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
MAGIC OF THE MASTERS: PAINTING FUNDAMENTALS
Centers for Arts - Bonita
Monday, January 26 - Wednesday, January 28, 2026
9:30 am - 4:00 pm
From caves to canvas, academic to contemporary, throughout art history,
what are the keys to the most famous, notable works of art? This 3-day
intensive taps into an array of painting masters and the fundamentals inherent
to building compositional design and color confidence. This is an opportunity
to expand the painter's toolbox for dynamic visual storytelling. All painting
mediums welcome.
Centers for Arts Bonita
10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, FL. 34135
239.495.8989
Adult: Intermediate
MEMBER $415, Not-Yet Member $465
THE WAYS OF WATER: EXPRESSIVE COLOR & COMPOSITION
Centers for Arts - Bonita
Friday, January 30 - Saturday, January 31, 2026
9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Building on watercolor fundamentals, let's explore bold color, expressive
marks and templates for engaging compositional design. We'll even toss in
some fun mixed media techniques! Through instructor demos, handouts and
an array of painting and color studies, students will build a more expressionist
approach to mark-making.
Centers for Arts Bonita
10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, FL. 34135
239.495.8989
Adult: Seasoned Beginner to Intermediate
MEMBER $256, Not-Yet Member $320
WATERCOLOR 101
Hannah Block Community Arts Center
Wednesdays, February 4, 11, 18, and 25
12:30 - 3:30 pm
These four, in-person, small-group sessions are an opportunity to focus on
color theory with watercolor. 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 Sign Up Here
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
All four sessions - $200 (15% savings)
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 (Full w/waitlist)
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.
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8 to 14 participants
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Watercolor, Acrylic
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Pick up and drop off at Geneva airport
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7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 6 dinners
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Daily transportation to painting sites
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2 tour leaders at all times
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Price starts at US $3,990
Sign up before 11/30/25 and save $150!
Use the code EARLYBIRD at checkout.
For details and registration info: CLICK HERE
