“Works of art are of an infinite solitude, and no means of approach is so useless as criticism. Only love can touch and hold them and be fair to them.”
Mentorships and private classes available.
Please contact Victoria via the contact form.
Drawing Horses From Life Through Main Street Arts
Photographs are a wonderful resource, but capturing the essence of the horse from life offers unique benefits. This two session workshop focuses on drawing horses from life, emphasizing direct observation, structure, and gesture. Students will study an overview of equine anatomy, movement, and proportion while working on-site with live horses. Through a series of guided exercises and longer studies, participants will explore capturing form, character, and the energy of these beautiful animals. In conjunction with Horse Power exhibition at Main Street Arts, Clifton Springs.
Saturday & Sunday, June 27 & 28 | 1:30 to 3:30 each day
at Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program, Farmington NY.
Register here. Materials provided.
Drawing as Exploration Through FCAC
Drawing as Exploration is a workshop designed to help artists at all levels look more deeply and discover new possibilities through drawing. Rather than focusing only on finished results, participants will use drawing as a tool for observation, experimentation, and personal expression. Through a series of guided exercises, students will explore line, shape, value, texture, composition, and mark-making while working from a variety of references.
This workshop welcomes beginners as well as experienced artists seeking fresh approaches. Emphasis will be placed on process and developing confidence through practice. Students will leave with a collection of studies, new techniques, and an appreciation of drawing as both a way of seeing and a means of creative exploration. Recommended that students take this after Fundamentals of Drawing or have experience drawing/painting.
Tuesdays, July 7th & 14th | 6–8:30pm
Observation to Abstraction through FCAC
Observation to Abstraction is a two-session workshop designed to help artists explore the creative journey from direct observation to expressive abstraction. Participants will begin by closely observing their subject and then through guided exercises, they will learn how to simplify, edit, and reinterpret what they see.
In the second session, students will build on their studies to develop paintings that move beyond representation into abstraction while retaining a connection to the original source. Emphasis will be placed on design, mark-making, color relationships, and individual expression. Artists may work in the medium of their choice, including oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, pastel, collage, or drawing materials. Suitable for all levels, this workshop encourages experimentation and fresh ways of seeing.
Tuesdays, July 21st & 28th | 6–8:30pm
Plein Air Workshop at the Thousand Islands Arts Center
Experience the joy of painting outdoors in this engaging plein air workshop led by experienced artists Victoria Brzustowicz and Colette Savage. On day one, we’ll cover the essentials—recommended gear, best practices, and what to expect when painting outside—along with time for questions and discussion to help you feel confident and prepared. On day two, we’ll head to a predetermined outdoor location to set up and paint on site, with individualized guidance and support from your instructors. All skill levels and mediums are welcome. Come ready to learn, explore, and be inspired by the beautiful landscape in Clayton! (Held at the Thousand Islands Arts Center, 321 James St. Clayton, NY)
Thursday and Friday, June 25, 26 | 9:30am-noon
2025 Painting by the Pond
RMSC Cumming Nature Center Workshop
PAINTING BY THE POND & Painting in the Pines
Painting in the Pines – Sunday, July 19
Get outside and paint beneath the majestic red pines of the Cumming Nature Center this summer! This plein air painting class will cover the basic tools and techniques needed to paint outdoors, including how to set up a palette and choose a subject. Beginner painters will have the option to use a pre-sketched canvas as the foundation for their painting. After a short demonstration, participants will enjoy one-on-one instruction and interaction with instructor Victoria Brzustowicz as they work at their own pace. This class is suitable for beginner and more experienced artists. All tools and materials will be provided.
Painting by the Pond – Sunday, September 27
Join us for a relaxing and creative morning outdoors as we paint a quiet pond set beneath the changing leaves of Cumming Nature Center. This plein air painting class will cover the basic tools and techniques needed to paint outdoors, including how to set up a palette and choose a subject. Beginner painters will have the option to use a pre-sketched canvas as the foundation for their painting. After a short demonstration, participants will enjoy one-on-one instruction and interaction with instructor Victoria Brzustowicz as they work at their own pace. This class is suitable for beginner and more experienced artists. All tools and materials will be provided.
Click here to download Sergei Bongart’s notes on painting in a PDF format.