Tustin Art League

2026-10-12T19:26:37.920-07:00

The Tustin Art League Proudly Welcomes Award-winning Artist Susan Kuznitsky

"Simplifying a Complex Subject" Wednesday October 14, 2026 *3:30pm-5:30pm (Zoom link Below)

Hello TAl Friends! This Month we are honored to host the wonderful Susan Kuznitsky! Susan works in oil, pastel, and various drawing media, captivating the viewer with her dramatically detailed, representational style. She studied at the American Academy of Art in Chicago, served as an assistant to Master Artist Albert Handell, and painted at the Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Art under the instruction of Richard Schmid. Now based in the Pacific Northwest, Susan paints and teaches internationally, attracting students worldwide through many online platforms.

Susan is the founder of the Chicago Pastel Painters, and holds the title of IAPS Master Pastelist, as well as being a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America, the Pastel Society of the West Coast, the Northwest Pastel Society, and the American Impressionist Society.

For a sneak peek at her thoughtful process, click Here! https://www.uartpastelpaper.com/uart-tip-62/

This Zoom Demo is open to all, click on the link below to join Wednesday, October 14, 2026 from 3:30pm to 5:30pm.

https://rsccd-edu.zoom.us/j/81018335343

2026-08-19T13:29:42.293-07:00

Wednesday September 9, 2026

* 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm pacific *

https://rsccd-edu.zoom.us/j/86451672867

* Zoom demo is free and open to all *

With fun and humor, Steve demonstrates his unique style of loose, moving, and evocative watercolor painting. Taking ‘loose’ to a new level, Steve uses bold lines, shapes, and color to create expressive paintings that draw the viewer into the scene. Learn about making friends with your watercolors, taking risks, and painting freely. Not only can you watch as Steve brings a painting to life, he welcomes your questions and comments along the way.

https://SteveGriggsWatercolor.com

2026-08-04T13:12:02.227-07:00

Tustin Art League Member Event*

Tuesday August 11, 2026

* 9:00am - 11:30 pacific *

Irvine Park - Lot W * Free Admission for Tuesday Farmers Market

Bring a sack lunch • Find a spot in the shade • Stay to paint & socialize

Local watercolor artist Pete Roberts will demonstrate the benefits of soft edges and fresh pigment to create a fresh plein air landscape watercolor painting.

Pete loves the process of putting paint on the paper. Over the last 10 years he has changed his focus from trying to create something that someone else will like to something that he enjoys doing. @peterobertsart

*2026 Dues must be paid to attend. Not a member? No Problem, Join Today!

Tustin Art League 2026 Membership Info

People who create art or who appreciate art are welcome and encouraged to join the Tustin Art League.

MEMBERSHIP

$32 TAL Individual ($45 Joint-same address)

$20 TAL Student (16-21 years enrolled full-time in an accredited school)

SUPPORTER MEMBERSHIP

$50 TAL Patron ($75 Joint-same address)

$100 TAL Benefactor ($120 Joint-same address)

PLEASE DONATE ONLINE (Checks are no longer being accepted):

Go to https://www.tacfa.org/tal/

TACFA, our parent organization is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization

**Please forward confirmation to Liberty Dickinson (socalloft@gmail.com) so that I can reach out to

the TACFA Treasurer to be sure the funds go to the Tustin Art League. Please make a note for yourself

that indicates when your 2026 dues were paid. Future membership reminders are sent to the entire group

and may not indicate your status. Please email me at (socalloft@gmail.com) if you are unsure. Double

payment of dues makes extra work for our volunteers. TAL dues are good for the calendar year Jan-Dec.

NOTE: Memberships paid early in the year facilitate early programming.

**Membership must be paid by September 1 to participate in the November Member Show**

We appreciate your support!!

Sincerely yours,

Liberty Dickinson, Membership Chair

Instagram: libertydickinsonart

Email: socalloft@gmail.com

Tacfa.org

2026-04-18T16:49:00.000-07:00

Wednesday May 13 20262:00 pm — 4:00 pm pacific
https://rsccd-edu.zoom.us/j/83594650371
* zoom demo is free and open to all *

Chuck Ceraso will demonstrate a still life oil painting using a painting knife on board. This is based on the discoveries of Monet in capturing the different lights throughout a day. Monet showed us how color is a constantly changing thing and that by training our perception, we can paint the difference between a sunny morning and a sunny afternoon as well as any other time of day and weather conditions.
Ceraso studied painting at the University of Notre Dame and with Henry Hensche after his college studies. He has taught in many places over the years including a 25 year stint at the Denver Museum of Art. His work is in private and public collections in this country and abroad.
www.cerasogallery.com
@chuck_ceraso_gallery
FB Chuck Ceraso
You Tube @chuckceraso5803

Tacfa.org
Tustinart.blogspot.com

2026-04-04T16:05:00.000-07:00

Wednesday April 8, 2026

2:00 pm — 4:00 pm pacific

https://rsccd-edu.zoom.us/j/86331392316

* zoom demo is free and open to all *

Michaela Yoro will be demonstrating painting a still life going through her personal process when it comes to navigating composition, loose brush work and incorporating abstraction.

My work is an exploration of beauty in the everyday. A quiet celebration of the ordinary through oil paint. Inspired by the character of light, the complexities of color, and the organic elegance of natural forms, I seek to capture the intimate moments that often go unnoticed. Florals, botanicals, fruits, vegetables, landscapes, and familiar corners of my home often serve as my subjects, each infused with a sense of nostalgia and comfort.

Most of my paintings emerge from personal spaces, my home or homes I frequent, where light and shadow transform the mundane into something poetic. Through my work, I aim to evoke a sense of warmth and belonging, inviting viewers to find beauty in their own surroundings. By focusing on the quiet, fleeting details of daily life, my paintings become a reflection of home, memory, and the gentle passage of time.

www.michaelayoro.com

IG @michaelayorostudio

FB @michaelayorostudio

Tacfa.org

2026-02-21T17:33:00.000-08:00

Wednesday March 11 – 6:00pm - 8:00pm PDT

(Thursday March 12 – 9:00am Singapore)

https://rsccd-edu.zoom.us/j/81892281761

* zoom demo is free and open to all *

Starting a painting on a pristine piece of paper can be petrifying no matter the size. In order to quell the anxious mind and calm my jittery hands, I often harness the power of play (and a bit of dancing). For me getting into the play and experimentation mode helps to quiet the judgemental part of my mind. Freedom arises when I play. Being playful is about following my curiosity and celebrating many happy accidents. Through this demo I will show you how I warm-up and make play an intentional part of my creative process. I am a big instigator of play and a mixologist of colours . I want my art to inspire you to go forth and play! To play is to follow your curiosity and trust your hands. I work mostly with watercolour because of its fluid and highly adaptable nature. This in turn helps my artwork stay spontaneous and responsive.

https://linktr.ee/paulwang

https://www.youtube.com/@paulwangsg

https://www.instagram.com/paulwang_sg/

Tacfa.org

2026-02-21T17:31:00.000-08:00

TUESDAY February 10, 2026*

10:30 am — 12:30 pm pacific

Irvine Regional Park Lot V or W

https://ocparks.com/sites/ocparks/files/2024-08/Irvine%20Regional%20Park%20Map_24.08.14.pdf

*Tuesday Farmers Market allows free admission

otherwise $3 admission - consider carpooling.

This plein air demo will focus on capturing light and textures. Jason will discuss the shape and composition to make an ordinary scene into a more interesting landscape painting.

Jason Li is an award-winning watercolor artist who is known for his distinctive style and diverse range of subjects, his work has garnered widespread recognition within the art community and among museums and collectors. His paintings have also reached millions of people through various consumer products.

https://store.lissomdesign.com/jasonlifineart.html

Instagram jasonli28

Tacfa.org

2026-01-12T15:29:00.000-08:00

Zoom Code Request

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqahUgibtb5rSA_pa29hDHnfQ9QbX-4ItjSEMnzjfY8-1a4g/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=101999263300831392002

As a lifelong learner, Brian Sauerland enjoys sharing his journey with others in hopes of inspiring them to explore pastels and to see how versatile this medium is. He’s passionate about painting landscapes and wants people to notice and appreciate the beauty seen in everyday life.

Brian is a nationally recognized award-winning artist who received his B.F.A. from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. He enjoys teaching pastel classes and workshops and is represented by galleries throughout the U.S. He is the Vice President of the Chicago Pastel Painters, a signature member of the Pastel Society of America, and is a designated Master Circle Member of the International Association of Pastel Societies.

sauerlandstudio.com

IG briansauerland

FB brian.sauerland

2025-10-30T19:35:00.000-07:00

Zoom Demo with

Mark Jacobucci

Fearless Flow–Painting with Confidence and Expression

Wednesday November 12, 2025

2:00 pm — 4:00 pm pacific

https://rsccd-edu.zoom.us/j/84606724668

* zoom demo is free and open to all *

Let go of hesitation, trust your brush and discover the joy of expressive painting and abstracted realism. Mark will demonstrate value layering, gentle water effect, enhancing colors in rocks & slopes, easy reflections, fall color and adding figures.

From Cape Cod to California, Mark Jacobucci's work captures coastal, rural, and urban environments with dynamic compositions and a vibrant interplay of light and color. Mark's paintings have adorned various prestigious galleries and are held in esteemed collections, including the permanent exhibit at the Hilbert Museum of California Art, and the permanent collection of the Laguna Beach Festival of Art. Explore his expressive landscapes at markjacobucci.com or connect at Insta @mjacobucci, FB Mark Jacobucci, and email at mjacobucci@cox.net.

Tacfa.org

Tustinart.blogspot.com

2025-10-30T19:14:00.000-07:00

Tustin Art League | 2025 MEMBER SHOW

November 6 - November 25, 2025

P U B L I C A R T I S T R E C E P T I O N

Friday, November 14 | 6 - 8 pm

People’s Choice Voting: 6 - 7 pm

2025 Best of Show Back Bay Sunset by Diana Mulder

Tustin Area Senior Center Gallery | 200 South C Street, Old Town Tustin

Gallery Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm & Saturday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

2025-10-06T20:56:00.000-07:00

Wednesday October 8, 2025

2:00 pm — 4:00 pm pacific

* zoom demo is free and open to all *

Using the largest brush in watercolor helps to focus and simplify for maximum impact. Quick confident strokes are a sign of competent and intriguing watercolor.

Kevin Davidson has been a professional illustrator for over four decades. He transitioned to watercolor painting on Yupo watercolor paper, most recently experimenting with rag watercolor paper.

@kevin_davidsonyupoguy

FB Kevin Davidson

To receive Zoom Demo code please submit this form by noon Tuesday 10/7.

Zoom Demo code will be emailed to you Wednesday 10/8.

https://forms.gle/2j3Atab73Dc437aHA

Tacfa.org

2025-09-08T15:58:00.000-07:00

Wednesday September 10, 2025

****** 11:00 am — 1:00 pm pacific ******

* Zoom demo is free and open to all *

Submit form by midnight 9/9 to be sent the zoom code

Code will be sent out Wednesday 9/10

https://forms.gle/2j3Atab73Dc437aHA

Alán Ramiro teaches urban sketching through weekly Sketching Life workshops online and leads immersive travel sketching retreats worldwide. His community, “We SeeTheLines”, brings together annual and monthly members to explore, create, and share their art. Based in Lisbon and Brazil, he helps people find their artist groove and fully embrace the Sketching Life lifestyle.

Alán Ramiro blends a decade of U.S. architecture experience and global travels with a two-year world tour that transformed his life, leading him to live in Europe, "retire early" from architecture, and pursue art full-time. He transforms complex scenes into vibrant sketches with ink and watercolor, continually exploring new techniques. Founder of seethelines and the We SeeTheLines community, he teaches weekly online workshops and leads immersive travel retreats, inspiring artists to dive deep into the process and fully embrace the Sketching Life.

@seethelines

www.seethelines.com

Tacfa.org

Tustinart.blogspot.com

2025-07-27T08:33:00.000-07:00

Tustin Art League updates can be found on Instagram

If you'd like to receive email updates please send a note to selenoir@gmail.com to be added to our email distribution list.

Wednesday August 13, 2025

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm pacific

* Zoom demo is free and open to all *

Keiko will transform an everyday scene into an expressive, impressionistic painting that capture mood and atmosphere

Professional artist since 2005, watercolor workshop instructor and exhibition juror. Published 9 books and 4 DVDs. Signature member of the American Watercolor Society, the National Watercolor Society, the American Impressionist Society, Master-Artist Member of the San Diego Watercolor Society.

Unfortunately we were hacked last month so you will need to submit some information in this form to be emailed the zoom code closer to the day of the event. Please submit the form now and put the code on your calendar so you are all set.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqahUgibtb5rSA_pa29hDHnfQ9QbX-4ItjSEMnzjfY8-1a4g/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=101999263300831392002

2025-06-09T10:04:00.000-07:00

Zoom Demo with Mo Bilbeisi

Rapid Painting Techniques

Wednesday June 11, 2025

* 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm pacific *

https://rsccd-edu.zoom.us/j/82409591323

* Zoom demo is free and open to all *

Moh'd has developed an innovative loose style that blends perceived precision with loose abstract expressionism. His use of vibrant watercolor pigments and expressive brush strokes distinguish his paintings and illustrations.

www.mohdbilbeisiart.com

@mohd_bilbeisi

Tacfa.org

Tustinart.blogpot.com

2025-04-27T12:52:00.000-07:00

Zoom Demo with Andrew Cortez

Landscape Painting with Gouache

Wednesday, May 21

* 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Pacific *

https://rsccd-edu.zoom.us/j/82315730379

* Zoom demo is free and open to all *

I paint and draw what I know and find interesting. The experience of creating brings me joy, not always, but enough that I want to do it again and again. There’s a story behind every piece, even if it’s not visible. One story that’s universally in each piece is the appreciation that I have the ability and opportunity to express myself this way.

Andrew Cortez is a figurative/plein air artist who teaches at Orange County School of the Arts and portrait/gouache workshops in Orange County. He also participates in artwalks such as Balboa Island Artwalk and Tustin Artwalk. He loves to teach and hopes to plein air paint all over the world.

andrewcortezart.com

@andrewcortezart

Tacfa.org

2025-04-01T15:17:00.000-07:00

Zoom Demo with

Tom Christopher

Applying Textures to the Pastel Landscape

Wednesday April 9, 2025

* 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Pacific *

https://rsccd-edu.zoom.us/j/82315730379

* Zoom demo is free and open to all *

Tom will demonstrate his award winning technique for applying an acrylic underpainting to pastels. This underpainting process gives his pastel paintings the look of finished oil paintings.

@tom_christopher_artist tomchristopherartist.com

Living in the Midwest has influenced Tom’s style of painting and choice of subject matter significantly. Many of his pieces depict very common scenes he has experienced. As a child, Tom spent countless hours playing on the riverbanks and wooded areas in Central Iowa. Even today, he continues to be intrigued with nature and the way sunlight and shadows help define the landscape. Tom continues to spend his mornings hiking and sketching the rugged landscape along the Iowa River near his home. His goal is to paint relatively common scenes in a more dramatic and interesting way. Most of Tom's finished works are the result of reference photographs and on-location (plein-air) studies.

Tom Christopher has worked primarily in pastels and oil paints. He plans to continue to explore these two mediums and looks forward to many more years of painting and conducting workshops.

Tom Christopher is a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America (PSA) and Master Circle, International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS).

Tacfa.org

2025-02-24T18:36:00.000-08:00

Mike Hernandez

High Mountain Alpine Scene in Gouache

Wednesday March 12, 2025

* ****3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Pacific ***** *

https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/98009215926

* Zoom demo is free and open to all *

Mike Hernandez will discuss the fundamentals of shape and lighting design as well as composition and color principles while painting a high alpine mountain scene in gouache.

A native Angeleno, Mike Hernandez is a plein air painter skilled in gouache, oil and acrylic. Mike’s works have been featured in several online publications as well as galleries. His process began as a young child, painting still life images. Influenced by the likes of Edgar Payne, Sorolla and Franz Bischoff, Mike soon explored the foundations of color and light in the outdoors – striving to find the beauty in the ordinary. With a palette that resides at the crossroads between industrial and landscapes, he finds inspiration anywhere from the Eastern Sierra range to the muddy concrete banks of the Los Angeles River. Mike studied at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, graduating with a B.A. in 1998. Mike was a Production Designer and Art Director as well as a concept artist at Dreamworks Animation and worked on such films as Shrek, How to train your Dragon, Turbo, Penguins of Madagascar and many other films. Mike is also a member of a limited group of the finest painters in the US called PAPA as well as a nation-wide sought-after workshop instructor. His works can be found in several private collections around the world.

mikehernandezart.com

@squatchgouache

2025-01-24T16:18:00.000-08:00

Hyun Kim

Successful Beginnings

Wednesday February 12, 2025

* 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Pacific *

https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/98009215926

* Zoom demo is free and open to all *

Hyun Kim is an award winning watercolor artist and instructor. Her zoom demo will focus on several techniques to improve drawing skills and achieve a lovely expressive painting. Hyun will show how to draw models with different eye levels and varied light sources. She uses circles and ovals (geometric shapes) as basic shapes to construct facial features and simplify complex forms. Hyun will also use imaginary grid lines to maintain proper proportions and placement of facial elements.

Hyun will cover basic color theory using a limited three-color palette. She'll go over color mixing, temperature and saturation. Expressive brushwork, pressure techniques and brush handling will also be discussed.

By incorporating these techniques, you can develop a looser, more expressive painting style while improving your ability to accurately observe and represent your subjects.

@hyunjkim2023 FB Hyun J Kim

2024-12-28T16:40:00.000-08:00

Anne Kullaf

Using Gouache & Watercolor on Colored Paper

Little bits of color join hands and conspire to form an image.

Wednesday January 15, 2025

* 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Pacific *

https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/98009215926

* Zoom demo is free and open to all *

Handcrafted watercolor paper comes in a variety of colors. I have found this to be a wonderful ground for working in gouache and watercolor. The color of the paper can be used the same as the white of the paper when working in transparent watercolor. I let it show through in places and become an integral part of the composition. And since gouache is opaque, I can easily add whites and other light colors that are lighter than the middle value of the colored paper to create lots of depth and dimension. It's a nice variation on the traditional way of working with watercolor on white paper.

annekullaf.com @kullaf FB Anne Kullaf Paintings

2024-12-02T16:18:00.003-08:00

Wednesday December 11, 2024

* 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Pacific *

https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/98009215926

* Zoom demo is free and open to all *

Watercolor artist Pamme Turner captures a beautiful Mediterranean morning with an artist painting an Italian cafe scene. Demo will show how to use a limited palette with successful watercolor mixes/soft and hard edges/fun figures/and gouache details to make the travel image memorable and lively.

pammeturner.com IG pammeturnerart travelingartist.blog

Tustinart.blogspot.com Tacfa.org

2024-11-19T17:51:00.002-08:00

Wednesday November 20, 2024

* 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Pacific *

https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/98009215926

Join artist Lesli Bonanni as she wanders into the unknown, throws water onto paper, and begins a creative journey that will surprise and delight you. Bring an open mind and your sense of adventure as Lesli shares her expressive and intuitive style. Get ready to expect the unexpected!

ART OFF THE GRIT is a fresh and innovative approach to painting. Leslie discovered this technique literally by accident; she says, “it found me.” She has been mesmerized and obsessed ever since. She feels that this is, humbly, an artistic revelation.

This way of creating is action painting. Simply put, it’s a wet on wet technique using water and ground up bark from a cork tree. At its roots, it is pure play. Yet it ALSO has the characteristics and power to inspire, delight and even heal. This process is Lesli’s passion and she feels that it’s her mission to share it with the world.

www.leslibonanni.com @leslibonanniart

Tacfa.org

2024-10-29T16:28:00.002-07:00

2024-10-03T19:27:00.001-07:00

Wednesday October 9, 2024

* 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Pacific *

https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/98009215926

Steven Grieco will share his approach to plein air painting – Grieco uses a 4 step method which includes the phases of 1) DESIGN (line drawing on toned canvas), 2) VALUE (4 values ref points on canvas), 3) BLOCK IN (just a few colors with strokes in plane of subject) and 4) ARTICULATE (highlights, lines etc)

Steven Grieco is a plein air painter who uses bold simple strokes in oil. While living in Philadelphia and then Miami, Grieco dabbled in different painting styles. It was not until Grieco moved to Newport Beach in 2016, and became aware of the plein air painting culture associated with Southern California, that he discovered his love for painting outdoors. Painting the local scenery is now an itch he can’t ignore. In addition to painting, Grieco is a practicing neuroscientist at University of California, Irvine, and studies the visual cortex.

Instagram–sfgrieco

www.randyhigbeegallery.com/store/c33/Steve_Grieco.html

Tacfa.org

Wednesday, NOVEMBER 20

2024-08-19T14:38:00.002-07:00

Wednesday November 20, 2024

* 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Pacific *

https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/98009215926

www.leslibonanni.com @leslibonanniart

Tacfa.org

2024-05-15T07:25:00.000-07:00

Tustin Art League

zoom demo with

Cindy Crimmin

Savoring the Glow

Wednesday June 12, 2024

* 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Pacific *

https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/98009215926

This demo will focus on vegetation in the landscape and the ways in which light bounces off of objects or passes through them to create a glow. We will begin with the role underpainting plays in both composition and the recreation of light. Using a more second version of the same image, Cindy will demonstrate how the finishing touches complete the effect.

Having studied the works of Joaquin Sorolla for decades, I never cease to marvel at the skill it takes to capture light. Now, no matter what I’m painting - landscape, still life, waves, portrait- I’m always looking for the light in my subject and trying to hone my own ability to reproduce it. I suspect this is one of those quests that will never end for me!