“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.
Fundamentals of Drawing at Flower City Arts Center
In this class students focus on developing observational skills and drawing techniques, using a variety of drawing media. No prior experience with drawing is required or expected. More advanced artists will also benefit from this refresher course.
A suggested materials list will be supplied prior to the first class.
Tuesdays, September 9, 16, 23, 30, October 7, 14
or
Thursdays, September 11, 18, 25, October 2, 9, 16
Register here.
DAYTIME OIL PAINTING at The Art Stop LLC, Penfield NY
In this class we’ll explore materials, fundamentals, and best practices of oil painting, with an emphasis on direct or “alla prima” techniques. Color mixing and creating a range of colors from a limited palette will be taught. For students with previous experience in color mixing, a more complex palette will be used. Paint from your own sketches, photos, or studio still life. We’ll have demos in each class that will cover various topics such as various ways to start an oil painting, oiling out, stretching a canvas, preparing a panel, glazing, and varnishing. 6 week class. Read more about it here and call 585-872-5710 to register.
Mondays, 9/8/25 -10/13/25, 11AM–1PM
Drawing 101 at The Art Stop LLC, Penfield NY
Can’t draw but want to? Can draw but want to get better? In this class you will use pencil, charcoal, and pastel to learn basic forms, one and two point perspective, negative space, tonal value and proportion. Use these fundamentals to draw anything. Drawing accurately is the basis for all other fine art mediums. Read more about this class here and call 585-872-5710 to register.
Monday Evenings 7 WEEKS SEPT 8-OCT 20 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
or
Wednesday Days 7 WEEKS 9/10/25 - 10/22/25, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM, TEEN TO ADULT
Exploring Landscapes – Inside and Out at Railroad Street Artworks
This flexible landscape painting class invites students to work in their favorite medium—oil, watercolor, pastel, gouache, or acrylic—while exploring the beauty of the local environment.
When weather permits, we’ll paint outdoors at scenic locations (all within six miles of Fairport village) such as canal paths, parks, and farms. Locations will be determined and communicated.
On days where the weather doesn't cooperate, sessions will be held indoors, with opportunities to develop studies, refine techniques, and explore compositions based on photo references or on-site sketches.
Instruction will support both beginning and experienced painters, with guidance on capturing light, atmosphere, and a sense of place.
Saturdays, October 4-25 | 11:30am-1:30pm | Register here
Illustration by Victoria Brzustowicz for Orb Masters and the Ring Stone by Wm. D. Gray
Exploring the Expressive and Versatile World of Ink at Railroad Street Artworks
This two-session course is designed for ink-curious artists who want to explore the expressive power and versatility of ink as a drawing medium. Whether you're new to ink or looking to deepen your skills, you'll learn how this timeless medium can be both precise and playful—perfect for detailed realism, bold abstraction, or whimsical fantasy.
In the first session, we’ll dive into materials—exploring the unique properties of various inks such as India ink, walnut ink, and colored inks, along with traditional tools like uniliner pens, dip pens, bamboo pens, and brushes. Through guided demonstrations and short exercises, you'll become familiar with techniques like line variation, hatching, washes, and expressive mark-making. We'll end the class by using those techniques to create a small ink illustration.
The second session invites you to push the boundaries of your creativity. You'll use what you've learned to develop your own piece or series, working from observation or imagination—or blending the two.
Tuesdays, October 21 & 28 | 6-8pm | Register Here
Intermediate Pastel Painting at Flower City Arts Center
Designed for artists with a foundational understanding of pastel techniques, this course delves deeper into the art of pastel painting, offering a dynamic exploration of advanced concepts and methods. Participants will refine their skills in layering, blending, and creating texture while also learning to evoke emotion and atmosphere in their compositions.
A suggested materials list will be provided before the first class.
Register here.
Tuesdays, November 4, 11, 18, 25
The Art of Ink: Pen and Brush Techniques at Flower City Arts Center
This four-week class offers an in-depth exploration of pen and ink, as well as brush and ink techniques, using both Walnut ink and India ink. Students will learn the fundamentals of creating dynamic line work, shading, and texture through various approaches, including hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, and washes. Each week will focus on building skills in both mediums, with an emphasis on the unique qualities of Walnut ink’s warm, organic tones and the rich, deep blacks of India ink. By the end of the course, participants will have a solid understanding of the tools and techniques used in traditional ink drawing and the ability to create detailed, expressive artwork using both inks.
A suggested materials list will be provided before the first class.
Note: No class on November 27th.
Thursdays, November 6, 13, 20, December 4
RMSC Cumming Nature Center Workshop
PAINTING BY THE POND
Saturday, SEPTEMBER 20 | 9:30AM-12:30PM $35
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. Register here:
Click here to download Sergei Bongart’s notes on painting in a PDF format.