Visual Arts

Come enjoy five evenings of creativity as we explore the transparency, speed, and spontaneity of watercolor painting.  Lessons will emphasize and demonstrate brush work, color mixing, wash techniques, value patterns, design layout, and composition. This class may be taken multiple times through the year; subject matter will vary among a variety of landscapes, seascapes, florals, and still-life.

Note:  We are monitoring COVID-19 safety requirements and best practices as public health guidelines change.  We continue to show vigilance in cleaning, sanitizing and ventilating our facilities.  Face coverings are currently required to enter our building.  Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to provide the safest environment possible for all participants.

Instructor: Mike Flynn

Tuition: $175    Paper Fee: $12   Register by June 7 for 10% tuition discount. (Members receive a 25% early registration member discount.)

Calling all future comic books artists and animators! Improve your ability to design characters and bring them to colorful life in hand-drawn comic format, using high quality cartooning art media.  We may also dabble in digital cartooning using tablets and computers.  Let’s have fun & work step-by-step to tell a story in pictures. For ages 7-12.
Note:  We are monitoring COVID-19 safety requirements and best practices as public health guidelines change.  We continue to show vigilance in cleaning, sanitizing and ventilating our facilities.  Face coverings are currently required to enter our building.  Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to provide the safest environment possible for all participants.

Instructor: Ryan Arias

Tuition: $210  Supply Fee: $20  Register by June 14 for 10% tuition discount

Creative nature lovers – join us for a unique experience in the beautiful studios at Windy Knoll Farm! This week-long camp is about making art from our surroundings, incorporating organic elements as creative tools and materials, and taking inspiration from nature. Let’s push the boundaries of what art is, and how we may creatively appreciate our earthly habitat. For ages 10-14.

Note:  We are monitoring COVID-19 safety requirements and best practices as public health guidelines change.  We continue to show vigilance in cleaning, sanitizing and ventilating our facilities.  Face coverings are currently required to enter our building.  Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to provide the safest environment possible for all participants.

Instructor: Lydia Bratton

Tuition: $224  Supply Fee: $20  Register by June 14 for 10% tuition discount. (Members receive a 25% early registration member discount.)

Interested in learning painting techniques starting from square one? This class is for you! Acrylic paints are forgiving, versatile and perfect for beginners. We will focus on enjoyment and step by step growth in a relaxing atmosphere.  For ages 13 – Adult.

Note:  We are monitoring COVID-19 safety requirements and best practices as public health guidelines change.  We continue to show vigilance in cleaning, sanitizing and ventilating our facilities.  Face coverings are currently required to enter our building.  Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to provide the safest environment possible for all participants.

Instructor: Michele Frantz

Tuition: $140   Canvas Fee: $12     Register by June 14 for 10% tuition discount. (Members receive a 25% early registration member discount.)

Are you a budding artist filling page after page with drawings? Join this studio art camp and play with materials and techniques that will expand your creativity in two and three-dimensional projects. Discover your own creative power as you learn about the wonderful elements of design: Line, Shape, Form, Value, Space, Texture, Color. We will even explore some digital art.  For ages 7-12.

Note:  We are monitoring COVID-19 safety requirements and best practices as public health guidelines change.  We continue to show vigilance in cleaning, sanitizing and ventilating our facilities.  Face coverings are currently required to enter our building.  Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to provide the safest environment possible for all participants.

Instructor: Lydia Bratton

Tuition: $280    Supply Fee:  $10 Register by June 21 for 10% tuition discount. (Members receive a 25% early registration member discount.)

Spend four days in the beautiful studios at Windy Knoll Farm and take inspiration from the natural surroundings in this workshop for writers and artists. Explore the steps to develop an imaginary setting in a process known as “Worldbuilding.”  How do we bring to life a unique place that exists only in our mind’s eye? Go deeper and learn to weave history, ecology, and geography together to create a rich backstory for fiction and artwork. We will represent key elements of our worlds in words and images. Writers, gamers and illustrators – come share your vision and find pathways to more vibrant creativity! Worldbuilding classes may be taken multiple times.  Each writer’s creative journey may develop at their own pace. For ages 13-18.

Note:  We are monitoring COVID-19 safety requirements and best practices as public health guidelines change.  We continue to show vigilance in cleaning, sanitizing and ventilating our facilities.  Face coverings are currently required to enter our building.  Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to provide the safest environment possible for all participants.

Bring a sketchbook and flash drive.  Art supplies will be provided by ARTfactory.

Instructor: Ryan Arias

Tuition: $252  Supply Fee: $15  Register by June 21 for 10% tuition discount. (Members receive a 25% early registration member discount.)

This class is designed for the beginner. Take this opportunity to work step by step in acrylic paints to achieve a complete animal portrait painting with the guidance of children’s book illustrator Emily Thomson. Color mixing, technique, and material properties will be addressed. Bring your favorite animal photograph to use as a visual reference, either printed out in full color high resolution, or bring your laptop to view a digital copy.  Phones are too small for viewing references.  For ages 13 – Adult.

Note:  We are monitoring COVID-19 safety requirements and best practices as public health guidelines change.  We continue to show vigilance in cleaning, sanitizing and ventilating our facilities.  Face coverings are currently required to enter our building.  Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to provide the safest environment possible for all participants.

Instructor: Emily Thomson

Tuition: $140     Supply Fee: $20      Register by June 21 for 10% tuition discount for non-members and 25% tuition discount for members.

Explore the beautiful fluidity & transparency of watercolor. Beginners will learn basic tools & techniques; experienced students will explore new methods, materials, & styles. Class is offered throughout the year with a different approach presented each session. List of watercolor supplies given upon registration; watercolor paper will be provided by instructor. For ages 15 & up.

Note:  We are monitoring COVID-19 safety requirements and best practices as public health guidelines change.  We continue to show vigilance in cleaning, sanitizing and ventilating our facilities.  Face coverings are currently required to enter our building.  Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to provide the safest environment possible for all participants.

Instructor: Michele Frantz

Tuition: $112      Paper Fee: $10 Register by June 21  for 10% tuition discount for non-members and a 25% tuition discount for members.

This class will improve your ability to draw elements of the human form, no matter what your preferred drawing style.  For ages 10-15.

Note:  We are monitoring COVID-19 safety requirements and best practices as public health guidelines change.  We continue to show vigilance in cleaning, sanitizing and ventilating our facilities.  Face coverings are currently required to enter our building.  Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to provide the safest environment possible for all participants.

Instructor: Lydia Bratton

Tuition: $210    Supply Fee:  $15 Register by June 28 for 10% tuition discount. (Members receive a 25% early registration member discount.)

Want supportive feedback, guidance and instruction on your art portfolio as you prepare for college or selective program applications? Bring a sketchbook, your artwork and supplies for this one-week open studio class with artist Deborah Dismuke.  The instructor will assist each student with art critique and guidance on finishing incomplete work. She may also give advice in selecting the best array of your pieces to reflect individual creativity, skill, and vision. Ms. Dismuke also provides private lessons at ARTfactory by special arrangement, so customized guidance is available by appointment after this session.  Ages 13 to Adult.

Note:  We are monitoring COVID-19 safety requirements and best practices as public health guidelines change.  We continue to show vigilance in cleaning, sanitizing and ventilating our facilities.  Face coverings are currently required to enter our building.  Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to provide the safest environment possible for all participants.

Students will be responsible for all art supplies. After reviewing portfolio pieces, Ms. Dismuke may give individual advice on art supplies she recommends the student use to finish or enhance projects.

Instructor: Deborah Dismuke

Tuition: $175  Register by June 28 for 10% tuition discount for non-members and 25% discount for members.

Love video games? Love making art? Let’s combine these creative passions in a fun mixed media art camp that will feature drawing, painting, collage, sculpture and more! Take inspiration from your favorite characters and gaming worlds and create some originals!  For ages 8-12.
Note:  We are monitoring COVID-19 safety requirements and best practices as public health guidelines change.  We continue to show vigilance in cleaning, sanitizing and ventilating our facilities.  Face coverings are currently required to enter our building.  Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to provide the safest environment possible for all participants.

Art supplies will be provided by ARTfactory.

Instructor: Ryan Arias

Tuition: $280  Supply Fee: $20  Register by July 5 for 10% tuition discount for non-members and 25% discount for members.

Let’s reveal your artistic capabilities by refining your photography and graphic design skills. Using your digital camera or other camera-equipped media device, we will explore & photograph the real historical backdrop of Old Town Manassas. The ARTfactory’s computer lab will be pressed into service to manipulate favorite photos into vivid personal compositions using a variety of software platforms. Learn mixed media techniques to apply images to alternative surfaces for a fabulous photo finish. Class limited to 8 students. For ages 10-14.

Note:  We are monitoring COVID-19 safety requirements and best practices as public health guidelines change.  We continue to show vigilance in cleaning, sanitizing and ventilating our facilities.  Face coverings are currently required to enter our building.  Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to provide the safest environment possible for all participants.

Instructor: Lydia Bratton

Tuition: $350  Supply Fee: $15  Register by July 5 for 10% tuition discount for non members and 25% discount for members.

Join artist Mike Flynn and learn to paint outdoors at beautiful Windy Knoll Farm. Working both in the field and within an on-site studio, students will take inspiration from nature, regardless of weather. Set-up, tools and techniques of plein air painting will be introduced. Learn from Mike as he demonstrates and paints throughout the experience. All materials/gear provided via supply fee. Ages 13 – Adult.

Note:  We are monitoring COVID-19 safety requirements and best practices as public health guidelines change.  We continue to show vigilance in cleaning, sanitizing and ventilating our facilities.  Face coverings are currently required to enter our building.  Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to provide the safest environment possible for all participants.

Instructor: Mike Flynn

Tuition: $210  Supply Fee: $25  Register by July 5 for 10% tuition discount for non members and a 25% discount for members.

The comfort and beauty of the studio facilities at Windy Knoll Farm provide the perfect setting for creativity. Take inspiration from the natural surroundings and explore the rich color and versatility of acrylic paints with expert instructor Michele Frantz. The water-based medium of acrylics may be manipulated with a wide array of methods, and applied to many different surfaces for both transparent and opaque effects. Students new to acrylics will learn basic tools & techniques; more advanced students will further develop skills and explore new directions. Canvases and boards will be provided by the instructor; registrants will receive a list of materials to bring to class via email after registration.  For ages 13 – Adult.

Note:  We are monitoring COVID-19 safety requirements and best practices as public health guidelines change.  We continue to show vigilance in cleaning, sanitizing and ventilating our facilities.  Face coverings are currently required to enter our building.  Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to provide the safest environment possible for all participants.

Instructor: Michele Frantz

Tuition: $112  Supply Fee: $10    Register by July 5 for 10% tuition discount for non-members and a 25% tuition discount for members.

Explore the visual splendor of summer in full bloom! We will create 2-D and 3-D art inspired by nature’s lush diversity. Projects may include symmetrical insects, multi-media butterfly mobiles, big, beautiful flower sculptures and fabric art. Much more awaits you so come join us for a week of creativity! For ages 7-12.

Note:  We are monitoring COVID-19 safety requirements and best practices as public health guidelines change.  We continue to show vigilance in cleaning, sanitizing and ventilating our facilities.  Face coverings are currently required to enter our building.  Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to provide the safest environment possible for all participants.

Instructor: Heather Rankin

Tuition: $210  Supply Fee: $25  Register by July 12 for 10% tuition discount for non members and 25% discount for members.

Spend four days at beautiful Windy Knoll Farm, exploring and making art outdoors and in comfortable art studios. We will examine Anime artists known for providing richly detailed nature backgrounds for their characters, including the amazingly creative Hayao Miyazaki, co-founder of Ghibli Studios in Japan.  Art lessons will focus on drawing and painting from life, and how color may be used to evoke mood, mystery and magic. Supplies provided.  For ages 13-18.

Note:  We are monitoring COVID-19 safety requirements and best practices as public health guidelines change.  We continue to show vigilance in cleaning, sanitizing and ventilating our facilities.  Face coverings are currently required to enter our building.  Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to provide the safest environment possible for all participants.

Instructor: Lydia Bratton

Tuition: $224  Supply Fee: $20  Register by July 12 for 10% tuition discount. (Members receive a 25% early registration member discount.)

Do you love to draw and want to explore line, shape, texture and value in a manner that conveys drama and mystique? Try the visually powerful medium of charcoal. We will experiment with additive and subtractive applications using charcoal pencils and sticks and learn blending tools and techniques to manipulate the medium for a wide variety of effects. For ages 13 to Adult.

Note:  We are monitoring COVID-19 safety requirements and best practices as public health guidelines change.  We continue to show vigilance in cleaning, sanitizing and ventilating our facilities.  Face coverings are currently required to enter our building.  Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to provide the safest environment possible for all participants.

Instructor: Emily Thomson

Tuition: $140 Supply Fee: $15   Register by July 12 for 10% tuition discount for non members and a 25% discount for members.

What do you know about cartooning? Learn the fundamentals and improve your character illustration skills and personal style. We will look at eastern and western comics, and then use hand-drawing techniques to illustrate an exciting story or page, just like the professionals! For ages 7-12.

Note:  We are monitoring COVID-19 safety requirements and best practices as public health guidelines change.  We continue to show vigilance in cleaning, sanitizing and ventilating our facilities.  Face coverings are currently required to enter our building.  Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to provide the safest environment possible for all participants.

Instructor: Lydia Bratton

Tuition: $280  Supply Fee: $20   Register by July 19 to receive 10% discount for non members and 25% discount for members.

This course will lead writers and artists through the steps to develop an imaginary setting in a process known as “Worldbuilding.”  How do we bring to life a unique place that exists only in our mind’s eye? Go deeper and learn to weave history, ecology, and geography together to create a rich backstory for fiction and artwork. We will represent key elements of our worlds in words and images. Writers, gamers and illustrators – come share your vision and find pathways to more vibrant creativity! Worldbuilding classes may be taken multiple times. Each writer’s creative journey may develop at their own pace.  For ages 13-18.

**Welcome to in-person classes. Face coverings are required for all participants.  Please click here to review our COVID-19 update prior to attending class.  Bring a sketchbook and flash drive.  Art supplies will be provided by ARTfactory.

Instructor: Ryan Arias

Tuition: $315  Supply Fee: $15  Register by July 19 for 10% tuition discount for non-members and 25% discount for members.

Explore the endless possibilities when using fluid and dry media together to make beautiful art. Through clear tutorial demonstrations, Mike will teach students to use a combination of watercolor, gouache, brushes, pencils, pens and ink to create compelling compositions with subtle and bold textures.  Subject matter will vary.  Register early to allow yourself time to obtain your supplies. Age15 – Adult.

Note:  We are monitoring COVID-19 safety requirements and best practices as public health guidelines change.  We continue to show vigilance in cleaning, sanitizing and ventilating our facilities.  Face coverings are currently required to enter our building.  Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to provide the safest environment possible for all participants.

Instructor: Mike Flynn

Tuition: $175  Supply Fee: $12  Register by July 19 for 10% tuition discount for non-members and a 25% tuition discount for members.

What better way to explore beautiful use of color and design than to look to several “stars” of the art world? We will weave some fun art history into this multi-media art camp.  Students will be inspired to find their own unique voice and self-expression through painting, drawing, sculpture and more. For ages 7-12.

Note:  We are monitoring COVID-19 safety requirements and best practices as public health guidelines change.  We continue to show vigilance in cleaning, sanitizing and ventilating our facilities.  Face coverings are currently required to enter our building.  Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to provide the safest environment possible for all participants.

Instructor: Heather Rankin

Tuition: $210  Supply Fee: $25  Register by July 26 for 10% tuition discount for non members and 25% discount for members.

Improve your skills in creating original Anime characters with fully developed traits, motivations & potential story arcs. We will go over different drawing techniques to help build your character’s look & context, and finish with designing dynamic page layout compositions to showcase your scene. Traditional hand-drawing & inking methods will be featured in this workshop. For ages 13-18.

Note:  We are monitoring COVID-19 safety requirements and best practices as public health guidelines change.  We continue to show vigilance in cleaning, sanitizing and ventilating our facilities.  Face coverings are currently required to enter our building.  Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to provide the safest environment possible for all participants.

Supplies will be provided by ARTfactory.

Instructor: Lydia Bratton

Tuition: $280  Supply Fee: $20  Register by July 26 for 10% tuition discount for non-members and 25% discount for members.

Over 5 evenings, we will compare the properties of three distinctly different media with guidance and practical application. You will select a reference photo and create three separate works of art based upon that photo; one in soft pastels, one in oil paints, another in acrylics. Through the process, students will learn the basic techniques and supplies needed to get started in these media, and gain a better understanding of their variations in color blending. This class is the perfect overview for the beginner who wants to compare options, and would make a wonderful foundation for portfolio studies for experienced students. Bring some reference photos you find appealing. The instructor will supply choices, too, and advice in your final selection. Materials will be provided via supply fee. For ages 13 to Adult.

Note:  We are monitoring COVID-19 safety requirements and best practices as public health guidelines change.  We continue to show vigilance in cleaning, sanitizing and ventilating our facilities.  Face coverings are currently required to enter our building.  Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to provide the safest environment possible for all participants.

Instructor: Emily Thomson

Tuition: $175 Supply Fee: $30   Register by July 26 for 10% tuition discount for non members and a 25% discount for members.

Explore the powers of the third dimension in this diverse approach to sculpture. You will have creative freedom regarding the source of your inspiration. Build anything from whimsical characters to abstract constructs – the sky is the limit! Using wire, wood, clay & more, we will develop and improve modeling skills and the ability to “see” the three-dimensional art in the making. Ages 11 & up.

Note:  We are monitoring COVID-19 safety requirements and best practices as public health guidelines change.  We continue to show vigilance in cleaning, sanitizing and ventilating our facilities.  Face coverings are currently required to enter our building.  Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to provide the safest environment possible for all participants.

Instructor: Lydia Bratton

Tuition: $280  Supply Fee: $20  Register by August 2 for 10% tuition discount.

Join us online and explore the unique principles of watercolor: transparency, speed, spontaneity.   Classes will emphasize and demonstrate brush work, color mixing, wash techniques, and composition. Supply list will be provided upon registration.  Register early to allow time to obtain your supplies. Age15 – Adult.

Watercolor Paper:  Pick up 22” x 30” sheet of 140 lb Arches Watercolor Paper at ARTfactory prior to class, or purchase online at DICK BLICK for home delivery, allow one week for shipment.  Order a minimum of one sheet to divide into 4 pieces 11” x 15”.

All online classes are offered with a live instructor and limited class size to provide an engaging learning environment for all participants. Online classes are presented using Zoom, so please download Zoom to an online device prior to class. Full instructions will be provided to each registrant. Only registrants will be admitted to the Zoom class.

Instructor: Mike Flynn

Tuition: $60   

This class will explore the fundamental techniques of oil painting, working from both still-life and photographs. Beginners will learn the care and use of essential materials such as brushes, canvases, and mediums. Experienced students will advance their understanding of oils through expert guidance from the instructor. Class designed for students with some background in drawing. Supply list will be provided. For ages 15 – Adult.

Note:  We are monitoring COVID-19 safety requirements and best practices as public health guidelines change.  We continue to show vigilance in cleaning, sanitizing and ventilating our facilities.  Face coverings are currently required to enter our building.  Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to provide the safest environment possible for all participants.

Instructor: Deborah Dismuke

Tuition: $175  Supply Fee: $25  Register by August 2 for 10% tuition discount for non-members and 25% discount for members.

Join artist Michele Frantz for spontaneous drawing on sites around our beautiful and vibrant Old Town neighborhood. Learn techniques to make quick sketches on the spot and capture a fresh impression of what you see and feel in the moment – be part of the growing international urban sketching community! For ages 15 & up.
Note: Dress for the weather. Bring a sketchbook or drawing pad, pencils, eraser, straight edge, micro pens. Optional supplies could include colored pencils, pencil sharpener, sable brush, small watercolor tray, water cup, bottled water.

Note:  We are monitoring COVID-19 safety requirements and best practices as public health guidelines change.  We continue to show vigilance in cleaning, sanitizing and ventilating our facilities.  Face coverings are currently required to enter our building.  Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to provide the safest environment possible for all participants.

Instructor: Michele Frantz

Tuition: $84

Develop your artistic night vision in this fun Friday evening workshop. Night skies, glowing lights, and the aura of the moon can make for superbly dramatic color compositions in all scenarios. Learn the color palette for after-dark and special techniques to capture the intrigue of low light, highlights and reflections. Bring your acrylic paints and brushes and a portable easel. Class recommended for students who have a solid foundation in introductory acrylic painting techniques.   For ages 15 and up.

Note:  We are monitoring COVID-19 safety requirements and best practices as public health guidelines change.  We continue to show vigilance in cleaning, sanitizing and ventilating our facilities.  Face coverings are currently required to enter our building.  Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to provide the safest environment possible for all participants.

Instructor: Michele Frantz

Tuition: $42  Canvas Fee: $5  Register by August 16 for 10% tuition discount for non members and a 25% discount for members.