https://www.artsofgreatfalls.org/

The Arts of Great Falls, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA (2026)

02/25/2026

COME JOIN US! Saturday, Mar 14, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Arts of Great Falls Art School-Gallery, 756-C Walker Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066, USA

Every year The Arts of Great Falls celebrates our adult student work with The Adult Student Art Show.

On Saturday, March 14th from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm our ADULT STUDENT SHOW reception celebration will announce the award results of the show juried by our colleague, Keeley Rae, Smithsonian National Copyist and portrait artist. . Live music will be provided by Sotê, the brother dynamic duo Daniel and Marco Sotelino. Artwork submissions drop off date is Sunday, March 1st 9 am - 11 am. The event is open to all AGF Adult students from 2025 and 2026.

Your RSVP is appreciated for our head count on this free event. Thank you!

02/17/2026

Turn your favorite pet photo into a lasting work of art with Acrylic Painter Ana Schwar! All levels welcome.

Celebrate your furry (or feathered!) friends through acrylic painting. Learn step-by-step techniques to create a unique portrait of your pet—from transferring your photo to canvas and mixing colors that capture fur and features, to adding expressive details that bring your pet's personality to life.

Register today: https://bit.ly/40gej88

02/02/2026

SWISS PAPER CUTTING with Sandra Waszyk
Sat Mar 14 | 2:00pm-5:00pm
Register Today! https://bit.ly/SwissPaperCuttingW26

1-day workshop for all levels
Create your own elegant bird silhouette using traditional Swiss paper-cutting techniques (scherenschnitt). In this 3-hour workshop, you’ll trace a bird design from your chosen photo, then carefully cut it from black silhouette paper using a craft knife. Finally, layer your cut piece over a white background and frame it for display. All experience levels welcome. Maximum 10 students.

MATERIALS: See full supply list (link), and note that paper-cutting mats are available to rent from the instructor (contact [email protected]).

INSTRUCTOR BIO: Sandra Waszyk, a former architect in Switzerland, brings her passion for precision and meditative design to her scherenschnitt work. Her paper-cuts reflect her Swiss heritage and architectural background, combining careful craftsmanship with poetic simplicity.

The Arts of Great Falls

01/26/2026

BOB ROSS LANDSCAPES with Araksi Martirosian-Janssen
Adult Class | Jan 28-Mar 4 | Wednesdays 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Register Today! https://bit.ly/BobRossLandscapesW26

Learn to paint like Bob Ross with Araksi Martirosian-Janssen!
Perfect for all levels—especially if you've always thought "I can't paint" or felt intimidated by oils. Master the wet-on-wet technique using specialized brushes and complete four beautiful landscape paintings with confidence.

ART INSTRUCTOR BIO:
Araksi Martirosian-Janssen is a passionate painter. Araksi got her certificate in 2016 in New Smyrna Beach/ Florida and ever since, as an official CRI (Certified Ross Instructor), she has passed on the joy of painting in the spirit of Bob Ross for almost 10 years. Araksi has taught Bob Ross painting in community arts centers, her own studio, resorts and in private homes. In addition to Bob Ross’ “wet-on-wet” technique, Araksi was lucky enough to be taught classical oil painting by Herdin Radtke, the founder of Pomponism.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:
Class 1: Short theory, how to paint “happy little trees”, how to paint reflections in water, how to reuse a canvas.
Class 2: How to paint “happy clouds”, how to paint and “move mountains”.
Class 3: Painting a winter scene with two colors, applying everything learned in class 1-2.
Class 4: Painting a sunset scenery.
Class 5: Painting “a dawns light”, teacher will introduce motifs, and let students vote for one scenery to paint in class 6.
Class 6: Scenery chosen in Class 5.

CLASS DATES: Wednesdays, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 12/3, 12/10. No class 11/26 for Thanksgiving week. Make-up date if needed on Dec 17th.

SUPPLY LIST: https://bit.ly/BobRossSupplies
The Arts of Great Falls

01/26/2026

VIBRANT FLOWERS IN OIL with Joyce Lee
Adult Class | Wednesdays Jan 28-Mar 4 | 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Register Today! https://bit.ly/VibrantFlowersW26

Learn exceptional color saturation, blending, and texture techniques unique to oil paints. Whether you're picking up a brush for the first time or ready to refine your skills, Joyce will guide you step-by-step through oil painting fundamentals: light and form, value and color, composition, and edges.

INSTRUCTOR BIO: Joyce Lee is best known for her vibrant, large-scale floral oil paintings that bridge cultures and traditions. Her technique reinterprets traditional Korean painting styles—cephalopod ink and watercolor on rice paper—into bold oil paintings on canvas. Through the universal beauty of flowers, Joyce creates connections between her Korean heritage and cultures around the world, offering viewers a deeper understanding and appreciation.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: Over 6 weeks, you'll focus on painting flowers using both photo references and still life. Joyce provides beautiful inspiration photos each week and teaches you to capture the quality, feeling, and spirit of each subject. Learn essential techniques, including underpainting, blocking in shapes, controlling values, and adding textures, highlights, and shadows for life-like details.

CLASS DATES: Tuesdays, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/4. Makeup date, if needed, on 3/11.

SUPPLY LIST: https://www.joyceleeart.com/event/174254/art-cla The Arts of Great Falls

01/25/2026

ANIMAL PASTELS with Mariah Sotelino
Youth Class for Ages 8-13 | Thursdays Jan 29-Mar 5 | 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Register today: https://bit.ly/AnimalPastelsW26

Create colorful animal portraits in pastel! Learning to draw animals using this gloriously colorful, texture-rich medium is incredibly satisfying. Mariah guides young artists step-by-step through creating realistic animal portraits using the grid method.
Each class begins with warm-ups to build strong drawing skills, followed by two demonstrations working from animal photo references. Students improve their observational abilities, color choices, perspective, and value scale understanding while working at their own pace with personalized feedback from Mariah.
INSTRUCTOR BIO: Mariah is a naturalist, educator, and illustrator with a master's in Illustration from Maryland Institute College of Art. A member of The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, The Guild of Natural Science Illustrators, and The Society of Illustrators, she's passionate about the intersection of science and art. With a nurturing personality and contagious smile, Mariah motivates young artists to find their own voice and build their artistic toolbox.

Art supplies are provided and included in tuition.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
Block in shapes using the envelope method (still life) and grid method (photo reference). Check proportion, angles, and spatial relationships to achieve realistic lines. Master 1-point, 2-point, and 3-point perspectives to create a 3D illusion on paper. Apply the value scale to everyday objects for consistent, believable lighting
Create aesthetically beautiful compositions using the golden ratio and rule of threes

CLASS DATES: Thursdays, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/5. Makeup date, if needed on 3/12.

Photo credit: "Leopard" by Mariah P. Sotelino, 2025
The Arts of Great Falls

01/24/2026

Bob Ross for Kids with Araksi Martirosian-Janssen
Youth Class Ages 8-13 | Wednesdays Jan 28–Mar 4 | 4:30–6:30 pm
Register Now at: https://bit.ly/BobRossKidsW26

Experience the magic of Bob Ross's famous wet-on-wet oil painting technique!
Perfect for all levels—especially kids who think "I can't paint" or feel intimidated by oils. Discover stress-free methods that build confidence and create stunning landscapes that will leave everyone amazed.

ART INSTRUCTOR BIO: Araksi Martirosian-Janssen is a passionate painter. Araksi got her certificate in 2016 in New Smyrna Beach/ Florida and ever since, as an official CRI (Certified Ross Instructor), she has passed on the joy of painting in the spirit of Bob Ross for almost 10 years. Araksi has taught Bob Ross painting in community arts centers, her own studio, resorts, and in private homes. In addition to Bob Ross’ “wet-on-wet” technique, Araksi was lucky enough to be taught classical oil painting by Herdin Radtke, the founder of Pomponism.
Art supplies are provided and included in tuition.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Class 1: Introduction to technique, painting "happy little trees," water reflections, and canvas reuse
Class 2: Painting "happy clouds" and moving mountains
Class 3: Winter scene using two colors—applying everything learned in Classes 1-2
Class 4: Sunset scenery
Class 5: Painting "dawn's light" and voting on motifs for the final class
Class 6: Student-chosen scenery from Class 5

CLASS DATES: 6 sessions on Wednesdays, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/25, 3/4, 3/11. No class 2/18. Makeup date, if needed on 3/18.
The Arts of Great Falls

01/24/2026

CAPTIVATING COLOR with Tricia Ratliff
Adult Workshop | Saturday Feb 28 | 2:00-5:00 pm
https://bit.ly/CaptivatingColor

Step into the vibrant world of color theory and discover how to bring your paintings to life! Whether you're a beginner building confidence or an experienced painter expanding your skills, this hands-on workshop will transform how you see and use color.

INSTRUCTOR BIO:
Tricia Ratliff's oil paintings have been exhibited and collected internationally—from France to Santa Fe, New York to Sri Lanka. Her work explores themes of life cycles, dreams, human connection, healing, wisdom, and love. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
Learn to work with both a Limited Palette (LP) and Tricia's unique Split Primary Palette (SPP) approach. Through practical demonstrations, you'll discover why certain pigments are powerful foundations, how to simplify your color choices, and when to expand into a full palette. Students love this workshop for making primaries come alive, strengthening palette choices, and mixing with confidence. Visit TriciaRatliff.com

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: Learn to work with both a Limited Palette (LP) and Tricia’s unique Split Primary Palette (SPP) approach. Through practical demonstrations, you’ll discover why certain pigments are powerful foundations, how to simplify your color choices, and when to expand into a full palette. Students love this workshop for making primaries come alive, strengthening palette choices, and mixing with confidence. Tricia emphasizes working from a place of strength—she'll show you how to make thoughtful choices so your colors remain fresh, luminous, and expressive.

SUPPLY LIST: Bring materials you already enjoy, or start small with a limited palette and add more pigments as you grow. Whether you're taking this workshop for the first time or returning to deepen your knowledge, these principles will enhance your art for years to come. https://bit.ly/ColorSuppliesW26

The Arts of Great Falls

01/23/2026

THE PASTEL COLLECTIVE with Patrice Fleck
Adult Artist Collective | Jan 29-Mar 5 | Thurs 7:00pm-9:00pm
Register Today! https://bit.ly/PastelCollectiveW26

Join fellow pastel artists in a supportive, non-instructional community where you work on your own projects while sharing encouragement and insights. Perfect for all levels—from beginners exploring the medium to established artists refining their craft.

Coordinator Patrice Fleck brings expertise in both pastel and oil painting. Originally a realistic oil painter, she discovered pastel's freedom for looser, painterly landscapes while studying with AGF instructors Lori Goll and Jean Wolf. Her work explores drama, energy, and intrigue through dynamic focal points.

CLASS DATES: Jan 29, Feb 5, 19, 26, Mar 5 (no class Feb 12). Makeup date, if needed, on Mar 12.

SUPPLY LIST: Bring your own. Contact [email protected] for a suggested list.

01/22/2026

REALISM PAINTING FUNDAMENTALS with Ana Schwar
Adult Class | Mondays Jan 26 - Mar 9 | 6:00-8:00pm
Register today! https://bit.ly/DrawingFundamentalsW26

Learn the foundations for realism paintings in acrylic with Ana Schwar!
Build a strong foundation in realistic painting through this hands-on acrylic course. Learn the complete process—from setup and blocking in shapes to refining texture and finishing your piece. You’ll explore color theory, value, composition, and brush blending techniques to achieve confident, consistent results. Working from both life and photo references, you’ll create paintings while developing the skills to bring realism and depth to your work.

ART INSTRUCTOR BIO: Ana Schwar is a visual artist specializing in watercolor and acrylic painting with an expressive, intuitive approach that blends design principles with fine art techniques. Originally from Venezuela, Ana earned her B.A. in Graphic Design from the Instituto de Diseño de Caracas before relocating to Northern Virginia in 1989. Over her multifaceted creative career, she has worked as an illustrator, graphic designer, textile designer, and art director, collaborating with prominent clients including the World Bank Group, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Whole Foods Market, Lidl, Target, and Walmart.

CLASS DATES: 1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/23, 3/2, 3/9. Makeup date, if needed on 3/16. No class 2/16 for Presidents' Day.

The Arts of Great Falls

01/22/2026

WATERCOLORS with Vicky Zhou
Adult Class | Mondays Jan 26- Mar 9 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Register Today! https://bit.ly/WatercolorsW26

Explore the gorgeous medium of watercolor with award-winning plein air artist Vicky Zhou!
Known for its fluidity and unpredictability, watercolor can feel intimidating at first. This 6-session class helps you overcome hesitation by embracing a loose, expressive painting style. Through structured demonstrations and guided practice, you'll build confidence and gain a solid foundation in essential techniques. No experience required—beginners welcome!

INSTRUCTOR BIO:
Vicky Zhou is an architect and and award-winning plein air painter. The vibrancy in Vicky’s paintings reflects a passion for expressing the energy and life within her subjects. Each stroke and color choice makes her art stand out and leave a lasting impression.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN: Each session begins with a review of painting principles and a demonstration, followed by hands-on practice with individual guidance. Different subjects each week help you develop a range of skills.

CLASS DATES: 1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/23, 3/2, 3/9 (No class 2/16, President's Day; makeup date: 3/16 if needed)

SUPPLY LIST: Use what you have!
Paper: 140lb, 100% cotton, cold press (8x10+ block, pad, or 22x30 sheets cut to size)
Brushes: Mop #3 (squirrel or synthetic), round/pointed round #12 and #4 (synthetic)
Palette: Metal or plastic with multiple mixing areas
Paints (primary warm/cool colors): Alizarin crimson, ultramarine blue, cerulean blue, cadmium yellow medium, lemon yellow, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, neutral tint
Optional colors: Payne's gray, sap green, white, lavender, opera pink
Additional: Sketchbook, pencil, eraser, spray bottle, water cups, paper towel/rag, board to tape paper on, block to prop board (up to 15°)

Questions? Contact Vicky at [email protected]
The Arts of Great Falls

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