Open Studio Painting has found a wonderful new home at the Whatcom Art Center in Fairhaven, where this beloved program continues to support artists seeking growth, inspiration, and community.
As we begin this new chapter, we’ve made a few thoughtful changes to the format. Each session has been expanded from five to six hours, allowing for deeper immersion, more individualized instruction, and extended painting time. While tuition has increased to $87 per session, we will meet one less day each month, creating a schedule that remains manageable while providing a richer and more focused studio experience.
Designed for painters of all skill levels, this guided studio intensive offers a nurturing environment for regular practice, meaningful feedback, and artistic development. Led by artist and instructor Trish Harding, each six-hour session combines individualized easel-to-easel instruction with essential art principles, medium-specific guidance, and practical insights into building a life as an artist.
Each class begins with a supportive critique of current work, followed by optional demonstrations, discussions, or presentations featuring influential artists to inspire fresh ideas and creative exploration.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to better understand and harness the unique qualities of your chosen medium
- Core artistic principles that strengthen technique and visual impact
- How to speak about your work with clarity and confidence
- Professional approaches to presenting your artwork and developing your art business
- Expect authentic feedback, practical encouragement, and a welcoming community that honors every artist’s unique voice.
We conclude each session with our heartfelt “From the Heart” Critique, offering thoughtful suggestions, celebration of progress, and supportive next steps.
Instructor: Trish Harding
Cost: $87
Class size: 10
Age groups: Adults
Mediums: Oil, acrylic, watercolor, soft pastels, charcoal
Experience level: No experience required
Materials to bring: Easel, painting supplies, reference photos and sketches, and bag lunch
Registration and payment: Please visit Trish Harding website to book your spot.
Instructor email: trish.c.harding@gmail.com
Instructor bio
Trish was born in Washington State and grew up on Lummi Island, literally feet from the water’s edge with a magnificent view of Mt Baker at the same time. She has always felt a part of the Salish Sea. Her formal art training includes Western Washington University and the Academy of Art University San Francisco.
Trish is owner of Trish Harding School of Art at Studio UFO in Bellingham WA which has proven to be the hot spot in the region for leading edge art and art education. Trish not only teaches painting at Studio UFO she also has been teaching at Whatcom Community College and Portland’s Creative Arts Community at Menucha, both for 25 years, and countless workshops around the Pacific Northwest, including museums and art centers. She is an art trip leader to such places as Paris, San Miguel De Allende, Mexico City, Yellowstone, Ghost Ranch, Palm Springs & Victoria Canada. She has facilitated the Annual Downtown Bellingham Plein Air Paint Out and Exhibition (PAPO) event for 16 years for which she received The Bellingham Mayor’s Arts Award. In 2017 Trish was selected as the Skagit Valley Internation Tulip Festival Poster Artist. Her image received the Gold Pinnacle Award from the International Festivals & Events Association for Best Commemorative Poster that year. Serving as an art commissioner for the City of Bellingham Mayor’s Office provided her with a unique opportunity to foster and contribute to the creativity within Bellingham’s vibrant art community. As a past president of the NW Pastel Society Trish established digital entries and newsletters effectively updating the society to the digital age. Her work is in permanent collections throughout the region and is the recipient of many awards. Her most recent accomplishment is being invited into the esteemed Women Painters of Washington Organization. In June of 2023 she and husband Tom moved back to her childhood home, Lummi Island, to be able to paint closer to the edge of the Salish Sea than ever before.
