Oil Painting for Beginners

Instructed by Sylvia Strobel 

Thursday, October the 23rd - Thursday, November the 6th

Located at VVAC

Over the course of three weeks participants in this class will experience the unique medium of oil painting, with an emphasis on the balance between material, light, and subject. Participants will learn about different types of oil paints, brushes, mediums, and surfaces. As well as how to mix colors and create various effects. 

During this three-week intensive class, students will leave the class with a painting suitable for framing. Our subject matter for this class will be a still life. For our still life model, we are appreciating and featuring Puebloan pottery from the Verde Valley Archaeology Center and Museum’s repository. 

The instructor for the class is Sylvia Strobel. Sylvia is a 30-year veteran Biology and Chemistry teacher retiring from The Orme School this past May when the historic ranch school closed. Sylvia spent 10 years teaching Biology and Chemistry at Orme, while delving deep into oil painting. The last two years at The Orme School she has taught Oil painting. Much of her recent work showcases the beautiful landscape, historic buildings, and ancient Puebloan pottery found on-site at Orme. Sylvia draws much of her inspiration for her paintings from the rich ancient Puebloan history of the four corners area. She recently returned from Mesa Verde National Park where she was awarded a scholarship to attend the Fall Tour of the Mesa Verde Foundation. She is a regular visitor to Zuni Pueblo, Farmington, New Mexico, and Cortez, Colorado, all areas rich in Puebloan history.  Sylvia uses unique pieces of wood as her canvas for many of her paintings. The wood and its energy provide a perfect canvas for painting ancient Puebloan dwellings, petroglyphs, and pottery. 

Sylvia's work has been accepted at Yavapai College for their juried exhibitions and her student's work has been accepted into the student juried exhibition at Yavapai College. Sylvia has lived in the Verde Valley for 25 years. She is a lifelong horse owner and shares her studio and home with her husband, greyhound, and horses. 

Course Schedule 

Thursday, October the 23rd: 9:00am - 1:00pm

Thursday, October the 30th: 9:00am - 1:00pm

Thursday, November the 6th: 9:00am - 1:00pm

Fee: $195 per person 

Course is limited to 8 participants 

The fee covers all materials that will be supplied for each participant in the class. There will be a snack break during each class. Please wear clothes that you do not mind getting paint splattered or bring a smock or old shirt to wear. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email the Instructor, Sylvia Strobel: sstrobel585@gmail.com 

Advanced registration for this class is required.