Dorchester Center for the Arts is pleased to announce new classes for the late winter session. Registration is open – call 410-228-7782. Highlights include:

• Acrylic Portrait Painting / Instructor: Will Dennehy

This class is for those who are new to acrylic painting or have been painting for years but perhaps having trouble mixing skin tones. The course will focus on using a limited palette and techniques of indirect painting to make realistic portraits. Students will utilize classic oil painting techniques such as scumbling, blending, and glazing adapted to acrylics to build a portrait step-by-step. Some experience with acrylic painting and an understanding of basic color theory necessary. Supply list available at DCA. Materials fee of $50 payable to instructor for two 11x14 gallery frame canvases and five 8x10 gesso panels.

Feb. 21 – March 21

One 5-week session: Wednesday mornings, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. $80 DCA members, $110 future members. $50 materials fee payable to instructor (for canvases and panels).

• Intro to Drawing for Young People and Adults / Instructor: Robert Gladney

Learn the fundamentals of drawing and develop the ability to see as an artist. Students will draw from observation using a variety of subjects including still life, landscape, and occasionally figure. Instruction is provided on how to use line, value, gesture, and perspective. Contrast, form, composition, and process will also be presented and explored. Supply list available at DCA.

Feb. 21 – March 21

One 4-week biweekly session: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 – 8 p.m. $90 DCA members, $125 future members.

• Intermediate Watercolor / Instructor: Barbara Zuehlke

This class explores watercolor techniques including wet on wet and use of drawing gum. Students will practice learning different triad palette combinations and pulling and glazing watercolors using personal photographs and still life as inspiration. Use of gouache and egg tempera is acceptable. Painting experience is necessary. Demonstrations and assistance will be provided by the instructor. Supply list available at DCA.

Feb. 28 – April 4

6-week session: Wednesday afternoons, 1 – 3:30 p.m. $90 DCA members, $135 future members. • Knitting for Everyone / Instructor: Windy Karpavage

Beginners and experienced knitters both will create beautiful projects using patterns purchased in class or on custom projects under the direction of the instructor. Supply prices vary based on project selection, $50–$200/project. Quality matters—all supplies are purchased through the instructor to ensure student’s success. Stuck on a project and need help? Drop in on the first Wednesday of every session to have your questions answered by the experienced instructor.

Feb. 28 – April 4

6-week session: Wednesday evenings, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. $80 DCA members, $120 future members per session. Supply fee payable to instructor. Drop-ins welcome: $16 per class DCA members, $23 future members, plus supply fee payable to instructor.

Stop by for the Second Saturday Artists’ Reception on Feb. 10 from 5-7:30 p.m. to see what’s new in the galleries, and warm up with the Friday Night Live Coffeehouse Open Mic on Feb. 23, 7-9 p.m. For complete program information, visit DCA online at www.dorchesterarts.org. Like us on Facebook! Programs at DCA are supported by the Maryland State Arts Council, celebrating 50 years of service to the arts.

Editor’s note: Spectrum is the weekly column of the Dorchester Arts Center. It is written by Barbara J. Seese, executive director.