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Visual Arts

Visual Arts

Upcoming Classes


Ages 13-Adult
July 8-12
Mon-Fri     7:00-9:00pm

Instructor: Suhail Mir

Do you know the basic functions of your camera, but want to bring the “wow” factor to your photos? Improve your skills through 5 consecutive nights with an expert. We will focus on using composition and lighting to capture more compelling images, and help you transition away from using automatic camera settings and move into the creative use of manual mode. We will gain practice with guided photo walks around town, then learn to take better photos through hands-on tutorials in the Center's computer lab. Please bring your DSLR camera to class. Class limited to 8 students. Register by June 30 to avoid $15 late fee.


Ages 5-10
July 15-19
Mon-Fri     10am-1pm

Instructor: Amanda Shaw

Explore the visual splendor of summer in full bloom! We will create 2-D and 3-D art inspired by nature’s lush diversity. Projects may include symmetrical insects, multi-media butterfly mobiles, big, beautiful flower sculptures and fabric art. Much more awaits you so come join us for a week of creativity! Register by July 7 to avoid $20 late fee.

Camp fee includes $30.00 Supply fee.


Ages 10 -14
July 15-19
Mon-Fri    10am-3pm

Instructor:  Lydia Bratton

Let’s reveal your artistic capabilities by refining your photography and graphic design skills.  Using your digital camera or other camera-equipped media device, we will explore and photograph the real historical backdrop of Old Town Manassas. The Center’s Computer Lab will be pressed into service to manipulate favorite photos into vivid personal compositions using a variety of software platforms. Learn mixed media techniques to apply images to alternative surfaces for a fabulous photo finish. Class limited to 8 students. Register by July 7 to avoid $25 late fee.

Camp fee includes tuition and $10 supply fee.


Ages 13- Adult
July 15 - 19
Mon - Fri     10am-1pm

Instructor: Martin Cervantez

Martin shares his passion for engaging and surprising the viewer through the manipulation of acrylic paint. Learn textural tools and tricks, the peaceful practice of meditative dot painting, and experience the endless possibilities of this versatile medium.  All materials will be provided via supply fee.  Register by July 7 to avoid $20 late fee.

Camp fee includes $25.00 Supply fee.

Artist Martin Cervantez is a former Artist in Residence at the U.S. Army Center of Military History where he was responsible for capturing the Army's story on paper and canvas. Current artwork transitions to dynamic abstract creations in two and three dimensions.  This summer Martin shares his passion for visual expression in two sessions at Windy Knoll, providing a vivid introduction to the elements of design through abstraction. These programs are excellent for portfolio development, or just for the joy of creating art with the instructor’s guidance.
See also Martin's abstract art class Assemblage Art.


Ages 18 & up
July 15-19
Mon-Fri     6:30-9pm

Instructor: Emily Thomson

This class will provide opportunity to draw the unclothed figure with guidance from the instructor. Live models will pose for both quick sketches and more detailed studies. We will explore gesture drawing, and the movement of line, physical proportion, and the interplay of light and shadow on the human form. Please bring your artist sketching pencils and charcoals, and an 18" x 24" drawing pad. Program is geared toward students with previous drawing experience: advanced beginners and intermediate students welcome. High school students may enroll with parental consent letter, contact the Center for details. Register by July 7 to avoid $20 late fee.

Course fee includes $45.00 Model fee.


Ages 13 & up
(3 hours) July 21
Sun. 1:30-4:30pm

Instructor: Carla Riga

Experience an authentic lotus-leaf painting workshop in the tradition originated in Himapan Gallery of Thailand. With studios thriving in New York, Paris, Bangkok, the Czech Republic, and Canada, Himapan has developed a creative process that is unique and accessible. Don't miss this opportunity to flex your creativity and produce an exquisite work of art in a very relaxing atmosphere. Gorgeous solid structure wooden canvases are already prepared with beautiful decoupaged lotus leaves. Instructor Carla Riga will provide paints, brushes/sponges, varnish, and helpful tips to inspire and get you started. You will leave with a painting ready to be hung, no additional framing needed. Sign up early - enrollment is limited. No previous art experience needed. Canvases and supplies are included in course fee. Register by July 14 to avoid $5 late fee.


Ages 8-12
July 22-26
Mon-Fri     10am-2pm

Instructor: Lydia Bratton

What do you know about cartooning? Learn the fundamentals and improve your character illustration skills and personal style. We will look at eastern and western comics, and then use hand drawing and cartooning software to illustrate an exciting story or page, just like the professionals! Register by July 14 to avoid $25 late fee.

Camp fee includes $25.00 Supply fee.


Ages 11-Adult
July 22 - 25
Mon - Thu     10am-1:45pm

Instructor: Michelle Ciancarelli

All styles of drawing (cartooning, fantasy illustration, digital art) flow from an understanding and practice of fundamental drawing skills. Learn about pencil softness/hardness and how to use them correctly in your composition. Explore drawing techniques for texture, value and form rendering, and develop the ability to recognize and proportionally represent edges, shapes, negative space, line and shadow. Inspiration abounds in the beautiful studios at Windy Knoll Farm. Register by July 14 to avoid $20 late fee.

Camp fee includes $25.00 Supply fee.


Ages 15 - Adult
July 22-26
Mon-Fri     6:30-9pm

Instructor: Deborah Dismuke

This class is designed for intermediate to advanced students who want to explore the unique properties of oil painting in the context of portraiture. Artist Deborah Dismuke will guide students through the process of developing a proportional facial likeness while emphasizing and demonstrating material properties of oils through brush work, color mixing, wash techniques, and value patterns. We will work from a model throughout the course. Canvases will be provided via model fee. Supply list will be provided upon registration. Enroll by July 14 to avoid $20 late fee.

Course fee includes $35.00 Model and Canvas fee.


Ages 5-10
July 29-August 2
Mon-Fri     10am-1pm

Instructor: Amanda Shaw

Are you in search of new opportunities to nurture the creativity in your budding artist? In this class we will explore a variety of mediums and themes involving drawing, painting, collage, and sculpture geared toward elementary students. Introduction to these fundamental media through their history in cultures around the world will be part of our daily activities. Each child will learn to greater appreciate their own creative power and how art may connect us all. Register by July 21 to avoid $20 late fee.

Camp fee includes $30.00 Supply fee.

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