“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.
Intro to Plein Air Workshop through Stony Point Arts Studio & Gallery
A step-by-step experience on the art of plein air for beginners and seasoned artists
Date: Saturday, September 19
Time: 9:00 am-noon
Instructors: Colette Savage & Victoria Brzustowicz
Focus: An accessible, inclusive "Introduction to Plein Air" workshop open to all skill levels. In advance of the much anticipated Fairport Plein Air Festival, this workshop is designed to encourage new and seasoned artists to participate in the Plein Air tradition…
Initial Meeting Spot: The local kayak launch on LiftBridge Lane
Register here
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.
Thursdays, September 10, 17, 24, October 1, 8, 15 – 6–8:30pm
Register here.
Drawing 101 at the Art Stop LLC
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. You need to be able to accurately sketch out your canvas or paper before going on the next step. Seven weeks.
WEDS 11:00-12:30 9/16/26 - 10/28/26
More information here.
Solvent-Free Oil Painting at Flower City Arts Center
Discover the joy of oil painting with a solvent-free, eco-conscious approach. This six-week class explores the essentials of alla prima painting—working directly and expressively with color, light, and form. You’ll learn to mix colors from a limited palette and create paintings from your own sketches, photos, or still life setups.
Supportive critiques and personalized feedback will help you grow your skills and confidence while developing a mindful, sustainable painting practice. This class welcomes artists of all levels, from beginners to experienced painters looking to refresh their skills or explore a solvent-free approach.
Tuesdays, 6–8:30pm, October 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17, 24 –
Register here.
Daytime Oil Painting at the Art Stop LLC
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.
MONDAYS 11:00-1:00 NEXT SESSION: 9/14/26 -10/19/26
More information here
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.
Thursdays, 6-8:30 PM, October 22, 29, November 5, 12
Register here.
Intro to Pastel Painting at Flower City Arts center (Daytime Class)
PASTELS are sticks of pure color, that create exciting, fun, and expressive works of art. Through informational discussions, demonstrations, and plenty of opportunities for experimentation, students will learn about the incredible versatility of pastels. Areas to be covered include pastel painting techniques, design concepts, tricks of the trade, safety, storage, and framing. Great for those new to pastels, but artists with experience will benefit from the small class size and personalized instruction.
Fridays, 10AM–12:30PM, October 30, November 6, 13, 20
Register here.
2025 Painting by the Pond
RMSC Cumming Nature Center Workshop
PAINTING BY THE POND & Painting in the Pines
Painting in the Pines – Look for it again July 2027!
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.
Register here. Wait list only!
Click here to download Sergei Bongart’s notes on painting in a PDF format.