Acrylic Painting with Marcy Wheeler_ All Levels_ July 2- August 6_ Thursdays_ 2:30-5:00 _Studio 2
2026-07-02 14:30 - 17:00, 2026-07-09 14:30 - 17:00, 2026-07-16 14:30 - 17:00, 2026-07-23 14:30 - 17:00, 2026-07-30 14:30 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Gateway Art Studio 1, 1001 Golden Rain Road, Walnut Creek, CA, CA, 94595, United States
Acrylic Painting with Marcy Wheeler
Thursdays July 2 to August 6
2:30 pm to 5:00 pm Studio 2
Six sessions $120 members, $140 non members
Beginners to Advanced painters.
Material List is on the website.

Wheeler’s style is warm and friendly. She focuses on individual instruction, group discussion and occasional class demonstrations. Students learn the quick and creative qualities of acrylic paints and mediums and how to turn acrylic paints into a flexible and luscious way to paint. If you are already an Acrylic Painter, deepen your practice and add to your tool belt!
Wheeler encourages students to try new tools, explore new ways of working and move toward their own style. She gives the encouragement needed to stay with a painting until it is done. And she helps some students learn how to stop when it is finished! It is an engaging activity, and time flies.“Acrylic paints are amazing! My job is to teach you to become a better painter, with a style that is your own, with the tools you need.”Join us and learn about the mediums that are essential to a rich and deep acrylic painting.”All Levels Welcome. Enroll in this class and if you like it, stay in the class and keep growing. Group discussion is helpful, and your fellow painters grow to understand your process. Most days, we look at our work together at the end of class. This is optional if you need to get home!If you miss a class I may have room in the Friday morning class for make up. Just let me know. Make ups should be within the current class sessions. Check out the beginning supply list in the blue section of this listing.

Playing with Collage and Gel Plates with Acrylics_ Marcy Wheeler_ July 3 to August 7_ Friday_ 9:30 to Noon_ Studio 2
2026-07-03 09:30 - 12:00, 2026-07-10 09:30 - 12:00, 2026-07-17 09:30 - 12:00, 2026-07-24 09:30 - 12:00, 2026-07-31 09:30 - 12:00 | Gateway Art Studio 1, 1001 Golden Rain Road, Walnut Creek, CA, CA, 94595, United States
Playing with Collage, Stencils, Acrylics and Gel Plates III
Marcy Wheeler
Marcy@marcywheeler.com
Fridays 9:30 am- Noon in Studio 2
July 3 – August 7 (6 Classes)
$150 for Members $170 for non members
Bring your own scissors. A ruler would be nice, also.
Please bring your own gel plate and brayer if you are interested in “Gel Printing”.
I do have a little extra equipment if you want to “try before you buy” a Gel plate and brayer.
I will supply some papers, collage materials, paint, stencils, mediums. But it’s better if you bring things you have found, or pictures of people or things you want in your design. If you prefer using certain papers please bring them. I can print from your photo.
Make AMAZING Art! Let’s play!
Let’s start without caring where we end up.
Or start with a plan and kind of stick to it.
It’s low pressure learning.
It’s about mediums and color, cutting, tearing and pasting,
using brushes, finding a stencil to start or end a thought,
and exploring gel plate printing. And admiring each others work!
Composition is the hidden prize!

Beginning Watercolor with Kathleen Stumpfel_ June 16 to July 21_ Tuesday_ 9am to 11:30_ Studio 2
2026-07-07 09:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-14 09:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-21 09:00 - 11:30 | Gateway Art Studio 1, 1001 Golden Rain Road, Walnut Creek, CA, CA, 94595, United States
Do you want to paint in watercolor this summer?
This class will introduce new beginners to watercolor, and all those who want to learn techniques to use with paint and water. The goal is to have fun with the creative process. We will have step-by-step projects with short demonstrations and plenty of time to paint a variety of subject matter including florals, still lifes, and landscapes. Most importantly, this class will give you a start in the creative process needed for your art. This seven-week session will meet on Tuesday mornings in Studio 2 from June 16 until July 21 for $120. For Non-Rossmoor Residents the class fee is $140. Priority will be given to Rossmoor Residents. Suggested materials will be emailed before the start and discussed in the first class. Bring any watercolor materials you have.
June 16- July 21, 2026
9 am- 11:30, Studio 2
Tuesday
Maximum spaces – 14
Price for members – $120
Price for non-members – $140

General Painting with Afsaneh Michaels_ Beginner to Advanced_ June 2- July 14_ Tuesdays_ 9:30 am-12:30 pm Studio 1
2026-07-07 09:30 - 12:30, 2026-07-14 09:30 - 12:30 | Gateway Art Studio 1, 1001 Golden Rain Road, Walnut Creek, CA, CA, 94595, United States
General Painting- Landscapes, Still life, Portraits, Abstracts. sketches, photos, etc. Beginner to advanced
June 2- July 14, 2026
Tuesday: 9:30-12:30 pm
Studio 1
This painting course introduces you to the painting process and the common stages and techniques that artists follow to create a work of art. This process can vary greatly depending on the artist, the medium and the subject matter.
You learn and follow the process starting with conception of an idea or an inspiration, gathering references, designing and composing your canvas or painting surface, selecting materials and colors, and executing the painting by sketching and blocking. Each stage is described and explained by the instructor.
Beginners, always start painting from still life set ups in the studio and will do several still life paintings before choosing their own subject matter.
Intermediate and advanced artists may paint several paintings and use more advanced techniques as well as their own subjects and learn to identify the techniques of choice and perhaps develop a style. Any subject of choice is allowed from still life to landscapes, or abstracts. In recent classes some schools of painting have been studied with small studies conducted in the class.
Come with your existing setup with colors, brushes, pencils, and other tools plus your
sketchbook and canvas. The first class will include a discussion of materials and supports/painting surface (canvas, paper or boards). For questions please email the instructor.

Instructor: Afsaneh Michaels, AfsanehAm@gmail.com
June 2- July 14, 2026
Tuesday: 9:30-12:30 pm
Studio 1
Cost: $210.00 residents, non-residents $230.00
Number of Students: 16
Materials: Your medium of choice and your setup plus your sketchbook and a canvas or a support of your choice. For more information about colors and brushes and other painting materials please email the instructor

Painting Momentum with Anna George_ May 19 _ July 7 _ Tuesdays _1-4pm _ Studio 2
2026-07-07 13:00 - 16:00 | Gateway Art Studio 1, 1001 Golden Rain Road, Walnut Creek, CA, CA, 94595, United States
May 19 – July 7 2026
Tuesdays 1-4pm
Studio 2
$165/185
8 weeks

Painting Momentum – Summer Sessions
Welcome to a comfortable place to jumpstart your art alongside other painters like you.
I am often by your side at your easel helping you engage, facilitating our working studio, and celebrating art-making. For me it’s like home, in which my focus is to give you constant, practical support as you paint what you love. You’ll be nailing the fundamentals—whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or have a degree in fine art.
Inside this warm, creative space we tackle essentials that make paintings work and we keep the mood light. There is room to explore. You might experience the class as a friendly, collaborative workshop. Have a specific technique problem? Suggest I demonstrate? Let’s go.
For fifteen years I’ve seen great growth and feel pride in my students. I suggest starting with 8×10 photo, something clean, simple, elegant. Work in oils, acrylics, or watercolor, abstract or representational. Returning students are exceptionally welcoming to new students–it’s supportive all around.
I’m here to share what I know and seek to know after making a living selling my art, from galleries and exhibitions here in the U.S to shows in Italy. Since then I’ve loved being a sherpa to many over the years here in Rossmoor. Fun and success are capped off as we produce our own in-house show, displaying our work-in-progress and finished pieces, talking together about them, and enjoying a table laden with deliciousness.
If you’re new to painting you’ll receive a materials list that offers guidance on paint brands, brush types, etc. Join Painting Momentum by first becoming an RAA member ($10) at rossmoorart.com and then register for the class. Do this early. Call me at 925.783.9000 or email anna.silks@gmail.com with any questions. Let’s make some art.
If you want to see my work, abstract and representational and silk pieces are online at annageorgeartist.com and annageorgeonline.com (silk work). Ask me about work I’m showing right now in Oakland. See you soon

Drawing Nature, Still Life, Landscapes_ Afsaneh Michaels_June 2— July 14_ Tuesdays _2:00-4:30 pm _Studio 1
2026-07-07 14:00 - 16:30, 2026-07-14 14:00 - 16:30 | Gateway Art Studio 1, 1001 Golden Rain Road, Walnut Creek, CA, CA, 94595, United States
Drawing Nature, Still Life, Landscapes
June 2— July 14, 2026
Tuesdays 2:00-4:30 pm
Studio 1
I aspire to empower my student artists by helping build a solid foundation in observation, technique, and artistic understanding in drawing. My teaching approach focuses on building fundamental skills and understanding core artistic concepts.
Fundamentals of drawing are best understood through a study of visual thinking and detailed and methodical practice over several weeks with individualized attention from Afsaneh. A wide range of materials and mediums are gradually introduced with demonstrations.
In all my classes I create a friendly environment without judgement where you see and appreciate a variety of art and inspire each other. Beginners, intermediate, and more experienced students work together in one class, each group working on material appropriate to their group, overlaps are encouraged among the various levels.
All drawing students learn the elements of art and principles of design introduced as foundational vocabulary. These are: line, shape, value (understanding of light), form (representation of the three dimension), texture, space, composition, and proportion, and learn to draw using different subject matter such as objects in a still life, or what nature offers such as branches, leaves, small flowers, fruits, vegetable, a bird, butterfly, or a landscape of choice.
Beginners Will have one or two completed drawings with three or four components. Great emphasis is put upon learning the foundational skills and principles of drawing and design. Teacher chooses all the subject matter.
Beginners come to the first class half an hour early to meet and greet and to receive the beginner materials.
Intermediate students produce more complex drawings of natural materials or scenery or a still life, perhaps work on a series and learn to use color (optional) with colored pencils, pastels, or watercolor mixed with drawing. This group produces several drawings, some in color and some in graphite or charcoal pencil.
More advanced students work with scale, tonal variation and more detail and color and possibly work on a self generated project, ie. A garden of their choice or other subjects.
We will use pencils, charcoal, colored pencils, pens, but a lesser extent watercolor ( always combined with pencils or pens). Great emphasis is on drawing real objects or specimens and not necessarily working from photos. Small things are brought into the studio or from your home as models.
Please come with your materials or at least a sketchbook and some pencils to the first class and learn about materials then.
Instructor: Afsaneh Michaels AfsanehAm@gmail.com
June 2-July 14, 2026
Tuesdays 2:00-4:30 pm
Studio 1
Class Fee: $210.00 Members. $230.00 Non-members
Number of students: 18
Materials: Sketchbook: 1) 93-120 Ibs. weight of your choice. 2) Pencils: 6B, 5B, 4B, 3B, 2B, B, F, H, 2H, 4H. 3) Set of charcoal pencils. 4) Pink/white eraser. 5) kneaded rubber eraser. 6) Pencil sharpener. 7) Gray scale.
8) Blending stumps. 9) Small ruler, 10) Set of colored pencils if you choose color (Prismacolor is ideal but other brands work too).

Beginning/Intermediate Watercolor Painting _with Ronald Pratt _ Thursdays_ 9am -11:30am_ July 2nd to Sept 3rd_ Studio 1
2026-07-09 09:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-16 09:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-23 09:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-30 09:00 - 11:30, 2026-08-06 09:00 - 11:30 | Gateway Art Studio 1, 1001 Golden Rain Road, Walnut Creek, CA, CA, 94595, United States
Beginning/Intermediate Watercolor Painting
Summer 2026
Ronald Pratt
Rossmoor Activities Center, Painting Studio 1
The long, warm days of summer are the source of much inspiration for creative people. While we spend many hours enjoying the outside world our creative juices gets plenty of input from all the outside stimulation. For me there is no more enjoyable time to paint than in summer. There is no more inspiring time to put paint on paper!
To encourage your summertime creativity, The Rossmoor Art Association is offering a watercolor painting class at the Activity Center on Thursday Mornings where you will be surrounded by likeminded artists. The focus of this class is to teach the fundamentals of painting while motivating your creative muse. You will be given step by step demonstrations of watercolor painting to inspire you in a friendly atmosphere that will encourage you to explore your own individual creativity. Subject matter will include a forest scene, a coastal scene, an avian scene as well as a river scene.
This watercolor painting class will be at the Rossmoor Activities Center, Painting Studio 1 on Thursday Mornings from 9 am to 11:30 am. This 10 week class will run from July 2nd to Sept 3rd at a cost of $160. For Non-Rossmoor Residents the class fee is $180. Priority will be given to Rossmoor Residents. Suggested materials will be discussed at the first class.
To register go to the Rossmoor Art Association Website and click on classes on the header bar. Scroll down until you come to Beginning/Intermediate Watercolor Painting with Ron Pratt and follow the instructions to enroll. The class maximum is 20 students due to space limitations so get your registration in to reserve your seat in the class.

To see Ronald’s Watercolors go to www.ronaldpratt.com. Please direct questions to Ronald at ronpratt14@gmail.com or call him at (510) 366-7740. Further information on all RAA activities can be found at www.rossmoorart.com.

Intermediate/Advanced Watercolor Painting with Ronald Pratt_ July 2 to Sept 3_ Thursdays_ 12:30 to 3 pm _ Studio 1
2026-07-09 12:30 - 15:00, 2026-07-16 12:30 - 15:00, 2026-07-23 12:30 - 15:00, 2026-07-30 12:30 - 15:00 | Gateway Art Studio 1, 1001 Golden Rain Road, Walnut Creek, CA, CA, 94595, United States
Intermediate/Advanced
Watercolor Painting
Summer 2026
Ronald Pratt
Rossmoor Activities Center, Painting Studio 1
No other season offers more subject matter to paint than summer. Whether you are vacationing in the Rocky Mountains, camping along the Pacific Coast or traveling through Europe, your senses will be bombarded by inspiration. You simply have to look around you and let your creative muse out!
For those of you with some painting experience and a bit of self-motivation The Rossmoor Art Association is offering a class on Thursday Afternoons just for you. This class is designed to bring out the best of your creativity in a friendly, social atmosphere. The focus of the class is to improve your design and compositional skills. The suggested assignments are selected to let you explore your own vision and insight while focusing on the key elements of design. This is a fun class that encourages you to push your painting skills to a new level. Individual and group critiques will help you see new ways of looking at painting.
This watercolor painting class will be at the Rossmoor Activities Center, Painting Studio 1 on Thursday Afternoons from 12:30pm to 3:00pm. This 10 week class will run from July 2nd to Sept 3rd at a cost of $160. For Non-Rossmoor Residents the class fee is $180. Priority will be given to Rossmoor Residents. Brings your art supplies to the first class. The first project will be emailed to you prior to the session starting.
To register go to the Rossmoor Art Association Website and click on classes on the header bar. Scroll down until you come to Intermediate/Advanced Watercolor Painting with Ron Pratt and follow the instructions to enroll. The class maximum is 20 students due to space limitations so get your registration in to reserve your seat in the class.
To see Ronald’s Watercolors go to www.ronaldpratt.com. Please direct questions to Ronald at ronpratt14@gmail.com or call him at (510) 366-7740. Further information on all RAA activities can be found at www.rossmoorart.com.

Telling our Story Through Layers in Mixed Media Design Workshop _ Lidia Turner _Monday, July 20_ 10 am-2:30pm _Studio 1
2026-07-20 10:00 - 14:30 | Gateway Art Studio 1, 1001 Golden Rain Road, Walnut Creek, CA, CA, 94595, United States
Lidia Turner, Instructor
Monday, July 20, 2026
Studio 1
10 am-2:30pm (1/2-hour break for light lunch, brought by students).
Maximum spaces: 20
Members-$65
Non members-$85
Telling our Story Through Layers in
Mixed Media Design Workshop
Description:
In this hands-on workshop, you will use your imagination as you layer materials exploring your personal story. You will be exposed to the infinite visual expressions that can be created using Mixed Media! Mixed media combines contrasting color paints and textures, building interesting structures using layering techniques, acrylic paint, and found objects. Each student will design and make their compositions during the workshop.
Lidia will guide you step-by-step with demonstrations that enable you to create a surprising artwork using simple tools and techniques.
This workshop will enhance the creativity of those who don’t have any artistic background, as well as those seasoned artists who have not yet discovered the amazing world of mixed media.
You should come to class with the following materials:
2 or 3 12”x16” canvas or similar size wood panels (buy them in Amazon, Michael’s, etc.). The canvas can be new or used, since you can repurpose it and use your painted canvas as a background.
A pair of scissors
3 acrylic paint plus a white and a black tube.
Any acrylic gel to glue the materials.
2 different size medium brushes.
Optional: Only If you have at home please bring: any magazines or shreds of fabric. Decorative napkins, tissue paper, corrugated cardboard.
Beads, stones, mosaics, old jewelry pieces, leather, metal chains, etc.
Teacher will provide other materials.
Bring to class your enthusiasm and willingness to discover your artistic talent! By the end of the session, you will understand that creativity has no boundaries, and that you have developed your skills to embrace new techniques and to create amazing art.
Please contact me through email if you have any questions.
Lidia Turner, Instructor
I was born in Uruguay, South America. From an early age, I demonstrated a love for the visual arts, especially, fashion and interior design. I got my Master’s Degree in Architecture in Uruguay, where I worked on home designs. I immigrated to Los Angeles with my family in 1985 and started a teaching career. I also wanted to pursue my passion for design, color, and form, so I studied Graphic Design at UCLA.
Art is a vehicle through which I discover my inner self. My compositions are created using different materials and textures, like metal, and pieces of fabric, as well as natural elements like cardboard, sand, and coffee. The combination of powerful textures and intense contrast of color and materials, represent my diverse background and define my approach to life. Every piece I create, represents a memory, a feeling, or an experience that remains inside my soul.
Cell: (818) 512-7179
Email: lidia.turner07@gmail.com
Instagram: lidia.turner.art

Lenore Kostelnik_ Alcohol Ink Workshop _Studio 1 _ July 27_ 1:00 - 3:00 pm_ Studio1
2026-07-27 13:00 - 15:00 | Gateway Art Studio 1, 1001 Golden Rain Road, Walnut Creek, CA, CA, 94595, United States
Lenore Kostelnik _Alcohol Ink Workshop
July 27, 1-3pm
Studio 1
Maximum spaces: 14
Price for members: $30.00
price for guests: $50.00

In this workshop, we will learn to apply alcohol ink on a small vase, and two decorative ornaments. I will teach you the fundamentals of alcohol ink painting, and all the different types of surfaces, you can use it on. This artwork requires no prior drawing experience.
I will supply all necessary, vases, ornaments,supplies, and ink. Come prepared with your creativity to take home the items you have created.

Creekside Exhibit
2026-08-03 10:00 - 11:00 | CA
Members of RAA who wish to participate in the show are asked to bring their artwork to the Creekside Club room for jury selection. Each artist may submit up to two pieces for consideration. Only one piece per artist may be selected. All received artwork should be framed, wired per specifications, labeled on the back with the artists’ name, title of work, price, and contact info. Volunteers will be on hand to assist you. Please follow the Exhibit Guidelines (On the website Exhibits Page)
Download & Submit artwork with a completed RAA Release Form. (On the website Exhibits Page)
Receiving begins 10.00 AM to 11 AM at Creekside.
Pick-up all artwork unselected and from previous show on the same day by at the latest 1 pm.
​Contact: Ann Elliott at 707-694-1914
