Plein Air Landscape Painting

August 1st to September 19th

Saturdays 9AM-12

There’s no better place to learn landscape painting than the Hawaiian outdoors. In this workshop, we’ll head out on location to capture the beauty of our surroundings directly from nature. Students will learn how to choose a site, compose a scene, and work through the plein air process step by step—navigating the unique challenges of changing light and atmosphere. Along the way, we’ll explore composition studies, value and color organization, and practical techniques for creating lively, convincing landscapes. Open to all levels, this class is both a fun experience in the field and a foundation for continuing plein air painting on your own.

master copy workshop: Joaquin Sorolla

August 2nd to September 20th

Sundays 9AM-12

In this workshop, students will study the work and technique of Joaquín Sorolla, one of history’s greatest painters of light. Famous for his radiant beach scenes, Sorolla captured sunlight, water, and atmosphere with remarkable clarity—subjects we are surrounded by here in Hawaii. Students will create a master copy of one of his paintings while learning how to simplify and paint the effects of light, color, and movement, along with foundational principles of oil painting more broadly.

An Exploration Of Composition

August 18th to October 6th

Tuesdays from 5:30 - 7:30PM

Composition is the voice of the visual artist. It is what allows the artist to put their viewpoint into an image.

The purpose of making art is to communicate ideas, feelings and the artist’s perspective about the world and the human experience. Composition is the visual language that helps communicate to the viewer where to look, what is important in the image, and how to feel about it. This, in turn, allows the viewer to read a painting and understand what the artist was trying to say.

In this workshop we will be diving into the tools an artist can use to direct the viewers eye, as well as templates for creating certain feelings and atmospheres in one’s artwork. We will be doing studies of masterworks that do this effectively as well as discussing and working step by step through the process of developing an idea into an original and compelling artwork ourselves. We will talk about composition related to still lives, landscape, portraits, multi-figure work, and narratives.

The Hawaiian Masters: Volcano Painting

August 20th to October 8th

Thursdays from 5:30 - 8:30PM

Discover the rich tradition of Hawaiian landscape painting through the dramatic volcano paintings of Lionel Walden, David Howard Hitchcock, and other influential artists. In this workshop, students will analyze masterworks, complete painting studies, and explore landscape composition, color harmony, and classical oil painting techniques. The course culminates in an original volcano painting inspired by the Hawaiian masters, giving students the opportunity to apply these timeless principles to create a unique work of their own.

Portrait Painting: level 2

August 22nd to October 10th

Saturdays from 4 - 7PM

In this intermediate-to-advanced workshop, students will explore portrait painting in greater depth through a longer-format project. Building on foundational skills in drawing, value, color, and painting technique, the workshop will culminate in a five-day classical portrait painting from a live model—giving students the time to develop a more refined, portfolio-ready work.

Introduction to figure painting

August 23rd to October 11th

Sundays from 4-7PM

In this workshop, students will explore the challenges and rewards of figure painting through photo references, master copies, and live models. We will work through a systematic approach to the painting process—from accurately mapping out the figure and blocking in the major shapes and values to mixing flesh tones and adding the finishing touches. Some familiarity with figure drawing and oil painting is recommended, but not required, and all skill levels are welcome.

Introduction to classical oil painting

September 26th to October 25th

Saturdays and Sundays from 9AM-12

This comprehensive workshop introduces students to the classical approach to oil painting through a structured, step-by-step curriculum. Along the way, you'll learn techniques for achieving accurate drawing and proportion, understanding value and light, preparing a canvas, working with painting mediums and materials, mixing color, organizing an effective painter's palette, and composing successful still lifes. The workshop also includes an introduction to portrait and figure painting, including the fundamentals of mixing convincing flesh tones. Whether you're picking up a brush for the first time or looking to strengthen your technical foundation, this workshop offers a solid framework for continued artistic growth.

Color Theory

October 13th to December 1st

Tuesdays from 5:30 to 8:30PM

This workshop offers a structured exploration of color theory as it applies to oil painting. Students will investigate the color wheel and color relationships, learn to control value through tint, tone, and shade, and develop an understanding of color temperature, chroma, and neutralization. The course will also cover limited palette mixing, color schemes, and practical design principles such as the 60/30/10 rule. Through guided exercises, still life studies, and master copies, students will gain the tools needed to use color with greater clarity, harmony, and confidence.

Anatomy of a portrait

October 15th to December 17th

(No class November 5th or November 26th)

Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:30PM

A portrait is more than a likeness, it is a structure. To draw or paint the human face well, the artist must first understand what lies beneath the surface.

In this workshop, we will study the portrait from the inside out. Beginning with the skull, then the planes of the face, and finally the muscles of expression, we will build a foundational understanding of the head’s form and function. This anatomical knowledge empowers artists to create more convincing and expressive portraits, not just by copying what they see, but by truly understanding it.

We will be doing écorché studies, analyzing classical references, and working from a live model to bring our understanding into practice. Whether your goal is realism, stylization, or simply greater confidence in portraiture, this course will deepen your knowledge and elevate your work.

Master copy workshop: Anders Zorn

October 17th to December 5th

Saturdays from 4-7PM

Discover the secrets of one of Sweden’s greatest painters by creating your own copy of a work by Anders Zorn. Celebrated for his luminous brushwork and the famous four-color “Zorn palette,” Zorn’s direct painting approach makes his work uniquely accessible for study. In this workshop, students of all levels will learn how to prepare a canvas, mix colors with confidence, and handle paint with clarity and simplicity, all while gaining insight into Zorn’s technique and artistic vision. With demos, lectures, and personalized guidance, this class offers a rare chance to sharpen your oil painting skills through the eyes of a master.

The Oil Painter's Studio: Materials & Techniques

October 18th to December 6th

Sundays from 4-7PM

Go beyond the easel and discover the practical skills every oil painter should know. In this hands-on workshop, students will stretch canvases, prepare painting panels, mix their own tube of oil paint, compare painting mediums, and explore the materials, tools, and studio techniques that support a successful painting practice. Whether you are new to oil painting or looking to deepen your understanding of the craft, this workshop offers valuable knowledge that will continue to benefit your artwork for years to come.

Construction drawing and artistic anatomy

November 7th to December 6th

Saturdays and Sundays from 9AM-12

Construction drawing is one of the most powerful methods for drawing the human figure from imagination. Widely used by comic book artists, animators, concept artists, illustrators, and fine artists alike, this approach provides a systematic framework for understanding the figure as a three-dimensional form. Once mastered, it allows artists to convincingly draw the human body from any angle, in any pose, and performing any action—without relying on photographic reference.

In this workshop, construction drawing and artistic anatomy are taught together, giving students a deeper understanding of the underlying structure of the human body. Through a study of form, proportion, and the major muscle groups, you'll develop the knowledge and confidence to invent believable figures from your imagination.

Introduction to Classical Drawing

January 9th to February 7th

Saturdays and Sundays from 9AM-12

This is the workshop we recommend to all new students, as it provides the strongest foundation for future study at ZAFA. Through master copies, still life, portraiture, and figure drawing, you’ll learn essential techniques for proportion, value, light, and form. Each project is designed to sharpen your eye, strengthen your skills, and build confidence as you progress. Open to all levels, this course is the ideal first step for anyone looking to grow as an artist.

Introduction to portrait drawing and painting

January 9th to February 27th

Saturdays from 4-7PM

In this workshop, students will work with both charcoal and oil paint as we discuss the underlying elements needed to create a portrait drawing or painting. We will work from photo references as well as live models. Students will learn techniques for taking accurate measurements and proportions, a systematic approach to constructing a portrait, how to effectively organize values, how to identify and utilize anatomical landmarks when constructing a head, how to mix accurate flesh tones, and much more over the course of the class.

Introduction to figure drawing

January 10th to February 28th

Sundays from 4-7PM

The human figure is one of the most rewarding, and one of the most challenging, subjects an artist can study. In this introductory workshop, students will build a strong foundation in figure drawing through a combination of master copies, photo reference, and live models. Along the way, we'll explore the fundamentals of proportion, gesture, construction, value, and form while developing a systematic approach to observing and drawing the figure. Whether your goal is painting, sculpture, illustration, or simply becoming a stronger draftsman, this workshop provides the essential skills upon which all successful figure work is built.