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Monmouth County Parks System

Adult Classes 

Pastel Impressionism

WINTER 2025

Sections Available

Mon, Jan 6 - Feb 3

2:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Program Code:Z7051A

Mon, Feb 17 - Mar 17

2:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Program Code:Z7151A

 

SPRING 2025

Sections Available

Mon, Mar 24 - Apr 21

2:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Program Code:ZAC52A

Explore the forgiving and simple media of soft pastels. References will be provided varying in subject matter and style. Working together as a class in a step by step manner you discover how a professional artist begins, creates and finishes a work of art. This method of teaching gives you confidence and allows you freedom to develop your own style.  Color Theory, application methods and diverse techniques are used to teach you use of texture and dimension in your paintings.  All levels are welcome.  A supply list is provided on your registration receipt. 

Instructor: Gina Torello, MFA Professional Artist, LightScapes Studio LLC

*5 sessions $110.00 per person

Thompson Park Creative Arts Center

Painting the Human Form
from Life

 

WINTER 2025

Sections Available

Wed, Jan 8 - Feb 5

10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Program Code:ZAX51A

Wed, Feb 19 - Mar 19

10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Program Code:ZAY51A

Gina’s new course offers partial clothed and nude figure models weekly, with guided structured step-by-step group and individual lessons. Over the course you will strengthen your anatomical drawing and painting skills, learn how to sight proportions, self-correct, and follow guided standards of the human form. You will develop a free and less rigid painting style automatically while also developing your own color palette to accomplish your personal goals. Learn how to start painting the light to capture volume, dimension, and proportion from beginning to completion. Gina will teach the proper use of color theory from monochromatic to skin tonal studies mixing tones to correspond to the individual figure we will be painting. Always keeping in mind that students create unique painting application while developing their personal style. This method of education allows for one-of-a-kind works of art, as unique as the individual who creates them. You are welcome to paint in your medium of choice: Pastels, Oils, Acrylic, Gouache, or Watercolor. A universal supply list will be provided on your registration receipt. Model fee of $33 will be collected the first class. All levels are always welcome.

Instructor: Gina Torello, MFA Professional Artist, LightScapes Studio LLC

*5 sessions $110.00 per person

Thompson Park Creative Arts Center

Mixed Media Drawing Class
SPRING 2025

Sections Available

Wed, Mar 26 - Apr 23 
10
:00 AM-12:30 PM

Program Code:ZAD52A

This new class offers enjoyment and fulfillment for all artists. We will work with both wet and dry drawing materials such as inks, dyes, watercolor, acrylic, and gouache as underpaintings. Then, we will build upon the subject matter with layering and overlapping techniques to add new life to the drawing. We will then go back into the initial washes with dry drawing materials to design exciting, unique one-of-a-kind artwork that is both fun and forgiving at the same time. We will apply microns, color pencils, markers, and even render with pastel pencils to create your unique style, impressionistic or realistic depending on the individual artist. You will be supplied with various references for inspiration such as koi ponds, sunsets, tropical paradises, animals, and or be inspired by your own ideas as well. Come explore and learn how to mix and match many diverse mediums on one paper. All levels are always welcome.

A detailed supply list will be attached to your receipt.

Instructor: Gina Torello, MFA Professional Artist, LightScapes Studio LLC

*5 sessions $110.00 per person

Thompson Park Creative Arts Center

Painting Techniques
from Life
WINTER 2025

Sections Available

Wed, Jan 8 - Feb 5 
1:00 P
M-3:30 PM

Program Code:Z7451A

Wed, Feb 19 - Mar 19 
1:00 P
M-3:30 PM

Program Code:Z7551A

SPRING 2025

Sections Available

Wed, Mar 26 - Apr 23 
1:00 P
M-3:30 PM

Program Code:ZBK44A

An exciting new class for painters of all levels. Gain confidence in composing still lifes, setting up unique lighting, and exploring diverse compositional approaches while mastering various painting techniques each week. From drawing and composition, matching to mixing vibrant new colors for your palette, I'll guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you finish with a detailed painting you're proud of. Transition smoothly with photos of each still life to work from in class, or choose from my collection of images. All painting mediums are encouraged, from pastels, gouache, acrylics, watercolor to of course the queen of all paints Oils. Delight in painting a range of subjects, including seashells, teapots, dolls, antique toy cars, glass bottles, porcelain items, animal skulls, stuffed toys to fresh fruits and vegetables. No matter your skill level, you're welcome to join. A universal supply list tailored to your chosen medium will be provided upon registration. Don't miss out unlock your creativity!

Instructor: Gina Torello, MFA Professional Artist, LightScapes Studio LLC

*5 sessions $110.00 per person

Thompson Park Creative Arts Center

Gouache
Painting Class
WINTER 2025

Sections Available​

Fri, Jan 10 -  Feb 7

10:00 AM-12:30 PM

Program Code: Z7651A

Fri, Feb 21 -  Mar 21

10:00 AM-12:30 PM

Program Code: Z7751A
SPRING 2025

Sections Available​

Fri, Mar 28 - Apr 25

10:00 AM-12:30 PM

Program Code: ZAF52A

Gina will be teaching with this exciting medium in an extremely freeing manner. They will be theme-based: Seascapes, Animals, Floral Designs, Shells, Italian Vistas, among many other themes. All will be taught in a contemporary impressionistic style using the new inexpensive HIMI jelly gouache painting sets or your own gouache set. She will teach several diverse techniques that will allow an artist to free themselves from realism and allow a more emotionally based painting to evolve. Her step-by-step lessons will demonstrate color theory, color mixing, diversity in application with brushes, palette knives, and other non-conforming methods. She will use her personal references and show you how and what to choose to make a successful composition into a dynamic painting with a fabulous use of her own knowledge, creating a unique color palette. You will create your very own art journal book during this course. Supply List will be attached to your receipt.

 

Instructor Gina Torello, Professional Artist MFA, LightScapes Studio LLC

*5 sessions $110.00 per person

Thompson Park Creative Arts Center

Studio Time
with Gina
 
WINTER 2025

Sections Available​

Fri, Jan 10 - Feb 7

1:00 PM-3:30 PM

Program Code: Z7851A

Fri, Feb 21 - Mar 21

1:00 PM-3:30 PM

Program Code: Z7951A
SPRING 2025

Sections Available​

Fri, Mar 28 - Apr 25

1:00 PM-3:30 PM

Program Code: ZAJ52A

This class is designed as a group art studio class with a professional artist instructing each student individually. Students bring all their own supplies in their specific media of preference, all mediums welcomed. Instruction consists of color mixing through reinforcement of color theory, educating dynamic use of composition and various techniques of application of material in all mediums. Perspective lessons along with personal one-on-one critiques. All-level artists both beginners and seasoned are always welcome.

Please remember to bring in all your supplies for your medium of choice.

 

Instructor Gina Torello, Professional Artist MFA, LightScapes Studio LLC

*5 sessions $110.00 per person

Thompson Park Creative Arts Center

Daily Art Workshops

Daily Art Workshops

 

SPRING 2025

Weeks Available

Mon-Fri, May 19 - 23

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

These Daily Art Workshops offer a creative escape for artists of all levels, Each day focuses on a different artistic medium, giving participants the opportunity to explore and develop new techniques under the guidance of Gina Torello, an experienced instructor. Whether indoors in air-conditioned space or outdoors in the cool shade, the workshops offer a flexible environment for creating art.

 

Participants are to bring their own art supplies and a packed lunch, as they spend the day connecting with like-minded artists. Gina’s lessons emphasize observing how light interacts with the subject from a reference or fun still-lifes inside and outside. The workshop structure includes both individual exploration with a guided step by step lesson in composition, technique application with group and individual instruction. Upon registration, a supply list tailored to the specific workshop and medium will be provided.

Instructor: Gina Torello, MFA, Professional Artist, Lightscapes Studio LLC

*1 session $110.00 per person

Thompson Pk Creative Arts Center

SIGN UP FOR ONE OR ALL ONE DAY ADULT CAMPS BELOW

 

Monday | Pastel Impressionism        

May 19   10:00-3:00PM  | Program Code: ZBC52A

 

uesday |  Renaissance Drawing     

May 20   10:00-3:00PM | Program Code: ZBD52A

 

Wednesday | Oil Painting Still Lives   

May 21 10:00-3:00PM | Program Code: ZBE52A

 

Thursday | Plein Air Painting     

May 22  10:00-3:00PM | Program Code: ZBF52A

 

Friday | Mixed Media Magic        

May 23   10:00-3:00PM | Program Code: ZBG52A

Kids Summer Camps

Drawing Intensive Camp 

 

Summer 2025

Weeks Available

Mon-Fri,  Jul 7-11

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Program Code:Z0353A

Mon-Fri, Aug 4 - 8

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Program Code:Z0753A

If your Child enjoys drawing and wants to improve their skills this is the camp for them. Mastering drawing techniques and emphasizing the importance of observation while being taught the proper techniques to become a skilled young artist. Perspective 1 point and 2 point, achieving accuracy with proportions making and using values properly all the while creating dynamic compositions. Various media will include graphite, charcoal, fine markers, Chinese ink, colored pencils and some wet drawing media as well. Always boosting your child’s self esteem as each student moves forward at their own pace. Parents, please join us at 3:30 PM on the last day to enjoy our end of camp art show. 

*5 sessions $300 per child (entering grades 6-10)

Thompson Park Creative Arts Center

Painting Intensive Camp 

 

Summer 2025

Weeks Available

Mon-Fri, Jul 14 -18  

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Program Code:Z0453A

This Advanced exploration painting camp is for Children that Love to PAINT. Working like real artists using standing easels being instructed on how to begin a painting and finish it step by step. Your child will paint from life in classroom using still lives and outdoors in the fresh air under the trees making a plein air painting on our beautiful grounds at Thompson Park. Campers will learn how to use acrylics, watercolor, tempera and mixed media painting. They will understand and create art in the following techniques: Realism, Impressionism, Expressionism, Fauvism and Abstraction all while exploring their individual creative style.  Parents, please join us at 3:30 PM on the last day to enjoy our end of camp art show.  

*5 sessions $300 per child (entering grades 6-10)

Thompson Park Creative Arts Center

Mixed Media Art Intensive Camp 

 

Summer 2024

Weeks Available

Mon-Fri, Jul 28 - Aug 1

10:00 AM-3:00 PM

Program Code:Z0553A

Mon-Fri, Aug 11 - 15

10:00 AM-3:00 PM

Program Code:Z0653A

This exciting art camp is designed to allow exploration in many diverse mediums to help develop design skills and color theory. Young artist will discover painting, drawing, fabric art, 3D assemblage, and much more. Projects are planned specifically to develop skills, talents, and to nurture creativity and self-expression while always boosting self-esteem. Always boosting your child’s self-esteem as each student moves forward at their own pace.

*5 sessions $300 per child (entering grades 6-10)

Thompson Pk Creative Arts Center

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