Adult Classes

Visual Arts

The Artist Journal

Mondays April 28 - June 9

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

$216
(Member)
$240
(Non-member)
$198
(Member)
$216
(Non-member)

Early bird pricing through

April

2

.

image of blue paint in art journal

This class is an introduction to creating an artist journal for documenting your feelings and life events in a meaningful and creative way. Fused words and imagery through writing, drawing, watercolor, and more to organize your thoughts, preserve your experiences, and distressing, using a personal creative and sketch and or notebook.The participants will have at least 6 to 10 finished drawings in their mixed media art journal at the end of the six sessions.Dressler Smith will provide encouraging props for writing and explain the use of line contour, drawing along with media, such as watercolor, pencil and collage from personal photo copies from throughout the participants life.A list of favorite reflections will highlight each of the individual’s journal bringing together a “self portrait“ metaphor description of themselves in an artistic format.

Supplies Students Should Bring to Class:
  • An Art Journal with acid free paper
  • Suggestions for a journal: Mixed media sketchbook XL (Size 9 x 12 or 11 x 14) OR Strathmore Visual Journal Mixed Media Vellum (Size 9 x 12 or 11 x 14)
Art Supplies:
  • Watercolor pencils, set of 8 -24 by Crayola or Watercolor pencils by Derwent or Prisma Color
  • Non-latex gloves
  • Matte, medium or Mod Podge,
  • Bristle brush for spreading glue
  • Watercolor brush (suggested sizes #8 round#10 filbert)
  • Photo copies of family and or friends presenting favorite times and memories
  • Black art micron marker .05 or permanent comparable marker
  • magazines for clipping
  • Metal handheld sharpener
  • Light blue non-photo copy pencil
  • White plastic eraser
  • Cup for water
  • Blue Painters tape(suggestion, duck tape brand) or paper or drafting tape
  • Scissors
  • Pad of lined, notebook, paper, and or index cards
  • Small pallette for mixing colors
  • 1/2 inch ribbon, favorite color or a basic color
  • 2H pencil number two pencil
  • Glue stick
List of collage materials
  • Food labels, pieces of cloth, string, tickets, stubs, old magazines, or cuttings from old magazines
  • Photo copies from trips/Favorite people and places
Optional Supplies
  • Elegant writer or calligraphy marker size 2.5 mm
  • Stencils for lettering
  • Also Stencils with favorite images
  • watercolor brush with Reservoir
CiFA logo - Certificate in fine arts
This class is a part of our Certificate in Fine Arts Program and will give each student one point towards their CiFA certification.

About the Teaching Artist

Dressler Smith

Dressler Smith is a painter, author and colorist who favors tranquil landscapes crediting the inspiration of her art to “the beauty of things created by God and not by man.” Her work has been acquired by Oprah Winfrey, the late Coretta Scott King and Randall Cunningham.

2016 South Jersey Magazine noted Dressler Smith as one of “20 remarkable ladies who strive to make South Jersey a better place”. She also appeared in the May 2001 issue of Essence Magazine. Her book, The Inspirational Journey of Dressler Smith, highlights a life in art and in vocal music. Many of her works focus on landscapes of the sunrise, morning light and morning skies symbolizing new beginnings. Dressler’s series of works include her morning series of Landscapes, the In the Midst series (evening Landscapes), Garden and Quilt series, and her Abstract Rhythm series.

In addition to her work as a painter, Dressler is developing recognition as a stain glass window designer. She has designed the circular stained glass windows for the First Nazarene Baptist Church in Camden, NJ, and for the Asbury United Methodist Church in Woodlynne, NJ (2009). The focal point of her stain glass window design named “Sunday Morning” (29 feet wide) was installed in the St. John Baptist Church in East Camden, NJ in 2000.

She continues to pursue her passion for artistic expression while sharing her abilities with others as an adjunct faculty member for the last 25 years at Camden County College. Dressler also teaches at Arts Council of Princeton and continuing education at the Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.

Dressler’s awards include the Candace Award from the Coalition of 100 Black Women. Chisholm Award for achievement in art from the Philadelphia Congress of the national Political Congress of Black Women. In 1995, she designed the cover for the Days of Hope Calendar sponsored by Core States Bank, for which they received the Pepper Pot Award.

Details:

Date:

Mondays April 28 - June 9

(No class May 26)
6 sessions

Time:

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Age Group:

Adult

Topic/Medium:

Visual Arts

Pricing:

$216
(Member)
$240
(Non-member)
$198
(Member)
$216
(Non-member)

Early bird pricing through

April

2

.

Location:

West Windsor Arts
952 Alexander Road
Princeton Junction, NJ 08550

map of west windsor new jersey

Location:

Learn more about scholarships and class policies.