The Workshops | Kirah Fine Art

the classroom

"I learned more in a week with Kirah than ten years of classes."

Let's create!

Having academic art training that began at age six, my workshops and courses offer tremendous insight and experience with materials, fundamentals, and a professional history in both traditional and contemporary processes.

Whether you prefer drawing, acrylics, watercolors, oils, pastel, mixed media, monoprinting (gelli arts), or a true beginner to visual art, I offer custom programming and mentorship for the individual or groups, from beginner to professional.

2026 WORKSHOPS

ART + TRAVEL WORKSHOPS

MATERIALS & SUPPLIES

Interested in custom private or semi-private, in-person or virtual studio sessions?

Kirah works with student-artists from beginner to professional in building painting confidence and art biz insights. Contact here.

Screen Shot 2020-09-15 at 1.37.57 PM.png

CRITIQUE PUNCHCARD

Interested in a critique or consulting session? Perhaps a painting session to work on a specific issue or technique. The punchcard is $60, can be used to get insights/advice on up to three works in progress, or a painting session, juried show submissions, grant proposals, art biz advice, materials questions, or push past blocks.

This can be in person or virtual. Available in the art "store."

Purchase a card!

2026 LECTURES CLICK HERE

2026 WORKSHOPS

WATERCOLOR 101

Hannah Block Community Arts Center

Wednesdays, February 4, 11, 18, and 25

12:30 - 3:30 pm

Three in-person, small-group sessions remain! These are an opportunity to

focus on

color theory with watercolor, or your preferred painting medium.

Due to the transparent nature of traditional

watercolor, rich, bold color can be challenging. Understanding and embracing

the fundamentals of color value, saturation and temperature can dramatically

improve watercolor confidence. Each session includes instructor demos, handouts

and painting techniques. Choose all four sessions or sign up individually.

Feb 4: Value Patterns and the Power of the Monochromatic Color Scheme

Feb 11: Color Combos that Sing Sign Up Here

Feb 18: Painting Shadows Sign Up Here

Feb 25: Color Theory for the Landscape Sign Up Here

All Four Sessions: Register Here

Each session $60

12:30 - 3:30 pm

Hannah Block Community Arts Center

120 S. Second St. Wilmington, NC 28401

PAINT LIKE THE MASTERS: WAYNE THIEBAUD

Cameron Art Museum - Pancoe Studio

Sunday, April 26, 2026

10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Let’s paint pie! And cakes! This one-day intensive explores America’s modern

expressionist’s beautiful mastery of color, shape and line in still life painting.

We’ll look at capturing light, color temperature contrasts, his use of “halation”

to create Impressionist color vibrations. With demos, handouts and plenty of

guided techniques, dessert never looked so good! You’re preferred painting

medium, instructor will demo in acrylic and watercolor. Basic beginner painting

foundation required.

Cameron Art Museum

3201 S. 17th Street, Wilmington, NC. 28412

https://cameronartmuseum.org/workshops/

Adult: Seasoned Beginner to Intermediate

MEMBER $112, Not-Yet Member $140

2026 ART + TRAVEL WORKSHOPS

PAWLEYS ISLAND SPRING ARTIST RETREAT

Friday, April 17 - Friday, April 24, 2026

Join Kirah for the 46th Annual Plein Air Workshop at Sea View Inn

Spring is the perfect time for this beloved annual workshop combining great

low country painting sites, food, cultural and natural history and the historic

Sea View Inn. Every April Kirah and the artists take over the charming shabby

chic inn for plenty of plein air sketching, painting fundamentals, art history,

and gorgeous coastal inspiration. This fills up fast!

Contact the inn directly here for 2026 pricing and availability.

https://www.seaviewinn.net/artists-week-workshop/

FRENCH ALPS: COLOR CONFIDENCE WITH KIRAH

and FRENCH ESCAPADES (1 spot has opened up)

June 12 - 18, 2026

Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring grandeur of the French Alps on this

unforgettable 8-day travel painting vacation taught by renowned artist

Kirah Van Sickle.

Capture the golden glow of alpine meadows, the crisp reflections of snow-

capped peaks in crystal-clear lakes, and the charming villages nestled

in the valley, where the mountain pine fills the air.

Relish the camaraderie of like-minded artists as you savor cheese fondue

and local wines.

With hands-on instruction, stunning scenery, and a supportive, joyful

atmosphere, you’ll leave with not just new skills but cherished memories

and a heart full of creative energy.

8 to 14 participants
Watercolor, Acrylic
Pick up and drop off at Geneva airport
7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 6 dinners
Daily transportation to painting sites
2 tour leaders at all times
Price starts at US $3,990

For details and registration info: CLICK HERE

CIAO, ITALIA PLEIN AIR SKETCHING ADVENTURE

OCTOBER 2 - 10, 2026

Let's explore the green heart of Italy - Umbria!!

This workshop adventure is suitable for beginner to advanced student-artists and companions. We will build confidence working plein air, sketching, art journaling, and small, alla prima painting, taking inspiration from the art and history of Rome, and the charming medieval hill towns of Umbria.

We kick off our custom itinerary with two nights in Rome, visiting off-the-beaten path art venues, a taste of regional food and wine with our welcome dinner and stay at our charming classic, boutique hotel just off the Piazza del Popolo. Day 3 we head to our home base for 5 nights in Spello, a beautiful medieval hill town in the heart of Umbria. We will have plenty of sketching opportunities, landscapes, vineyards, olive groves and day trips to spectacular hill towns, along with regional cuisine and wines, including a cooking class and tastings. Our last night is back in Rome at the Hilton Airport Hotel connected to the terminal for morning return flights home.

Kirah has created a fun, custom itinerary rich in Italian flavors!

Starting price $3900 for companion/double occupancy.

Does not include air fare; travel insurance highly recommended.

$600 deposit to hold your spot, refundable less $100 by April 30.

8 to 14 participants

Plein air sketching/art journaling with color studies in watercolor or gouache.

8 nights hotel accommodations

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners

Private guided cultural history and art tours; Cooking class/wine tastings

Roundtrip airport transfers; transfers to regional sites

Taxes

For details and registration info: CLICK HERE

2027 ART + TRAVEL WORKSHOPS

SKETCHING THE COSTA BRAVA, SPAIN!

May 28 - June 4, 2027

I love partnering with French Escapade. This itinerary was one of my first international workshop offerings and I'm excited to return to this beautiful region of Spain!

We immerse ourselves in the sunny Costa Brava for 8 unforgettable days, sketching along the coves of the Costa Brava, with salty Mediterranean breezes, scent of pine and grilled seafood, and the rhythmic lull of the waves and distant seaside cafés.

With hands-on instruction, stunning scenery, and a supportive travel team, you’ll leave with not just new skills but cherished memories and creative inspiration.