This Fall - October 24 - 26
"To reveal the exquisite beauty of delicate flowers takes more than just the basics of drawing, value and edges.
It demands a looser gestural energy, dynamic mark making, speed-yet decisiveness and the ability to paint transmitted light into shadows.
To express color, we will invite color vibration, which requires layering notes that optically fuse to resonate in luminous color.
(612) 801-1053 Lois
(651) 270-8983 Armando
Call and Inquire for Rick's number -
He is available to talk about the process!
with Richard Kochenash
From Rick Kochenash -
Every canvas starts as a blank, I can relate to that fact. Before I begin every canvas, I pause and reflect how I’ve been brought by the grace of God to this point. For without His direction and grace, I too would be a blank.
Rick has been painting professionally now for thirty-seven years. A transplant from the East Coast, he received an art educator degree from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania. After relocating to Minnesota he attended the Atelier LeSueur for four years, then studied as an apprenctice for a year with Richard Lack.
For the past eleven years, Rick has maintained a studio in downtown Chaska. His work runs a broad range. Working from life, Rick spends his time doing plein air painting, floral compositions, and portrait work. His work has been well received in numerous solo and group shows, and he has won mulptiple awards nationally. Always a teacher, he continues to share his craft and insights through oil and watercolor classes.
All Images: Richard Kochenash™
Weekend Schedule
Weekend Schedule
Beginning with a Friday evening demo, Rick will demonstrate his thinking process explaining decisions on composition, organization of process, the selection of appropriate paint, while utilizing little known tools and materials he has put into operation to carve out flowers in a series of lifting, scraping, painting and wiping. As we move through the following days the attendees will individually work on their own compositions of live subjects while receiving abundant critiques and guidance individually as well as group where appropriate.
This class will require a degree of stamina as the pace will be quick and compressed due to the fleeting nature of the subject. The goal…to push you to extend your reach, challenging you to paint not just what is seen, but felt.
FRIDAY DEMO 6:30-9:30pm - Rick will demonstrate his painting method, how he uses paint and tools, and discuss how he approaches the work. The studio will be open and ready by 6:00pm.
SATURDAY 9:30am - 5:30pm - Arrange the floral still lifes and paint all day, with help from Rick. Community lunch in the studio.
SUNDAY 11:00am - 4:30pm - Complete the paintings, wrap up the weekend.
Sculpture Club - Figurative Study from the model
In session now - Next session starts early November
10 Tuesday evenings 6:30-9:30pm
Spend 10 weeks creating one or more clay figure studies in a supportive environment. No instructor, but if you are new to this we will help you get ready and situated. Always a fun group, with great learning opportunities!
Materials are about $20-$70 depending on what you already have, and which clay you choose.
Fee $225
Questions? Please call or text us!
Lois (612) 801-1053
Armando (651) 270-8983
Portrait Sculpure
In session now - Winter Session starts in January
Portrait Sculpture from a Live Model– Instructor Armando Gutiérrez G.
Thursday evenings 6:30-9:30
$395 (No additional model fee)
Aug 21, 28, Sept 4,11,18,25, Oct 2, 9, 16. Please reserve the 23rd also, in case a make-up date is needed.
We will use Plastiline (Oil) Clay. Emphasis on anatomy and proportions, as well as creating a life-like piece with character.
Questions? Please call or text us!
Lois (612) 801-1053
Armando (651) 270-8983
Cast Study - in Clay
In session now - Next session starts early November
10 Friday morning , 10:30-1:30.
Copy a Plaster Cast in Clay - Instructor: Lois Rhomberg
Deep-dive into observation, measurements, and sculpture skills by copying an existing Plaster Sculpture in earth or plasticene clay.
This project is a good starting place for those with less experience, and great practice for those with more.
Final piece can be fired if you use earth clay, and kept as is or molded if you use plasticene.
The cost for materials depends on your choice of clay and project - get in touch for more info!
Questions? Please call or text us!
Lois (612) 801-1053
Armando (651) 270-8983
Italian Master Drawing Techniques “Tratteggio Incrociato”
This workshop focuses on the distinctive drawing techniques used by the Italian Masters to create drawings that embody life, movement, and naturalism.
They built from the “inside out” especially when it came to the human form. Their use of perspective and foreshortening enhances the illusion of depth and three dimensionality. Close attention was paid to how light hits form and the combined application of Sfumato (softening edges), Chiaroscuro (contrast of light and shade) and Tratteggio Incrociato (cross hatching) contribute to the aesthetic characteristics of Italian Master Drawings.
The workshop will place particular focus on developing Tratteggio Incrociato skills—an essential tool the Masters used to guide the viewer’s eye around the form. Students will gain an understanding of and an ability to apply these techniques to their own drawings.
NEW SESSION PLANNED - DETAILS COMING SOON
with Patrizia Vignola
https://www.instagram.com/patriziazia
Patrizia Vignola is a native New Yorker now living, teaching, and creating in Minnesota. Her work, often described as contemporary surrealism, is deeply rooted in the techniques and traditions of the Italian and Northern Renaissance Masters—a lifelong influence that continues to shape her artistic language.
From an early age, Patrizia was drawn to the challenge of mastering realism in drawing and painting. In high school, her focus was firmly on the arts, leading her to pursue a BFA, which included a formative period of study in Florence, Italy. There, she immersed herself in the classical methods of the Renaissance, honing the skills that would become the foundation of her practice.
She later earned her MFA from the New York Academy of Art – Graduate School of Figurative Art, where the curriculum emphasized classical training and anatomical study. Notably, she completed three cadaver dissections—far beyond the single required course—demonstrating her deep commitment to understanding the human form.
During graduate school, Patrizia also produced copies of Italian Master drawings for a New York City dealer who specialized in serving a discerning clientele.
Though her current work often ventures beyond tradition, Patrizia never strays far from her classical roots. The foundational techniques she studied so rigorously remain a constant touchstone in her process. Equally passionate about teaching, she finds great fulfillment in sharing her knowledge and nurturing the skills of others.
SUPPLY LIST
- Regular white drawing paper
- Strathmore tinted charcoal paper pad 18” x 24” (or sheets/ at least 2 in any tints,not black or a gray that is too dark, stay in medium value range)
- drawing pencils, (2H, 2B, 6B suggested)
- charcoal pencils (soft, med, hard)
- vine charcoal sticks
- sandpaper charcoal sharpening pad
- Red chalk pencil (suggested Stabilo CarbOthello, Sanguine)
- White Chalk pencil (suggested Stabilo CarbOthello white chalk)
(Conte crayons also OK….NO waxy pencils)
- Kneaded eraser (additional erasers optional)
- Drawing boards (clips to hold paper)
All Images: Patrizia Vignola™
Above: Master Copy after Pontormo