• Online Painting Courses: WINTER 2026


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

    FOR FULL CLASS DESCRIPTIONS SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE

    NEW CLASSES COMING THIS WINTER 2027: (email claudia@claudiarilling.com to be added to the announcement)

    THE STUDIO LANDSCAPE: Observation and Invention
    CLASS IS FULL: If you would like to join the 2nd critique group- email for more information
    Examining the Boundaries Between Realism and Abstraction
    November 3 - December 8
    Now open for registration | Full class details below

    NEW- THE FLOWER: SIMPLIFIED November 5th 90 minute webinar class
    through Blackridge Artist's School
    65 USD
    email for link claudia@claudiarilling.com

    AFTER THE MASTERS: Transcriptions in Gouache and Acrylic
    Now open for registration | | Full class details below
    December 12, 13, 14

    IN PERSON WORKSHOP 2027:

    WORKING FROM FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHS
    Our Painted History
    at Woodward Contemporary in San Diego.
    Apr 01, 2027, 10:00 AM PDT – Apr 04, 2027, 4:00 PM PDT
    $950 | Step into a transformative 4-day workshop designed to help you build deeply personal figurative paintings from archived family photographs. Through color, composition, proportion, and simplifying complex forms, learn to turn meaningful images into artwork with clarity and your distinct voice. Register at: woodwardcontemporary.com/workshops
    Limited to 12 students

    THE STUDIO LANDSCAPE: OBSERVATION & INVENTION
    Examining the Boundaries Between Realism and Abstraction

    CLASS IS FULL: email to be added to wait list or If you would like to join the 2nd critique group- email for more information

    6 WEEKS November 3 - December 8, 2026
    Dates & Times (Philadelphia/NYC time zone - Eastern Time)
    • Tuesdays, November 3- 24 | 12:00 - 1:45 PM ET
    • Tuesdays, December 1 & 8 | 12:00 - 1:45 PM ET

    About the Workshop
    This six-week class explores the many ways we can interpret the landscape. Through observation, invention, or subtle abstraction, a painting can become much more intriguing than a strictly observational piece. Throughout the class we will move between observation and semi-abstraction.

    In the first week, we’ll explore different approaches to interpreting the landscape through smaller studies. In the following weeks, we’ll cover topics such as working with limited vs expanded palettes, experimenting with scale and format, and finding the right balance between structure and expression. Students will be encouraged to discover their own voice and style through a variety of exercises.

    The final two weeks will focus more on group critique and discussion. Learning from each other’s work, and developing an analytical eye is an important part of this class. Please note that Weeks 5 and 6 may go a little overtime.

    Class Format
    • Instruction includes discussion/ lecture, and painting demos (live or pre-recorded)
    • Demonstrations will show different parts of the painting process and approaches to interpreting the landscape
    • A materials list will be sent after registration. Instructor works in oil; acrylic and gouache are also welcome.

    Critiques & Online Classroom
    Students will receive individual weekly audio or written critiques through our private online classroom. Assignments will be done between weekly class sessions.

    • Classes are held live via Zoom and recorded
    • Live attendance is not required
    • Recordings are available for two months after the final class (extended due to the holidays)

    Level
    This course is designed for painters who have a foundation in landscape painting.

    Tuition: $395

    To Register: Email claudia@claudiarilling.com

    DECEMBER 2026

    After the Masters: What Holds the Picture
    Transcriptions in Gouache and Acrylic

    December 12, 13, 14
    12:00 PM-2:00 PM (Eastern Time / Philadelphia)

    In this class, we will make small painted transcriptions (copies) based on masterworks from the 13th through the 19th centuries. Working in fast-drying mediums such as gouache or acrylic, we will look closely at how these paintings are constructed through shape, rhythm, tone, color.

    We’ll work from a wide range of paintings, including the figure, still life, and landscape. From the solid forms of Piero della Francesca and Giotto, to the structure of Degas and Cézanne, these works offer examples for thinking more carefully about the choices we make in our own work.

    The transcriptions will be small and can be painted loosely. Students may work from images posted in the online classroom or choose masterworks they would like to explore on their own.

    Class includes lecture, group discussion, and live demonstrations.

    Supplies: A supply list will be sent after registration

    Online classroom: Students will have access to a private online classroom where work can be posted for critiques and feedback between class sessions.

    Zoom: Classes are conducted live on Zoom and recorded. Live attendance is optional. Recordings for this class will be available for 6 months.

    All levels welcome

    Tuition: $210

    To Register: Email claudia@claudiarilling.com

    2026 Private Mentoring and Coaching

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

    -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

    $110 USD/ 50 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.

  • Jerusalem Studio School in Italy: Painting Workshop, July 2019

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

  • Workshops and Teaching

    WAYNE ART CENTER
    www.wayneart.org




  • RECENT NEWS

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