Adult classes at Bakersfield Museum of Art offer unique experiences for artists of all levels. Each season, professional guest instructors teach topics such as drawing, mixed media, photography, and more while encouraging discussion and collaboration with class peers.
Painting Like The Impressionists
$170 members | $210 non-members
4 Sessions
10 AM - 1 PM
Wednesday, May 15
Friday, May 17
Wednesday, May 22
Friday, May 24
During this four-session class students will study the styles and techniques of three early and quite different Impressionist painters: Claude Monet, Georges Seurat, and Vincent Van Gogh. Students will be instructed in and practice the techniques of each painter’s style on small canvas boards. Then picking the style that best suits them, they will plan a larger final project from a personal photo and execute it in that style or a combination of artist's styles.
Canvases and acrylic paint set included with registration fee.
About the Instructor
Janeen Carter Smith
Photo courtesy of Felix Adamo
Janeen Carter Smith is a retired English and Art teacher with over 50 years of experience teaching students of all ages and teachers themselves. Using a guided instruction method pioneered by art educator Betty Edwards, Smith will help students tap into each student's natural ability to draw, making the experience almost magical and loads of fun!
Go Big: Mural Painting
$140 members | $170 non-members
2 Sessions
1 PM - 4 PM
Thursday, May 2
Thursday, May 9
Students will learn how to design and complete a mural painting, be it in a home or out in the community.
Students will learn how to select and refine a subject and preliminary artwork, how to enlarge and transfer the design, what paints and techniques to use, and finally, tips for finishing. At the end of the course, students will have created a sample portion of their mural that can be used for reference in a larger project later.
Materials included in registration fee.
“Life is a great big canvas. Throw as much paint on it as you can.”
Danny Kaye
About the Instructor
Cynthia Hallstrom
Photo courtesy of Felix Adamo
Cynthia’s interest in letter styles and printed advertising led to a 44 year career in the sign industry, offering both hand-lettering and computer-cut vinyl lettering.
As a fine artist, Cynthia has used her talents in homes and business as a muralist and as an art and color consultant. Cynthia radiates the love of all things art and encourages the artist in all of us.
Introduction to Journaling: An Explorer’s Guide to Creative Expression
$60 members | $75 non-members
1 Session
4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Friday, May 3
In this class, students will explore the basics of art journaling by repurposing hardbound books. Techniques include: playing with words, found poetry, painting your cover, and collage. Students should come prepared to play with paint, ink sprays, washi tape, and more. This creative outlet is fun and forgiving, regardless of skill level. Students will walk away with tools & inspiration to continue their creative practice at home!
Materials included in registration fee.
Art Journal: Texture and Dimension
$66 members | $83 non-members
2 Sessions
9 AM - 11 AM
Wednesday, May 22
Wednesday, May 29
By repurposing hardbound books using a variety of techniques, students will create and design their journals’ cover and various pages guided by reflection prompts in combination with patterned papers & interesting images. Snip, tear, and layer, this fun workshop is all about texture! Return for the second session in which students create mini artistic masterpieces. 3D elements will literally pop from the page! Delight, wonder, and imagination are at the heart of this fun workshop!
Materials included in registration fee.
About the Instructor
Emily Hay
Photo courtesy of Emily Hay
Emily Hay is a mixed media artist and owner of The Playful Space in Downtown Bakersfield. She brings 15+ years of teaching to her colorful art practice. She believes that creative expression and play have the power to heal individuals and communities. As an art journaling guide, Emily walks you through fun, playful art prompts that leave you feeling inspired & encouraged.