Throughout the year, our evening and weekend adult classes offer flexible and accessible learning experiences. Registration is now closed for Fall 2023.

Spring 2024 Extension Classes will be posted in December for start dates in February.

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• $395 (noncredit)
• Instructor: Darian Newman
• Thursdays, 6:30 PM- 9:30 PM, October 5 -November 30 (8 sessions, no session on Nov 23 for Thanksgiving Break)
• CCA Main Building, Room 141 & Computer Lab A, 1111 8th Street

This studio explores a range of techniques, exercises, and core principles for developing a brand identity. Students go hands-on with typography, color and image making studies, including composition, and image as text. The course covers best practices for brand design in the context of the history of design and branding, and focuses on how branding functions with contemporary creative fields. Students complete the course with a distinct brand identity for a product or event that is suitable for both digital and print application. Students will also gain knowledge of popular and emerging trends in design and the studios and designers who are currently leading the industry.

Prerequisite: Comfortability and intermediate knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite is required. Must be 18+ years or older.

Bring to first class: Please come prepared with sketching materials, a laptop with Adobe Creative Suite and an example of a brand you admire.

• $495 (noncredit)
• Instructor: Alex Combs
• Saturdays, 1:00 PM-4:00 PM, September 23-December 2 (10 sessions, no session on November 25 for Thanksgiving Break)
• CCA Hubbell Street Drawing Studio, 111 Hubbell Street

Each week students will experiment with a variety of illustration techniques and materials. Techniques covered in class may include but are not limited to life drawing, simplifying/cartooning, hand lettering/script, incorporating abstract art, and collage. As a group we will discuss our artistic goals and students will receive one-on-one guidance tailored to their own unique artistic style, vision, and goals.

Prerequisite: None. Students must be 18+ years or older at the start of the class.

Bring to first class: Pencil, eraser, sketchbook, and any other favorite drawing materials.

Extended suggested materials (Everything on this list is not required, but intended for students to pick and choose what looks interesting to them. All of these things or something similar will also be available at Arch Art Supplies right next to the CCA campus.)

• $395 (noncredit)
• Instructor: Jade Muir
• Wednesdays, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM, October 4-November 29 (8 sessions, no session on Nov 22 for Thanksgiving Break)
• CCA Main Building, Room 102A and Computer Lab A, 1111 8th Street

Interior environments provide the physical framework for daily life, community, and activity. The design of space is a careful balancing act that satisfies established metrics while uncovering new potentials through iterative study and imagination. This course provides an introduction to interior design practice with a human-centered design approach, steering students toward the thoughtful making of space and objects. Students will design a concept for an interior space and set a framework for an extended design study. Ideas will be tested and evaluated through sequential exercises, transitioning from intuitive form-making to detailed refinement. Both physical and digital visual representation will be a core component of the curriculum, allowing participants to become familiar with drawing techniques in the context of a narrative. Topics will include geometry, programming, sequence, materiality, lighting, and identity.

Prerequisite: None. Students must be 18+ years or older at the start of the class.

Bring to first class: Please come prepared with sketching materials and a laptop. Please find three brands you find compelling and examples of the spaces that accompany them. Students will share work through MIRO, a free virtual "presentation wall" website.

• $360 (noncredit)
• Instructor: GB Tran
• Mondays, 7:00 PM-8:30 PM PST and Thursday work sessions 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM PST
• October 2-November 20 (8 sessions, no session on Nov 23 for Thanksgiving Break)
• Online

Comics can capture the smallest moments to the grandest epics through unique interconnectivity of words and images. This 8-week online class teaches the foundations of comic’s visual storytelling language and caters to all skill levels.  We’ll explore and experiment with the building blocks of comics:  story structure, character expression, panel composition, page flow, and more. Students will bring their own stories to life in weekly assignments, from 3-panel strips to multi-page comics.  By the end of class, students will have produced an eclectic collection of work of varying themes and lengths and gained a greater understanding of comics and its limitless potential.

This class meets twice weekly: Mondays 7-8:30pm PST will be dedicated to lectures, discussions and in-class creative exercises. Thursdays 7-9pm PST will be a collaborative “studio” work session when students have 10-15 minute individual meetings with the instructor as they work on that week’s class comic project.  Thursdays are optional for the students and attendance is not required to take the course. Capacity is 12 students.

The class instructor is GB Tran, a cartoonist and adjunct professor in CCA's MFA Comics program: www.gbtran.com.

Technology Required:  laptop or desktop computer (Mac or PC), high-speed internet connection, Zoom application installed before the first class meeting. Students will share work through MIRO, a free virtual "presentation wall" website.

Bring to the first class: Your preferred method for note-taking.

• $395 (noncredit)
• Instructor: Wallace Keller
• Saturdays, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, October 7-December 2 (8 sessions, no session on Nov 25 for Thanksgiving Break)
• CCA Main Building, Animation Lab 120, 1111 8th Street

This course is a fun and creative exploration of the methods and tools of visual storytelling. Students will learn how to create clear storytelling images from written ideas, and to develop these images into emotionally engaging storyboards that can be used a foundation for animation, illustration, graphic novel, comics or children's book projects. Students will create characters and environments that explore and support story structure, with emphasis on design, composition, staging, perspective, value and color.

Prerequisite: None. Students must be 18+ years or older at the start of the class.

Bring to first class: This class will use iPads with Procreate or Photoshop. If you have an iPad with Procreate or Photoshop, please bring it with you. We will also have iPads for students to use during class.

• $250 (noncredit)
• Instructor: Amy Tavern
• Wednesdays, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM, October 11-November 8 (5 sessions)
• CCA Main Building, Room E2, 1111 8th Street

The creative process is about how artworks comes to life and includes five steps: gathering inspiration, idea generation and development, preparation, creation, and reflection. Every artist has a unique process and understanding yours can be a helpful tool for making stronger pieces and for dealing with studio challenges. In this five-week course, students will learn about the creative process, and they will begin to discover and define their own. Each week, a different aspect of process will be introduced and explored through demonstrations and conversations, hands-on exercises, writing, and work time. Group instruction will be complemented by opportunities for individual instruction. Students should also expect to spend some time working outside of class. 

This class is an opportunity to deeply consider the how and why of your work. It’s also a great way to reinvigorate your practice if you’ve been feeling stuck or feel ready to explore new territory and are unsure where to begin

Prerequisite: Open to all artists with at least three years of art making experience.

Bring to first class: New spiral bound 9x12 sketchbook, pens and pencils, glue stick, artist tape, scissors, 18-inch ruler. Optional: markers, colored pencils, or watercolors.

• $495 (noncredit)
• Instructor: Daniel Mendoza
• Wednesdays, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM, September 27-December 6 (10 sessions, no session on Nov 22 for Thanksgiving Break)
• CCA Hubbell Street Drawing Studio, 111 Hubbell Street

This introductory studio course focuses on the fundamentals of drawing while exploring a variety of media, techniques, and subject matter from still life and landscape to portraiture. Using traditional and experimental approaches to drawing, students develop an understanding of proportion, form, line, gesture, and tone. Through demonstrations, practice, and class discussion, participants also hone the verbal and analytical skills necessary to examine their work critically. This course is appropriate for beginners and those wishing to further develop their drawing skills.

Prerequisite: None. Students must be 18+ years or older at the start of the class.

Bring to first class: 20” x 26” drawing board with clips, 18" x 24" Strathmore drawing pad (other brands are fine, but paper must be drawing quality), a variety of drawing pencils (4H, 2H, HB, B, 2B, 4B, 6B, 8B), soft vine charcoal, compressed charcoal (Char-kole brand), white plastic eraser, kneaded eraser, sketchbook (any unlined notebook), pen/pencil, Conté à Paris Crayons (set of 4), white chalk, and a portfolio for transporting drawings.

• Tuition: $495 (noncredit)
• Materials Fee: $55
• Instructor: Carolina Cuevas
• Tuesdays, 6:30PM-9:30PM, September 26-December 5 (10 sessions, no session on October 31)
• CCA Main Building, Sculpture Studio N5, 1111 8th Street

This introductory 10-week studio course focuses on the fundamentals of sculpture and three dimensional design while exploring a variety of media, techniques, and subject matter. Participants will experiment independently with the formal aspects of sculpture such as material, scale, surface, volume, structure, and space through assignments using materials such as wood, plaster, paper machè, and found, everyday objects. Each assignment is designed with a specific concept or material in mind, but each student will translate the prompt by how they individually embody and articulate the world around them. Students will gain basic woodshop skills while completing their projects in the sculpture studio bench room, with some access to textiles or fashion studios as needed, during lab hours, and maintain a dedicated sketchbook to hold their drawings, ideas, and notes. Students will also hone the verbal and analytical skills necessary to examine their work critically by engaging in group critiques. Readings and screenings will be assigned throughout the course to give further context as they continue to work, and to revel questions and prompts that working artists have given themselves in their practice. This course is appropriate for beginners and those wishing to try new techniques, ideas and materials.

Prerequisite: None. Students must be 18+ years or older at the start of the class.

Bring to First Class: Sketchbook and pencils. Required materials fee will cover the basics and an additional materials list will be discussed at the first class.

Pay Required Materials Fee: $55

• Tuition: $395 (noncredit)
• Materials Fee: $45
• Instructor: Charles Lee
• Tuesdays, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM, October 3-November 28 (8 sessions, no class on October 31)
• CCA Rayko Building, Darkroom + Lighting Studios, 428 3rd Street

In an age of digital photography with instant images and limitless shooting capabilities, traditional darkroom and film photography provides a hands-on slower approach to image making. This 8-week class introduces students to the basic principles and procedures of B&W darkroom photography. Class will begin with an overview of photo history, film cameras, camera operations, metering for proper exposure, and other critical components of darkroom photography. In the following weeks, students will then head into the darkroom to learn film processing, printing and darkroom techniques to produce unique silver gelatin based prints. Weekly shooting assignments and critique will help students gain the skills in learning this unique process.

Prerequisite: Students must be 18+ years or older and comfortable working with darkroom chemistry.

Bring to first class: Working film camera, extra batteries, camera instruction manuals, and any other camera accessories. An additional materials fee for film and paper is required.

Pay Required Materials Fee: $45

• $395 (noncredit)
• Materials Fee $60
• Instructor: Olivia Shih
• Sundays, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM, October 8-December 3 (8 sessions, no class on November 26 for Thanksgiving Break)
• CCA Main Building, Jewelry Metal Arts Studio A2, 1111 8th Street

This course explores basic metalsmithing and jewelry making processes. Participants are introduced to various techniques for cutting metal, soldering, forming, fabrication, and various means of surface treatment. Students might work with copper, brass, or sterling silver as they create jewelry or other small forms. A materials list will be sent to registrants. More information provided upon registration.

Prerequisite: None. Students must be 18+ years or older at the start of the class.

Bring to first class: Safety glasses (a must!), sketch book (can be just a notebook or papers in a folder), pen and/or pencil, ultra fine point black Sharpie or permanent marker, 1 inch painter’s tape, 0.5 to 0.75 inch double sided tape, 2 sheets each of wet/dry sandpaper in 220, 320, 400, 600 grits, four paint stir sticks (hardware stores or Home Depot), N95 dust mask, cotton rag or dish towel (to be used instead of paper towels), apron for metal dust/stains, closed toe shoes, clothes with close fitting sleeves (loose fitting clothing is dangerous when working with machines and torches). There is a required materials fee for metal and all tools are provided.

Recommended Jewelry Supply Vendors: Rio Grande and Otto Frei

Pay Required Materials Fee: $60

• $495 (noncredit)
• Instructor: Hifumi Ogawa
• Sundays, 10am-1pm, September 24-December 3 (10 sessions, no class on November 26 for Thanksgiving Break)
• CCA Main Building, Studios N14/16, 1111 8th Street

This course is designed for beginners and students with minimal experience. The class focuses on the fundamentals of painting, covering basic techniques and skills, using a variety of materials and approaches. Students will learn how to handle paint, mix colors, and develop composition and texture while exploring a wide range of subject matter, including still life, portraiture, abstraction, and the model. Experiments and personal projects are encouraged. Group discussions and slide presentations are interspersed throughout the course, as well as time for instructor one-on-one progress review.
Prerequisite: Open to all levels. Experience with drawing is helpful, but not required. Students must be 18+ years or older.

Bring to first class: A sketch book (9” x 12” or larger), #2 pencil, a ruler, two pre-primed canvas boards 16" x 20", acrylic paint: titanium white, cadmium yellow light, ultramarine blue, alizarin crimson, (or any yellow, red, and blue if you already have them) burnt umber and yellow ochre. Palette knife (large rounded spatula and/or medium trowel), disposable gloves, painting shirt, palette paper or paper plates, 4-6 brushes (example: size 2 and 10 rounds, size 6 filbert, size 6 and ½” flats or Blick Essentials Craft Value Brush Set), a few jars, rags or paper towels.*

*We use only acrylic paints in the class in order to keep numerous demonstrations done in the class simple and focused. If you prefer, you can get a student grade starter paint set instead of individual paints above. Some preferred paint brands include Golden, Winsor & Newton, Liquitex, and Utrecht.

• $495 (noncredit)
• Instructor: Patrick Dintino
• Tuesdays, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM, September 26 - December 5 (10 sessions, no class on October 31)
• CCA Main Building, Studios N 10/12, 1111 8th Street

Abstract painting has been with us for over a century. Where do we go from here? In this course, you will explore the challenge of creating truly original abstract work as it relates to current times. The development of a unique approach is emphasized while the creation of a consistent process for experimentation is intensified. Both source material and internal inspirations are used. Practical information for presentation is provided as well as strategies about how to navigate the art world. There will be field trips to museums and gallery openings. We learn that confidence building and critical analysis are a crucial part of discovering your voice. There will be a special focus on color theory and application when executing original works. We will learn how to base our color decisions on color schemes and complexities. Art historical discussions and references included.

Prerequisite: This class is open to all skill levels. Experience drawing and painting is helpful, but not required. Students must be 18+ years or older.

Bring to first class: Two pre-primed canvas boards 18" x 24", acrylic or oil paints (black, white, yellow, ultramarine blue, phthalo blue, alizarin crimson and cadmium red), palette knife, palette paper, several brush sizes, a few jars, rags; if working in oils, bring linseed oil and odorless mineral spirits, Gamsol preferred. No Turpenoid (or Turpenoid "natural") due to toxicity.

• $495 (noncredit)
• Instructor: Patrick Dintino
• Wednesdays, 6:30-9:30pm, September 27-December 6 (10 sessions, no class meeting on November 22 for Thanksgiving Break)
• CCA Main Building, Studios N14/16, 1111 8th Street

This course is designed to help painters develop their voice through a body of work, focusing on expanding their unique process, while discussing the implications of creating significant artwork in contemporary society. The class emphasizes the use of practical tools for establishing your aesthetic and demystifies the intricacies of operating in the art world. The course includes exercises for continuing a committed painting practice, as well as enhancing your ability to speak eloquently about your art. No prerequisite necessary except a desire to create a body of work.

Prerequisite: Experience with drawing and painting preferred. Students must be 18+ years or older.

Bring to first class: two pre-primed canvas boards 18" x 24", acrylic or oil paints (black, white, yellow, ultramarine blue, phthalo blue, alizarin crimson and cadmium red), palette knife, palette paper, several brush sizes, a few jars, rags; if working in oils, bring odorless mineral spirits and linseed oil.

• $495 (noncredit)
• Instructor: Evri Kwong
• Sundays 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM, September 24-December 3 (10 Sessions, no class meeting on November 26 for Thanksgiving Break)
• CCA Main Building, Studios N 10/12, 1111 8th Street

This oil painting class is meant to inspire your inner artist to take a deeper dive into finding imagery that has meaning to you. Through a freeform exploration in oil painting and an ongoing studio practice, students will learn basic techniques and build upon skills already learned in previous classes. Risk taking is encouraged. Projects are meant to inspire students to move beyond learning techniques to a deeper experiential understanding of how to develop your artistic voice through the medium of painting. At the beginning of class there will be demonstrations and lectures on various oil painting techniques and compositions. Students will be exposed to classical master painters as well as contemporary artists. A daily sketchbook will be a part of this class as a tool for generating new ideas for paintings or problem solving compositions. The instructor will provide 1:1 hands-on guidance for the projects and facilitate in-progress critiques to help us articulate the concepts and motivations behind the paintings we make. All points of view are welcome. The critique is meant to be a safe place for dialogue.

Prerequisite: All levels of painting experience are welcomed. Experience drawing is helpful, but not required. Students must be 18+ years or older.

Bring to first class: One Sketchbook, 2 B graphite pencils, 6 B graphite pencils, One old T-Shirt, One disposable palette, One palette Knife, Gamsol (odorless mineral spirits), Two Jars with lids (one small, one large), One smock or apron, Vinyl gloves, Gesso, (at least one quart), Assortment of inexpensive bristle brushes ( ½”, 1”, 2”,) for oils, round tip and flat tip, One house painting brush, One bottle of Damar Varnish, 2oz., One bottle refined linseed oil 2oz., One empty coffee can to hold brushes, One sheet of sand paper, 6 primed canvases or masonite boards. Oil colors: Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium red medium, Cadmium yellow medium, Viridian Green, Ultramarine blue, Cerulean Blue, Cobalt violet, Burnt sienna, Burnt Umber, Prussian Blue, Titanium white, Ivory, Black

Recommended Textbook: The Painter’s Handbook, By Mark Gottsegen and The Artist’s Handbook , by Ralph Mayer

• $395 (noncredit)
• Instructor: Merl Ross
• Saturdays, 9:30 AM- 12:30 PM, October 7-December 2 (8 sessions, no class on November 25 for Thanksgiving Break)
• CCA Main Building, Studios N14/16, 1111 8th Street

A variety of themes are explored, including the model, landscape painting and other projects drawing upon the imagination. Emphasis is given to developing a personal vision. Individual feedback and group critiques assist students to examine the properties of color and its application, along with other compositional and technical concerns. Intended for those students who have completed an introduction to painting course and wish to further develop their body of work.

Prerequisite: Students must be 18+ years or older and have experience painting in oils or acrylics. Intended for those students who have completed an introduction to painting course and wish to further develop their visual explorations using acrylic or oil paint.

Bring to first class: Several brushes (small, medium, and large), a few jars with lids, rags or paper towels, a pre-primed canvas (at least 16" x 20"), palette paper, palette knife, acrylic or oil paints (titanium white, mars black, lemon yellow or cadmium yellow light hue, hansa yellow medium, cadmium naphthol red or cadmium red light hue, quinacridone violet, ultramarine blue, phthalo blue). Please no pure cadmium colors only cadmium HUES.  If working in acrylic paint please bring Golden Acrylic Glazing Medium in matte, satin or gloss finish. If working in oils, bring odorless mineral spirits, Gamblin Gamsol (solvent) and Gamblin Linseed Oil, or Walnut Oil (any brand). Gamblin is an art supply brand that focuses on safety. Students must use Gamblin gamsol and linseed oil, no exceptions. NO Turpentine or Turpenoid, which is quite toxic, as is Turpenoid "natural". Please also bring a still life item to the first meeting.

Registration postponed til Spring 2024.

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This course introduces the medium of watercolor painting, while providing an environment where students can experiment with a variety of techniques and practice controlling this notoriously unpredictable medium. We will cover various techniques and tricks and learn about color, layering, blending, hard and soft edges as well as wet in wet, frisket and some mixed media explorations. We will draw and paint from both observation and our imaginations; using photo reference, natural objects and a live model. We also look at the work of past and contemporary watercolorists for inspiration.

Prerequisites: None. Students at all levels are welcome in this class, and must be 18+ years or older.

Bring to first class: paper and pens/pencils. If you already have watercolor supplies, feel free to bring them along. We will go over options for paint, brushes, paper, and supplementary materials on the first day.

• $395 (noncredit)
• Instructor: Darian Newman
• Sundays, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, October 8-29 (4 sessions)
• CCA Main Building, Computer Lab A, 1111 8th Street

Adobe Creative Cloud is the industry standard for digital imaging and publishing. This four-day intensive introduces students to Adobe's InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. The first day is spent learning to draw and alter vector images in Illustrator; the next day covers learning the basics of photo editing, color correction and manipulation in Photoshop. In the third session, the class puts it all together in InDesign, learning layers and multipage document setup while exploring type styles and basic layout. The fourth session allows students to revisit all three applications with time for 1:1 consultations with the instructor on individual projects. Throughout the sessions, participants explore the tools, palettes, menus, and essentials of each application through a series of hands-on, in-class exercises designed for beginners but open to those looking to refresh their skills. Course topics may change to best suit the individual needs of the class.

Prerequisite: None. Students must be 18+ years or older at the start of the class.

Bring to first class: materials to sketch (pens, paper, etc.). Class will be held in a computer lab equipped with Adobe Creative Suite.

The CCA Atelier program offers accessible, flexible, and immersive learning experiences in a variety of art and design topics for current high school students. This spring we offer 8 week figure drawing and screenprinting classes and workshops in animation, drawing, illustration, industrial design, and photography starting in October. Students build their portfolios, learning new concepts and techniques with Bay Area peers.

View course descriptions and share this registration link with all interested students!

Feel free to email us at Extension@cca.edu.

Please note, our office hours are Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm and we are closed on the weekends. For any questions regarding class locations on campus please refer to your confirmation and class information emails or call CCA Public Safety at 415-703-9510.