We currently have Beginning Digital Photography and Beginning Watercolor classes available. You can download the Sign-Up Sheets at the bottom of the page (under "My Gallery").
Beginning Digital Photography
The Beginning Digital Photography classes are taught by member artist and local nature photographer, Dan Ruf. He graduated with a double major in art and biology from Principia College in Elsah, Illinois.
“With the digital age the competition has increased greatly along with the tools and learning curve that comes with new technology. In recent years the business has become fast-paced and ever changing, requiring all photographers to keep abreast of the digital medium and the direction that fine art photography is headed.”
Students of the classes vary in experience, from those just learning to use their camera to more seasoned amateurs of all ages. During the photography course, participants not only learn about the basic functions of their cameras like aperture adjustments and shutter speeds, but also some tips and tricks of the trade. Camera equipment and accessories will be reviewed, as well as various software programs (including Adobe’s Photoshop Elements). A big part of the class is focused on composition, covering topics like the Rule of Thirds, diagonal or zig-zag compositions, and placement of the horizon line. Each week there is an assignment given in conjuncture with that day’s topics. The following week the photographs will be discussed in class.
The next Beginning Digital Photography class taught by Dan will start March 27th, 2010. For more information or to register, please call the gallery at (712) 336-1077 or stop by our location at 1619 Hill Ave. in Spirit Lake. Gallery hours are 10:00am-5:00pm Tuesday through Saturday.
Beginning Watercolor
The watercolor painting course is held for two hours every Saturday (10a-12noon). The beginning classes teach students about the supplies, like different types of paper to use, different kinds of brushes and how to use them. Participants are introduced to a variety of techniques that they can utilize in watercolor paintings. They also explore how to use primary colors and what are complimentary colors, as well as learning what it means to paint in the negative and how to use that skill to define their paintings. The class studies different compositions and learn what effect they have on the viewer.
Avis Davis, the instructor of the class, is a member artist at A Piece of Work, Inc. Avis has recently displayed her work in a solo show at the Nobles County Art Center (Worthington, MN) in addition to Art on 16th and A Piece of Work, Inc. The next watercolor painting class taught by Avis will be in April 2010. For more information or to register, please call the gallery at (712) 336-1077 or stop by our location in the old Walker Motor Company building at 1619 Hill Ave. in Spirit Lake. Gallery hours are 10:00am-5:00pm Tuesday through Saturday.
