Q&A: How do I sign up for a class? Simply email: crilling@hotmail.com and a reply will be sent to you with payment options. Class descriptions below.


FALL 2025 CLASSES NOW OPEN FOR REGISTRATION!
FOR FULL CLASS DESCRIPTIONS SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE

OCTOBER 2025
"Buildings in the Landscape"
3-Day Intensive (+1 review session)
October 17, 18, 19 from 12:00PM-1:45PM Eastern Time (Phila/NYC Time Zone)
October 20: Class recap and review from 5:00PM-6:00PM

OCTOBER 2025
"After the Masters: What Holds the Picture" Transcriptions in Gouache and Acrylic
Exploring the structure of 13C-19C paintings through form, tone, and gesture
October 7, 14, 21, 28
12:00 PM–1:45 PM Eastern Time (Phila/NYC Time Zone)

NOVEMBER
Semi-Abstract Landscape- New class:
"The Studio Landscape: Invention and Observation"
Examining the boundaries between realism and abstraction
Tuesdays November 4, 11, 18, 25
12:00PM-1:45PM
Course review: December 2 from 12:00PM-1:00PM

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2025
"Unlocking Vibrant Color"
A 4-Week Online Course
Friday, November 21 12:00pm-1:30pm
& Friday, December 5 , 12, 19 12:00pm-1:30pm

(Eastern Time- NY/Philadelphia time zone)

*FOR FULL CLASS DESCRIPTIONS SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE

COMING THIS WINTER Critique and Mentoring Group for Painters. Limited to 10 students (email crilling@hotmail.com to be the first to register!)

SUMMER 2025

AUGUST MINI CLASS Now available as a pre-recorded live class
Seeing the Big Picture: Composition, Design, and Notan
Details below- open for registration

MAINE 2025 Onsite Landscape Intensive is full. Add your name to the waiting list for next year.

SPACES ARE LIMITED, SIGN UP TO RESERVE A SPACE

PRE-RECORDED AUGUST MINI CLASS

Seeing the Big Picture: Notan, Composition & Design
Pre-Recorded Live Class

This online class is an invitation to refine your visual thinking through the use of compositional and design approaches as well as the notan, which reveals the powerful balance of light and dark within a motif. We will study how abstract shape relationships, value structure, and visual weight form the backbone of powerful composition.

With a lecture on composition one guided drawing exercise, you’ll learn to distill complex forms into clear motifs and approach your work with greater intention. Ideal for artists at any level, this class offers a foundation in design principles that can apply to all mediums and subject matter. 

Level: All
Supplies: Thick Sharpie Marker or Soft Graphite Pencil (I also like the Tombow Dual Brush Pen Grayscale Set of Markers), a grid of 3”x3” inch squares drawn out on white paper (roughly 10-15 squares total). *the grid size can be a bit larger or smaller. You will need these for drawing exercises during class.

Zoom: Classes conducted via Zoom and are recorded for enrolled students available for one year
Please note this class is for independent study.
Tuition: $65
Email: crilling@hotmail.com to register

OCTOBER 2025
"Buildings in the Landscape"
Observing how architecture anchors the natural world

3-Day Intensive
October 17, 18, 19 from 12:00PM-1:45PM Eastern Time (Phila/NYC Time Zone)
October 20: Class recap and review from 5:00PM-6:00PM

Architecture can appear overwhelming, but by training our eye to see past detail, we can convey buildings in paint very powerfully and merge them with the organic landscape forms. In this class students will learn to see edge and shape more confidently and clearly. The focus of this 3-day class will be on simplifying, conveying details, varying edges, and merging the man-made with the organic.
By focusing on faster, small-scale studies, students will learn how to see and to quickly capture complex information in paint.
Other topics will be covered such as color mixing, value structure, and light.

Class will consist of discussion, lecture, and demonstrations. Classes are recorded if students cannot attend live. Students will receive individual weekly written and audio critique through our private online classroom.

Students have two weeks after the last class to complete the class exercises for critique.

Supplies: A basic supply list will be sent after registration.
Online classroom: Private online classroom for enrolled students. Critiques and feedback will be given here between class sessions.
Zoom: Classes conducted via Zoom and are recorded for review, available for 30 days after each class. Live online attendance is not required.

Tuition: $250
Email crilling@hotmail.com to register

OCTOBER 2025
"After the Masters: What Holds the Picture"
Transcriptions in Gouache and Acrylic
Exploring the structure of 13C-19C paintings through form, tone, and gesture

October 7, 14, 21, 28
12:00 PM-1:45 PM (Eastern Time / Philadelphia)

Using fast-drying mediums, we will explore the visual structure and design of masterworks from the 13th to 19th centuries. Through close analysis of shape, rhythm, tone, and color, students will significantly strengthen their pictorial abilities and deepen their understanding of visual structure. We’ll look at works based on the figure, portrait, still life, and landscape.

From the solid forms of Piero della Francesca to the spatial clarity of Giotto, the structure in Degas, and the rhythmic lines of a Poussin, these paintings offer models to guide our own work and help us think more deliberately about our choices. We will look at both secular and non-secular works.

The class will be organized into weekly exercises. Working in gouache or acrylic, transcriptions (copies) can be done quickly, loosely, and at a small scale. Students may use images posted to the online classroom or research their own.

Class includes lecture, group discussion, and live demonstrations. All sessions are recorded for later viewing.

Supplies: A basic supply list will be sent after registration.
Online classroom: Private online classroom for enrolled students. Critiques and feedback will be given here between class sessions.
Zoom: Classes conducted via Zoom and are recorded for review, available for 30 days after each class. Live online attendance is not required.
Tuition: $250
To register: Email crilling@hotmail.com

NOVEMBER 2025

The Studio Landscape: Invention and Observation
Examining the boundaries between realism and abstraction

Tuesdays November 4, 11, 18, 25
12:00PM-1:45PM
Course review: December 2 from 12:00PM-1:00PM

Eastern Time (Phila/NYC Time Zone)

This four-week class (plus review session) explores the many ways one can interpret landscape motifs. Through abstraction, invention, and memory, a painting can become something far more personal than a strictly observational piece. We’ll move between observation and abstraction- pushing the boundaries of each.
Students will be encouraged to discover their own voice and style through a variety of guided exercises. In the first week, we’ll explore approaches to interpreting the landscape through smaller studies. In the following weeks, we’ll cover topics such as working with limited versus expanded palettes, experimenting with scale and format, and finding the right balance between structure and expression.
The class includes group discussions, lectures, and painting demos (live or pre-recorded), showing parts of the painting process. This course is designed for painters who already have a foundation in landscape painting.

Class format:
- Classes conducted via Zoom and are recorded for review, available for 30 days after each class. Live online attendance is not required.
-Weekly written or audio critiques provided through a private online classroom
-Discussion/crit, lecture, and demonstration-based instruction
-Supplies: A materials list will be sent after registration.


Tuition: $325

To register: Email crilling@hotmail.com




NOVEMBER- DECEMBER 2025

“Unlocking Vibrant Color“
A 4-Week Online Course

Friday, November 21 12:00pm-1:30pm
Friday, December 5 12:00pm-1:30pm
Friday, December 12 12:00pm-1:30pm
Friday, December 19 12:00pm-1:30pm
(Eastern Time- NY/Philadelphia time zone)

Unlock the vibrant world of color through the study of master paintings- historic and contemporary- to learn how to use color beautifully in your own work.
Working with a fast-drying medium (gouache or acrylic) you will be completing curious, thoughtful, investigative transcriptions. Work of all genres will be explored. No tedious color charts or complex color theory, this class will be more of a color laboratory, a place to play with ideas.

*In the last class I will share approaches with oil mixing and limited palettes. Using oil will be optional in this last week, fast drying mediums can still be used.

Class will consist of discussion, lecture, and demonstrations. Classes are recorded if students cannot attend live.

Supplies: A supply list will be sent after registration.
Online classroom: Private online classroom for enrolled students. Critiques and feedback will be given here between class sessions.
Zoom: Classes conducted via Zoom and are recorded for review, available for 30 days after each class. Live online attendance is not required.

All levels welcome, a basic understanding of paints and mixing is useful.

Tuition: $225
Email crilling@hotmail.com to register




PREVIOUS CLASSES, registration closed


SUMMER 2025 JUNE-AUGUST ONLINE CLASSES


FOUNDATIONS OF LANDSCAPE PAINTING SUMMER 2025
Studio and Plein Air Approaches
(Full- email to join the waitlist )

6 Weeks. June 17- July 29

Tuesdays from 12:00pm- 2:00pm (Philadelphia/NYC Time Zone)
June 17, 24 & July 8, 15, 22, 29

This in-depth landscape painting class is geared to the painter looking for a strong foundation in landscape painting principles and will cover the essential aspects of studio landscape painting, with additional lessons on plein air painting in weeks five and six. The course will include demos where I share parts of the painting process, discussion, as well as art historical lessons to enhance our understanding of the genre and scope as painters. Each class will be broken into lecture, discussion, and demo. All critiques will be conducted outside of our live class time, in an online classroom, reserving class time for specific weekly lessons.

The main topics covered: selecting and working with photo references, simplifying the landscape and seeing shapes, painting foliage and trees, atmospheric perspective, mixing and controlling greens and blues, handling skies and clouds, and working in plein air. The last two weeks will focus on approaches to plein air painting.
Each week a new assignment will be given, with clear written instructions. Students are encouraged to source landscape images they feel connected to, though several “back-up” images will be provided as well.
Class is taught in oil, acrylic would also be suitable. All levels welcome.

Supplies: A supply list will be sent with registration.
Online classroom: Private online classroom for enrolled students
Zoom: Classes conducted via Zoom and are recorded for enrolled students, available for one month following the last class.

Tuition: $395
Email: crilling@hotmail.com to register

SUMMER 2025 CRITIQUE GROUP

7-Week Intensive Critique and Mentoring Group for Painters
Wednesdays June 18 - August 6th (No class July 2)
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM (NYC/Philadelphia Time Zone)

Level: Intermediate-Advanced

This online mentoring group is designed for committed painters looking to elevate their practice. Drawing on a decade of experience in teaching college thesis development courses, this intimate class welcomes up to 12 artists ready to deepen their commitment to painting and strengthen their work.

What to Expect: Each week students will receive supportive feedback in both group critiques and in our private online classroom. In this course, you will focus on:

Strengthening Your Art: Through critique and discussion, learn how to make your paintings sharper and stronger.
Cohesion: Bring greater cohesion and depth to your body of work.
Cultivating Self-Critique: Develop a discerning eye for evaluating your own paintings.
Building a Sustainable Practice: Establish a disciplined and dedicated painting routine.
Navigating the Art World: Gain practical professional insights on topics such as shows, galleries, websites, artist statements, and more. Social media will also be a part of this conversation.
In addition to live critiques, students will submit work in our private online classroom for ongoing feedback.

Class Structure:

Each week we will look at each participant’s work through a live slide show. Paintings may be marked up with digital tools to ensure critiques are clear and helpful,
During our weekly meeting we will also touch on other art-related topics such as professional practices and studio practices.

Who Should Enroll? This class is tailored for intermediate to advanced painters working in semi-abstract to realist styles who are looking to grow artistically, refine their craft, and acquire professional knowledge.

Tuition: $500
EMAIL: crilling@hotmail.com for registration information

*Classes are recorded for review, available for one month after each class

AVAILABLE PRE-RECORDED CLASSES


Plein Air Floral; In The Garden 1-Hour Class for Independent Study

In this one-hour lesson I will share approaches to plein air painting, how to simplify complex forms, and will demonstrate how to paint a garden iris in plein air. The complex and delicate nature of an iris can be particularly challenging. By working small and directly, painters will see how these ephemeral forms can be approached and learn how to apply this approach to any floral form.
This class is recorded for enrolled students, and will be available on an ongoing basis for one year. Please note that this class is for independent study.

Tuition: $60

Recordings available to registered students for one full year.
This lesson and lecture is for independent study.
Email crilling@hotmail.com for registration and payment options

Private Mentoring and Coaching

-Critique: Receive in-depth feedback on current work
-Overcome obstacles and artistic blocks
-Set artistic and professional goals
-Develop clarity and confidence in one's work and process

These focused one-on-one meetings will support you in strengthening your work, overcoming blocks, and organizing your painting practice.

$110 USD/ 60 minutes
Meetings are conducted through Zoom

EXAMPLES OF PREVIOUS COURSES: The Single Object Still-Life: Mastering Planes and Form; Foundations of Floral Painting: Unlocking Vibrant Color; Landscape Painting Foundations; After the Masters: Transcriptions in Gouache and Acrylic; After the Modern Masters: Transcriptions in Gouache and Acrylic; Alla Prima: A Direct Approach to Florals; Cityscape Painting: Capturing the Light and Atmosphere of the Urbanscape; Atmosphere and Edges: Building Depth into the Landscape; Oil Painting Foundations; Foundations of Still Life Painting; Color, Shape, and Design; Studio and Plein Air Practices; Buildings in the Landscape;

REFUND POLICY: There are no refunds or transfers for online classes. If one cannot attend live, recordings are available. In the unlikely event that a class is cancelled, students will receive a full refund.


General Supply List (oil):

Materials List for Claudia Rilling

• Paper Towels / rags
• Portable easel if working outside (landscape classes)
• Canvas Panels, stretched canvas, or gesso primed paper (any size you feel comfortable working in, but starting smaller is a good idea) 8x8, 10x10, 8x12, etc. Size is based on personal preference.
• Paint Brushes- It’s good to have a variety of brushes that range in both type and size. Rounds, Flats, and Filberts are all good
• Paper Palette (or whatever you prefer) - at least 12x16. Or, if using a portable easel, it may come with a nice palette.
• Metal palette knife. A pointed end is best, not larger than 3 inches long.
• Some Paints: (or use what you have)
Burnt Umber— Transparent Earth Yellow— Ivory Black — Cadmium Red— Cadmium Yellow Light or Medium— Ultramarine Blue or similar— Titanium White (large tube is best)- Alizarin crimson- Sap Green
• Any other colors that you like
• Feel free to experiment with other tube greens and blues like Permanent Green, Cadmium Green, Pthalo Blue (VERY strong), Phtalo Green (VERY strong), Prussian Blue, Cerulean Blue, etc. Tints can also be useful: ie "King's Blue"
• The brand I prefer: Gamblin or Windsor Newton oil paint, Williamsburg and Old Holland are more expensive options. AVOID student grade paint: "Gamblin 1980" and "Winton" by Windsor Newton
• Liquin Original or linseed oil– Not needed if working in acrylic
• Odorless Turpenoid or Gamsol– Not needed if working in acrylic
• Jars or cups for medium and thinner. Make sure the lid seals tightly.
• Optional: view finder (you can make a homemade version with pieces of cardboard taped together)
• Small sketchbook and pencil/markers. "Tombow" value markers are great for value studies.
• Gesso (optional to prime surfaces) : Professional Grade White Acrylic Gesso. “Golden” brand is good.

"Painting a Dynamic Landscape"
Jerusalem Studio School: Painting Workshop, July 1-15, 2019
Affiliate Workshop hosted by The JSS in Civita Castellana, Italy

Mentoring and Coaching:
$110 USD/1 HOUR
-Critique: Receive feedback on current work
-Overcome obstacles and artistic blocks
-Set artistic and professional goals
-Develop clarity and confidence in one's work and process
Mentoring lessons are conducted through Zoom

RECENT NEWS

Portrait drawing published in "Lessons in Classical Drawing" by Juliette Aristides