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Monmouth County
Parks System

Adult Classes 

Pastel Impressionism

WINTER 2026

COURSE 1

Mon, Jan 12 - Feb 16

2:00PM - 4:30 PM

Program Code:Z5561A

COURSE 2

Mon, Feb 23 - Apr 6

2:00PM - 4:30 PM

*no class Mar 16

Program Code:Z5661A 

SPRING 2026

COURSE 1

Mon, Apr 13 - May 18

2:00PM - 4:30 PM

Program Code:Z5761A

Explore the forgiving and approachable medium of soft pastels. References will be provided, varying in both subject matter and style. Working step-by-step as a group, you'll learn how a professional artist begins, develops, and completes a painting. This teaching method builds confidence while encouraging you to develop your own personal style. Lessons include color theory, composition, application techniques, and methods for creating texture and dimension. Instruction is tailored to each artist’s level of experience. A supply list will be included on your registration receipt.

 

Instructor: Gina Torello, MFA Professional Artist, LightScapes Studio LLC

 

*6 sessions $135.00 Per Person

Thompson Park Creative Arts Center

Anatomical Drawing of the Human Form
from Life

WINTER 2026

COURSE 1

Wed, Jan 14 - Feb 18

10:00AM - 12:30 PM

Program Code:ZA461A

Drawing the nude form through step-by-step lessons in our weekly structured course focused on life drawing and anatomy. I will be demonstrating throughout the entire course, designed to feel like an academic college-level class. Students will study the human figure’s structure using both a life-size skeleton and a live nude model during every class. Several classical methods will be introduced to build each student’s confidence in drawing the human form anatomically correct and in proportion, using a specific and reliable format. Working from a variety of models will challenge your observational skills. Proportion training and shading techniques will be taught to help you capture the subtle nuances needed to create volume and dimension in the figure. A $33 cash model fee will be collected at the first class. Instruction is tailored to each artist’s level of experience. A supply list will be included with your registration receipt.

 

Instructor: Gina Torello, MFA Professional Artist, LightScapes Studio LLC

 

*6 sessions $135.00 Per Person

 

Thompson Park Creative Arts Center

Oil Painting Techniques

WINTER 2026

COURSE 1

Wed, Jan 14 - Feb 18

1:00PM - 3:30 PM

Program Code:Z5761A

COURSE 2

Wed, Feb 25 - Apr 8

1:00PM - 3:30 PM

*no class Mar 18

Program Code:Z5861A

 

 

SPRING 2026

COURSE 1

Wed, Apr 15 - May 20

1:00PM - 3:30 PM

Program Code:ZAZ62A

Artists, come join me and build confidence as you learn the proper structure, technique, and application of oil painting materials. In this hands-on course, students will explore a variety of painting styles and master techniques used by historical artists. We will cover essential concepts such as working lean to fat, impasto, Alla Prima, and underpainting—each technique tailored to suit specific images. Over the six-week course, students will complete three paintings and be challenged, encouraged, and empowered as artists. Finished works will be 5x7 or 8x10 in size, and reference photographs will be provided by the instructor. Instruction is tailored to each artist’s level of experience. All levels are welcome. A supply list will be included on your registration receipt.

 

Instructor: Gina Torello, MFA Professional Artist, LightScapes Studio LLC

 

*4 sessions $135.00 Per Person

 

Thompson Park Creative Arts Center

Painting the Human Form
from Life

WINTER 2026

 

COURSE 1

Wed, Feb 25 - Apr 8

10:00AM - 12:30 PM

*no class Mar 18

Program Code:ZA561A

Explore expressive painting of the human figure in this 6-week course led by Gina Torello. Through structured, step-by-step lessons and individual guidance, students will develop skills in anatomy, proportion, and color. Learn how light wraps around the figure, how to mix color diverse palettes effectively, and how to paint with confidence from start to finish. Each session a new palette is introduced includes a live model with demonstrations using diverse application and painting styles to teach flexibility. Gina’s approach encourages a free, less rigid painting style while focusing on structure and observation and guidance of a life size skeleton. A $33 cash model fee will be collected at the first class. Instruction is tailored to each artist’s level of experience. A supply list will be included with your registration receipt.

 

Instructor: Gina Torello, MFA Professional Artist, LightScapes Studio LLC

 

*6 sessions $135.00 Per Person

Thompson Park Creative Arts Center

Studio Time
with Gina

WINTER 2026

COURSE 1 

Fri, Jan 16 - Feb 20

10:00AM - 1:00 PM

Program Code:Z5961A

COURSE 2 

Fri, Feb 27 - Apr 10

10:00AM - 1:00 PM

*no class Mar 30

Program Code:Z6061A

SPRING 2026

COURSE 1 

Fri, Apr 17 - May 15

10:00AM - 1:00 PM

Program Code:ZB062A

This class offers a group studio environment with personalized instruction from a professional artist. Students are encouraged to work in their preferred medium, all mediums are welcome. Instruction includes color mixing through color theory, dynamic composition, and a variety of techniques tailored to each medium. Perspective lessons and one-on-one critiques are also provided to support artistic growth. All levels are welcome, from beginners to experienced artists. Instruction is tailored to each artist’s level of experience. Please remember to bring all necessary supplies for your chosen medium, as materials are not included.

 

Instructor: Gina Torello, MFA Professional Artist, LightScapes Studio LLC

 

*6 sessions $150.00 Per Person | 5 sessions $125.00 Per Person

 

Thompson Park Creative Arts Center

Gouache Painting

SPRING 2026

COURSE 1

Wed, Apr 15 - May 20

10:00AM - 12:30 PM

Program Code:ZAY62A  

Discover the vibrant world of gouache painting through expressive, theme-based projects like seascapes, animals, florals, and Italian vistas. Using HIMI jelly gouache or your own materials, you'll explore contemporary impressionistic techniques that move beyond realism and embrace creativity. Guided by an experienced artist, each step-by-step lesson covers color theory, dynamic composition, and unique application methods with brushes, palette knives, and more. Gina shares her personal references and methods to help you create powerful, expressive works. Perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike, this class encourages bold experimentation and confident painting. A detailed supply list will be included with your registration confirmation please review it and come prepared.

 

Instructor: Gina Torello, MFA Professional Artist, LightScapes Studio LLC

 

*6 sessions $144.00 Per Person

 

Thompson Park Creative Arts Center

Kids Summer Camps

LightScapes Studio Drawing Camp 

 

SUMMER 2026

WEEK 1

Mon-Fri,  Jul 6-10

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Program Code:Z2463A

WEEK 2

Mon-Fri, Aug 3 - 7

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Program Code:Z2563A

If your Child enjoys drawing and wants to improve their skills this is the camp for them. Mastering drawing techniques and emphasizing the importance of observation while being taught the proper techniques to become a skilled young artist. Perspective lessons achieving accuracy with proportions making and using values properly all the while creating dynamic compositions. Various media will include dry drawing mediums such as graphite, charcoal, chiaroscuro, colored pencils and pastels and wet drawing materials: watercolor pencils, dyes, inks and sharpies. Always boosting your child’s self-esteem as each student moves forward at their own pace.

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Instructor: Gina Torello, MFA Professional Artist, LightScapes Studio LLC

*5 sessions $330per child (entering grades 6-10)

Thompson Park Creative Arts Center

LightScapes Studio Painting Camp 

 

SUMMER 2026

WEEK 1

Mon-Fri, Jul 13 -16  

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Program Code:Z2663A

This advanced exploration painting camp is for children that love to paint. Working like real artists using standing easels being instructed on how to begin a painting and finish it step by step. Your child will paint from life in classroom using still lives and outdoors in the fresh air under the trees making a plein air painting on our beautiful grounds. Campers will learn how to use acrylics, watercolor, tempera and mixed media painting. They will understand and create art in the following techniques: Realism, Impressionism, Expressionism, Fauvism and Abstraction all while exploring their individual creative style. 

Instructor: Gina Torello, MFA Professional Artist, LightScapes Studio LLC

*5 sessions $330 per child (entering grades 6-10)

Thompson Park Creative Arts Center

LightScapes Studio Mixed Media Camp 

 

SUMMER 2026

WEEK 1

Mon-Fri, Jul 20 - 24

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Program Code:Z2763A

WEEK 2

Mon-Fri, Aug 10 - 14

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Program Code:Z2863A

This exciting art camp is designed to allow exploration in many diverse mediums to help develop design skills and enhance their knowledge in color theory. Young artist will discover painting, drawing, fabric art, mixed media creations, and much more. Collaborative art work will also broaden how artists can work together on a chosen theme. Projects are planned specifically to develop skills, talents, and to nurture creativity and self-expression. Always boosting your child’s self-esteem as each student moves forward at their own pace.

Instructor: Gina Torello, MFA Professional Artist, LightScapes Studio LLC

*5 sessions $330 per child (entering grades 6-10)

Thompson Pk Creative Arts Center

© 2017-2026 LightScapes Studio LLC.

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