San Diego County CA— MiraCosta College’s Community Education is offering the following art, not-for-credit, courses this fall:
Stunning Mosaic Gifts. All levels are welcome. Ramp up your gift giving this year! Make up to five stunning mosaic gifts in this seven-week course, such as mini tray or trivet, coaster set, ornament, candle holder, and mini mosaic box. More advanced students may choose to do their own project with individual guidance from the instructor. Come ready to play and start creating the first night! Fee: $129. Supplies: $50 material fee will be collected in class. Students may choose to purchase additional materials and/or their own tools for home use. Location: San Elijo Campus, Room 406; 7 Thursdays, 10/5–11/16, 6–9 p.m.
Clothing Reproduction, Knock-Off & Pattern Making. All levels are welcome. Copy the garments you love and reproduce them with quality fabrics at a fraction of the cost of store bought apparel. The instructor will show you how to copy garments with easy practical techniques. Please bring to class your favorite garments. You will receive instructions on how to make the pattern and sew the garment. Fee: $110. Supplies: Sewing machines are not required. A materials list will be sent prior to the start of class. Location: Oceanside Campus, Room 4529; 4 Saturdays, 10/7–10/28, 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Bring a sack lunch.
Getting Started with Your dSLR. In this workshop, you will learn how to set up your camera to optimize the quality of your photographs. We will cover the all-important topics of white balance and ISO to be able to shoot under difficult conditions. And, of course, learn about all of the little icons on your shooting dial. You’ll be able to take pictures right away! Fee: $45. Supplies: $3 material fee will be collected in class. Please bring your camera and manual to class. Location: San Elijo Campus, Room 307; 1 Tuesday, 10/10, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Watercolor–Beginning & Again. All experience levels welcome, especially the enthusiastic beginner! Join in the fun for a fresh start at creative picture making in watercolor. The keys to watercolor success are awareness of moisture content and timing. Common watercolor supplies include: water, colors, paper, brush, and YOU! Professional tips will aid all learners as we mix and match colors, suggest the three textures, explore four watercolor methods and create effective shapes needed in landscape subjects, faces, flowers, even abstracts. Fee: $135. Supplies: $3 material fee will be collected in class. A materials list will be sent prior to the start of class. Location: San Elijo Campus, Room 206; 7 Saturdays, 10/14–12/9, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. No class on 11/11 and 11/25.
From Good to Great Photos: Understanding Aperture & Shutter Speed. Even if you didn’t realize it, this is probably why you bought your dSLR in the first place! These concepts can be daunting to understand on your own. But once you master these aspects of photography, it’s what’s going to separate your pictures from the rest. We will also take a look at some of the pictures you took after your first session for constructive commentary. After this class, you’ll be able to practice depth-of-field and capture motion and time. Fee: $45. Supplies: $3 material fee will be collected in class. Please bring your camera and manual to class. Location: San Elijo Campus, Room 307; 1 Tuesday, 10/17, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Holiday Floral Design: Wreath Making. Get Ready For the Holidays! Have you ever wanted to learn the art of flowers? Adorn your home with the beauty of the holidays and floral design bursting with color. And the best part is, you will have made it yourself! Join this class and learn how to make two different kinds of wreaths. Keep your creation or give it as a handcrafted gift for that special someone this holiday season. Fee: $65. Early Bird Special $45 (Register before 10/14 for this rate). Supplies: $75 material fee will be collected in class for wreath supplies. Please bring a box or basket to carry home the wonderful work you will make. Location: San Elijo Campus, Room 406; 2 Saturdays, 10/21–10/28, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Watercolor and More— Mature Adult. All skill levels are welcome, even first timers. Would you like to paint with confidence by learning extremely easy and fun techniques to achieve quality results? Are you looking for a way to reduce stress, and have a relaxing and creative experience in a supportive group? Then this is the class for you! Fun for any level of experience. We also integrate many other materials for amazing results. Individual attention given to each student. You will be delighted with your successful paintings! Fee: $79. Early Bird Special $70 (Register before 10/17); Location: La Colonia Park, Recreation Room; Tuesdays, 10/24–12/5, 1:30–3:30 p.m.
Making Shooting Perfect Pictures Easy. To get great pictures, we will cover strategies and basic lighting. These two topics will improve your photographs tenfold, no matter what camera you use. To make getting that perfect shot easy, we will cover these tools in your camera: lens focal length, exposure compensation, bracketing, auto-focus points, and flash. You will be surprised at how being so advanced can be so easy! Fee: $45. Supplies: $3 material fee will be collected in class. Please bring your camera and manual to class. Location: San Elijo Campus, Room 307; 1 Tuesday, 10/24, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Painting at the Beach. This class is for all-level painters, beginner to advanced. Class includes discussion, demonstrations and instruction. Topics covered include color mixing, brushstroke technique, values, perspective, and composition. Each class ends with a critique that helps students evaluate what works and what needs improvement in their paintings. Paint in a friendly, nurturing atmosphere while enjoying the ocean view from the windows. Paint outside if you like! Fee: $162. Supplies: A materials list will be sent prior to the start of class. Location: Fletcher Cove, Community Center; 6 Wednesdays, 11/1–12/13, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. No class on 11/22.
Italian Tailoring. All levels are welcome. Italian tailors continue to practice their art almost exactly as it was practiced a century ago because these methods produce body and form, details, and durability. Come and enjoy the art of tailoring and afford yourself the necessary time and patience to become proficient in these time honored skills. Fee: $110. Early Bird Special $90 (Register before 10/21 for this rate) Supplies: Sewing machines are not required. A materials list will be sent prior to the start of class. Location: Oceanside Campus, Room 4529; 4 Saturdays, 11/4–12/9, 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. No class on 11/11 & 11/25. Bring a sack lunch.
Beginning Blues Harmonica. This class will get you quickly “jammin’ da blues” as you learn the many techniques to make the harmonica cry, moan, and wail the blues! Through this fun, one-night workshop, you will learn proper breathing technique, blues harmonica rhythm, improvisational techniques, and how to effectively solo and practice. Fee: $45. Supplies: A $15 material fee will be collected in class. Please bring your own C major diatonic harmonica, or you can purchase one in class for $13. Location: Oceanside Campus, Room 3102; 1 Monday, 11/6, 6–8 p.m.
For registration information, call 760.795.6820.