Each class, we will learn how to apply color theory and drawing skills to painting a landscape subject from life in our beautiful town of Northampton. We will embark on a short walk to a nearby park or cafe where we will set up our towels and chairs to paint the scenery around us. Your instructor will guide you through applicable techniques to create depth and interest in your work as you grow to visually appreciate the surrounding landscape features. If you've ever wondered, "How do I create realistic perspective in my paintings?" or "How do I make my watercolor works more vibrant and energized?" this class will be most helpful. Please note that this class requires some mobility to walk for 5-10 minutes from 33 Hawley and sit for the duration of class on benches, or grassy lawns. If you would be most comfortable in a chair rather than on the ground, bring a portable seat or folding chair that you can carry. A towel may do the trick. Possible destinations include but aren't limited to: Bridge Street Park, College Church Park, and Summer on Strong.

About the instructor: Paige Quinn-Vasic (she/her) is a local professional artist who is well-versed in many mediums such as oil painting, printmaking, ceramics, and sewing. She completed her bachelors in fine arts and art education at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, which drove her to explore an interdisciplinary practice. Her medium of choice in the last few years has been collage with painted paper, but recently got back into oil painting. Her practice tends to hop between mediums as she follows the whims of her creative inner child, exploring whimsy, peculiar curiosities, and confronting microaggressions. Since moving to Northampton in 2023, she has earned a LCC grant for her community project, Noho Art Club, around which she curated a group show in November 2025. Her focus lately has been teaching and planning creative classes and events, one recently being held at The Smith College Museum of Art. She has been exhibited in Jackson Junge Gallery in Chicago, Sip 413 in Florence, and The Northampton Center for the Arts. You can see more of her work at www.paigesquinn.carrd.co or instagram.com/paigesquinn and instagram.com/nohoartclub on Instagram.