Creative Distraction Art Classes | 2024 Schedule
Creative Distraction are virtual art classes meeting on the 4th Saturday of each month from 2:00-3:00 pm. This class is open to Veterans, healthcare workers or anyone experiencing loss, grief or isolation. Class descriptions and materials list are available on the AAG website. Classes are designed to be made with art supplies commonly found at home, such as pencils, paper, colored pencil, etc. However, if you need assistance with art supplies please reach out and we are happy to provide them for you. Email Tess to make arrangements.
Tips for attending via Zoom:
- You can log in about 15 minutes before the class starts.
- If you encounter any login problems, text or call Tess at 928-300-7185 for assistance.
- Be sure to gather your materials in advance and have enough room so that you can work on your piece of art.
No previous experience required.
EMAIL Tess Mosko Scherer to sign up. Include your name, phone number and the class title.
AND you will also need to register on zoom by clicking on this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrd-uopjktHtyOheSmABLBoHnOLOjGBqgy
Once you register, you will be emailed a link to access the class. Please be sure to save the link so you can join in.
January 27, 2024 | 2:00-3:00 via zoom
Imperfect: an exploration in values with Eric Shi
In this workshop, you will be exploring the power of color through value – the lightness or darkness of color in making art.
We will work from reference photos in black and white to create drawings in two to three colors. The lightness or darkness of the values will be the emphasis of the work.
A Chinese born American artist, Hao “Eric” Shi was confronted with a seismic culture shift during his adolescent years when his family migrated to the United States. This singular life changing event had a profound impact on the way he sees the world.
Channeling this unique perspective, Eric strives to create art that is representative and honest to his life experience and cultural diversity. Utilizing expressive lines and bold colors, Eric explores the relationship between the artist and his subject matter through portraiture, landscapes and more.
An avid traveler and SCUBA diver, Eric hopes to continually progress and evolve his artistic style, as he immerses himself into different cultures.
Supply list: colored pencils, paper, cardboard/matboard, colored markers, tape, willingness to try something new and have fun at it.
February 24, 2024 | 2:00-3:00 via zoom
Drawing hands and feet with David Bradley
This class we will explore the techniques of contour drawing and reductive charcoal drawing. These seemingly opposing processes of working actually work well in tandem with one another.
Hands and feet are both challenging and rewarding to draw. So many folds and interesting shapes. Yet the finished work is generally recognizable and the process is rewarding.
Materials: charcoal paper, charcoal, kneaded eraser, stumps, chamois, rags, Apron (optional)
No previous experience required. All supplies will be provided
March 23, 2024 | 2:00-3:00 via zoom
Trees – Trees – Trees with David Bradley and Tess Mosko Scherer
Trees are so much fun to draw and paint. They have so much character and lend themselves to artistic interpretation.
No previous experience required. All supplies will be provided for the Veterans in-person Class. Supplies for the Creative Distraction are available if needed. Email ArtistsofAAG@gmail.com for supplies.
Materials: 16 x 20 paper or canvas, charcoal, colored pencil, or other soft drawing materials, watercolor or acrylic paints, brushes, water, paper towels, Apron (optional)
April 27, 2024 | 2:00-3:00 via zoom
Pet Portraits – or paint yourself as your spirit animal with David Bradley and Tess Mosko Scherer
In this workshop we will focus on how to draw common domesticated animals, focusing on the features that make beloved pets unique. If you do not have a pet, no fear, you can draw an animal that you feel a connection with, a spirit animal, or a friend’s pet(bring photos).
Materials:
16 x 20 paper or canvas, charcoal, kneaded eraser, stumps, chamois, rags,
watercolor, acrylic, colored pencil, pastel
Apron (optional)
No previous experience required. All supplies will be provided.
May 25, 2024 | 2:00-3:00 via zoom
Painting Flowers in the Style of Georgia O’Keeffe
In this workshop we will focus on exaggerating the characteristics of flowers, filling the page with full or partial parts of the flowers, using bold color with a limited palette.
Materials:
16 x 20 canvas or paper, watercolor, acrylic, brushes, pens, water, rags, Apron (optional)
No previous experience required. All supplies will be provided.
June 22, 2024 | 2:00-3:00 via zoom
Abstract Painting with Lisa Wayman
In this class participants will use the neurographic drawing process to develop complex abstract art work. We are going to play with line, shape and color. Complimentary and contrasting colors will create visually exciting works of art.
No previous experience required. All supplies will be provided for the Veterans In Person Class. Supplies for the Creative Distraction are available if needed. Email ArtistsofAAG@gmail.com for supplies
Materials list:
Straight edge, Canvas, Acrylic paint, Brushes, Water, Apron, Rags
No previous experience required. All supplies will be provided.
July 27, 2023 | 2:00-3:00 via zoom
Painting Water with Ellen Nemetz
In this class, Ellen Nemetz will take us through her process of painting movement in water. We will work from reference photos with acrylic on canvas.
Ellen Nemetz is a contemporary artist based in Phoenix, Arizona.
Nemetz studied Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Madison, Wisconsin. As a military wife, Nemetz traveled extensively until settling in Arizona. She studied art at the Maricopa County Community Colleges from which she has twice received the League of Innovation Award.
Everywhere Nemetz has lived, water has influenced her emotions. Her paintings of water reflect not only the beauty of water, but the necessity of water in our desert environment for our health, recreation, and happiness. So much of our enjoyment of the outdoors in Phoenix involves water: in pools, floating down the Salt River, boating on the reservoir lakes that ring Phoenix. Here in the desert, water is more precious than in any other location.
Nemetz’s art has been exhibited widely in the southwest in solo and group shows including the Phoenix Sky Harbor Museum and a solo show at the Shemer Art Center and Museum. Nemetz is actively involved in the Arizona arts community. Nemetz is a former member of the Eye lounge artist cooperative, the co-curator of the First Studio Gallery space, and an active member of several arts organizations. Her works are in public and private collections in Europe, New Zealand and throughout the United States.
Materials: acrylic paint, brushes, water containers, rags, aprons, canvas, reference photos.
No previous experience required. All supplies will be provided.
August 24, 2024 | 2:00-3:00 via zoom
Landscape Collage with David L. Bradley and Tess Mosko Scherer
In this class we will focus on tips to make your landscape more interesting by utilizing the art of collage to create color, texture, design in a balanced, finished work of art.
Supplies:
Source materials, such as: Photographs, magazines, cards, colored paper, pieces of art you no longer want to keep, copies of images you like, ribbons, etc
Acid free glue, such as Elmer’s, a stiff backing board to work on, 8 x 10 to 16 x 20 in size.
Scissors, Exacto knife if you have one (and a board to cut on), Straight edge
Water, Paint brush for gluing, Rags or paper towels, Apron
No previous experience required. All supplies will be provided.
September 28, 2024 | 2:00 – 3:00 via zoom
Where I Live with David L. Bradley and Tess Mosko Scherer
Working with colored pencil, participants will depict themselves as a building, a room, or other structure that they most relate to. For instance, Tess would portray herself as a kitchen, inviting, nourishing, welcoming.
What are your strong traits and how would you depict them?
Materials: Paper, colored pencil, pencil, eraser,
October 26, 2024 | 2:00-3:00 via zoom
Mono-printing with Tess Mosko Scherer
Participants will have fun experimenting with color, design and composition as we experiment with monoprinting from botanicals directly onto paper. We will use dark and light paper for interesting effects. The possibilities are limitless.
Materials List: Paper – black and white, Acrylic paint, Paint brushes, Water jar, Rags or paper towels
Apron (optional), Fresh Flowers, leaves,
No previous experience required.
November 23, 2024 | 10-2:00 (in person only)
Holiday Cards with watercolor with John Erwin
NOTE: this class is open to anyone who attended the Veterans, Creative Distraction and Creative Journey classes this year.
John Erwin will lead us on a watercolor adventure that can be a painting, or created into a card that you can keep or send to a loved one.
Materials: watercolor paper, brushes, watercolor paint, water container, paper towels. All supplies will be provided
Enjoy the holiday feast of turkey and all the fixings’ as a way to celebrate the holiday season and express gratitude to our Veterans and all who have attended classes in 2023. This is always a fun day. RSVP is required as space is limited.
No previous experience required.
December 28, 2024 | 2:00-3:00 | via zoom
Modern Mandalas with Tess Mosko Scherer and David Bradley
In this workshop you will draw your own mandala on paper and color it with colored pencil or markers. We will explore a non-traditional approach to mandala design.
Supplies are available if needed. Email a request to ArtistsofAAG@gmail.com
Register for zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrd-uopjktHtyOheSmABLBoHnOLOjGBqgy
Benefits of creating mandalas:
-Relaxes the body and mind
-Cultivates the feeling of happiness, inner peace, and general well-being
-Eases stress, anxiety, worry, overwhelm, fear, and depression
-Activates creativity and improves focus
-Enhances self-esteem and self-acceptance
-Fosters a sense of connectedness with one’s self and others
-Improves sleep
-And, It’s fun!
Materials:
Paper, Compass, Rulers / straight edge, Markers, Colored pencils, Paints or other materials for adding color – optional
