Fine Art & Portraiture
Classes
Registration is open for classes on a first come, first served basis. If you are interested in any of the classes or workshops listed on this page, please contact the artist directly via the Contact page or via email at patriciamcmahonrice@gmail.com, to obtain a registration form and arrange payment. All classes will be held at Patricia's studio in the Stuart Street Atelier, The Plains, VA.
Summer Drop-In Classes
This class if for any student who would like a once per month class during the Summer. Students may work in any media.
Please contact Patricia directly to reserve a spot.
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Dates:
Wednesdays from 9am-Noon and/or Noon-3pm
May 10, June 7, July 5, Aug 9
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Cost:
$20/hour
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The Atelier Track
The Atelier approach lays a solid foundation in drawing and painting from life, as well as an understanding of the nature of light falling on a three dimensional form, with the close supervision of a master artist. An academic approach to gaining mastering in drawing and painting. This class allows each student to work at their own pace through a selection of the Charles Bargue drawing plates. Students will use pencil and charcoal on toned paper, learning to create and accurate drawing and then rendering of the shadows. Students will then move on to working from plaster casts, making the transition from 2 dimensional references to 3-D. After gaining skill with drawing materials, the student will transition to painting in oil for the cast references as well as still life. At that point it is recommended that the Atelier Student also take the Portrait & Figure from Life class on Saturdays. The program is 6 weeks long, and students can choose to attend either on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
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Fall Session Dates:
Class is held from 9am-Noon on Tuesdays or Wednesdays (student's choice)
Tuesdays: Aug 13, 20, 27, Sept 3, 10, Oct 1
Wednesdays: Aug 14, 21, 28, Sept 4, 11, Oct 2
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Cost:
$300
(NOTE: Casts and Bargue references are included, as well as all drawing supplies. Painting supplies are the students’ responsibility)
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The Independent Mentoring Track
A more self-directed approach, with individualized lessons and critique, the mentoring track allows each student to work in the subject matter and medium of their choice. Students may work on drawings or paintings, bringing their own references or setting up a still life in the studio. Each class has a short demo or discussion by Patricia. Students are welcome to meet with Patricia to plan their personalized program of study, or goals. There may be wildlife, animal, portrait, landscape and still life artists in this class. All levels are welcome. Each class will be 3 hours long, and meet once a week. Students will enroll and pay for a series of 6 weeks of mentoring. They can choose to attend either on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
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Fall Session Dates:
Class is held from 9am-Noon on Tuesdays or Wednesdays (student's choice)
Tuesdays: Aug 13, 20, 27, Sept 3, 10, Oct 1
Wednesdays: Aug 14, 21, 28, Sept 4, 11, Oct 2
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Cost:
$300
(NOTE: Supplies not included. Class fees are paid in full
ahead of time & are non-refundable)
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Portrait & Figure From Life
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A new, ongoing class being offered in Patricia's studio, this Life Drawing and Painting class will have one model and pose ever three weeks, giving the student 12 hours of Life Work each month. Each month will have a different focus in terms of Costume & Model (1940’s, a Bouguereau child, and Pre- Raphaelite are a few examples of what is being planned.) The class will be six weeks long. The first three classes will have one model, and the second three another model.
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Winter Session Dates:
Class is held from 9:00-12:00 on Saturdays
First week = Saturday, September 9th
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Cost:
$350
(NOTE: Supplies not included. Model fees are additional and divided among the students +/- $20/6wks)
Workshops
Craft Your Custom Artist’s Travel Journal: Ink & Charcoal Sketching
Join Patty for a full-day, hands-on workshop at the Stuart Street Atelier, located in the historic Old Train Station in The Plains, Virginia. In this immersive session, artists will design and create their own custom travel journal—perfect for capturing your sketches in ink, charcoal, and white gouache accents. Whether you're looking to experience and remember your travels or simply expand your artistic toolkit, this workshop will guide you through the process of crafting a personalized, functional journal while honing your sketching techniques.
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What You’ll Learn:
• Journal Creation: Start the day by selecting from a variety of decorative papers to create a custom cover for your journal. You’ll also pick from a curated selection of premium art papers—including charcoal, mixed media, and specialty papers—to create the perfect foundation for your sketches. Learn the techniques for cutting, covering, and binding your journal by hand, ensuring it’s as beautiful as it is practical.
• Ink & Charcoal Sketching: After lunch (bag lunch or enjoy one of the fine local restaurants nearby!), students will join Patty for a detailed demonstration on sketching with ink pens and charcoal. She’ll show you how to create striking sketches using fine-point ink pens, with a focus on capturing details, textures, and contrasts. You’ll also learn how to add accents with white gouache for dramatic highlights and details that bring your sketches to life.
• Sketching from Life & Photos: Following the demo, you’ll have the opportunity to sketch the picturesque village of The Plains (weather permitting) or work from your own travel photos—or some of Patty's—inside the studio. You can choose to sketch from life or practice new techniques based on your personal style and preferences.
Who Should Attend:
This workshop is ideal for artists of all levels who are looking to develop their sketchbook practice and explore the art of ink, charcoal, and mixed media. Whether you're an experienced sketcher or a beginner wanting to learn new ways of capturing the world, this hands-on session will provide you with the tools and inspiration to elevate your work.
Materials Provided:
• Decorative papers for the journal cover
• High-quality art papers (charcoal, mixed media, and specialty papers for sketching)
• Binding tools and supplies
• Two Micron fine-point ink pens (yours to keep!)
• White gouache for accents
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By the end of this workshop, you'll leave with a fully assembled, custom-made travel journal, ready for your artistic adventures. You’ll also walk away with new ink and charcoal sketching skills, and the confidence to add dynamic white gouache accents to your sketches—whether from life or photos. Plus, you’ll have a deeper understanding of how to create and maintain a sketchbook that reflects your personal artistic process.
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Workshop Dates:
November 23rd @ 9am-4pm​​
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Cost:
$225
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Winter 2024 & Spring 2025 Workshops
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Painting on Copper Workshop
This two-day workshop will teach students how to paint with oil using copper as a canvas. Dates and details TBD.
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