Workshops
To stay up to date with virtual and in-person workshops, sign up here.
Please reach out to inquire about private, group, or workshops at your institution. I am always happy to discuss possibilities.
Some Words from Students:
"Ben Hamburger is a uniquely gifted artist and teacher. He clearly and concisely explains key concepts and techniques and then provides illustrative demonstrations at the beginning of each class. More importantly, throughout a painting session, he provides insightful direction that helps the student artist to see what is “off” and what should be a next step. He listens carefully to ALL and is a patient and kind instructor who provides a supportive learning environment to every student!"
- Shelly D., Alla Prima Painting, Acrylic Underpainting, and Expressive Landscape Painting Student
"What a wonderful teacher and artist Ben is! He is extremely generous with his talent, bringing out the best of each student's own strengths as we learn and paint with him. His courses are well planned--hands-on, enjoyable, and no wasted time. In class, we talk about the topic du jour, generally with a brief demo, and then we plunge into our own work as he circulates, giving individual attention. In the classes that I have had with him, each student has been delighted with his / her development. I am a better painter thanks to working with Ben Hamburger."
-Suzan C., Plein Air Painting and Alla Prima Painting student
"If you want to pick up painting tricks of the trade, take one of the many methods classes. If you want to become a more confident and proficient painter true to your own style, take classes with Ben Hamburger. He has that special gift that has students of all ages and levels returning to study with him for a long time."
-Howard S., Plein Air Painting, and Alla Prima Painting
Technique Takeaway: The Power of Neutrals with Winslow Art Center, Purchase this Pre-Recorded Online Presentation/Demo
Price: $40.00 for up to 60 days
Description: Lots of people are worried about mixing mud, but when used well, a range of “muddy colors” not only make your saturated colors sing, but can enhance and enliven a painting. Also, most of the things we see are relatively neutral, so as a representational painter, the more you understand about mixing them, the better you will get at painting what you see with sensitivity. During this Technique Takeaway, artist Ben Hamburger will demonstrate and discuss how he mixes and uses neutral colors in his work to add depth, variety, and mood. Though no feedback on student work will be provided, suggested exercises will be provided to help you mix rich neutral colors. This recorded demo and talk will be available to students for 60 days.
Painting Workout: Skill-Building Exercises For Intermediate Painters
In-Person at New Orleans Academy of Fine Art
Date: Jun 6 - Jun 29, Tuesday & Thursday, 4 Weeks - 8 Classes
Time: 6:00PM-9:00PM
Price: $432.00
Description: Both seeing and manipulating paint are skills that can be strengthened like muscles. During this 2-day per week class, we will focus on your growth as a painter. Each week, there will be suggested exercises or “painting challenges” meant to develop your painting and perceptual skills in various areas. Exercises will focus on skillsets such as color, composition/design, and paint application and can be catered to individual needs. Some may be practice at what you already know, others may push you out of your comfort zone. Through group critiques, we will look to identify and bolster idiosyncrasies that make your work unique and authentic. This class is for folks with previous painting experience and an understanding of fundamentals interested in pushing their painting abilities forward. Acrylic and/or oil painters welcome. I will be demonstrating with both.
Plein Air Painting on Cape Cod with Cape Cod Art Center
Thursday- Saturday, July 6-8, 2023, 10am – 3pm, (1hr lunch break)
Price: Member $375 / Non-member $450
Course Description: During this workshop, we will gather in scenic locations on Cape Cod, Massachusetts to paint while immersed in our surroundings. Students will practice distilling complex visual information into strong compositions of shapes and colors that speak the essence of the place. Short demos will be followed by guidance and feedback by the instructor. Among other things, we will discuss composition, value, color mixing, massing, and mark making. Beginner and experienced plein air painters are welcome, however, this class is a class for people with some general painting experience. While demos will be provided in oil paint, both oils and acrylic painters are welcome. Workshops will take place in locations surrounding Eastham, Mass. Specific painting locations will be provided closer to the date. Students should plan on bringing lunch as well as all of their materials.