Classes + Workshops
Discover the joy of creating with guidance in an in-person setting in Des Moines, IA. Whether you’re just beginning or ready to refine your skills, each class is designed to nurture your creativity, build confidence, and help you bring your artistic vision to life.
NO. 1
Beginner Drawing
Learn foundational techniques: line, shape, shading, and perspective. Build confidence while progressing from simple sketches to still life in pencil and charcoal.
Ideal for: Beginners or anyone looking to strengthen their drawing fundamentals.
What you’ll gain:
A solid foundation in drawing techniques
Understanding of proportion, perspective, and shading
Skills to approach more advanced art projects with ease and creativity
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Beginning Drawing | Basic Drawing Class Tanya Wilhite, Instructor
Mainframe Studio #271One - 18 x 24” Drawing/Sketch Pad https://www.dickblick.com/items/strathmore-400-
series-drawing-paper-pad-18-x-24-24-sheets/ or https://www.jerrysartarama.com/
soho-drawing-heavyweight-drawing-pads or similar
Charcoal Pencils: (Hard, Medium, Soft) (I like General’s Peel & Sketch Pencils)
White pastel pencil
Kneaded Eraser
Masking tape or artist tape
This is a great set to get started which includes many of the drawing items noted above: https://www.dickblick.com/products/generals-charcoal-pencil-drawing-kit- no-15/
OPTIONAL:
• Sketchbook or notebook for note taking
• Conte Crayons (2 per box): Black, Terra Cotta and/or Brown • Other pencils (white, extra soft charcoal, etc.)
• Other erasers
NO. 2
Beginner Pastels
Step into the vibrant world of soft pastels and discover how color, light, and texture bring your artwork to life. This class builds on foundational drawing principles to guide you through essential pastel techniques, including blending, layering, and creating luminous color.
Ideal for: Students with basic drawing skills. Beginning Drawing is recommended, but not initially required.
What you’ll gain:
Confidence working with the pastel medium
Understanding of basic color theory and composition
Your first vibrant, expressive pastel artwork to cherish
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Beginning Pastels | Basic Pastel Class
Tanya Wilhite, Instructor Mainframe Studio #271
Pastel Supply List:
Hard Pastels - Nupastels or Rembrandt (variety of colors and values)
Soft Pastels - Unison, Sennelier, Terry Ludwig, Richeson, Schmincke (variety of colors
and values)
Kneaded Eraser
Chamois or soft cloth (I prefer a chamois)
Paper towels
Wet wipes - to clean your hands periodically
Neutral pastel pencil(s) - for sketch
Sanded, colored pastel paper - cut to 9x12, 11x14 (ArtSpectrum Colourfix,
PastelMat, LuxArchival, Art 400-500 grit, Pastelbord)
Old filbert or flat brush 1/2-1” for softening edges/removing pastel
Old filbert or flat brush 1-2” for underpainting
Glassine sheets - for protecting your painting in transport
Apron - you will get pastel on you :)
Reference photos, iPad
OPTIONAL:
• Workable fixative for soft pastels
• Pastel pencil set
• Sketchbook for notes or thumbnail sketches • Drawing pencil or pen
• Viewfinder
• Reference photo(s)Materials that will be available for purchase at my studio: • Glassine sheets
• Sanded pastel paperPastels & supplies may be purchased online. I suggest getting a small set with a good variety of colors & values until you know what you prefer. Here are a few links.https://www.dickblick.com/categories/drawing/pastels/
https://www.dakotapastels.com/ https://www.jerrysartarama.com/drawing-illustration/pastelsPaper Comparison Chart: https://www.dakotapastels.com/files/pdfs/ PaperComp2023.pdf
NO. 3
Intermediate-Advanced Painting (Pastel, Oil, Acrylic)
For artists ready to take their work to the next level, this class offers space to refine technique, explore new approaches, and expand your creative voice. Whether in pastel, oil, or acrylic, you’ll be guided to deepen your understanding of color, composition, and personal expression.
Ideal for: Experienced artists seeking growth, experimentation, and a supportive environment to push their practice further.
What you’ll gain:
Advanced techniques in your chosen medium
Confidence to experiment and develop your own style
Space for personal exploration and creative discovery
The self-paced format encourages thoughtful, inspired progress. Allowing you to focus on the ideas and techniques that most resonate with your artistic journey.
Why study with Tanya?
I bring both technical expertise and a love of teaching to every session. My in-person classes in Des Moines, IA are designed to help you
grow as an artist,
explore your creative voice,
& connect with a community of fellow learners.
Each workshop blends practical skills with inspiration, encouraging both exploration and confidence!
Class Requirements
→ Sessions are in-person held once weekly, on Mondays OR Thursdays (not both) at Mainframe Studios #271 in Des Moines, IA.
All of my classes and workshops take place at Mainframe Studios in Des Moines, IA, the nation’s largest 501(c)(3) nonprofit creative workspace. It’s a vibrant hub for artists and makers, filled with inspiration at every turn.
You’ll find me in Studio #271, located at:
900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines, IA 50309
→ Full tuition is required to reserve your spot. Registration is not complete until full payment is received. Please ensure that you are able to attend the sessions as no refunds will be given once class has begun.
→ Be sure you are able to attend all sessions when you register.
→ Makeup classes will be few and far between due to limited classes and class numbers. Any missed class may be made up during the next session if space allows, but no credit will be given.
Ready to Join a Class? Register Below!
Have Questions?
I’d love to hear from you! If you’re curious about a class, want help choosing the right workshop, or just need a little more information before signing up, please reach out. Fill out the form below and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Your creativity matters. Let’s make sure you have everything you need to feel confident and excited about joining in!