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St. Johns County Council on Aging

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Art (Drawing, Painting, Jewelry)

Assembling Signature Papers for Handmade Journals on Monday, February 23 at River House

$1250

with Liz Monaco

Calendar Feb 23, 2026 at 1:30 pm, runs for 1 week

Students will need to bring the materials to class to learn to assemble “signatures” for a handmade journal. A demo will be given on sewing the papers the cover. 

Supplies:

Bring a variety of papers, in different sizes, to form your “signatures” for your book. At least 10 papers. Listed below are some suggestions on types of papers to consider. When in doubt, just bring it! 

  • Choose Variety for Texture and Interest: Mix different types of paper such as watercolor paper, kraft paper, vintage book pages, tissue paper, or handmade mulberry paper, pages from old books
  • Think About Compatibility: Ensure the papers are compatible with the media you'll use. For example, sturdy watercolor paper works well with paints, while thinner paper may be better for collages or writing.
  • Size and Weight: Select signature papers that fit your desired journal size and are thick enough to withstand your artistic techniques without bleeding or warping.
  • Color Palette: Pick papers that complement your overall color scheme or theme. Neutral tones can serve as backgrounds, while colorful or patterned papers can act as focal points.
  • Personal Touches: Incorporate pages with special significance, like vintage letters, handmade paper, or pages from old books to add a personal or nostalgic touch.
  • Preparing Papers: Before incorporating into your journal, consider distressing edges, adding doodles or paintings, or even lightly staining papers to give them character. Machine sew the edges for added interest.

Also, please bring these items to class:

  • Awl
  • Large needle
  • Waxed thread
  • Ruler
  • Scissors

Class session will be held on Monday, February 23 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Watercolor Doodles on Thursday, Feb. 26 at River House

$1250

with Liz Monaco

Calendar Feb 26, 2026 at 11 am, runs for 1 week

This workshop will explore the whimsical world of watercolor art through playful doodling techniques. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this class is designed to encourage creativity and self-expression. We'll cover basic watercolor techniques, experiment with markers, pens and inks. Learn color blending and create delightful doodles that bring your imagination to life.

Supplies needed:

  • Paper – Hot press watercolor, or mixed media
  • Watercolor set - either pan or tube
  • Pencil
  • Ruler
  • Brushes- various sizes of round and flat
  • Markers:  water based colors
  • Markers: fine point, permanent black
  • Gel pens: Unibal white, gold, silver

Optional: metallic paints, micro pens

This one session class will meet on Thursday, February 26 from 11 to 1 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084).

For ages 18 and up.

Full Course

Journal Projects: Creating Page Pockets and Hidden Tucks on Monday, March 2 at River House

$1250

with Liz Monaco

Calendar Mar 2, 2026 at 1:30 pm, runs for 1 week

Pockets will bring an interesting and an interactive approach to add storage, hidden places for special notes, and creativity to your art journals. Embellish them with clusters, labels, charms, stickers and other decorative elements.

Supplies specific to this class:

  • Decorative papers or cardstock in colors that compliment your journal colors.
  • Lace, Stickers, Stamps, Ink pad, Charms, Magazines or books for images to embellish, etc.
  • White PVA Glue
  • Scissors

General Supplies needed:

  • Journals- blank sketch/watercolor books, or you can hand make a book or alter a book.
  • Pens, markers, pencils, rulers, brushes Paints (acrylics, watercolors, inks, metallics)
  • Colored pencils
  • Collage materials: (magazine clippings, newspapers, paper scraps)
  • Glue or adhesives 
  • Stamps and stencils
  • Washi or decorative tapes
  • Gesso: white or clear
  • Sponges
  • Palette knives

Optional supplies

  • Fabric,
  • Textured papers, 
  • Brayer
  • Gel press
  • Ink sprays 
  • Found objects or memorabilia 

Class session will be held on Monday, March 2 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Drawing 1 on Tuesdays in March at River House

$50

with David Ouellette

Calendar Mar 3, 2026 at 10:45 am, runs for 5 weeks

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 paper pad (not sketching paper)
  • 16" x 20" (approx.) drawing board
  • #2 and #4 graphic pencils
  • white plastic eraser
  • kneaded eraser
  • masking tape

Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 from 10:45 - 12:45 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084).

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Acrylic Art Class on Tuesdays in March at River House
Registration Unavailable

Acrylic Art Class on Tuesdays in March at River House

$50

with Heather Harley-Davidson

Students will learn the basic concepts of working with acrylic fast drying paints with the objective of completing three 16 x 20 paintings and framing one. The first class consists of prepping three canvases and subject matter selection while listening to lectures on the topic of art history, prep, supplies, care of brushes, and digital and old school transposing of references. In the remaining class sessions students will receive hands on instruction on pallet paint layout, supplies, taping techniques, history & symbolism, foreground and background, variations of canvases, mixing colors, brush strokes, shading, different size and framing challenges, and in-class plein air instruction and principles. Students are required to bring their inner child creativity so we can paint.

Suggested Class supplies

  • One inch disposable paint brush (needed first class)
  • Pencil (needed first class)
  • Rubber Eraser (needed first class)
  • 3 pack of Artist Canvas 
  • 16x20 (stretched or pannel) (needed first class)
  • White Gesso Primer 8 oz (needed first class) 
  • styrofoam egg carton  
  • Grumbach Acrylic Paint Set Pack of 6, 3 oz tubes "primary"  
  • 12 to 14 piece professional Artist Paint Brush Set   
  • 1/2 inch green painters tape   
  • Optional table or stand easel
  • Additional Grumbach Acrylic Paint:  Yellow, Ochre, Bunt Sienna, Raw Umber
  • Old Picture Frame 16x20

Heather Harley Davidson is an award winning multi medium artist and builder. A local of St. Augustine for 45 years, her distinct impressionism style is known by locals who delight in her use of color and depiction of historical St. Augustine. She is an active member in the St. Augustine Art Association and participates in their annual Plein Air events. She attended the University of North Florida where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology Building Construction Management. Heather's art interests motivated her studies to focus on architecture principles and art history, complemented by traveling around the world on pilgrimages to view the masters. She has taught private art classes over the years and at her mother's former Historic Grounds Book Store in Green Cove Springs.

Class sessions will meet on Tuesdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine St.   St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Watercolor Landscape Painting on Tuesdays in March at River House

$50

with David Ouellette

Calendar Mar 3, 2026 at 1:30 pm, runs for 5 weeks

This Watercolor class is designed to expose you to the unique characteristics and techniques of the medium using various scenes and compositional layout. We will be studying atmospheric perspective and depth of field that makes landscape watercolor painting so effective. There will be regular critiques and discussions to improve your understanding and skill development.

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
  • #6 and #8 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 approx. 16” x 20”
  • masking tape
  • materials box
  • non-breakable container for water
  • roll of paper towels

Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Watercolor 1 on Wednesdays in March at River House

$50

with David Ouellette

Calendar Mar 4, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 4 weeks

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:

  • 3/4” or 1” flat

  • #8 and #10 rounds,

  •  rigger brush 

 Paper:

  • Arches 22”x30”, 140 lb. cold press, one sheet or an Arches w/c block. 

           With the larger sheets, you can cut or tear them in half for easier             transportation to class.

 Paints:

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

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

Other materials:                            

  • plastic palette with wells for paint and flat mixing areas
  • painting board, approx. 16”x20”
  • masking tape, biege 
  • materials box
  • non-breakable container for water
  • roll of paper towels
  • portfolio
  • hair dryer if you have one

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25 from 9 to 11 at River House (179 Marine St. St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Full Course

Watercolor Techniques on Thursdays in March at River House

$50

with Liz Monaco

Calendar Mar 5, 2026 at 11 am, runs for 4 weeks

In this class, students learn fundamental watercolor skills, including how to create smooth gradients with washes, control bleeding for soft transitions, and combine different techniques to develop textures and patterns. They will explore how color choices and washes can set the mood and atmosphere in their artwork. The class emphasizes integrating these techniques into a cohesive composition, culminating in a final project where students apply what they've learned to create a small, complete watercolor piece that demonstrates their understanding and creativity. 

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, March 5, 12, 19, 26 from 11 to 1 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run





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