Classes
Art Investigations
Unlock and Elevate Your Personal Artistic Style by Discovering the Secrets in Art History
Have you ever looked at a masterpiece and wondered, “How did they do that?” Or, “What makes that great?” Most of us admire the Old Masters, but we rarely stop to take their “engines” apart to see how they actually work.
Art Investigations is a four-week intensive designed for adult artists who want to move beyond basic technique and develop a professional eye. This isn’t necessarily an history class—it’s a mechanics class. By dissecting the works of legends like Velázquez, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Sargent, and others, we will isolate the universal principles that make art “work,” regardless of your personal style or subject matter.
In this course, you will:
Reverse-Engineer Masterpieces: Learn to see the hidden “geometric skeletons” that create powerful compositions.
Master the Light: Use the secrets of Chiaroscuro to give your work dramatic depth and focus.
Navigate Color: Understand how temperature and harmony create atmosphere without making your colors “muddy.”
Paint with Confidence: Practice the “economy of means” to make every brushstroke count.
Each Two-Hour Session Includes:
The Analysis: A deep-dive lecture into a specific masterwork.
The Lab: Guided in-class drawing and painting exercises focused on a single core principle.
The Bridge: Discussion on how to apply these “old” tools to your modern, personal artistic direction.
Whether you are an abstract painter, a portrait artist, or a weekend sketcher, this class provides you with a timeless toolkit to improve the clarity, strength, and impact of your art.
Course Details:
Dates: Tuesday, February 3, 10, 17, 23
Times: 3pm - 5pm (Eastern Standard Time)
Location: On Zoom
Ages: 18+
Cost: $195
Registration: Click Here (Sign-up deadline, January 31st)
Join in and start painting with the clarity of a master.
Drawing, Painting & Printmaking Fundamentals I
Description: Brush up on the fundamentals of a variety of art mediums and techniques. In this first session, students will cover the basics regarding drawing, painting, and printmaking. You will learn how they each have their own strengths as well as how the techniques within each can intersect and build on each other. The first segment of classes will break down sketching, compositional drawing, and how to get to a finished drawn piece. In the second segment, the class will go over painting styles and techniques to specific mediums. The last portion of class will cover printmaking, giving students a unique look into the art form through monotypes, relief or linoleum printing, as well as drypoint etching. While this is an introductory class, it will be worthwhile no matter your level of artistic experience!
Another session of this class continues in March 2026; Session 2 will build on the skills you learn in Session 1.
Materials will be provided but students can bring in tools/materials that they like to use! Particularly during the painting-focused portion of class, students can bring in any specific paint mediums that they enjoy to use for their projects/learning.
Date: Feb 4 - Mar 4, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Days of the week: Wednesdays
Age Group: Adult
Location: CTAC - Traverse City - Basement Studio
322 Sixth St, Traverse City MI 49684
High School Portfolio (Ages: 14-18)
Description: Are you a creative teen preparing for art school or just looking for a creative space to make fun projects? In this 12-week program, students will dive deep into a variety of artmaking mediums, including but not limited to: drawing, painting, collage, printmaking, paper art, and more. Projects will be self-lead and built around each individual’s interests and creative vision. This is a positive, creative atmosphere that encourages group critique and collaborative conversation around art. The end of this term culminates in a group art show, exhibited at CTAC-TC!
SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE: Need-based / merit-based scholarships are available for High School Portfolio and may cover up to 80% of the tuition fee! To apply for a financial scholarship, click here. To be considered for a merit-based scholarship, contact Kristi Wodek at kristi@crookedtree.org to schedule an interview.
All materials are provided, but students can bring their own favorite materials/tools to use.
Light refreshments provided each week.
Dates: Feb 4 - Apr 29, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Days of the week: Wednesdays
Age Group: Youth
Location: CTAC - Traverse City - Basement Studio
322 Sixth St, Traverse City MI 49684
SMALL GROUP MONOTYPE ADVENTURE:
A Printmaking Workshop with lots of options
Gather a small group of friends, family, or a bunch of artists that want to work together and dive into the creative pool of printmaking! It could be a group from a family reunion wanting an activity, a unique way to celebrate a special birthday or anniversary, or artists that want to explore a new medium.
No experience necessary, just bring a spirit of adventure. You will quickly learn the basics: rolling out ink on a plate and operating a press, and from there anything is possible. Using monotype techniques, we will explore a wide variety of materials to create multi-layered, beautiful prints. We will be working with soy-based Akua inks and printmaking paper in a solvent-free studio in Cedar, MI.
Printmaking by nature is collaborative. Working together in our printshop amplifies everyone’s creative juices. Our approach to printmaking naturally leads us forward. We can set those expectations of the unknown aside and just play with color and form and composition. And it’s really fun too.
Workshops typically include 4-8 individuals, ages 16+. Small parent/child groups can be accommodated too. If you have other ideas, let’s talk it over.
The cost includes all materials.
3 hours $150/person
2 hours $120/person
We also offer multiple day workshops, let us know if you’d like to explore that option.
Workshops are held at Cedar North, 2312 E Kasson Road, Cedar, MI
Accommodations are available on property at the lovely 5-unit Cedar North Airbnb.
Always happy to answer any questions, don’t hesitate to send a note or give a call.
Royce Deans 231 883 1681