The Artists League of the Sandhills is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing high quality art education to its members and community. Housed in a converted former train depot in historic downtown Aberdeen, NC, the League offers classes, workshops, studio spaces and a gallery in which its members may exhibit their art. Membership consists of artists working in various 2-dimensional media, who find in the League a supportive and enriching art community.
Artists League of the Sandhills
Gallery, Studios, Classes
Artist-Run Nonprofit Organization in Moore County
Our February Exhibit
Water, Water Everywhere
Opening Reception:
Friday, February 7, 20255:00 - 7:00 pm
Opening Reception:
Friday, February 7, 2025
Upcoming Classes January - May 2025
Pricing: Full Member/Associate Member/Non-Member
Explore Abstraction - Oil, Acrylic, Pastel, Watercolor, Mixed Media - Linda Bruening - February 4th & 5th
Tuesday & Wednesday, February 4, 5, 9:30-3:30 $96/$108/$120
Google’s definition of abstract art is “art that does not attempt to represent an accurate depiction of a visual reality”. This class will discuss the history of the Abstract Art movements, explore the techniques and styles developed, and explore the expressive use of shapes, lines, colors and textures used to create an abstract art work. You will work a series of abstract exercises before creating your own abstract paintings. Students furnish their own supplies. All levels. (1 hour lunch)
Watercolor Basics – Jean Smyth - February 10th & 11th
Monday & Tuesday, February 10, 11, 10:00-3:00 $77/$87/$96
This class is for those who have always wanted to try watercolor and those who have tried watercolor and want to “brush up.” The basics will be emphasized. We will examine types of paper, brushes, setting up the palette, and paints. Simple techniques will be demonstrated. We will paint a floral painting on the first day and a simple landscape on the second day from your photo or examples provided. Beginner
Drawing – Pencil on Newsprint - Bonnie Bessette – February 12th
Wednesday, February 12, 1:00-3:00 $20/$22/$24
This class will introduce students to the concept of left and right brain. You will learn how to shift from the verbal left side to the creative right side of your brain, as well as how they differ, what their strengths are, and how we can get familiar with each. Exercises will include shifting from left side to right, understanding contour, and several live model exercises.
Loving Landscapes - Courtney Herndon – February 13th & 14th
Thursday & Friday, February 13, 14, 10:00-3:30 $86/$97/$108
Please come paint our beautiful world with me. We will be exploring and enhancing our photos to convey our love of the land and sea. We will be mixing paints and putting into practice sound color theories, bringing life to our pictures, with big brushes, the right values, and lots of thought. “A loose painting is not loosely done.” A demo each day, ocean and fresh water, and a lot of personal painting time. (30 minute lunch)
Workshops
Creative Floral Design in Watercolor Linda Griffin March 13 - 14, 2025 10:00-3:00
In my workshops, my goal is to help students let go of watercolor rules and take risks by trying bold colors, transparent washes, more contrast, and unusual angles. In the beginning hour I will talk about color as it applies to watercolor. I don’t do a lot of drawing as I feel this tightens one up. I will often start with one color scheme and change it completely as the colors dry. Many times my failures have turned out to be my best successes because they became less precious…no longer afraid of ruining it by trying new things. We will work with the photos students bring. I will be talking about them and making suggestions as to how their choices could become more exciting. I will paint demos as needed throughout the day to help explain suggestions and I will also walk around to help students individually. At the end of the workshop I will critique the work that was done. Full Members $325, Associate Members $355, Non-Members $385
Plein Aire Painting – Jeremy Sams April 8-10, 2025
Rejuvenate your artistic creativity by painting in the greatest studio of all…the great outdoors! Join award winning acrylic artist, Jeremy Sams in this landscape painting workshop held at the Artist League of the Sandhills. This workshop will focus on the fundamentals of plein air painting and the “how to’s” of capturing the essence of a live scene in your preferred medium.
“En plein air” is a French term for “in the open air”. The focus of plein air painting is painting on location, from life. This style of painting, which was made popular by the impressionists of the 19th century, brings many challenges to the artist. Some of these challenges include:
“How do I get set up for plein air painting?”
“With all the information the outdoors presents, how do you narrow down a subject matter to paint?”
“How do I compose a story through painting?”
“Once you’ve found your subject, how do you organize a pleasing composition?”
“What’s the big deal about ‘values’, and how do you capture them effectively?
“How do I use color temperature to give depth and vibrancy?”
“What do I do about that sunlight that keeps changing so fast?”
“How do you make soft edges and blends in acrylics?”
This workshop will address these challenges through demonstrations, group discussion and personal one on one training to help you face the great outdoors with confidence. All levels, from beginner to intermediate, are welcome.
Full members $400, Associate members $440, Non members $480.
Painting "Painterly" from a Photo Reference – Daniel Graziano September 29, 30, and October 1, 2025
This three-day workshop will focus on painting “alla prima” (all at once) as well as developing greater skills of observation, simplification and quickly painting “wet on wet” to create strong “painterly” paintings. The workshop will also discuss techniques to quickly transfer the important elements of a reference photo to the canvas, creating an artistic painting rather than simply rendering a photograph. This workshop is designed for beginning to advanced painters in both oil and acrylic mediums, however proficiency in basic drawing is required. Participants are encouraged to bring photos to paint from or may choose from photos brought by the instructor.
Our March Show:
Abstracted
Opening Reception
Friday, March 7, 5:00-7:00
The Artists League of the Sandhills presents “Abstracted” – an exhibit featuring abstract paintings which have been created in a variety of mediums. The exhibit opens with a public reception on Friday, March 7, from 5-7, and runs through March 28.
The Google definition of abstract art is “art that does not attempt to represent an accurate depiction of a visual reality but instead uses shapes, colors, forms, and gestural marks to achieve its effect.” Several members of the Artist League have been experimenting with abstract painting over the last several years, feeling that a range of sensations [or emotions] can be presented in a non-representational manner. Throughout the world, abstract art has demonstrated enduring power to surprise and delight. The artists invite you to experience that with them.
In addition, the Artists League is now offering a variety of classes that give artists an opportunity to explore abstraction for themselves. Enjoy the art during our reception and then register for a class if you are interested in learning new skills.
Register for Classes and Workshops
Check out the art classes and workshops offered by the Artists League. Now is a great time to explore a new medium, brush up skills, and have a wonderful artistic time! Many classes are suitable for beginners.
Stop in and visit our 34 studios and enjoy the opportunity to talk with artists at work. While you are here, stroll through the studio area and view the hundreds of paintings in all mediums. The Artists League has the largest selection of artwork in the Sandhills!!!
Look at the amazing art, make a purchase, or get inspired to take a class!
What a great gift idea… give original art or classes!
Not comfortable choosing a class or a painting for someone else?
Purchase an ALS Gift Certificate!
Our art library is like nothing in the county! Hundreds of books with art information and instruction, which our members may check out.
This project is supported by the Arts Council of Moore County, and by the
North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources,
