masters and discuss how to preserve the metal as is, or encourage tarnishing for the warm browns of the masters. You’ll work on one of your prepared panels on a design of your choice.
Session Three: We’ll gold leaf a panel. You can choose whether to gold leaf the entire panel or gold leaf a specific area within the panel to create either a flat or raised pattern. We will talk about grounds and their traditional relationship to the leaf. We’ll talk about Russian icons and their methods of creating raised patterns under the gold leaf to create the ornate raised motif in the halos around the heads.
Session Four: Oil Painting. We will make our own oil pigments using dry pigments. There are several reasons to know how to make your own pigments - reducing toxicity by using archival but non toxic oils, mixing special colors that are otherwise unavailable and mixing a specific viscosity. We will explore making our own thickened linseed oil and using egg yolk as an additive to increase viscosity and brush stroke retention. We’ll also look at doing the underpainting in grisaille and/or verdaccio and using glazes to build up flesh tones that have an unsurpassed luminosity.

Supplies:
$75 materials fee to be paid directly to instructor.

WORKSHOP: Master the Art of the Living Scene (11/04/2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Master the Art of the Living Scene

Date: November 4, 11, 2026
Time: 4:30–7:30 PM
Cost: $150
Instructor: Mike Cedeno

Workshop Description:
This course teaches artists how to rapidly capture figures in motion and seamlessly integrate them into dynamic environments. You'll learn to prioritize gesture and composition to bring authentic energy and a sense of story to your paintings.

Supplies:

WORKSHOP: Bold Impressions: Relief Printmaking for Beginners (11/06/2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Bold Impressions: Relief Printmaking for Beginners

Date: November 6, 13, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Cost: $100 plus $20 Supplies
Instructor: Jerry Harty

Workshop Description:
Create bold, graphic prints in this relief printmaking workshop designed for complete newcomers. Learn how to design, carve, ink, and print from a linoleum block while exploring the fundamentals of relief printmaking. Students will print both by hand and with a traditional printing press, discovering the unique qualities and advantages of each method. By the end of the workshop, you'll have an edition of original prints and the confidence to continue printing on your own.

Supplies:
ADD SUPPLY INFORMATION HERE

WORKSHOP: Cyanotype (11/08/2026)

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Cyanotype

Date: November 8, 2026
Time: TBD
Cost: $120
Instructor: Rose Cefalu

Workshop Description:
Learn the art of cyanotype, one of the oldest photographic printing processes. Harness the desert sun to create striking blue-and-white prints using natural objects and personal designs.

Supplies:

WORKSHOP: Master the Art of the Living Scene (11/11/2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Master the Art of the Living Scene

Date: November 4, 11, 2026
Time: 4:30–7:30 PM
Cost: $150
Instructor: Mike Cedeno

Supplies:

WORKSHOP: Bold Impressions: Relief Printmaking for Beginners (11/13/2026)

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Bold Impressions: Relief Printmaking for Beginners

Date: November 6, 13, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Cost: $100 plus $20 Supplies
Instructor: Jerry Harty

Supplies:
ADD SUPPLY INFORMATION HERE

WORKSHOP: Oil and Cold Wax (11/15/2026)

Sun, 15 Nov 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Oil and Cold Wax

Date: November 15, 2026
Time: 10am-2pm
Cost: $75
Instructor: Tracy Vinzant

Workshop Description:
In this dynamic workshop, students will complete five 11x14 oil and cold wax paintings, gaining confidence with layering, texture, and color. The class runs about three hours of instruction, with additional time built in for setup and cleanup, so you can focus fully on creating.

Supplies:

Abstract Made Easy: Create Frame-Ready Art in One Class (11/20/2026)

Fri, 20 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Abstract Made Easy: Create Frame-Ready Art in One Class

Date: November 20, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Cost: $95
Instructor: Julianna Poldi

Workshop Description:
Make bold, modern abstract art with step-by-step guidance. Designed to help beginners create a piece that feels finished, polished, and ready to display.

Supplies:
Supplies included

WORKSHOP: Lines in Ink: Drypoint Etching for Beginners (12/04/2026)

Fri, 04 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Lines in Ink: Drypoint Etching for Beginners

Date: December 4, 11, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Cost: $100 plus $20 Supplies
Instructor: Jerry Harty

Workshop Description:
Discover the rich, expressive qualities of drypoint etching in this workshop designed for complete newcomers. Learn how to incise an image onto a printing plate, ink it, and print it using an etching press. Explore techniques for creating delicate lines, rich textures, and dramatic contrasts that are unique to the drypoint process. By the end of the workshop, you'll have an edition of original prints and a solid foundation for continuing your exploration of intaglio printmaking.

Supplies:
$20 to be paid to instructor.

WORKSHOP: Lines in Ink: Drypoint Etching for Beginners (12/11/2026)

Fri, 11 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Lines in Ink: Drypoint Etching for Beginners

Date: December 4, 11, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Cost: $100 plus $20 Supplies
Instructor: Jerry Harty

Supplies:
$20 to be paid to instructor.

Abstract Made Easy: Create Frame-Ready Art in One Class (12/18/2026)

Fri, 18 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Abstract Made Easy: Create Frame-Ready Art in One Class

Date: December 18th, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Cost: $95
Instructor: Julianna Poldi

Workshop Description:
Make bold, modern abstract art with step-by-step guidance. Designed to help beginners create a piece that feels finished, polished, and ready to display.

Supplies:
Supplies included

WORKSHOP: Photography in Joshua Tree National Park (01/13/2027)

Wed, 13 Jan 2027 21:00:00 GMT

Photography in Joshua Tree National Park

Date: January 13, 2027
Time: 1:00 PM (4 hours)
Cost: $250
Instructor: Mitch Miller

Supplies:
Registrants will be emailed a list of what to bring and a weather forecast link.

WORKSHOP: Sketchbook as a Meditative Tool (01/20/2027)

Thu, 21 Jan 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Sketchbook as a Meditative Tool

Date: January 20, 27, February 3, 10, 17, 20 2027
Time: 4:30–7:00PM
Cost: $225 +$30 sound experience payable at first class
Instructor: Diana Shay Diehl

Workshop Description:

Start the new year using your sketchbook as a tool to find inspiration and harmony as we navigate our daily lives. Suitable for any experience level, this is not a how-to or specific make-an-art-piece workshop. Instead, we will explore how colors, shapes, sounds, textures, and tools made from natural materials help influence our peace of mind and understand what inspires us in a calm, meditative setting. The intention is to develop a regular sketchbook habit that can be used for every day decompressing, documenting ideas and thoughts, problem-solving, or developing your creative practice. We will also make unique drawing tools from natural materials and personal sketchbook minis. For additional information, contact Diana at diana@dianashaydiehl.com

Supplies:
Participants need to bring a large sketchbook (9"x12" or larger) with mixed media or watercolor paper (160-300 gsm) and favorite art materials already owned. There will be a variety of materials on hand to explore and use as well (inks, pastels, water based paints, markers, colored pencils, etc.)

Abstract Made Easy: Create Frame-Ready Art in One Class (01/22/2027)

Fri, 22 Jan 2027 17:00:00 GMT

Abstract Made Easy: Create Frame-Ready Art in One Class

Date: January 22nd & 29th, 2027
Time: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Cost: $190
Instructor: Julianna Poldi

Workshop Description:
Make bold, modern abstract art with step-by-step guidance. Designed to help beginners create a piece that feels finished, polished, and ready to display.

Supplies:
Supplies included

WORKSHOP: Sketchbook as a Meditative Tool (01/27/2027)

Thu, 28 Jan 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Sketchbook as a Meditative Tool

Date: January 20, 27, February 3, 10, 17, 20 2027
Time: 4:30–7:00PM
Cost: $225 +$30 sound experience payable at first class
Instructor: Diana Shay Diehl

Workshop Description:

Abstract Made Easy: Create Frame-Ready Art in One Class (01/29/2027)

Fri, 29 Jan 2027 17:00:00 GMT

Abstract Made Easy: Create Frame-Ready Art in One Class

Date: January 22nd & 29th, 2027
Time: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Cost: $190
Instructor: Julianna Poldi

Workshop Description:
Make bold, modern abstract art with step-by-step guidance. Designed to help beginners create a piece that feels finished, polished, and ready to display.

Supplies:
Supplies included

WORKSHOP: Sketchbook as a Meditative Tool (02/03/2027)

Thu, 04 Feb 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Sketchbook as a Meditative Tool

Date: January 20, 27, February 3, 10, 17, 20 2027
Time: 4:30–7:00PM
Cost: $225 +$30 sound experience payable at first class
Instructor: Diana Shay Diehl

Workshop Description:

WORKSHOP: Bold Impressions: Relief Printmaking for Beginners (02/05/2027)

Fri, 05 Feb 2027 17:00:00 GMT

Bold Impressions: Relief Printmaking for Beginners

Date: February 5, 12, 2027
Time: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Cost: $100 plus $20 Supplies
Instructor: Jerry Harty

Supplies:
A fee of $20 to be paid directly to instructor

WORKSHOP: Bold Impressions: Relief Printmaking for Beginners (02/05/2027)

Fri, 05 Feb 2027 17:00:00 GMT

Bold Impressions: Relief Printmaking for Beginners

Date: February 5th & 12th, 2027
Time: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Cost: $100 plus $20 Supplies
Instructor: Jerry Harty

Supplies:
$20 for supplies to be paid directly to instructor

WORKSHOP: Light & Shadow (02/06/2027)

Sat, 06 Feb 2027 17:00:00 GMT

Light & Shadow

Date: February 6, 7, 2027
Time: 9am-4pm
Cost: $250
Instructor: Jessica Schiffman

Workshop Description:
Students will learn to bring dynamic contrast into their drawings and paintings, with logic, balance and harmony. Working with a variety of media, they will analyze the dark and light patterns in master paintings, photos, and objects, and then go forward to create their own works of art. Students of all levels can benefit from this workshop.

Supplies:

Sketchbook, 9x12 recommended; larger is fine
Optional: Mixed-media or watercolor pad/sketchbook
Pencils: a range of light to dark. H pencils are lighter, with higher numbers being lighter; B pencils are darker, with higher numbers being darker. A #2 pencil and 9B are recommended examples.
Kneaded eraser
Black ink or black acrylic paint
Watercolor brush
Container for water
Paper towels
Charcoal or charcoal pencils. Generals 6B extra-soft and 2B medium are recommended.
Optional: Chamois cloth, blending stump, or blending sponge
Any other drawing implements you enjoy using

WORKSHOP: Light & Shadow (02/07/2027)

Sun, 07 Feb 2027 17:00:00 GMT

Light & Shadow

Date: February 6, 7, 2027
Time: 9am-4pm
Cost: $250
Instructor: Jessica Schiffman

Supplies:

Sketchbook, 9x12 recommended; larger is fine
Optional: Mixed-media or watercolor pad/sketchbook
Pencils: a range of light to dark. H pencils are lighter, with higher numbers being lighter; B pencils are darker, with higher numbers being darker. A #2 pencil and 9B are recommended examples.
Kneaded eraser
Black ink or black acrylic paint
Watercolor brush
Container for water
Paper towels
Charcoal or charcoal pencils. Generals 6B extra-soft and 2B medium are recommended.
Optional: Chamois cloth, blending stump, or blending sponge
Any other drawing implements you enjoy using

WORKSHOP: Sketchbook as a Meditative Tool (02/10/2027)

Thu, 11 Feb 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Sketchbook as a Meditative Tool

Date: January 20, 27, February 3, 10, 17, 20 2027
Time: 4:30–7:00PM
Cost: $225 +$30 sound experience payable at first class
Instructor: Diana Shay Diehl

Workshop Description:

WORKSHOP: Bold Impressions: Relief Printmaking for Beginners (02/12/2027)

Fri, 12 Feb 2027 17:00:00 GMT

Bold Impressions: Relief Printmaking for Beginners

Date: February 5, 12, 2027
Time: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Cost: $100 plus $20 Supplies
Instructor: Jerry Harty

Supplies:
A fee of $20 to be paid directly to instructor

WORKSHOP: Bold Impressions: Relief Printmaking for Beginners (02/12/2027)

Fri, 12 Feb 2027 17:00:00 GMT

Bold Impressions: Relief Printmaking for Beginners

Date: February 5th & 12th, 2027
Time: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Cost: $100 plus $20 Supplies
Instructor: Jerry Harty

Supplies:
$20 for supplies to be paid directly to instructor

WORKSHOP: Elements of Watercolor (02/13/2027)

Sat, 13 Feb 2027 17:00:00 GMT

Elements of Watercolor

Date: February 13, 14, 2027
Time: 9am-4pm
Cost: $150
Instructor: Ian Cooke

Workshop Description:
This short introduction to watercolor gives new students the essential skills to confidently join regular classes and begin exploring this rewarding medium. You’ll learn how to balance water and paint, choose and care for brushes, select the right paper, and set up a palette. Core topics include the color wheel, warm and cool colors, transparency, mixing methods, reserving whites, and correcting mistakes. Students will practice washes, glazes, dry brush, spattering, scraping, and texture techniques while working toward a landscape and still life. Additional focus will be given to composition, perspective, and rendering natural elements such as skies, trees, grasses, rocks, and water.This short introduction to watercolor gives new students the essential skills to confidently join regular classes and begin exploring this rewarding medium. You’ll learn how to balance water and paint, choose and care for brushes, select the right paper, and set up a palette. Core topics include the color wheel, warm and cool colors, transparency, mixing methods, reserving whites, and correcting mistakes. Students will practice washes, glazes, dry brush, spattering, scraping, and texture techniques while working toward a landscape and still life. Additional focus will be given to composition, perspective, and rendering natural elements such as skies, trees, grasses, rocks, and water.

Supplies:

WORKSHOP: Elements of Watercolor (02/14/2027)

Sun, 14 Feb 2027 17:00:00 GMT

Elements of Watercolor

Date: February 13, 14, 2027
Time: 9am-4pm
Cost: $150
Instructor: Ian Cooke

Supplies:

WORKSHOP: Sketchbook as a Meditative Tool (02/17/2027)

Thu, 18 Feb 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Sketchbook as a Meditative Tool

Date: January 20, 27, February 3, 10, 17, 20 2027
Time: 4:30–7:00PM
Cost: $225 +$30 sound experience payable at first class
Instructor: Diana Shay Diehl

Workshop Description:

Abstract Made Easy: Create Frame-Ready Art in One Class (02/19/2027)

Fri, 19 Feb 2027 17:00:00 GMT

Abstract Made Easy: Create Frame-Ready Art in One Class

Date: February 19th & 26th, 2027
Time: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Cost: $190
Instructor: Julianna Poldi

Workshop Description:
Make bold, modern abstract art with step-by-step guidance. Designed to help beginners create a piece that feels finished, polished, and ready to display.

Supplies:
Supplies included

WORKSHOP: Expressive Portrait Painting with Pastels (02/20/2027)

Sat, 20 Feb 2027 18:00:00 GMT

Expressive Portrait Painting with Pastels

Date: February 20, 2027
Time: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Cost: $100
Instructor: Alane Levinsohn

Workshop Description:
Create expressive animal portraits while exploring color, texture, and technique with pastels. Learn how to capture personality and bring your subject to life.

Supplies:

WORKSHOP: Sketchbook as a Meditative Tool (02/24/2027)

Thu, 25 Feb 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Sketchbook as a Meditative Tool

Date: January 20, 27, February 3, 10, 17, 20 2027
Time: 4:30–7:00PM
Cost: $225 +$30 sound experience payable at first class
Instructor: Diana Shay Diehl

Workshop Description:

Abstract Made Easy: Create Frame-Ready Art in One Class (02/26/2027)

Fri, 26 Feb 2027 17:00:00 GMT

Abstract Made Easy: Create Frame-Ready Art in One Class

Date: February 19th & 26th, 2027
Time: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Cost: $190
Instructor: Julianna Poldi

Workshop Description:
Make bold, modern abstract art with step-by-step guidance. Designed to help beginners create a piece that feels finished, polished, and ready to display.

Supplies:
Supplies included

WORKSHOP: Portraits in Watercolor (02/27/2027)

Sat, 27 Feb 2027 17:30:00 GMT

Portraits in Watercolor

Date: February 27, 28, 2027
Time: 9:30 AM–3:30 PM
Cost: $175
Instructor: Jim Nelson

Workshop Description:
This workshop will focus on watercolor portrait painting techniques. In the morning, Jim will demonstrate his techniques, followed by lunch and then an afternoon of painting for the students. A suggested supply list will be sent to students in advance to ensure they are well prepared for this exciting opportunity. There is a class limit of 10 students.

Supplies:

WORKSHOP: Portraits in Watercolor (02/28/2027)

Sun, 28 Feb 2027 17:30:00 GMT

Portraits in Watercolor

Date: February 27, 28, 2027
Time: 9:30 AM–3:30 PM
Cost: $175
Instructor: Jim Nelson

Supplies:

WORKSHOP: Master the Art of the Living Scene (03/03/2027)

Thu, 04 Mar 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Master the Art of the Living Scene

Date: March 3rd & 10th, 2027
Time: 4:30–7:30 PM
Cost: $150
Instructor: Mike Cedeno

Supplies:

WORKSHOP: Lines in Ink: Drypoint Etching for Beginners (03/05/2027)

Fri, 05 Mar 2027 17:00:00 GMT

Lines in Ink: Drypoint Etching for Beginners

Date: March 5th & 12th, 2027
Time: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Cost: $100 plus $20 Supplies
Instructor: Jerry Harty

Supplies:
$20 to be paid to instructor.

WORKSHOP: Creative Color Techniques in Acrylic (03/06/2027)

Sat, 06 Mar 2027 08:00:00 GMT

Creative Color Techniques in Acrylic

Date: March 6, 7, 2027
Time: TBD
Cost: $200
Instructor: Jean Bradley

Workshop Description:
Explore essential color concepts and hands-on techniques to strengthen your acrylic painting skills. Learn how to use color with confidence to bring depth, harmony, and vibrancy to your work.

Supplies:

WORKSHOP: Creative Color Techniques in Acrylic (03/07/2027)

Sun, 07 Mar 2027 08:00:00 GMT

Creative Color Techniques in Acrylic

Date: March 6, 7, 2027
Time: TBD
Cost: $200
Instructor: Jean Bradley

Supplies:

WORKSHOP: Photography in Joshua Tree National Park (03/10/2027)

Wed, 10 Mar 2027 21:30:00 GMT

Photography in Joshua Tree National Park

Date: March 10th, 2027
Time: 1:30 PM (4 hours)
Cost: $250
Instructor: Mitch Miller

Supplies:
Registrants will be emailed a list of what to bring and a weather forecast link.

WORKSHOP: Master the Art of the Living Scene (03/10/2027)

Thu, 11 Mar 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Master the Art of the Living Scene

Date: March 3rd & 10th, 2027
Time: 4:30–7:30 PM
Cost: $150
Instructor: Mike Cedeno

Supplies:

WORKSHOP: Lines in Ink: Drypoint Etching for Beginners (03/12/2027)

Fri, 12 Mar 2027 17:00:00 GMT

Lines in Ink: Drypoint Etching for Beginners

Date: March 5th & 12th, 2027
Time: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Cost: $100 plus $20 Supplies
Instructor: Jerry Harty

Supplies:
$20 to be paid to instructor.

WORKSHOP: Portraits of Men in Oil (03/13/2027)

Sat, 13 Mar 2027 08:00:00 GMT

Portraits of Men in Oil

Date: March 13, 14, 2027
Time: TBD
Cost: $200 plus $10 model fee
Instructor: Ric Della Bernarda

Workshop Description:
Join Ric for a two-day workshop exploring his classically trained yet contemporary alla prima approach to portrait painting. Ric will guide students through small study exercises on day 1 before progressing to a long pose on day 2 from a live model. Along the way, he will demonstrate techniques and provide detailed explanations of his process to help students strengthen their skills in painting the head and portrait.

Supplies:

WORKSHOP: Portraits of Men in Oil (03/14/2027)

Sun, 14 Mar 2027 08:00:00 GMT

Portraits of Men in Oil

Date: March 13, 14, 2027
Time: TBD
Cost: $200 plus $10 model fee
Instructor: Ric Della Bernarda

Supplies:

MASTERCLASS: Landscape in Oil (03/20/2027)

Sat, 20 Mar 2027 16:00:00 GMT

MASTERCLASS: Landscape in Oil

Date: March 20 & 21, 2027
Time: 9:00am-3:00pm
Cost: $375
Instructor: Mark Kerckhoff

Workshop Description:
Join celebrated California landscape artist Mark Kerckhoff for an inspiring masterclass at Desert Art Center. In this hands-on session, Mark will guide participants through the process of capturing the essence of outdoor light and natural landscapes. Drawing on his expertise and deep connection to California’s diverse scenery, Mark will demonstrate techniques in color harmony, composition, and perspective while offering personalized feedback to help participants refine their skills. Whether you're new to plein air painting or looking to elevate your craft, this masterclass provides a unique opportunity to learn directly from one of the region’s most accomplished artists.

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MASTERCLASS: Landscape in Oil (03/21/2027)

Sun, 21 Mar 2027 16:00:00 GMT

MASTERCLASS: Landscape in Oil

Date: March 20 & 21, 2027
Time: 9:00am-3:00pm
Cost: $375
Instructor: Mark Kerckhoff

Supplies:

WORKSHOP: Painting Pastel Animals (04/03/2027)

Sat, 03 Apr 2027 17:00:00 GMT

Painting Pastel Animals

Date: April 3rd & 4th, 2027
Time: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Cost: $200
Instructor: Alane Levinsohn

Workshop Description:
Create expressive animal portraits while exploring color, texture, and technique with pastels. Learn how to capture personality and bring your subject to life.

Supplies:

WORKSHOP: Painting Pastel Animals (04/04/2027)

Sun, 04 Apr 2027 17:00:00 GMT

Painting Pastel Animals

Date: April 3rd & 4th, 2027
Time: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Cost: $200
Instructor: Alane Levinsohn

Workshop Description:
Create expressive animal portraits while exploring color, texture, and technique with pastels. Learn how to capture personality and bring your subject to life.

Supplies: