Classes

Learn with me!

here for your journey

What to Expect in my Art Classes

Always an avid student myself, I now have the privilege of helping guide other artists in the direction of exciting new pathways and illuminating different perspectives that are possible within their own art.

Every class or workshop I teach, even every YouTube video I've yet to make, I want you to walk away from knowing a little bit more about how to get the results you want in your own art.

My goal is less to tell you how I create my art, and more to distill the thought processes that you can use to evolve your own practice into a better form of itself.

AT THE END OF THE DAY,
YOU DON'T WANT SOMEONE TO TELL YOU HOW TO PAINT LIKE THEM,
YOU WANT SOMEONE TO HELP YOU
PAINT LIKE YOU, BUT BETTER.

Where I teach:

I like to offer different class types, platforms, and opportunities to meet each student's unique availability, learning behavior, or physical location. Local to the Berkshires? Try an in-person class! Learn better at home or at your own pace? I recommend one of my online offerings!

A versatile approach to the art of watercolor painting, this class will familiarize students with supplies, theory, and techniques. Practicing washes and brushwork, students will learn about water control and working with their paints. We'll slowly expand the skills covered to include more subtle and nuanced techniques each week. By the end of the class students should have a foundation to pursue watercolor techniques in a variety of methods. This class is open to new and continuing students.

Next session Starts: Jan 9, 2025
Thursdays 6-8:30PM
141 North Street, Pittsfield, MA
$256.25

Come take a small class or workshop with me
in Berkshire County, Mass.

Via Berkshire Art Center

In-Person Classes

WATERCOLOR FOUNDATIONS

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A two day class focused on the process of mounting art paper to a wooden panel. A quick, easy, and modern way to display an artwork. Also a wonderful way to prepare your 10x10 Real Art Party submission!

Bring a work of art on paper that's at least 10.25in x 10.25in (we'll just need excess to trim!) and we’ll cover how to seal, adhere, trim, and varnish it onto a 10in x 10in birch panel. Don't have a piece ready? Bring a sheet of your favorite art paper (90lb+ paperweight recommended) that's at least 10.25in x 10.25in to create on after mounting.

The first day of the workshop students will seal and mount their own art or a sheet of blank paper to a birch panel. (This will dry and adhere overnight.) On the second day, students will trim their overhanging paper, sand edges, and put a final coat of resin wax on any finished artwork. Mounting hardware options will be discussed but supplies are not included in the workshop.

By the end of the class, students will know how to mount a blank or painted piece of paper artwork to a panel and walk away with either a panel ready to paint or a finalized piece of art. If you have any questions about the workshop or artwork to bring, please contact Jill via email at jill@jillgustavis.com.

Saturday/Sunday Feb 1/2, 2025
2-4Pm
at Brothership Building
Pittsfield, MA
$97

Your Paper Art

Via Berkshire Art Center

Panel Mount

Learn more
and Sign up!

Explore Watercolor!

Embrace spontaneity and surprises in paint (and life!) while having fun as you build a mandala from the center out.

Saturday January 18, 2025
2-4Pm
at Brothership Building
141 North Street, Pittsfield, MA
$55

Via Berkshire Art Center

Watercolor Mandalas

Online Classes & Workshops w/Etchr

With live and prerecorded classes,
free and purchasable content,
subscription or ala carte options,
learning with Etchr is all about
what works for you, the student!

learn more about etchr

Level Up on SkillShare

I like to think of my classes on Skillshare as studio-basics. Based on thought processes and foundational concepts, they'll get your creative gears turning.

See All Skillshare classes

I think this style of class, where the actual THINKING and reasoning for doing things is explained, rather than a step-by-step tutorial, is SO much more helpful in the long run!!

Amanda F.
Review for Problem Solving in Your Sketchbook (SkillShare)

Jill is warm, conversational, and talented and created a relaxed and open learning environment.

- Layla E.
Review for INtroduction to Negative Painting (Etchr)

Join me for a morning of urban sketching together in an easy-going environment.

This event is an independent gathering with casual interaction and not an instructed class or workshop.

Bring your favorite art supply and enjoy capturing the action and architecture around one of downtown Pittsfield's parks or common areas.

Download the pdf flyer here or check out more info on the Guild of Berkshire Artists' website.

Downtown Pittsfield, MA
All done until 2025!
9-11am

Urban Sketching Meetup

Free!

Want to request a class topic?
Are you a workshop organizer?
Fill out my inquiry form to get started.

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Sketches, swatches, thoughts, and processes
I think you may find interesting or helpful!

get inspired