Sketch and Paint Along with Robert: Tonalist Landscapes in Line and Watercolor

The beauty and intrigue of tonalism is simply timeless. American painter James McNeill Whistler created masterpieces in the style, influencing many artists such as L. Birge Harrison, who became a prominent practitioner and advocate of the tonal landscape during the early decades of the 20th century. As evinced in the stunning exhibition held at the Woodstock School of Art, In the Open Air, luminaries like Harrison, John Carlson and scores of other artists established a tradition of landscape painting in the environs of Woodstock and in connection with the Art Students League of New York’s Woodstock School of Landscape Painting. Subsequently, these artists made a significant impact upon American landscape painting. In this class we’ll explore the tenets and techniques of tonalism. Whether you are a beginner or experienced, you’ll be inspired as you learn about diverse approaches to designing and creating tonal paintings. You may work in any drawing or painting medium. Robert will be working in pencil, pen, watercolor and opaque white. You may choose to just watch or to sketch and paint along, step-by-step, with very popular instructor, Robert Carsten. In each of the four classes we will see examples and focus on a different approach, utilizing diverse techniques. Photos and a materials list will be provided via Dropbox, where participants can also share zoomclass work or optional homework for written critique. All levels welcome.

Week 1: Tonalist landscape subject: Exploring linear drawing techniques and overwashes

Week 2: Tonalist landscape subject: Working with compositional design and tonalist light effect

Week 3: Tonalist landscape subject: Working with expressive, tonalist color saturation

Week 4: Tonalist landscape subject: Working with design and color temperature

Skills students will gain:
Compositional skills: Overall compositional design, scale, linear and aerial perspectives
Drawing skills: Proportion, building value for 3-D effects, linear techniques.
Color:Expressive color, color mixing and layering of color washes
Painting: Underpainting and wet into wet techniques

Suitable for all levels, no experience necessary! Ages 16+

Deadline for registration is 72 hours before the first class. For Zoom links and other important information about this course, please check your student dashboard.

Mondays, November 10, 17, December 1 and 8, 2025
(No class November 24)
1:00 – 2:00 PM
$130 for four consecutive classes