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.
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.
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."
2026 LECTURES CLICK HERE
2026 WORKSHOPS:
GEL PRINT/MIXED MEDIA
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6 - 7, 2026
10 - 4 pm Adult All Levels
Cameron Art Museum - Pancoe Education Center
Wilmington, NC
Gel printing offers a fun process of exploring abstract printmaking that results in
papers perfect for any mixed media or collage project. This two day intensive starts
with basic fundamentals of gel printing, along with stencils, design techniques and
color combos. Students will create an array of collage studies with compositional
insights and other collage materials to create an array of evocative, colorful mixed
media studies. All levels welcome.
CAM Member $ 224 / Not-yet-member $280
Registration and Supply List Here
PAINT LIKE THE MASTERS: JOAQUIN SOROLLA
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2026
10 - 4 pm
Cameron Art Museum - Pancoe Education Center
Wilmington, NC
Like the Impressionists, and Postimpressionists, Sorolla was a master of light.
We can see his keen sense of place, the energy and emotional quality of color,
especially coastal themes, and embrace them into our own painting practice.
Let’s explore loose, Impressionistic techniques in this one-day intensive. All
painting mediums welcome, instructor will demo in acrylic and watercolor.
Seasoned beginners to intermediate welcome.
CAM Member $128 / Not-yet-member $160
Registration and Supply List Here
ABC'S of ACRYLIC: FUNDAMENTALS FOR THE BEGINNER
Tuesday - Thursday, NOVEMBER 17 - 19, 2026
10 - 3 pm
The Art in Bloom Gallery Classroom
Wilmington, NC
Students will bring their own supplies to class
Acrylic paint is one of the most forgiving and versatile mediums, and the results
can be bright, bold, Impressionistic, abstract…it really wears many hats. With a
focus on the still life, students will become familiar with the brushes, surfaces and
“feel” of working with heavy-body acrylic paint. Our subjects, still lifes. These
three sessions offer fundamentals, fun techniques and exercises to build
confidence, along with plenty of instructor demos, handouts and fun historical
insights. Level: For beginners
Art in Bloom Gallery - Registration and Supply List Here
2027 WORKSHOPS:
FOUND IN NATURE: GEL PRINTING/MIXED MEDIA
WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY, January 20 - 21, 2027
9:30 - 4 pm Adult All Levels
Arts Bonita - Performing Arts Center
10150 Bonita Beach Road
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
239-495-8989
Let's explore the creative magic of gel printing. This abstract printmaking process results in papers and fodder perfect for any mixed media or collage project. This two-day workshop covers basic fundamentals of gel printing, along with stencils, masking, layering, image transfer and design techniques, all inspired by nature. Students will create an array of collage studies and custom zines/art journals while building compositional and color confidence. All levels welcome. Great for beginner or seasoned gel printers or mixed media student-artists.
*I will provide the gel plates, an array of materials and paints. $5 supply fee paid to instructor. Supply list will be provided
Arts Bonita Member $ 350 / Not-yet-member $400
Registration and Supply List Here
WATERCOLOR WRANGLING: A CHUCKWAGON HODOWN
FRIDAY, January 22, 2027
9:30 - 4 pm
Arts Bonita - Performing Arts Center
10150 Bonita Beach Road
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
239-495-8989
This food-themed, one-day intensive focuses on watercolor fundamentals, brush
handling, bold color, and compositional cues. This is a great way to practice
foundational techniques, from informal sketchbook studies to more formal still life
studies. We'll cover composition and color basics, for the seasoned beginner to
intermediate level.
Arts Bonita Member $175 / Not-yet-member $ 225
Registration and Supply List Here
LIMITLESS COLOR! PAINTING WITH THE LIMITED PALETTE
THURSDAY & FRIDAY, January 28 - 29, 2027
9:30 - 4 pm
Arts Bonita - Performing Arts Center
10150 Bonita Beach Road
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
239-495-8989
Join me for this two-day workshop focused on painting and color fundamentals! For all
painting mediums, let's expand our understanding of color relationships, color-mixing, to
create fun, bold color. combos that result in more dynamic paintings. Great for both
traditional and contemporary processes. Some painting experience required, seasoned
beginners - intermediate.
Arts Bonita Member $ 350 / Not-yet-member $ 400
Registration and Supply List Here
2027 ART + TRAVEL WORKSHOPS
PAWLEYS ISLAND SPRING ARTIST RETREAT
Friday, April 23 - Friday, April 30, 2027 (GET ON THE WAIT LIST)
Join Kirah for the 47th 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 2027 pricing and availability.
https://www.seaviewinn.net/artists-week-workshop/
SKETCHING THE COSTA BRAVA, SPAIN!
May 28 - June 4, 2027 (Sign up before November 30, 2026 and save $150)
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.
-
8 to 13 participants
-
Watercolor, Acrylic
-
Pick up and drop off in Barcelona
-
7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 4 dinners
-
Daily transportation to painting sites
-
1-2 tour leaders at all times
-
Price starts at US $4,290
For details and registration: Register Here
