Hamden Arts Commission Offers Fall Classes

The Hamden Arts Commission will host two opportunities for special art instruction this fall. 

The renowned artist and teacher John Massimino, known for his Impressionist style work, will conduct two courses for intermediate level students at the Whitneyville Branch of the Hamden Library, 125 Carleton St., off Putnam Ave.

Massimino, who has exhibited widely across the U.S. and Italy, has received 40 painting awards, including from Watercolor U.S.A. and the American Watercolor Society. He also taught at Paier College of Art for more than 20 years, where he is currently a visiting professor. His classes are recognized for combining high quality instruction with a friendly, non-competitive atmosphere.

In “Drawing 2013 – A Step Back,” Massimino will guide students through lessons common in ages past, when a mastery of charcoal and pencil were an integral part of an artist's training. He will encourage students to develop their eyes, hands and minds in ways that facilitate their ability to capture and interpret a subject in their own individual ways. 

The course will consist of five classes on Thursdays from Sept. 19 through Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost for the five classes is $125.

In “Color, Composition and Design,” Massimino will provide compelling compositional ideas for each student to interpret and test. Working with these compositional ideas and from supplied photographs, students will be encouraged to create quick vignettes that will catch attention, hold interest and cause the eye of the beholder to move from one part of the design to another. 

The course will consist of five classes on Thursdays from Oct. 24 through Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon, also with a cost of $125. Only water based paints are allowed.

For information about the required supplies, and for questions, call 203-287-2546. To register, send checks payable to John Massimino to the Hamden Arts Commission, 2901 Dixwell Ave., Hamden, 06517.