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.
Dates:
Wednesdays from 9am-Noon and/or Noon-3pm
May 10, June 7, July 5, Aug 9
Cost:
$20/hour
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.
Fall Session Dates:
Class is held from 9am-Noon on Tuesdays or Wednesdays (student's choice)
First week = August 29th/30th
Cost:
$300
(NOTE: Casts and Bargue references are included, as well as all drawing supplies. Painting supplies are the students’ responsibility)


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.
Fall Session Dates:
Class is held from 9am-Noon on Tuesdays or Wednesdays (student's choice)
First week = August 29th/30th
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
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.
Winter Session Dates:
Class is held from 9:00-12:00 on Saturdays
First week = Saturday, September 9th
Cost:
$350
(NOTE: Supplies not included. Model fees are additional and divided among the students +/- $20/6wks)
Workshops
Winslow Homer: Boys Playing on the Farm
The class will meet at a local farm on Sunday afternoon to take reference photos of boys playing in the fields, stream, and fishing off the dock of a small pond. Then, Monday- Tuesday and Wednesday morning we will be printing out, combining references and painting. On Wednesday afternoon we will return to the farm for Plein air studies of the setting, finishing the paintings on Thursday.
Workshop Dates:
October 22nd-26th
(Sunday @1-4pm, Monday-Thursday @10am-4pm)
Cost:
$375
(NOTE: Supplies not included. Model fees are additional and divided among the students, typically coming to around $20 per student depending on final number of students.)
Winter 2023 & Spring 2024 Workshops
Painting on Copper Workshop (December 2023)
This two-day workshop will teach students how to paint with oil using copper as a canvas. Dates and details TBD.
Bouguereau-Inspired Workshop (February 2024)
This workshop will be team-taught by instructors Patricia Rice, Jennifer Sims, and Sue Braswell. Dates and details TBD.