Female artists had only limited access to education and professional opportunities prior to the twentieth century; they were not permitted to train and develop crucial skills that male artists acquired in academies and museum schools. None-the-less women have made significant contributions to the art world over the past century, breaking barriers and challenging conventions. As the twentieth century progressed, more women artists enrolled in schools and began to gain acceptance into the mainstream. They may not always have received the recognition they deserved, but there’s no doubt they have left a lasting impression.

Join us as we learn about some of these women whose talent was recognized and respected, learn their style and technique, and then, at home, paint a work influenced by the artist. Joan Mitchell, Elaine de Kooning and Helen Frankenthaler, as well as some lesser-well-known artists, will be discussed.

Format: Each week a member of the class will introduce us to one of our listed artists during the first 40 minutes of class, focusing on the artist’s style and techniques. After that, we will view paintings done by the class based on the previous week’s artist’s work.

Resources/Expenses: Expenses vary based on painting supplies needed.

Coordinators: Kathy Webster has coordinated many painting classes, from Open Studio Art to Plein Air Painting, and Painting with the Masters. Susan Van Horne has coordinated Open Studio Art as well as Plein Air Painting. Both coordinators offered the previous two Paint Like a Woman: 19th and 20th Century Women Artists.