“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.
Thursdays, September 10, 17, 24, October 1, 8, 15 – 6–8:30pm
Register 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, October 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17, 24 – 6–8:30pm
Register here.
More classes coming soon!
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.