Needham Community Education

In person or virtual NCE's talented art instructor, Eddie Bruckner, offers private/semi-private lessons both online via Zoom and in-person at your home! Lessons are a minimum of 2 hours long, and each registration allows for 1 person (or 2 people together) to schedule either two 2-hour lessons or four 2-hour lessons directly with Eddie. Open to students of all levels who wish to improve their artistic skills in the medium of their choice. Eddie is typically available for private lessons weekdays during the day as well as some evenings and weekends. Lesson packs are valid from September 1, 2026-December 30, 2026. There are no refunds or credits for unused time.

Bring your drawings to life with the rich layered color of professional colored pencils. Learn essential techniques for shading, blending, and building depth while exploring color theory and composition. Each class offers step-by-step instruction, creative projects, and personalized feedback from professional artist Eddie Bruckner. Whether you’re new to drawing or looking to refine your skills, this course will help you create vibrant, realistic artwork, one layer at a time. A materials list can be found here. Limited to 15.

Bring your imagination to life with vibrant color and bold brushstrokes! Acrylic paint, the chosen medium for many amateur and professional artists, is versatile, non-toxic, easy to clean, and offers brilliant color. Professional artist, Eddie Bruckner, will teach you about values, color, paint mixing, brushwork, and more in a fun, encouraging environment, using guided step-by-step exercises. These classes are perfect for total beginners or anyone looking to reconnect with their creative side. Note: Each week and each session introduces new exercises and mini-projects you can proudly display at home. Register for any or all of the session options. A materials list can be found here. Limited to 15.

Have you ever wanted to draw something in 3-D? In this introductory class, you will learn how to create amazing depth effects and master perspective drawing. Every object has three dimensions: height, width, and depth. Yet, in drawing, the artist only has a flat, two-dimensional surface to work on. This class will help you better understand perspective drawing, starting with exercises on basic shapes, landscapes, interior rooms, or cityscapes. Topics such as viewpoints, one-point perspective, two-point perspective, and three-point perspective will be covered, and maybe even a few optical illusion drawings. You will be guided through a series of exercises designed to master these important drawing concepts. Artists of all levels are welcome. A materials list can be found here.

Gather friends and family members, or participate on your own and meet some new people in this fun evening of Zentangle drawing. Zentangle is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun method of creating beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. It heightens focus and creativity, while providing enjoyment and an increased sense of personal well-being. No artistic ability is required! You will learn a variety of “tangles” (patterns) and combine them in their own unique way. All supplies will be provided, including extras so you can continue drawing Zentangles at home.

Explore the beauty of Pointillism using acrylic paints. Pointillism is a painting style that builds an image through small, carefully placed dots of color rather than traditional brush strokes. When viewed from a distance, the dots visually blend together to create vibrant shapes, depth, and luminous color. You will work on one floral painting, gradually developing the composition from start to finish using the Pointillist technique. The instructor will guide you step-by-step throughout the process in a supportive, educational, and enjoyable environment. This class is perfect for beginners as well as anyone who would like to experiment with a unique and visually striking painting technique. A materials list can be found here. Limited to 15.

Watercolor pencils are a truly unique artistic invention. The versatility of watercolor (or water-soluble) pencil allows you to experience the joys of drawing and painting simultaneously! They are fun and easy to use, whether you are in the studio or on the go. Great for the beginner artist, watercolor pencils are easy to manipulate and offer a lot of control. In this course, your instructor will guide your learning through demonstrations and a series of drawing/painting exercises, including how to create flat washes, transparent glazes, blending and mixing colors on the palette, and using the watercolor pencils as drawing instruments, making opaque layers, soft gradations and textured strokes, and special effects. Tips and tricks will be revealed along the way. Individual instruction will be provided, with an emphasis on promoting self-expression. All levels are welcome for this relaxed, introductory course. A materials list can be found here.

Discover how much fun it can be to draw — even if you haven’t picked up a pencil in years! This small-group drawing class is perfect for beginners who want to learn the foundations of art in a supportive and inspiring environment. You will learn how to truly see like an artist while exploring shading, proportion, and simple composition. Each session builds your confidence with easy, step-by-step instruction from a professional visual artist who will help you develop your own creative style. Experiment with line, light, and shadow while gaining a deeper appreciation for the beauty in everyday life. No experience needed — just curiosity and a willingness to explore your artistic side. Note: Each week and each session introduces new exercises and mini-projects you can proudly display at home. Register for any or all of the session options. A materials list can be found here. Limited to 15.