Do I need to be an experienced painter to join?

No. The class welcomes all skill levels; the emphasis is on planning and composition rather than advanced technique.

What is the cancellation policy?

Full refunds are available for cancellations 24 hours or more before class; same-day cancellations are returned as gift certificates.

Is the space wheelchair accessible?

The studio is located on a second floor; accessibility may be limited—contact the organizer to discuss accommodations.

Should I bring my own materials?

Yes—bring your preferred brushes, paints, three canvases or panels, and a sketchbook; an apron is also useful.

How large are class sizes?

Classes are limited to eight students to ensure personalized feedback and demonstration time.

What age is appropriate?

Minimum age is 14; younger students should check with the instructor about readiness and supervision.

Mastering Landscape Composition in Port Royal: Three-Canvas Workshop with Susan Stone

Creating Good Compositions for Landscapes is a focused studio class taught in Port Royal, South Carolina, that turns fleeting landscape ideas into clear plans. Over a three-hour session on the second floor, instructor Susan Stone guides up to eight artists through a disciplined exercise: produce three distinct underpaintings across different canvases, then select the strongest composition to develop toward a finished piece. The exercise sharpens the decision-making that separates a workable canvas from wasted effort. Port Royal sits on the Edge of the Lowcountry—salt marshes, tidal creeks, live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and long views across estuaries supply the visual vocabulary this class explores. Rather than painting en plein air, you’ll learn how to translate those regional features into strong pictorial structures: foreground marsh detail that anchors the scene, midground channels that lead the eye, and a skyline that balances weight and light. The class explicitly treats composition like a map: when the route is clear, the execution follows more confidently. This session is designed for artists of any skill level who want to stop rescuing weak paintings and start planning toward success. Susan lays out clear steps so students waste less time revising tentative choices. You’ll practice value relationships, focal placement, and underpainting strategies that free up color and texture later in the process. The small group size allows direct feedback and targeted demos, and the three-canvas workflow encourages bold experimentation without pressure. Practical details: the workshop runs three hours, minimum age is 14, and cancellations made 24 hours or more in advance receive a full refund; same-day cancellations are refunded as gift certificates. The studio sits on a second floor, which may affect accessibility for some visitors. Bring your preferred brushes, a small selection of paints, and a sketchbook; an apron and good lighting help keep focus on composition. Beyond the classroom, Port Royal’s shoreline, quiet waterfront parks, and nearby salt-marsh boardwalks provide inspiration before or after class. Artists often pair the workshop with a quick sketch session at the harbor to gather reference and mood. Whether you’re refining landscape decisions or looking to accelerate your painting practice, this compact, structured class delivers a tactical approach to composition that translates across media and subject matter. As a part of Port Royal’s creative scene, Creating Good Compositions for Landscapes connects studio practice to the Lowcountry landscape: students learn to read tidal rhythms, marsh textures, and the distinctive gray-green palettes that define coastal South Carolina. The class stands out because it prioritizes compositional decision-making over decorative detail, giving painters a repeatable method they can apply on location or in the studio. For visitors who pair field sketching with studio critique, this workshop sharpens judgment and helps finish stronger paintings.

About The Arts Port Royal

The Arts Port Royal is a creative arts studio and education center located in Port Royal, South Carolina.

The organization offers an extensive schedule of workshops, classes, and open studio sessions designed for artists at every skill level. Instructors include practicing local artists and experienced teachers who lead sessions in acrylics, oil, mixed media, collage, drawing, color theory, and mindful creativity. Classes combine technique demonstrations, hands-on practice, and constructive feedback in small-group formats that prioritize individualized attention. Offerings span introductory courses such as Beginner Acrylics and Drawing for Beginners, specialized workshops like Yupo Paper Workshop and Wire Wrapping, and thematic experiences including Abstract Expressionism, Under the Oaks plein air sessions, and nature-inspired programs set in the Low Country. The Arts Port Royal also presents wellness and personal growth experiences such as Reiki, Creative Mindfulness, astrology introductions, and guided shaman journeys. Events range from single-session workshops to recurring monthly meetings like Art Club. The studio maintains transparent class descriptions, clearly stated schedules, and registration details to support visitors planning attendance. Located in Port Royal, the studio draws participants from nearby Beaufort County and the Low Country region. The Arts Port Royal emphasizes safe, inclusive learning spaces and accessible materials guidance for both beginners and returning students. The business’s public schedule and class list make it easy to discover current offerings. For those seeking hands-on art learning, creative community, or restorative art experiences in Port Royal, The Arts Port Royal provides a broad, reliably curated selection of classes and workshops and events.