Group Classes at Oregon Society of Artists (Oregon School of Arts)
Mask Making - Put a face on your idea
Tues, May 13 and 20 (2 sessions) - 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Masks reflect your imagination. The magic is its ability to amplify an idea or quality within us. Chas Martin shares techniques to create masks of wire, paper and other materials. He explains processes from sketch to finished piece for a variety of masks he has created. He provides ample demonstration and individual guidance. Martin’s teaching style is playful and informative. All materials are provided – or bring your own fabrics, feathers, beads, etc. All you need is imagination and desire to try something new.
Watercolor: Vibrant Color & Expressive Strokes
Tuesdays Feb thru April 8 - 1:00 - 4:00pm
Take control of the 4 major variables of watercolor: Brush, Pigment, Paper and Water. In this 7-session class we'll explore techniques for each of variables through practice exercises. Then we’ll combine them as you gain confidence and control. You’ll learn to organize techniques into strategies that result in successful paintings. Each session includes plenty of demonstrations and exercises. Martin brings a playful and positive attitude to learning watercolor.
Watercolor Problem Solving
Saturdays, March 8 - 22, 2025 (3 sessions) - 1:00 - 4:00pm
Develop more sophisticated watercolors by focusing on contrast, textures, vibrance, and stroke variety. This course is for painters who want to move beyond the basic skills. Learn specific techniques for rendering textures like weathered wood, rust, rocks, surf, and more. Manipulate water on the surface to control different effects.
Watercolor Basics
Tuesdays, April 29 - May 6, 2025 (2 sessions)
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Discover the foundational language of watercolor painting by exploring key elements such as Color, Contrast, Texture, and Strategy. Designed specifically for beginners, the course focuses on providing simple yet effective demonstrations, exercises, and techniques to help you build your skills and confidence with watercolors. You’ll learn how to mix and apply colors, create dynamic contrasts, develop interesting textures, and approach your compositions with a thoughtful strategy.
STUDENT EXAMPLES AND COMMENTS:
“If you are looking for a well-developed, solid skill-building course in watercolor painting, this is a great choice! The “Essentials” include value assessment, brush technique, tips on mixing paint, and how-to-paint various aspects of landscapes (rocks, trees, water, etc.) Through it all, Chas. enthusiastically challenged us to be daring. My horizons and skills expanded every week. Chas challenged us to be daring, and we WERE! This class will make you a better painter!” - Meredith
“I was thrilled to see that OSA was offering a watercolor class every week, in the afternoon. Chas Martin, the instructor, provided great instruction when he painted the lesson for the week. He also had photos of the project which were very helpful. I enjoyed his class, learned some techniques and have signed up for the next term.” - Laurel
“Chas is an enthusiastic and patient instructor. His love of the watercolor medium is clearly evident .Chas provided many different subjects to challenge and develop our skills. He was never judgmental, but instead was always ready with positive, encouraging comments on our work, while still offering suggestions for gaining more skill. He was very patient with answering questions and going over techniques several times at students' requests. In my opinion Chas would be a great instructor choice for anyone either beginning watercolor or continuing on their watercolor journey.” - Daniela
“I just finished my first-ever watercolor class. Chas Martin, was excellent demonstrating basic techniques for landscape: trees, clouds, shadows, reflections, water and more. Most of all, he encourages students to be free and courageous. After seven classes every student improved and each person's individual style came through in their work. I will definitely sign up for another class with Chas.” - Kathryn
“I enthusiastically recommend Chas Martin’s Watercolor class.His encouragement to “push your limits” changed my feelings about watercolor from intimidation to confidence.Chas imparts his love for painting with his demonstrations and detailed explanations, always making even the toughest challenges so much fun!” - Kristine
“I just completed the class, Watercolor Essentials. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the experience. Each week I learned at least one new technique that was very helpful. Chas’s in-class demonstrations and lighthearted instruction inspired me to go beyond my insecurities to paint in class and absorb the knowledge Chas shared with his students. There was always something new to learn. As I don’t want the experience to end, I have registered for Chas’s next class, Watercolor Essentials 2”. - Julianne
