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 January Exhibit
See How It's Done!
Learn How To Create Your Own Art!!!
Sunday, January 5, 2025
2:00 - 4:00
Instructors Class Demonstrations and Registration Event
Upcoming Classes January - May 2025
Pricing: Full Member/Associate Member/Non-Member
Introduction to Oil Painting for Beginners - Leigh Lassiter – January 22nd & 23rd
Wednesday & Thursday, January 22, 23, 10:00-3:00 $92/$101/$111
This introductory class will cover the essentials to begin painting in oils. We will discuss supplies including paints, brushes, surfaces and mediums. Interactive lessons will emphasize color mixing and achieving the desired color hue, value and intensity. Students will be executing a series of exercises, not a completed painting. Paint, brushes, and surfaces will be provided. See student supply list for what you will need to bring to class.
Next Step Oil Painting - Linda Bruening – January 28th & 29th
Tuesday & Wednesday, January 28, 29, 9:30-3:30 $106/$118/$130
This class will build upon your current working knowledge of oil painting. You will learn more about mixing colors and those important neutrals (grey tones); what to look for in choosing a subject matter; the importance of the correct format and canvas size; and how to develop a strong composition. You will learn to work with the alla prima and impasto techniques and the principals of design to make your paintings “pop”. The course includes a series of exercises and at least one painting. Prerequisite: Introduction to Oils or a basic knowledge of oil paints. Students provide most supplies. Intermediate (1 hour lunch)
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
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
Information coming soon.
Our February Show:
Water, Water, Everywhere
February 7 (Friday) – February 28 (Friday)
Opening Reception – Friday, February 7, 5:00 – 7:00 pm
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,
