Classes

Tom Root, Instructor Thursday mornings, 9 till noon

Students will draw and paint from the nude and draped model. Poses will range from short “gestures” to multi-session long poses for extended study. The instructor will lecture on anatomy and demonstrate "seeing" techniques and painting methods. The emphasis will be on presenting the figure as one continuous form, solid in construction, revealed by light, emotionally expressive and thoughtfully designed. The instructor will draw and paint alongside students in an ongoing demonstration of these concepts.

10-week term, starts June 4th, 2026. Cost: $475 (includes model fee)

Suggested Drawing Materials:

Kraft paper or newsprint for quick sketches; charcoal or pastel paper for longer studies; vine charcoal, pastel white or chalk, etc., backing board, bulldog clips, chamois, kneaded rubber eraser.

Suggested Painting Materials:

Canvases: Several medium to medium-large canvases of different height/width ratios, so as to best respond whatever the pose, which are (optional) toned in advance and dry with a middle value blue-gray or other neutral.
Palette & Tools: a clean wood, hardboard or thick glass palette (paper palettes are not optimal); a palette/medium cup; a palette knife for mixing paint; cotton rags or paper towels, brush cleaner.
Brushes: various sizes of natural bristle oil brushes (filberts, flats), such as Robert Simmons Signet series. (I use #2, 4, 6, 8, 12 filberts and the occasional flat.) Brushes should be flexible and not stiff w/ old paint.
Medium & Thinner: odorless mineral spirits such as Gamblin Gamsol; oil painting medium such as stand oil (or W&N Painting Medium, Gamblin Galkyd or Graham's Walnut/Alkyd).
Oil Colors: titanium white; yellow ochre; raw umber; cadmium red light; oxide red (a.k.a. light red, English red, Venetian red or Indian red); quinacridone red (aka permanent rose); ultramarine blue: W&N Prussian green (or viridian).

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 June 5th, 2026. Cost: $450 (includes model fee) FULL

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 June 6, 2026. 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.

Summer Term Studio Classes 2026

Figure Drawing and Painting with Model

We are looking forward to seeing you at Root Studio School! Class sizes are small and spots tend to fill quickly, so sign up early using our online store and Paypal. Write or call if you need to reserve your place with another method of payment. We are happy to take cash or checks or if you would prefer to use another ecommerce method like Venmo or Zelle, we can arrange that, too. 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. Join us!

Summer Painting Camp at Roan Mountain June 1 – 3, 2026

with Peggy Root

Our painting camp this year will be held in selected locations of beautiful Roan Mountain State Park in nearby Carter County, Tennessee along with upper areas of the mountain balds near the NC/TN border via TN-143. The scenery is varied and spectacular. Our painting spots will be easily accessible to our vehicles. Two painting sessions (9–12 and 1–4) will be held daily with a break for lunch and conversation. Roan Mountain is a 30 – 60 min. commute from the Tri-Cities, Tennessee and nearby North Carolina towns such as Banner Elk, Boone and Burnsville.

For out-of-towners: Roan Mountain Park offers overnight camping and cabins that can be rented (or a group of students could share.) There are also airbnb options near Roan Mountain.
Pack in your lunches/snacks/drinks and groceries, of course, for overnight stays. Write or call us for more information. The price of this three-day workshop is $425. A suggested supply list, set-up ideas and workshop details will be sent out to all participants.