McMurray Art League upcoming events

Laura Sippos, Cyanotype Printing (Saturday, April 18, 2026)

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT

All skill levels

An early method of photography, this unique art medium uses sunlight to create a reverse image. In a fun learning environment, students mix the appropriate chemicals, apply them to paper and fabric, and create several pieces of original art. Each student will also have the opportunity to create art on their choice of an apron or a tote bag!

All materials and light snacks provided

Minimum: 6
Maximum: 16

Sue Levy, Watercolor Spring Colors Series (her LAST workshop) (Tuesday, April 21, 2026)

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Sue Levy has announced she is retiring from her many years of teaching for MAL. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of our favorite instructors!

A great class for beginner to intermediate watercolor artists!

Designed for those of you who have a desire to paint in Watercolor.
* For those with some drawing ability to those just getting back to painting and for those of you more advanced in painting.

My classes are designed to inspire and help you have a better understanding of:

How to control the water; too little; too much? Learn the tips.
Work Wet and Wet: wet paper and wet brush or dry paper, dry brush?
Values: we will do an exercise using one color to create the values from te very lightest to medium to the darkest values. You will experiment with this.
Brushes: Let's talk about brushwork: how to use round brushes and flat brushes and explore each brush to make special marks. There are flat brushes, round brushes, detail brushes, rigger brushes, angle brushes, and rake brushes to use with watercolor. All of these depend on how much pressure you apply to your paper, how you hold your brush, etc.
Very important are the elements of design and composition to help you create the best in your painting.

We will also explore the beautiful pallette of spring and talk about how to mix paints and how to best achieve luminous color! Much more will be covered as we go along in the exciting way to paint watercolor.

Class Description:

Design and composition and the principles of design.
1- techniques, painting, wet into wet, (wet paper, wet brush), dry into wet (dry paper, wet brush). See how the paint mingles with the water. We’ll do a freeform exercise. No mistakes just plain fun !
I’ll do a demo and you can paint along
2- paper, Arches 140 pound, cold press, 100% rag.
3- pigments, watercolor tube paint or cake or sometime referred to as pan paint.
4- brushes, how to use your brush to get the most from them. Round, Flat etc. brushes.
5- WATER: VERY IMPORTANT: How much water, ratio or % to the paint ratio or %. We will learn value studies by the % of water to the pigment (paint).

Materials List:

Water container can be anything to hold your water
Palette to mix paint. A styrofoam plate works
Board and tape for your paper or you might use a watercolor block.
Paper towels
Palette to mix paint,a styrofoam plate works
Board and tape for your paper or you might use a watercolor block
Paper towels
Watercolor tube or cake/pan paint:

Basic Palette:
Lemon yellow
Cadmium yellow medium
Cadmium red light
Alizarin crimson
Cobalt blue
Ultramarine blue
Cerulean blue
Yellow ochre
Burnt Sienna

This is a limited palette. If you want more colors bring them. If you are a painter already, bring your gear.

See you in April, Come and have fun with Watercolor!

This Watercolor Workshop is a casual class, all questions are welcome. Learn techniques in Watercolor; getting the maximum use of your brushes.

This class is geared toward students interested in learning the wonderful world of watercolor. Some drawing ability is preferred. For beginners to intermediate painters.

Maximum class size: 16
Minimum class size: 4

(Register here for the series or register for 4/7, 14, 21, and 28 sessions separately from the Class Calendar.)

Sue Levy, 4/21 Watercolor Spring Colors (Tuesday, April 21, 2026)

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT

A great class for beginner to intermediate watercolor artists!

Designed for those of you who have a desire to paint in Watercolor.
* For those with some drawing ability to those just getting back to painting and for those of you more advanced in painting.

My classes are designed to inspire and help you have a better understanding of:

How to control the water; too little; too much? Learn the tips.
Work Wet and Wet: wet paper and wet brush or dry paper, dry brush?
Values: we will do an exercise using one color to create the values from te very lightest to medium to the darkest values. You will experiment with this.
Brushes: Let's talk about brushwork: how to use round brushes and flat brushes and explore each brush to make special marks. There are flat brushes, round brushes, detail brushes, rigger brushes, angle brushes, and rake brushes to use with watercolor. All of these depend on how much pressure you apply to your paper, how you hold your brush, etc.
Very important are the elements of design and composition to help you create the best in your painting.

Class Description:

Water container can be anything to hold your water
Palette to mix paint. A styrofoam plate works
Board and tape for your paper or you might use a watercolor block.
Paper towels
Palette to mix paint,a styrofoam plate works
Board and tape for your paper or you might use a watercolor block
Paper towels
Watercolor tube or cake/pan paint:

Basic Palette:
Lemon yellow
Cadmium yellow medium
Cadmium red light
Alizarin crimson
Cobalt blue
Ultramarine blue
Cerulean blue
Yellow ochre
Burnt Sienna

This is a limited palette. If you want more colors bring them. If you are a painter already, bring your gear.

See you in April, Come and have fun with Watercolor!

This Watercolor Workshop is a casual class, all questions are welcome. Learn techniques in Watercolor; getting the maximum use of your brushes.

This class is geared toward students interested in learning the wonderful world of watercolor. Some drawing ability is preferred. For beginners to intermediate painters.

Maximum class size: 16
Minimum class size: 4

(Register here for the series or register for 4/7, 14, 21, and 28 sessions separately from the Class Calendar.)

Laura Sippos, 4/24 Watercolor Spring Happy Hour (Friday, April 24, 2026)

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Enjoy snacks and drinks while trying your hand at an art project.

All skill levels are welcome including the absolute beginner. Supplies and light snacks and refreshments are included with the workshop fee.

Of course, happy hour is best with friends, so bring one or two, or come and make a new one! A great date night, too!

Happy hours are the fourth Friday of most months.

Jan. 23, 2026 6:30-8:30

Feb. 27, 6:30-8:30

Mar. 27, 6:30-8:30

Apr. 24, 6:30-8:30

May 22, 6:30-8:30

Minimum: 6
Maximum: 16

Sue Levy, Watercolor Spring Colors Series (her LAST workshop) (Tuesday, April 28, 2026)

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Sue Levy has announced she is retiring from her many years of teaching for MAL. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of our favorite instructors!

A great class for beginner to intermediate watercolor artists!

Designed for those of you who have a desire to paint in Watercolor.
* For those with some drawing ability to those just getting back to painting and for those of you more advanced in painting.

My classes are designed to inspire and help you have a better understanding of:

How to control the water; too little; too much? Learn the tips.
Work Wet and Wet: wet paper and wet brush or dry paper, dry brush?
Values: we will do an exercise using one color to create the values from te very lightest to medium to the darkest values. You will experiment with this.
Brushes: Let's talk about brushwork: how to use round brushes and flat brushes and explore each brush to make special marks. There are flat brushes, round brushes, detail brushes, rigger brushes, angle brushes, and rake brushes to use with watercolor. All of these depend on how much pressure you apply to your paper, how you hold your brush, etc.
Very important are the elements of design and composition to help you create the best in your painting.

Class Description:

Water container can be anything to hold your water
Palette to mix paint. A styrofoam plate works
Board and tape for your paper or you might use a watercolor block.
Paper towels
Palette to mix paint,a styrofoam plate works
Board and tape for your paper or you might use a watercolor block
Paper towels
Watercolor tube or cake/pan paint:

Basic Palette:
Lemon yellow
Cadmium yellow medium
Cadmium red light
Alizarin crimson
Cobalt blue
Ultramarine blue
Cerulean blue
Yellow ochre
Burnt Sienna

This is a limited palette. If you want more colors bring them. If you are a painter already, bring your gear.

See you in April, Come and have fun with Watercolor!

This Watercolor Workshop is a casual class, all questions are welcome. Learn techniques in Watercolor; getting the maximum use of your brushes.

This class is geared toward students interested in learning the wonderful world of watercolor. Some drawing ability is preferred. For beginners to intermediate painters.

Maximum class size: 16
Minimum class size: 4

(Register here for the series or register for 4/7, 14, 21, and 28 sessions separately from the Class Calendar.)

Sue Levy, 4/28 Watercolor Spring Colors (Tuesday, April 28, 2026)

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT

A great class for beginner to intermediate watercolor artists!

Designed for those of you who have a desire to paint in Watercolor.
* For those with some drawing ability to those just getting back to painting and for those of you more advanced in painting.

My classes are designed to inspire and help you have a better understanding of:

How to control the water; too little; too much? Learn the tips.
Work Wet and Wet: wet paper and wet brush or dry paper, dry brush?
Values: we will do an exercise using one color to create the values from te very lightest to medium to the darkest values. You will experiment with this.
Brushes: Let's talk about brushwork: how to use round brushes and flat brushes and explore each brush to make special marks. There are flat brushes, round brushes, detail brushes, rigger brushes, angle brushes, and rake brushes to use with watercolor. All of these depend on how much pressure you apply to your paper, how you hold your brush, etc.
Very important are the elements of design and composition to help you create the best in your painting.

Class Description:

Water container can be anything to hold your water
Palette to mix paint. A styrofoam plate works
Board and tape for your paper or you might use a watercolor block.
Paper towels
Palette to mix paint,a styrofoam plate works
Board and tape for your paper or you might use a watercolor block
Paper towels
Watercolor tube or cake/pan paint:

Basic Palette:
Lemon yellow
Cadmium yellow medium
Cadmium red light
Alizarin crimson
Cobalt blue
Ultramarine blue
Cerulean blue
Yellow ochre
Burnt Sienna

This is a limited palette. If you want more colors bring them. If you are a painter already, bring your gear.

See you in April, Come and have fun with Watercolor!

This Watercolor Workshop is a casual class, all questions are welcome. Learn techniques in Watercolor; getting the maximum use of your brushes.

This class is geared toward students interested in learning the wonderful world of watercolor. Some drawing ability is preferred. For beginners to intermediate painters.

Maximum class size: 16
Minimum class size: 4

(Register here for the series or register for 4/7, 14, 21, and 28 sessions separately from the Class Calendar.)

Laura Sippos, Intermediate Color Theory (Saturday, May 02, 2026)

Sat, 02 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Knowledge of creating and using a color wheel preferred.

Take your art to the next level by expanding your understanding of color theory. This hands-on class will explore the meaning of color, color harmonies, atmospheric perspective, simultaneous contrast, and more.

Dive into the vibrant world of color in this engaging 3-hour workshop designed for artists of all levels. Unlock the secrets of color theory through easy-to-understand concepts, practical applications, and hands-on activities. Participants will explore the color wheel, learn about color harmony, and discover how to mix and apply colors effectively in their artwork. Whether you're an aspiring painter or a seasoned artist looking to enhance your skills, this workshop promises to be informative, inspiring, and a fun way to deepen your understanding of color dynamics. Join me for an immersive experience that will enrich your artistic journey!

All supplies included.

Minimum: 6
Maximum: 16

Laura Sippos, Monotypes: Gel Plate Printing (Wednesday, May 06, 2026)

Wed, 06 May 2026 22:30:00 GMT

All skill levels

Students bring their own gel plate, all other materials provided

Minimum: 6
Maximum: 16

Lisa Markowski, Micro Mosaic Pendant or Earrings (Thursday, May 07, 2026)

Thu, 07 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Create your own micro mosaic jewelry! Choose your favorite colors and start designing. A tempting array of materials will be provided including many types of glass: Filati, Millifiori, rods, stained glass, Italian smalti and numerous other embellishments. We will discuss how to design, cut and use materials and to securely place the small pieces. You can make either square. round or rectangle silver plated pendants or earrings. New sizes and shapes will be available. All tools will be provided. Supply fee, payable to the instructor, is $20 for each piece or pair of earrings you make. Come have fun and leave with a finished piece to wear or gift.

If you have any of the following, please bring them:
- Tweezers
- Wheeled glass nippers
- Jewelry files

Maximum class size: 10
Minimum class size: 6

Laura Sippos, Handmade Paper (Wednesday, May 20, 2026)

Wed, 20 May 2026 22:30:00 GMT

All skill levels

My favorite way to recycle is making handmade paper! Learn it all from start to finish in this educational and entertaining workshop. All sorts of random paper scraps and even egg cartons will become fresh paper for you to use in all of your projects. We will even create some seeded paper, which makes a great gift. Join me to learn how to make the magic happen and take home your own handmade paper. You may never throw away your little paper scraps again.

All materials provided

Minimum: 6
Maximum: 16

Laura Sippos, 5/22 Mixed Media Minis Happy Hour (Friday, May 22, 2026)

Fri, 22 May 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Enjoy snacks and drinks while trying your hand at an art project.

All skill levels are welcome including the absolute beginner. Supplies and light snacks and refreshments are included with the workshop fee.

Of course, happy hour is best with friends, so bring one or two, or come and make a new one! A great date night, too!

Happy hours are the fourth Friday of most months.

Jan. 23, 2026 6:30-8:30

Feb. 27, 6:30-8:30

Mar. 27, 6:30-8:30

Apr. 24, 6:30-8:30

May 22, 6:30-8:30

Minimum: 6
Maximum: 16

Peter Stamoolis, Abstracting a Photograph (Sunday, June 07, 2026)

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Peter Stamoolis will demonstrate his methods for using software to convert a photograph into a fascinating piece of abstract art. We finally get to see how he gets his cool results!

The class will demonstrate turning a photograph into abstract art using Corel Aftershot (other photo manipulation software have similar capabilities). Aftershot comes as part of Corel’s Wordperfect Office Suite ($99.99 for the download). Attached is a photo of the Aftershot screen.

A $20 donation to the McMurray Art League is requested.

Jim Sulkowski Oil or Pastel Series (Tuesday, June 16, 2026)

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Back by popular demand!

Oil and pastel techniques. Individual instruction. Series only.

The principles of Classical Art will be discussed and demonstrated. Form, Light, Space, Atmosphere, Composition, Color, and Value are all essential concepts. They apply to the landscape, the portrait, the still life, floral, and the figure.

There will be a still life demonstration one day and a landscape demonstration the other day.

6/16 will be Still Life Flowers and 6/18 will be Landscapes. For a biography of Jim Sulkowski, click here.

Materials list:

Oils

Suggested Brands of oil paint: Sennelier, Rembrandt, Winsor & Newton, Blockx, Williamsburg, Gamblin. Do not use Winton or any student grade oils because they contain mostly filler with little pigment.

Oil Paints: Cadmium Lemon Yellow, Cadmium Yellow Light, Cadmium Orange, Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Red Light, Cadmium Red Medium, Alizarin Crimson, Cobalt Blue, Ultramarine Blue, Thalo Blue, Raw Umber, Thalo Green, large tubes of Titanium White and Ivory Black. Optional: Burnt Sienna, Magenta

Bristle Brushes All sizes; 1/4" in width up to 2" and 3". One small pointed sable brush (No. 6). Avoid synthetic brushes.

Painting Medium to thin your paint: 1 Part Linseed Oil + 1 Part Damar Varnish + 1 Part English Distilled Turpentine OR any fast drying medium such as Winsor Newton, Grumbacher, or Gamblin.

Brush Washer: A can or jar containing mineral spirits also known as paint thinner to clean your brushes

Palette: The best palette is one that is toned a medium gray. A wooden palette is also very good. Avoid using a white palette.

Palette knife for mixing

Palette cup or small jar for your painting medium

Canvases or panels: 8" x 10", 9” x 12”, or 12” x 16”

Paper towels

Pastels

Your favorite pastels and paper.

Jim Sulkowski Oil or Pastel Series (Thursday, June 18, 2026)

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Back by popular demand!

Oil and pastel techniques. Individual instruction. Series only.

There will be a still life demonstration one day and a landscape demonstration the other day.

6/16 will be Still Life Flowers and 6/18 will be Landscapes. For a biography of Jim Sulkowski, click here.

Materials list:

Oils

Bristle Brushes All sizes; 1/4" in width up to 2" and 3". One small pointed sable brush (No. 6). Avoid synthetic brushes.

Painting Medium to thin your paint: 1 Part Linseed Oil + 1 Part Damar Varnish + 1 Part English Distilled Turpentine OR any fast drying medium such as Winsor Newton, Grumbacher, or Gamblin.

Brush Washer: A can or jar containing mineral spirits also known as paint thinner to clean your brushes

Palette: The best palette is one that is toned a medium gray. A wooden palette is also very good. Avoid using a white palette.

Palette knife for mixing

Palette cup or small jar for your painting medium

Canvases or panels: 8" x 10", 9” x 12”, or 12” x 16”

Paper towels

Pastels

Your favorite pastels and paper.

Diane Grguras, Plein Air Pastel at Gilfillan Farm (Thursday, August 06, 2026)

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

On August 6-7, we have a rare opportunity to paint on the grounds of Gilfillan Farm in Upper St. Clair (next to Westminster Church). Then, on August 8 6-9 PM there will be a "wet paint" sale of work fetauring Gilfillan Farm completed during the class or previously. There will also be food and music.

Register herefor the wet paint sale: "Wet Paint" Sale at Gilfillan Farm registration due August 5
Register here to paint on site days other than the class day: Plein Air Paint Out on Gilfillan Farm 8/6-8
Register here for the Gala: Art at the Farm - A Community Gala Celebration of the Arts at Gilfillan Farm 8/8 register by 8/5

On Saturday, August 8, Diane Grguras will be teaching plein air pastel, details below.

Note: the paint out will be held rain or shine (there are several porches in case of rain). No refunds unless we can fill your spot from the waitlist. The lower gate by the garden opens at 9:30 for check-in and parking and closes at 4:30. If you have mobility issues, indicate so during registration and we can accommodate giving you access to the upper gate for drop-off and pick-up. Please observe the off-limits areas on the map you will be provided with on arrival.

The public is invited to view the artists at work.

Click here for the supplies list.

"Special things to consider when painting out of doors" (from Barry Jeter)

Pack a lunch with something to drink.
Seating, if you like to paint sitting down.
Easel, if you want a support for your painting (some watercolorists simply hold a watercolor block with no support)
Sunscreen
Insect repellent, including tick spray, long pants suggested
Some artists use an umbrella, that's fine if you like, I have always found them somewhat cumbersome in that they have to be well supported or the wind or a quick breeze can shake your setup or take them away. Sometimes it's best just to find a shady spot that you can work in.
Sunglasses can help but they can change your colors.
Dress appropriately for the day... if it's a cool day, you don't want to be chilly all day painting.

Maximum class size: 16

Minimum class size: 8

Barry Jeter, Plein Air Watercolor or Oil at Gilfillan Farm (Friday, August 07, 2026)

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

On August 6-8, we have a rare opportunity to paint on the grounds of Gilfillan Farm in Upper St. Clair (next to Westminster Church). Then, on August 8 6-9 PM there will be a "wet paint" sale of work showing Gilfillan Farm completed during the class or previously. There will also be food and music.

Barry Jeter will be teaching watercolor or oil on August 7, details below.

The public is invited to view the artists at work.

Here are Barry's comments:

"Return to Gilfillan, En Plein Air"

Having taught several workshops at Gilfillan, and one as recently as last year, we return to this subject-rich location. Hope you can join us. Those workshops, as this one, were with the McMurray Art League, great times. This time around you can chose your medium, watercolor or oil. I will only have watercolors on my part but can help you with either medium. This class will center around several things but one of the main points I will try and get across while we are on location is to not be overwhelmed with so much subject matter and panorama views of the farm. We have to zero in on an item... could be a full landscape, could an old door or a door knob for that matter but isolating a subject and giving it your full attention is critical, otherwise you get caught up in too much. Of course this involves composition.... you may want to bring along "L" shaped croppers/viewfinders to help that process. I want to limit enrollment to no more that 12 students so that I can get around to each one. I will give a quick chat at the beginning of class and maybe point out a few things of interest on the property and then you can scout for subject matter and then set up and get started. I will be making my rounds, on my bicycle, to give pointers and help, and near the end of class we all gather for a class critique as usual. Hope to see you there!

"Special things to consider when painting out of doors"

Pack a lunch with something to drink.
Seating, if you like to paint sitting down.
Easel, if you want a support for your painting (some watercolorists simply hold a watercolor block with no support)
Water container and a waste water container.
Oil painters MUST have containers for their thinner and zip lock bags for their paper towels and or rags.
Sunscreen
Insect repellent, including tick spray
Some artists use an umbrella, that's fine if you like, I have always found them somewhat cumbersome in that they have to be well supported or the wind or a quick breeze can shake your setup or take them away. Sometimes it's best just to find a shady spot that you can work in.
Sunglasses can help but they can change your colors.
Dress appropriately for the day... if it's a cool day, you don't want to be chilly all day painting.

Watercolor supplies list here.
Oil supplies list here.

Maximum class size: 12
Minimum class size: 8

David Csont, Plein Air Watercolor at Gilfillan Farm (Saturday, August 08, 2026)

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

On August 6-7, we have a rare opportunity to paint on the grounds of Gilfillan Farm in Upper St. Clair (next to Westminster Church). Then, on August 8 6-9 PM there will be a "wet paint" sale of work completed during the class or previously of Gilfillan Farm. There will also be food and music.

On Saturday, August 8, David Csont will be teaching plein air watercolor, details below.

The public is invited to view the artists at work.

The Gilfillan Farm plein air seminar taught by David Csont immerses participants in the practice of painting outdoors, directly from nature, rather than in a studio. For over 20 years, David has specialized in plein Air painting, competing and designing many events for the arts community both local and national. David offers a unique opportunity to learn from an experienced instructor, engage with the natural environment, and develop skills in capturing the essence of a landscape or subject in a spontaneous and expressive way. While his primary medium is watercolor, discussion of composition, color use, drawing and other artistic approaches that will be discussed, are valuable to working in any media.

Here's a more detailed look at what you can expect from the seminar: Csont Gilfillan Farm.pdf

Materials list: Csont Materials List Gilfillan Farm.pdf

David has been a professional artist and illustrator for over 35 years. HE has a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin- Madison. He has taught extensively and specializes in Watercolor and Plein Air Painting. In July 2021, he won the award for best watercolor at Plein Air Easton, The largest outdoor painting competition in the country.

Whether you are a professional or amateur artist, David’s hands-on approach and personal attention will provide you with new and positive ways to approach your painting.

"Special things to consider when painting out of doors" (from Barry Jeter)

Pack a lunch with something to drink.
Seating, if you like to paint sitting down.
Easel, if you want a support for your painting (some watercolorists simply hold a watercolor block with no support)
Water container and a waste water container.
Oil painters MUST have containers for their thinner and zip lock bags for their paper towels and or rags.
Sunscreen
Insect repellent, including tick spray, long pants suggested
Some artists use an umbrella, that's fine if you like, I have always found them somewhat cumbersome in that they have to be well supported or the wind or a quick breeze can shake your setup or take them away. Sometimes it's best just to find a shady spot that you can work in.
Sunglasses can help but they can change your colors.
Dress appropriately for the day... if it's a cool day, you don't want to be chilly all day painting.

Maximum class size: 12
Minimum class size: 8