Instructor: Caroline Gates Skill Level: Intermediate Ages: 16+ Medium: Oil Painting Total Class Hours: 15 Description: In this class, we will explore how to create a compelling story in a single image. Students will learn how to suggest a narrative through composition, color, cropping, and paint application. We will build worlds that keep viewers looking, drawn in through areas of tension, ambiguity, and action, rather than simply illustrating. Through discussions, analysis of famous images from art history, studio exercises, and group critique, students will gain an understanding of how to create paintings with emotional resonance. The first week will be largely discussion-based, looking at examples of narrative paintings, followed by brainstorm sessions as the students consider their own narratives and plan reference material. The second week will be all about planning — using the reference material they have collected since week 1, drawing and redrawing their ideas in many ways (using the medium of their choice: pencil, charcoal, watercolor, pastel). In weeks 3 - 5, students will work on their large narrative oil paintings, exploring how canvas size and paint application affect the piece's overall impact. Website: https://carolinegates.com/ Instagram: @caroline.gates.art Supplies: Students will purchase supplies. A list of supplies will be sent prior to the beginning of class. Approximate cost of supplies: $100 Registration will close on: March 11, 2026