Art Sampler Class Set for March 29
Jenni Long
Calling all beginning or exploring artists! The SaddleBrooke Fine Arts Guild is pleased to announce another opportunity to take part in its next Art Sampler class on Saturday, March 29, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Topaz Room in the Arts & Crafts Center at MountainView Country Club. The class time includes one hour for lunch on your own.
Art Sampler classes are offered several times a year, and there’s always a waiting list! That’s because it’s so much fun to experiment with a variety of mediums and artistic effects, such as drawing, watercolor, pastel, collage, and alcohol ink. Best of all, you’ll receive personalized help from experienced artists who are standing by every step of the way.
Join us, especially if you think you don’t have any artistic talent. This is a comfortable, relaxed, and fun environment with no pressure to perform. This class is uniquely designed for those who think they can’t become an artist. It’s also a great way for practicing artists to explore other mediums without investing in new supplies. And you’ll take home a variety of completed projects to share with friends and family.
To register and pay for the class, visit the Event Calendar on the Guild’s website at www.saddlebrookefinearts.org. The fee is just $25 per person, which includes all supplies. If you have any questions, contact Karen Brungardt at kekb67@gmail.com.

Happy artists!
Here Is a Great Way to Celebrate Tax Day! Painting Is Fun at the April 15 Art & Wine Event
Jenni Long
Register now for the next Art & Wine event, sponsored by the SaddleBrooke Fine Arts Guild, which is set for Tuesday, April 15, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Activity Center (64518 E. Galveston in SaddleBrooke One). Join your SaddleBrooke friends and neighbors to complete an acrylic painting in a seasonal theme while enjoying a sack supper and sipping on wine or water.
For just $49 per person, you’ll get an enjoyable evening that includes your art supplies, an apron, food, and two glasses of wine. The instructor and several Guild helpers will guide you every step of the way to make sure you have a fun and memorable experience.
On arrival, you can expect a lively room filled with your friends and neighbors, a relaxing beverage from the “bar,” and a chance to mingle and chat before finding your favorite seat. As you finish eating, don your apron and study the pencil drawing on the canvas. A tray of acrylic paints appears, and off you go with step-by-step instructions.
These fun evenings fill up fast, so register today at www.saddlebrookefinearts.org (click on Event Calendar and locate Art & Wine on April 15).

Oil Painting and Beyond (photo by Sylvia Shanahan)
Spring Art Guild Classes
Tracy Nelson
Spring is a great time to pick up a new hobby or improve your artistic ability! Sign up for an art class today. All classes are located in the Topaz Room at the Arts & Crafts Center adjacent to MountainView Country Club. Membership in the SaddleBrooke Fine Arts Guild is only $25 per year and includes many benefits and activities. Guild members also enjoy a discount on class fees. New classes are added weekly. Check back often for the latest updates.
Visit the Guild’s website at www.saddlebrookefinearts.org for convenient online registration and payment.
Sunset Desert Silhouettes, by Tracy Ann Holmes. Friday, March 21, 9 a.m. until noon
A fun class for all levels. We will be learning how to paint gradients and soft blends in acrylic to make a beautiful sunset. You may freehand or use provided stencils to create your desert plants. All supplies are provided. You will go home with a finished 9×12-inch canvas board. There is a supplies fee of $10, payable in class.
Basic Sketching and Drawing, by Linda Nagy. Wednesday, April 2, 8 a.m. until noon
Drawing skills are fundamental for art. Learn the basic elements for drawing and how to draw most anything. I will demonstrate how to develop a sketch and talk about the different types and styles of drawing. For the class, please bring a 9×12-inch or 14×17-inch all-purpose drawing pad (no newsprint or very lightweight paper); 2B, 4B, and 6B pencils; and a kneaded or plastic eraser. After my demonstration, we will all turn a basic shape into a finished drawing. Tracing and transfer paper and other supplies are available for $10.
Learn How to Draw Different Flower Shapes, by Linda Nagy. Thursday, March 20, 8 a.m. until noon or Thursday, April 3, 8 a.m. until noon
Learn how to sketch the basic shape of a flower and develop it into a finished drawing. I will demonstrate and talk about the different types and styles of drawing and different ways of illustrating a flower. For the class, please bring a 9×12-inch or 14×17-inch all-purpose drawing pad (no newsprint or very lightweight paper); 2B, 4B, and 6B pencils; and a kneaded or plastic eraser. After my demonstration, we will all turn a basic shape into a finished drawing. Tracing and transfer paper and other supplies are available for $10.
Learn to Draw Realistic Faces in Correct Proportions from All Angles, by Linda Nagy. Tuesday, March 25, 8 a.m. until 12 noon or Tuesday, April 8, 8 a.m. until noon
This class is for individuals who have never attempted to draw a portrait, as well as for more experienced artists who would like to review and add to their confidence and ability to draw faces in correct proportions. Begin with easy guidelines and transform a simple oval shape into an interesting and believable facial sketch. Learn also how the guidelines apply for front view, side view, and 3/4 view portraits. For the class, please bring a 9×12-inch or 14×17-inch all-purpose drawing pad (no newsprint or very lightweight paper); 2B, 4B, and 6B pencils; and a kneaded or plastic eraser. Also bring a portrait photo or photo copy that is large enough to transfer same size for your portrait drawing. I will demonstrate what to trace so that details and shaded areas are outlined for you to draw. Tracing and transfer paper and other supplies are available for $10.
Learn to Draw Expressive Facial Features of Men, Women, and Children, by Linda Nagy. Wednesday, March 26, 8 a.m. until noon or Wednesday, April 9, 8 a.m. until noon
This class focuses on facial features. I will demonstrate how to sketch different facial features for men, women, and children. You will learn how to draw realistic eyes, ears, noses, and mouths. For the class, please bring a 9×12-inch or 14×17-inch all-purpose drawing pad (no newsprint or very lightweight paper); 2B, 4B, and 6B pencils; and a kneaded or plastic eraser. Bring also a portrait photo or photo copy that is large enough to transfer same size for your portrait drawing. I will demonstrate what to trace so that details and shaded areas are outlined for you to draw. Tracing and transfer paper and other supplies are available for $10.
Oil Painting and Beyond, by Sylvia Shanahan. Wednesday, April 2, 1 to 4 p.m.; Wednesday, April 9, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday, April 16, 1 to 4 p.m.; and Wednesday, April 23, 1 to 4 p.m.
For beginners and intermediates using water-soluble or traditional oils. Take the fear out of oil painting with a step-by-step approach. Learn different ways to start a painting and when to use materials like cold wax, colored grounds, and additives. Tips and tricks for representational and abstracts will be demonstrated each class, including design principles, the power of color, and other insights. Students can work from their own reference materials or ones provided.
Let’s Paint Skies, by Karen Brungardt. Thursday, April 10, 1 to 4 p.m.
Who doesn’t love skies, especially with clouds? In this class for beginners and up, we’ll paint a variety of ways to portray skies, from the simple approach to more complex, all in watercolor. These techniques can be used for your own paintings in the future! If you don’t have watercolor supplies, you can get them from the instructor for an extra fee of $10, payable in class.