Abstract Watercolors

Combine the expressive, personal, object-free vision of abstraction with the smaller, intimate beauty of watercolors. The focus of this class is on the elements of design, color and harmony, line and shape while creating an exciting and compelling painting that expresses a personal inner vision. Often alluding to nature or a state of mind, Abstract Watercolors will carry the painter to the beauty of feelings, spirit, and imagination

• Apr 07, 2026 to Jun 09, 2026 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm (10 sessions total), Tuesday
• Fee: $360
• Item: 31559
• Students enrolled in this class are invited to participate in our Summer CE Student Art Show. Visit our Art Show page for more details.
  Click here for a map and directions to locate your classroom.
  Supplies are required for this course.

Acrylic Painting for Beginners

Discover the art of modern life; learn a new way of thinking and seeing, and create dynamic abstract paintings. Express your inner self through your work with this more personal and expressive mode of painting. This class is designed for all levels of experience. Class process includes discussion of contemporary issues, demonstrations of materials, style, and structure, and the simple concepts behind the actions. In this course you will be painting with acrylics.

• Apr 10, 2026 to Jun 12, 2026 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm (9 sessions total), Friday
• Fee: $325
• Item: 31586
• There will be no class 4/24
  Students enrolled in this class are invited to participate in our Summer CE Student Art Show. Visit our Art Show page for more details.
  Supplies are required for this course.

Introduction to Drawing

Learn the basic techniques of drawing while working from still life, places in our immediate environment and each other in this introductory drawing class. We will focus on the building blocks of drawing such as composition, measurement, line, shape, value, gesture and mark. You will become familiar with a variety of materials and approaches to drawing by studying artwork both historical and contemporary. Although instruction will be rooted in drawing from observation, we will explore the potential to abstract from what we see and experiment with working from memory. We will engage in group discussions throughout the course.

• Apr 06, 2026 to Jun 15, 2026 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (10 sessions total), Monday
• Fee: $230
• Item: 31871
• There will be no class 5/25.
  Students enrolled in this class are invited to participate in our Summer CE Student Art Show. Visit our Art Show page for more details.
  Supplies are required for this course.
  Click here for a map and directions to locate your classroom.

Introduction to Drawing

Learn the basic techniques of drawing while working from still life, places in our immediate environment and each other in this introductory drawing class. We will focus on the building blocks of drawing such as composition, measurement, line, shape, value, gesture and mark. You will become familiar with a variety of materials and approaches to drawing by studying artwork both historical and contemporary. Although instruction will be rooted in drawing from observation, we will explore the potential to abstract from what we see and experiment with working from memory. We will engage in group discussions throughout the course.

• Apr 09, 2026 to Jun 11, 2026 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm (10 sessions total), Thursday
• Fee: $230
• Item: 31872
• Students enrolled in this class are invited to participate in our Summer CE Student Art Show. Visit our Art Show page for more details.
  Supplies are required for this course.
  Click here for a map and directions to locate your classroom.

Abstract Oils with Cold Wax Medium and Mixed Media

Discover a new creative medium when you combine the classic, rich surfaces of oil painting with the translucent depth and varied textures of cold wax. Exploring these mediums along with acrylic, charcoal, pastels, and ink, including collage, we experiment, discover and learn new ways to give expression to our inner landscape of forms and color.

• Apr 10, 2026 to Jun 05, 2026 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm (9 sessions total), Friday
• Fee: $360
• Item: 31544
• Students enrolled in this class are invited to participate in our Summer CE Student Art Show. Visit our Art Show page for more details.
  Click here for a map and directions to locate your classroom.
  Supplies are required for this course.
  There is an optional textbook for this course:
  Cold Wax Medium by Rebecca Crowell & Jerry McLaughlin
  ISBN: 9780997296303

Introduction to Drawing 2

Get creative while developing skills learned in an Introduction to Drawing course. We will advance our approaches to creating still lifes, as well as working from the landscape and the figure, both from observation (if possible) and from memory. Students will explore concepts of space, light, and form through previous knowledge of materials such as graphite, charcoal, and ink.

• Apr 07, 2026 to Jun 16, 2026 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm (11 sessions total), Tuesday
• Fee: $395
• Item: 31554
• Students enrolled in this class are invited to participate in our Summer CE Student Art Show. Visit our Art Show page for more details.
  Click here for a map and directions to locate your classroom.
  Supplies are required for this course.

Oil Painting for Beginners

In this class students learn the fundamentals of painting with oils, gaining a knowledge of the materials and a range of approaches both historical and contemporary. Through assignments based in observation, students will explore basic concepts of painting such as composing with color, value, gesture, shape, and line, as well as different ways of applying paint to canvas, panel, and paper with brush and palette knife. Students will learn how to create and work from a still-life, self-portrait, as well as from each other. 

• Apr 08, 2026 to Jun 10, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm (10 sessions total), Wednesday
• Fee: $360
• Item: 31555
• Students enrolled in this class are invited to participate in our Summer CE Student Art Show. Visit our Art Show page for more details.
  Click here for a map and directions to locate your classroom.
  Supplies are required for this course.

Figure Drawing

Discover the fundamentals of figure drawing in this dynamic class, where we'll explore both observational accuracy and conceptual interpretation of the human form. Rooted in classical drawing techniques, this course will emphasize traditional methods of measuring proportion, constructing the figure with geometric forms, and refining drawings through careful attention to light, shadow, and edge quality. You'll learn to build the body from the inside out—starting with internal structures like the skeleton and layering external forms. We’ll also examine different ways to interpret the figure, encouraging you to push beyond naturalism and develop your own visual relationship with the human form. Open to all skill levels! This course involves drawing naked bodies.

• Apr 10, 2026 to Jun 05, 2026 from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm (8 sessions total), Friday
• Fee: $320
• Item: 31545
• There will be no class on 5/15.
  Students enrolled in this class are invited to participate in our Summer CE Student Art Show. Visit our Art Show page for more details.
  This course includes drawing live naked models.
  Supplies are required for this course.
  Please consider purchasing this optional book by Michael Hampton: Figure Drawing

Spring at Seattle Art Galleries

What better way to celebrate the lush imagery of spring than to explore the art galleries in Seattle. We will meet weekly at local galleries to hear talks, ask questions, and peruse the space. Following each visit, we will gather for afternoon tea or coffee to discuss the art and share interests. A sampling of galleries includes Greg Kucera, Foster/White, Stonington, ArtX Contemporary, Gray Sky, Harris Harvey, Steinbrueck Native Gallery, and SAM Gallery. Whether you are a seasoned gallery visitor or a newcomer, you are welcome to take part in this harbinger of spring as you experience the Seattle art scene.

• Apr 15, 2026 to May 20, 2026 from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm (6 sessions total), Wednesday
• Fee: $140
• Item: 31552
• This class takes place away from North Seattle College. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from this course.

Watercolors for Beginners

Watercolor is one of the most versatile and approachable painting mediums. In this introductory course we’ll be exploring what the medium can do. We’ll experiment with watercolors and learn how to blend colors, layer, and play with other materials like sugar and soap to achieve different effects. This class will focus on basic techniques so that you walk away with a solid foundation to take to your next fabulous artwork!

• Apr 11, 2026 to May 02, 2026 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (4 sessions total), Saturday
• Fee: $95
• Item: 31556
• Students enrolled in this class are invited to participate in our Summer CE Student Art Show. Visit our Art Show page for more details.
  Supplies are required for this course.

Drawing Flowers in Graphite

Unleash your creativity and discover the enchanting world of flowers through the magic of graphite drawing. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate artist, this class is designed to guide you on your journey to mastering realistic flower drawings. We’ll build your observational skills, teach you the secrets of value, shading, and form, and help you create a sense of volume and delicate petal textures. You’ll learn how to capture accurate proportions using graphite pencils, and you’ll work from both photographs and real floral specimens. Throughout the course, you’ll practice techniques for line quality, layering tone, and creating depth. By the end of the program, you’ll have finished graphite flower drawings that will showcase your talent and skills, and you’ll gain valuable insights that can be applied to other drawing and painting media.

• May 20, 2026 to Jun 17, 2026 from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm (5 sessions total), Wednesday
• Fee: $150
• Item: 31859
• Students enrolled in this class are invited to participate in our Summer CE Student Art Show. Visit our Art Show page for more details.
  Supplies are required for this course.

Mixed Media Self Abstraction

Discover your own creative language and use it to develop your artistic practice. In this class we will use multiple mediums and learn new techniques to push ourselves in exploring self-expression. This class is perfect for someone who has taken abstract art classes before and is wondering "What next?". We will combine mediums: watercolor, acrylic, collage, pencil, oil pastel, and ink. We will explore the use of symbols, written words, texture, drawing and the use of representational images. The goal of this class is to access ourselves as a source for expression; to find an abstract narrative that resonates with you. 2D abstract class experience is helpful. 

• Apr 08, 2026 to Jun 10, 2026 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm (10 sessions total), Wednesday
• Fee: $360
• Item: 31560
• Students enrolled in this class are invited to participate in our Summer CE Student Art Show. Visit our Art Show page for more details.
  Click here for a map and directions to locate your classroom.
  Supplies are required for this course.

Oil Painting 2

Enjoy continued exploration of oil paint as a medium, having taken Oil Painting for Beginners, or having some experience working with oils previously. We will explore abstracting from observation, developing a personal narrative, working from memory, as well as some painting in the landscape.

• Apr 07, 2026 to Jun 16, 2026 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm (11 sessions total), Tuesday
• Fee: $395
• Item: 31553
• Students enrolled in this class are invited to participate in our Summer CE Student Art Show. Visit our Art Show page for more details.
  Click here for a map and directions to locate your classroom.
  Supplies are required for this course.

Explore the Mysteries of Color 2

Review Itten's 7 color contrasts and Albers¿ exercises, and add new concepts of transparency, transposing color keys, split complements, and more. Gain confidence and have fun applying intentional color and design choices to fashion, home décor, story boards and artworks.

• Apr 07, 2026 to May 12, 2026 from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm (6 sessions total), Tuesday
• Fee: $175
• Item: 31562
• Students enrolled in this class are invited to participate in our Summer CE Student Art Show. Visit our Art Show page for more details.
  Supplies are required for this course.

Landscapes in Acrylic Paint

Students will learn to paint beautiful landscapes in this beginner to intermediate acrylic class. The class will cover acrylic techniques, atmospheric perspective (how to create depth in landscape), foliage, plus some fun, alternative ways to approach landscape that may surprise you.

• Apr 09, 2026 to Jun 11, 2026 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm (9 sessions total), Thursday
• Fee: $325
• Item: 31587
• There will be no class 4/23
  Students enrolled in this class are invited to participate in our Summer CE Student Art Show. Visit our Art Show page for more details.
  Supplies are required for this course.

Landscapes in Watercolor

Elevate your watercolor skills and embark on a captivating journey through the world of landscape painting in this intermediate class! Dive into the exploration of texture, colors, and compositional challenges. Through hands-on exercises, you'll practice watercolor techniques, ultimately discovering your personal direction in the realm of watercolor landscapes.

• Feb 28, 2026 to Mar 21, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm (4 sessions total), Saturday
• Fee: $95
• Item: 34753
• Students enrolled in this class are invited to participate in our Summer CE Student Art Show. Visit our Art Show page for more details.
  Supplies are required for this course.
  MicroMart is closed on weekends; students are encouraged to bring a snack/lunch.

Landscapes in Watercolor

Elevate your watercolor skills and embark on a captivating journey through the world of landscape painting in this intermediate class! Dive into the exploration of texture, colors, and compositional challenges. Through hands-on exercises, you'll practice watercolor techniques, ultimately discovering your personal direction in the realm of watercolor landscapes.

• May 09, 2026 to Jun 06, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm (4 sessions total), Saturday
• Fee: $95
• Item: 31558
• There will be no class 5/23.
  Students enrolled in this class are invited to participate in our Summer CE Student Art Show. Visit our Art Show page for more details.
  Supplies are required for this course.

Watercolor Washington Mammals

Come watercolor Washington’s wild mammals! In this beginner to intermediate level class, students will learn techniques to create realistic and accurate watercolor paintings inspired by mammals found throughout our state. You’ll build skills for painting fur, texture, and form while learning how to observe and capture animal character. Students will leave with finished watercolor pieces of Washington mammals and the confidence to apply these techniques to other subjects.

• Apr 08, 2026 to May 13, 2026 from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm (6 sessions total), Wednesday
• Fee: $180
• Item: 31860
• Students enrolled in this class are invited to participate in our Summer CE Student Art Show. Visit our Art Show page for more details.
  Supplies are required for this course.

Abstract Gelli Printing and Collage

Explore the fascinating world of abstract collage and gelli plate printing in this dynamic beginner's course. Designed for those eager to unleash their creativity, this class blends traditional and modern techniques to create stunning, one-of-a-kind artworks using a gelli plate, acrylic paint, and paper. Delve into the vibrant realm of gelli plate printing, where spontaneity meets technique. Learn the basics of creating monoprints using gelli plates, exploring methods to transfer intricate patterns and textures onto paper. Develop skills in color mixing and layering to produce captivating prints that reflect your individual style. Throughout the course, you will receive personalized guidance and constructive feedback, empowering you to refine your techniques and build confidence in your artistic journey. Whether you are a seasoned artist looking to expand your repertoire or a newcomer eager to explore mixed media, this course offers a nurturing environment to cultivate your creativity and create compelling abstract artworks through collage and gelli plate printing.

This class is already in session. Please contact our office at conted@seattlecolleges.edu or 206-934-3705 to inquire about late registration.

Abstract Gelli Printing and Collage

Explore the fascinating world of abstract collage and gelli plate printing in this dynamic beginner's course. Designed for those eager to unleash their creativity, this class blends traditional and modern techniques to create stunning, one-of-a-kind artworks using a gelli plate, acrylic paint, and paper. Delve into the vibrant realm of gelli plate printing, where spontaneity meets technique. Learn the basics of creating monoprints using gelli plates, exploring methods to transfer intricate patterns and textures onto paper. Develop skills in color mixing and layering to produce captivating prints that reflect your individual style. Throughout the course, you will receive personalized guidance and constructive feedback, empowering you to refine your techniques and build confidence in your artistic journey. Whether you are a seasoned artist looking to expand your repertoire or a newcomer eager to explore mixed media, this course offers a nurturing environment to cultivate your creativity and create compelling abstract artworks through collage and gelli plate printing.

• Apr 08, 2026 to Jun 10, 2026 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm (10 sessions total), Wednesday
• Fee: $360
• Item: 31561
• Students enrolled in this class are invited to participate in our Summer CE Student Art Show. Visit our Art Show page for more details.
  Click here for a map and directions to locate your classroom.
  Supplies are required for this course.

Screenprinting: Techniques for All Levels

Explore the possibilities of screen printing on paper and other flat surfaces. In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to prepare screens and create stencils using paper, photo emulsion, and screen filler with drawing fluid. We’ll cover key tools and techniques, including methods for registering colors and developing original designs. You'll work with water-based inks and experiment with photographic, reductive, and drawing approaches. Class is open to all skill levels. 

• Apr 13, 2026 to Jun 08, 2026 from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm (8 sessions total), Monday
• Fee: $375
• Item: 31551
• There will be no class 5/25.
  Students enrolled in this class are invited to participate in our Summer CE Student Art Show. Visit our Art Show page for more details.
  Supplies are required for this course.

Introduction to Zine Making

Create your own zine and explore the art of DIY self-publishing. In this hands-on class, you’ll experiment with storytelling and self-expression through words and images. You’ll also learn practical techniques for crafting zines from everyday materials, focusing on simple, creative methods to bring your ideas to life. Perfect for beginners and those looking to reconnect with the zine-making process, this class offers a relaxed space to make something that’s entirely your own.

• Apr 24, 2026 to Jun 05, 2026 from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm (7 sessions total), Friday
• Fee: $220
• Item: 31873
• Students enrolled in this class are invited to participate in our Summer CE Student Art Show. Visit our Art Show page for more details.

Introduction to Gouache

Gouache is a favorite medium of illustrators and animators, but it's something that many people may not have used before. If you enjoy watercolor or acrylic painting, gouache is the perfect addition to your kit. Join me on to learn a little about the history of this versatile paint and how you can use it and combine it with other paints to make your own gorgeous illustrations and paintings.

• Apr 11, 2026 to May 02, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm (4 sessions total), Saturday
• Fee: $95
• Item: 31557
• Students enrolled in this class are invited to participate in our Summer CE Student Art Show. Visit our Art Show page for more details.
  Supplies are required for this course.

Natural Dyes, Making a Sustainable Studio

Students will explore the art and nature of using plant-based materials to create vibrant, eco-friendly dyes. Over consecutive classes, participants will learn the fundamentals of scouring, mordanting, and dyeing various fibers with natural materials like turmeric, avocado pits, and cochineal. The course will include hands-on activities such as immersion dyeing, shibori resist techniques, and eco-printing, with a focus on sustainable practices and the history behind each dye source. By the end of the course, students will have a deeper understanding of natural dyes, how to apply them creatively, and how to integrate sustainable studio practices into their work. 

• Apr 09, 2026 to Jun 04, 2026 from 6:30 pm to 7:20 pm (8 sessions total), Thursday
• Fee: $310
• Item: 32166
• There will be no class on 5/14
  Students enrolled in this class are invited to participate in our Fall CE Student Art Show. Visit our Art Show page for more details.
  Map and directions to locate your classroom.
  Supplies are required for this course.

Intermediate Gouache Painting

Gouache is a favorite medium of illustrators and painters around the world because of its versatility and gorgeous matte finish. Join me as we learn more about this medium, diving into more brushwork and techniques that will help you make your painting sing. This class is recommended for those with beginning gouache or watercolor experience.

• May 09, 2026 to Jun 06, 2026 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (4 sessions total), Saturday
• Fee: $95
• Item: 31913
• There will be no class 5/23.
  Students enrolled in this class are invited to participate in our Summer CE Student Art Show. Visit our Art Show page for more details.
  Supplies are required for this course.

Working in Color: Intermediate Photography

This intermediate digital color class via zoom will explore ways color can work with exposure and composition to produce compelling imagery. We'll examine how different colors interact to create a sense of mood and atmosphere. The selection of color and tone can have a calming effect or generate tension. Primary and secondary colors will be discussed along with warm & cool, monochromatic, and pastel colors. As well, the effects of different kinds of lighting (contrasty & overcast, e.g.) will be seen to influence the perception of color. Tripod is required. The class will have two Sunday morning field trips with the instructor on April 12 & 19 (details given in class). Instructor's work has appeared in National Geographic publications.

• Apr 11, 2026 to May 02, 2026 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am (4 sessions total), Saturday
• Fee: $155
• Item: 31919
• Students enrolled in this class are invited to participate in our Summer CE Student Art Show. Visit our Art Show page for more details.
  There is a textbook for this course: Michael Freeman On...Color & Tone by Michael Freeman.
  ISBN: 978-1-78157-871-1
  This class includes two (2) field trips on April 12 & 19 from 2:00PM - 5:00PM. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the field trips. Location will be discussed in class.

Combining Watercolor and Ink

Unleash your creativity with the dynamic duo of pen and ink with watercolor! In this class, you'll learn how to combine crisp linework with the softness and fluidity of watercolor to create expressive, balanced, and eye-catching pieces. Our subject matter will focus on landscapes and natural objects, think trees, rocks, flowers, skies, and the organic textures of the natural world. We’ll explore various techniques, from loose sketching to detailed linework, and washes of paint that enhance your drawings. You’ll learn different mark making techniques with ink, how to control ink and watercolor interactions, and build confidence in layering both media for different effects. Whether you’re new to one (or both!) of these mediums, this class is perfect for artists who want to add energy, texture, and depth to their work. Come experiment, sketch, and splash as you bring your illustrations to life with pen and watercolor!

This class is already in session. Please contact our office at conted@seattlecolleges.edu or 206-934-3705 to inquire about late registration.