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.
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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Winter Session Dates:
Class is held from 9am-Noon on Tuesdays or Wednesdays (student's choice)
[Winter Session begins January 2026]
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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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Winter Session Dates:
Class is held from 9am-Noon on Tuesdays or Wednesdays (student's choice)
[Winter Session begins January 2026]
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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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