Registration Opens For April Life Long Learning Classes

San Marcos Parks and Recreation, in partnership with Texas State University’s Retired Faculty and Staff Association (RFSA) continues to offer new Life Long Learning courses for the greater San Marcos area.

People can register for these classes by calling 512.393.8400 or by going to the Parks and Recreation Main Office at 401 E. Hopkins or the San Marcos Activity Center at 501 E. Hopkins.

You can also register online at www.sanmarcostx.gov/activeSMTX. Please search LLL for Life Long Learning classes. The classes are primarily for those age 50 and above, but adults of any age are welcome to register. The classes will begin in April 7, 2017.  A minimum number of registrants is required for these classes to take place. Course offerings are listed below:

1. Colored Pencil Techniques – Art Class

Fridays:  April 7, 14, 21, and 28

Time:     10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Site:       Cephas House, 215 W. MLK Drive

Cost:      $50 (approx. $4/hour)

Course Description

The class will cover color theory basics, color layering, various techniques, and special affects to create naturalistic representations from both life and photographs. Through a series of demonstrations and guided projects, students will build confidence and mastery in creating believable images in colored pencil. Compositional strategies will be introduced and discussed.

Materials List

• Prisma color pencil set of at least 24 (not Verithin) • Colorless blender for Prisma colored pencils • Strathmore Colored Pencil Spiral Paper Pad 11″X14″-30 sheets •    Kneaded eraser ?
• Mars/Staedtler vinyl eraser • Tracing paper tablet that is at least 10×12 inches in size •2B pencil
• Drafting tape • Pencil sharpener • Xacto knife • Drawing board or piece of Masonite (hardboard), approx. 18”x24” • Blending stump (tortilion) ?

1. Intermediate Watercolor: Painting Reflective and Glass Objects           

Fridays:   April 7, 14, 21, and 28

Time:       2 to 5 p.m.

Site:         Cephas House, 215 W. MLK Drive

Cost:        $50 (approx. $4/hour)

Course Description

This course continues to build upon the use of basic techniques to create more complex illusions in watercolor. We will review both color theory and overall techniques, and then through a series of demonstrations and guided projects students will learn to depict glass, metal and other reflective objects. Compositional strategies will be introduced and discussed.

Materials List: (Hobby Lobby should have most of the supplies) ?

• PAPER: Strathmore, Arches or Master’s Touch Watercolor pad 11×15 inches coldpress 12 sheets • Staedtler Paint set 24-count watercolor • Master’s Touch Golden Taklon brush set of round brushes (382648).

Other Supplies and Materials: ?

• Artist’s Palette 6 wells plastic Master’s Touch • 2B pencil • Kneaded eraser • Old toothbrush
• Paper towels • Water jar and jar to hold brushes (glass is best) • Safe-Release Blue Painter’s tape • Drawing board or piece of Masonite (hardboard) approx. 18”x24” • Access to a camera and printer.

Both art classes are presented by Roxana Tuff, a metalsmith and illustrator who holds a BFA in painting and drawing and an MFA in painting. She has taught in the art studio area at Texas State University for 14 years.

About The City of San Marcos’ Parks and Recreation Dept.: The Parks and Recreation Department works to provide the citizens and visitors of San Marcos the highest level of programs, parks, facilities, and services that will positively enhance our vision of the community. The Parks and Recreation Department has a history of providing not only diverse and continuous programs for citizens and visitors alike but also excels in providing maintained parks such as Rio Vista park, educational centers such as the Discovery Center, and many more activities and resources for everyone in San Marcos.