Rhody Arts offers art classes in drawing, painting and 3D design for teens and adults in our inspiring and welcoming seaside studio in Narragansett, Rhode Island. Classes are 1 to 2 hours and require no previous experience and include all materials.
“Awash” in Watercolor
Explore the calming, expressive world of watercolor. Designed for absolute beginners, first we’ll explore playful experimentation and simple, inspiring techniques with washes. You’ll learn the essentials of how to handle watercolors while learning common mistakes young artists make and how to avoid them. By the end of the lesson you will understand how to approach watercolor painting to maximize success one layer at a time!
All materials provided!
Full refund – 24 hour cancellation policy
Anyone Can Paint!
This class is designed for Rhode Island artists who want to explore the many expressive possibilities that painting with acrylics offer; from bold to controlled mark-making. We’ll begin by exploring color, value, and form and you’ll discover how a simple color palette can maximize success. You’ll finish by learning to paint with intention and boldness, while embracing the magic of the creative process—one brushstroke at a time!
All materials provided!
Full refund – 24 hour cancellation policy
Oil Painting Studio
This oil painting course starts off by introducing traditional techniques, materials and safety measures. We will delve into the essentials of handling the medium, color mixing and brushwork while discovering your unique voice as a Rhode Island oil painter! You will fall in love with the sensual essence of oil paints and the alluring ways colors can be created.
All materials provided!
Full refund – 24 hour cancellation policy
Drawing to Discover
A thoughtful, supportive drawing course designed to guide new Rhode Island artists on their journey or for RI artists that need to get their groove back. First, we’ll dive in to the essential techniques and materials while learning common mistakes young artists make. You’ll then learn to see differently, draw more confidently, and connect with your inner artist— using pencil, charcoal and oil pastels!
All materials provided!
Full refund – 24 hour cancellation policy
Ink Illustration
Explore the bold world of using india ink to create high impact illustrations. We’ll begin by explore a range of ink drawing tools and techniques to create expressive, bold works. Along the way, you’ll be exposed to the variety of ways to use ink from ink washes to tight rendering with micron pens.
All materials provided!
Full refund – 24 hour cancellation policy
Kids Art Classes
3D Room Remix!
*4 classes to complete project recommended*
For the young artists and designers ages 12 and up! First, you will learn interior design fundamentals and principles. We will then create a 3D model of your dream room using markers, construction paper, various crafting materials, cutting tools, and more. We will end the course with a fully detailed 3D model of your dream room for you to take home and share!
All materials provided!
Full refund – 24 hour cancellation policy
Questions? Can’t find a course? Contact us today!
6 Ways Art Classes Improve Our Health and Well-being
Our courses offer a wide range of benefits across emotional, mental, physical, and social dimensions.
1. Mental and Emotional Well-Being
- Stress Relief: Engaging in creative activities can reduce cortisol levels and help manage stress.
- Emotional Expression: Art provides a safe outlet for expressing feelings that might be difficult to verbalize.
- Mindfulness and Flow: Creating art can induce a flow state, similar to meditation, improving focus and present-moment awareness.
- Self-Esteem and Confidence: Completing a piece of art can instill a sense of accomplishment and build self-worth.
2. Cognitive Benefits
- Improved Problem Solving: Artistic processes often involve experimentation and decision-making, enhancing cognitive flexibility.
- Enhanced Memory and Learning: Drawing and visual art can improve memory and help retain information. Drawing allows us to build a “visual vocabulary” where we can begin to draw realistically using our imagination.
- Stimulated Imagination: Regular art-making strengthens creative thinking and the ability to see multiple perspectives.
The creative process can reveal insights about our self-limiting false beliefs. When you actively counteract the limited mindset through art making you are awakened to the notion that not only can you succeed at art but begin to question the other areas of your life are that are also inhibited by the same limited mindset.
nick mcgowan- rhody arts founder/instructor
3. Social Benefits
- Community Building: Art classes and collaborative projects foster social interaction and a sense of belonging.
- Cultural Understanding: Creating or viewing art can increase awareness and appreciation of diverse cultures and experiences.
4. Therapeutic and Developmental Value
- Art Therapy: Art helps individuals process trauma, anxiety, and depression.
- Development in Children: Supports motor skills, visual processing, and emotional development.
5. Physical Benefits
- Fine Motor Skills: Activities like drawing, painting, and sculpting develop hand-eye coordination and dexterity. Your handwriting will improve too!
- Relaxation Response: Art making can lower blood pressure and heart rate, promoting a calming effect on the body. Art making is deeply immersive and time often flies by when we are engaged in our creative flow state.
6. Personal Growth and development of the Growth Mindset
- Self-Discovery: The creative process can reveal inner thoughts and insights about our deeply engrained self-limiting false beliefs. When you actively counteract the limited mindset through art you are awakened to the notion that not only can you succeed at art but begin to question other areas of your life also inhibited by the same mindset.
- Goal Setting: Artistic projects encourage planning and working toward personal goals.