Neurographic art goes beyond creating visually appealing pieces; it can also have positive effects on mental and overall well-being. 

Neurographic Art was termed by Pavel Piskarev as a technique of drawing random lines into and off the paper’s edge in ambling free flow. Then, one thickens some of the lines to define and form shapes and finishes by FILLING IN the interstices aka, intersections which created in a relaxed, soothing manner activates (neuron) curves to soften any points resembling the neural patterns of our brain.  

Talent in Art or drawing is not required. This is an intuitive, relaxing exercise and not just a DOODLE on paper. You will feel your brain releasing the residue of stress and trauma as you work your way through this Manifestation of ARTFORM.  

 BENEFITS OF THIS ART PRACTICE

• Relief from anxiety
• Finding peace 
• Stress reduction 
• More mindful presence and awareness 
• Clarity and perspective 
• Expression of inner feelings
• Creating art for personal spaces 
• Therapeutic mental health strengthening

Supplies for your neurographic art will be provided however, if you have your own favorite markers, crayons or paints, please feel free to bring them to the class.  

Estelle Thibodeau is an Ordained Minister of The Alliance of Divine Love. Through her work with other ministers, she learned different methods of healing and teaching. Several years ago she was introduced to neurographic art at a class taught by a fellow minister and has been practicing and sharing this method since. “This art form, is meant to induce a meditative state in which anxiety, sadness, fear, and trauma can be processed. It opens your eyes to see the unique creation you will express & share with others in the group.” Estelle has lived in St.Augustine for 15 years, is a graduate of Flagler College, and has a business called The Seventh Root located in downtown St.Augustine. She is also the founder of The Cheesy Chess Club, a nonprofit organization providing casual unrated over the board Chess to our community.

Class sessions will be held on Mondays, February 3, 10, 24 from 11:30 to 1 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

No class session on Feb. 17.

For ages 18 and up.

What is a junk journal?  It is a creative and personalized type of journal that combines various materials, often repurposed or found items, to create unique pages filled with memories, art and self-expression. Unlike traditional journals that focus on clean pages and uniformity, junk journals embrace an eclectic aesthetic. The beauty of a junk journal lies in its individuality. There are no strict rules, so you can mix and match material to reflect your personal type and experiences. It’s a wonderful way to unleash your creativity and document your journey.

Week 1: will be creating a book cover using a cereal or cracker box.  You will or Elmers or Mod Podge glue, fabric (1/2 yard), scissors, ruler, Medium paper clamps, and  heavy weight decorative scrapbook paper that will complement your fabric.   

Week 2 and 3: will focus on selecting and decorating the signature papers using any of the materials listed below. 

Here are some common materials used to create a junk journal: 

• Paper: this can include old book pages, scrapbook paper, construction paper, letters, envelopes, and any other type of paper that can add texture and interest. 
• Ephemera: items like ticket stubs, postcards, vintage photographs, and magazine clippings provide a nostalgic touch and tell a story. 
• Fabric: Pieces of fabric, lace, ribbons or even clothing can be used to create pockets or decorative elements in the journal. 
• Stickers and Washi Tape: these are great for embellishing pages and adding color and fun designs.   
• Paints and inks: acrylic paints, watercolors, and ink can be applied to add splashes of color or texture. 
• Stamps: Rubber stamp and ink pads can add images and patterns to the pages 
• Sewing Supplies: Thread, needles, and sewing machines can be used to stitch pages together or create fabric elements. 
• Adhesives: Glue sticks, double-sided tape, or Mod Podge are essential for attaching various materials to the pages. 
• Book binding materials: awl, bone folder, waxed heavy thread, large eye heavy needle.  

Optional materials:  paper trimmer, ink blending brushes, cosmetic sponges.  

Class sessions will be held on Mondays, February 3, 10, 24 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

No class session on Feb 17.

For ages 18 and up.

This course is designed to teach the student the techniques of transparent watercolor using both the ”wet” and “dry” methods. Student will learn the unique characteristics of the watercolor medium, its possibilities and limitations, as well as the special papers and brushes used in the execution of art works.

Mr. Ouellette received his Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Arts in Painting from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He taught at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and showed in many galleries and museums including the Detroit Institute of Art. He moved to St. Augustine in 1981 where he continued his career as an artist and professor of Fine Art at the Florida School of the Arts in his twenty-six year tenure. He was also a professor of Fine Arts, Painting and Design and Art History at SJRCC St. Augustine campus. He is currently teaching Art History and Studio classes at Flagler College Continuing Education.

Watercolor Materials and Supplies                

Brushes:

• sable (preferred), ox hair (if you can find it or sable blends or sable synthetics 
• 1”       flat
• 1/2”    flat
• #8  and #10  round
• rigger brush 

 Paper:

• Two sheets of Arches 22”x30”, 140 lb. cold press,  or a 9” x 12” block      

Paints:

Box sets of tube watercolors which should include most of these:        

• ultramarine blue
• cerulean blue
• cobalt blue
• thalo blue
• alizarin crimson
• cadmium red light
• cadmium yellow light 
• new gamboge
• burnt umber
• burnt sienna 

Other materials:                            

• covered palette, plastic
• painting board
• masking tape
• materials box
• non-breakable container for water
• roll of paper towels

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, February 5, 12, 19, 26 from 9:00 - 11:00 at River House (179 Marine St. St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

This course is structured to develop basic drawing techniques by concentrating on the elements of descriptive drawing through observation. 

Students will develop the qualities of line and volume with a full range of values. The course will also cover linear perspective and compositional design.

Materials needed:

• 18" x 24" drawing pad
• drawing board
• #2 and #4 graphic pencils
• graphite stick
• white plastic eraser
• kneaded eraser
• masking tape

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, February 6, 13, 20, 27 from 9 - 10:30 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084).

For ages 18 and up.

This class is open to students at all skill levels. Instruction will consist of watercolor techniques and studies in landscapes, portraits, and intuitive painting. Students are welcome to bring their own references for study. First Class will consist of some color theory. 

Supplies needed:

• Set of pan or tube watercolor paints. 
• Brushes – mop brush or large round, several sizes of round and flat brushes, a fan brush.
• Paper- 140lb or higher watercolor paper, hot or cold press
• Liquid resist
• 2 water containers

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, February 6, 13, 20, 27 from 11 to 1 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

With instructor Liz Monaco, this class is designed to teach you the popular art of Colored Pencil to create your very own works of art. You will learn color mixing, layering, and other techniques to get the results you have always wanted. 

*Supplies Needed:

• Prisma Color Premier Colored Pencils – Set of 24
• Open Stock Colors: Black Grape, Magenta
• Colorless Blender
• White Plastic Eraser, Pencil Sharpener, Ruler
• Bristol Vellum Drawing Paper
• Tracing paper, Graphite Transfer Paper

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, February 6, 13, 20, 27 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.