In this two (2) session workshop, nationally recognized artist and instructor Larry Charles will teach you how to create two unique, personalized pet portraits – for yourself or to give as a gift.
You will be creating two pet portraits during these workshops. One will be on a chalkboard with a hand-painted wooden frame. The other will be on an antique slate chalkboard actually used in schoolrooms over a hundred years ago.
Working from a close-up photo of a pet you bring to class, Charles will first demonstrate how to get a likeness of a specific dog, cat, or hamster. Then he will guide you, step by step, through your own pet portrait using white chalk. Chalk is so easy to correct or erase, Charles says. When completed, he will coat the surface of your slate chalkboard with a spray fixative to keep it from smearing.
These one-of-a-kind, unique chalkboard drawings are ideal gifts for the holidays, birthdays, or just because!
SERIES DATES: December 1 & 8 | 2026
FORMAT: In-person classroom
INSTRUCTION METHOD: Hands-on
AGES: Adults 16+
EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Beginner to Intermediate
WHAT TO BRING: Photos of two pets – on your phone or printed. The better the reference photos, the better your portraits will be.
FEE: $145 – includes 2 sessions and all materials. Please purchase tickets below.
Materials provided include: Chalkboard slate that schoolchildren used in the 1890s and a hand-painted wooden framed chalkboard.
INSTRUCTOR NAME: Larry Charles
Larry has been teaching art at The Holland Center for many years. His professional work is displayed at several touring museum exhibitions, and his commissioned work appears frequently in national magazines and books featuring the top designer homes in New York City. Larry was the worldwide creative director for the largest agency on Madison Avenue for 14 years, and has served as president of the Scottsdale Artists’ School. He frequently lectures and writes articles for international art magazines.
