Our classes are designed to be the ones we would love to attend. They are learner-friendly, with a relaxed atmosphere to optimize artistic growth and individuality. Peggy and Tom Root
Classes
Level - Beginner to Advanced. Classes are designed for adults, but serious teen students are welcome. Studio and Portrait classes are taught by Tom Root. Class schedules are subject to possible adjustments due to commission and exhibition deadlines (with full notice given, and make-up classes provided). Call Tom at (423) 302-8960 or write us at: rootstudioschool@gmail.com
Tom Root, Instructor Thursday mornings, 9 till noon
Students will draw and/or paint from the nude and clothed live model. Each class will begin with a discussion of some aspect of human anatomy. Mornings will typically progress from short to long poses. Tom will demonstrate "seeing" techniques, drawing and painting approaches, and discuss how to think structurally about the figure. This class is designed for intermediate to advanced adult students and professionals.
10-week term starts January 28th, 2027 Cost: $475 (includes model fee)
Participants are free to use their favorite materials. The following list is suggestions, only: Drawing: Newsprint pad OR brown kraft paper OR full sized charcoal paper; vine charcoal, pastel white or chalk; chamois, kneaded eraser; backing board w/ clips.
Tom Root, Instructor Friday Mornings, 9 till noon
Students will paint and draw the portrait from the live model. Poses will be two mornings each (five sitters for the term).The instructor will demonstrate and discuss aspects of the portrait, including achieving a likeness, posing, lighting, design-- all in the context of understanding the portrait's history and future potential as fine art. Basic drawing and painting skills will also be taught. In addition to making short demonstrations to illustrate various points, the instructor will paint alongside students as an ongoing demonstration of how to develop and complete paintings.
10-week term starts January 29th, 2027. Cost: $450 (includes model fee)
Suggested Materials:
Canvases: medium sized canvas panels or stretched primed canvas (16"x20," 18"x24" or so).
Palette: wood, Masonite or thick glass; palette cup; palette knife; cotton rags or paper towels.
Brushes: various sizes of natural bristle oil brushes (filberts, flats).
Medium: odorless mineral spirits; oil painting medium (commercially prepared or stand oil or refined linseed oil or walnut oil, etc.).
Oil colors: titanium white; yellow ochre; raw umber; cadmium red light; English red light (a.k.a. light red); alizarin crimson or permanent rose; burnt sienna; ultramarine blue: viridian or Prussian green.
Friday Portrait Painting Class with Model
Saturday Still-Life & Studio Painting
Tom Root, Instructor Saturday Mornings, 9 till noon
Students will draw and paint from still-life set ups, starting with initial lessons in learning to "see" and represent forms in space and progressing on to making artful paintings. The instructor will demonstrate and discuss the techniques, materials and history of oil painting. This is an ongoing class where new students mix with more experienced painters. Students may also choose to work on their own projects and receive individual critiques.
10-week term starts January 30th, 2027. Cost: $350
Suggested Materials: (If you are purchasing art supplies for the first time, your instructor will be happy to make recommendations.) Drawing students: vine charcoal; sandpaper block; kneaded rubber eraser; chamois; backing board; charcoal paper.
Painting students: Canvases: medium sized canvas panels or stretched primed canvas (16"x20," 18"x24" or so). Palette: wood, hardboard or thick glass; palette cup; palette knife; cotton rags or paper towels. Brushes: various sizes of natural bristle oil brushes (filberts, flats) such as Robert Simmons Signet brand. Medium: odorless mineral spirits; oil painting medium such as linseed, stand or walnut oil. Some suggested oil colors: titanium white; yellow ochre; cadmium lemon, raw umber; cadmium red light; quinacridone rose; burnt sienna; ultramarine blue; Prussian green or viridian.
We are looking forward to seeing you at Root Studio School! Class sizes are small and spots in the studio tend to fill quickly, so sign up early! We offer online paypal payments here on the website or we can take Zelle through the bank. We are also happy to accept cash, checks or Venmo if you prefer. Thank you!
Workshops
Landscape painter Peggy Root shares her 40 plus years of professional experience painting "en plein air" in this intensive landscape workshop. The format is designed to be relaxed, yet rigorous, with plenty of time for painting, instruction and camaraderie with fellow artists. All levels are taught, from professional to beginner. The lessons are specific to oil painting, however students can work in another medium if preferred. For those driving, all locations are easily accessed by Interstate 26 and 81 and are in close proximity to the Tri-Cities (Johnson City/Kingsport/Bristol) and a short trip from Asheville and Knoxville. Accommodation lists and local tourist information is available for out-of-towners. Car-pooling and rides for those attending without cars can be arranged. A suggested supply list, set-up ideas and workshop details will be sent out to all participants.
Root Studio School 606 Depot Street, Jonesborough, Tennessee , 37659 rootstudioschool@gmail.com (423) 302-8960
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