Welcome to Summer 2026
Oil Painting for Absolute Beginners No experience needed.
Come nervous, leave proud.
We’ll guide you every step of the way.
Scroll down to see available classes dates.
All In-person classes held in Ladysmith, WI
Accommodations available for travelers.
Join my online SKOOL Here.
2026 Classes
Half Day Classes
Full Day Class
This class grows with you!
From beginner to intermediate.
You learn to paint the image of your choice.
All Inclusive:
🕒 5 hours of classroom instruction
👩🏼🏫 1:1 guidance on how to see and paint your reference image.
🎨 All supplies
👩🎨 Professional studio setting including easels and lighting
🖼 Professionally prepared aluminum panel (canvas)
🍽 A full lunch and snacks throughout the day
☕ Coffee, tea, water and other beverages provided
🖌 One month of Open Studio to complete and develop your painting in layers
Dates Available
Member of Rusk Area Arts Alliance.
A One-Day In-Person Workshop | All Supplies + Lunch
Thursday, September 10th
Imagine This…
You walk into class convinced you aren’t artistic.
Maybe you haven’t picked up a paintbrush in 20 years.
Maybe you think your paintings could be better.
By the end of the day, you’ll have a painting in progress or complete that you created yourself from a photograph that matters to you.
No paint-by-number.
No tracing someone else’s finished masterpiece.
No pressure to “be creative.”
Just a simple, step-by-step process that teaches you how artists see shapes, color, light, and shadow.
Most students are surprised by two things:
What they’re capable of creating
How much fun they have doing it
This class is intentionally small so every student receives personal attention and guidance throughout the day.
Most art classes teach everyone to paint the same image.
In this workshop, you’ll paint a photograph that is personally meaningful to you.
Choose your own image to paint.
No paint-along scenes here. You’ll paint a meaningful image of your choice.
You’ll learn how to see like an artist by breaking down shapes and colors. Professional-grade materials and one-on-one attention.
What’s included:
🕒 5 hours of classroom instruction
👩🏼🏫 1:1 guidance on how to see and paint your reference image.
🎨 All supplies (You don’t need to buy a thing)
👩🎨 Professional studio setting including easels and lighting
🖼 Professionally prepared aluminum panel (canvas)
🍽 A full lunch and snacks throughout the day
☕ Coffee, tea, water and other beverages provided
🖌 One Month of Open Studio Membership
This Class Is Perfect For You If…
You think you aren’t artistic
You can’t draw a stick figure
You’ve always wanted to try painting but didn’t know where to start
You want to create something meaningful from your own photograph
You enjoy learning in a relaxed, encouraging environment
No experience required.
Seriously.
When & Where:
🕘 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (please arrive by 8:45)
📍 4 miles North on Highway 27, Ladysmith, WI
N6580 State Highway 27
🪢 Small Class size of maximum 8, minimum 5
Subject to change if minimum students are not met.
You’ll leave this class with a painting in progress or complete, a new creative spark, and the confidence to keep going. No pressure, no perfection—just the joy of creating something that’s completely yours. 🫶🏻
Free for all to participate
This was the HIGHLIGHT of last summer.
Take any class this summer and exhibit your work.
Bring your friends and family. All are welcome.
When & Where:
October 1st
4:00-7:00PM
Edgewood Social Club
N5108 E 5th St N.
Ladysmith, WI 54848
Student Exhibition
Open Studio
Take a class, return to paint
One Month Studio Membership
For Returning Students
This membership is available exclusively to students who have previously attended a Michelle Cyr workshop or class.
The One Month Studio Membership gives returning students access to Open Studio sessions for one calendar month during the Summer Studio Season.
Open Studio is designed as a relaxed working artist environment where students can continue paintings started in class, build additional layers, practice techniques, experiment, and enjoy consistent creative time in the studio.
This is not a formal class setting. Students work independently while sharing studio space with fellow artists in a supportive and encouraging environment. This is community building.
Membership Includes:
🎨 Access to scheduled Open Studio sessions for one month after your class date.
🖌 Easels, studio workspace, lighting, supplies, paint and brushes.
👩🏼🎨 Casual guidance and feedback as available
Open Studio sessions are typically held Monday through Thursday mornings from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM during the Summer Studio Season, with occasional additional afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM) based on studio and teaching availability.
Because Michelle Cyr maintains an active professional painting, filming, online teaching, and workshop schedule, Open Studio is not available on workshop days or during private studio events.
Please check in at least 24 hours prior to attending Open Studio sessions so availability can be confirmed and I know you’re coming.
Please Note:
☕ Open Studio sessions do not include snacks or beverages
👩🏼🏫 Open Studio is not structured classroom instruction
Some paintings deserve more than one sitting. Open Studio gives students the time and space to continue refining their work while staying connected to a welcoming creative community throughout the summer season.
When & Where:
📍 4 miles North on Highway 27, Ladysmith, WI
N6580 State Highway 27
What Students are Saying:
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![Student’s first painting. Close-up of vibrant red flowers with yellow and black centers surrounded by lush green leaves.]()
Michelle, thank you so much for such a great class. I have taken classes at Dillman’s Resort in Lac Du Flambeau and come away from your class with more knowledge and confidence than I did taking other classes. I can’t wait to get back and finish my masterpiece!
- Kay
(Wow - I am literally flabbergasted at this unsolicited testimonial. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.)
-
![Student’s first painting. A painting of a bouquet of colorful flowers in a purple vase with a pink ribbon, on a brown table against a blue background.]()
Not only is Michelle a world-class artist, but she is also an amazing teacher. I really can't draw, but she has patiently guided me in learning to visualize light, shadows, and subtle colors that I never noticed before. I don't know who is more proud of what I'm accomplishing under her tutelage, Michelle or I. Don't miss this opportunity to learn to paint with Michelle!
- Terri
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![Student’s first painting. A painting of a beach scene with rocks, turquoise water, waves crashing against the rocks, and a blue sky.]()
Michelle, you are an amazing teacher! You brought my dream of being an artist to a whole new level! Thank you for your patience and instruction and seeing me through it all!
–Sheila
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![Student’s first painting. Painting of a colorful bouquet of tulips in a purple vase on a gray canvas background.]()
Thank you for explaining so much in detail. That made sense to a non-painter.
– Jessica
(gave class rating: Perfect 10!)
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![Student’s first painting. A painting of a bright yellow sunflower with a dark center, set against a blue background.]()
My favorite part was seeing the final (painting) done! Thank you for this Awesome experience!
–Theresa
(Gave a perfect 10 rating)
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![Student’s first painting. Painting of a lighthouse on a rocky shore, with a cloudy sky and ocean in the background.]()
You are seriously the best teacher!!
– Jennifer E.
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![Student’s first painting. A purple rose in the foreground alongside green leaves and dark purple stems, depicted in a painting style.]()
Thank you so much. We all had a great time. We were all surprised with our (final paining). You are an excellent teacher. Sheila was wonderful. Everything was beautiful. I think that anyone that comes to take your class will be very impressed with the experience. Thank you for your hospitality and knowledge. I look forward to doing some more work with you and learning more.
– Trista
(This message brought tears of joy to my eyes!)
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This is for you if…
You want to see if you can create something you really are happy to put on your own wall.
You suck at drawing - or maybe not.
You are a little intimidated by art.
You think that painting sounds interesting.
You would like to utilize painting to work thru PTSD, anxiety, stress, loneliness, boredom, retirement, grief etc. Art can significantly improve all of these.
All 2D mediums welcome. Beginner to expert.
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Instruction from a professional artist who specializes in realism oil paintings.
Everything you need to paint including easels, paint, brushes, medium, canvas, lighting etc.
Snacks and beverages unless otherwise stated.
Contact us directly if you need lodging or transportation from out of town.
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Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of the class.
Introductions first.
Instructions and direction next.
Then we will jump right into painting.
-
Junky clothes
Earbuds
Notepad if you like but there will not be a test.
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We would be happy to reschedule you into another available time slot.
I’m sorry but we cannot offer refunds for no shows or incomplete attendance.
A Half-Day In-Person Outdoor Workshop | All Supplies
Saturday, September 5th
A Half-Day Oil Painting Workshop | Includes One Month Studio Membership
Still water. Soft reflections. Quiet mornings at the lake.
In this beginner-friendly workshop, you’ll learn how to paint calm reflective water without getting overwhelmed by every tiny ripple and detail. We’ll focus on simplifying shapes, soft atmospheric edges, and creating believable reflections using light, color, and movement.
This class is designed for complete beginners and returning students alike.
You’ll learn:
🌊 how reflections behave on water
🎨 warm and cool color relationships
✨ soft edges and atmospheric depth
🖌 how to simplify complex scenes into paintable shapes
No drawing experience needed.
Your workshop includes:
🎨 All supplies
☕ Coffee, snacks & beverages
🖼 Professionally prepared 8x10 painting surface
👩🏼🏫 Step-by-step instruction in a relaxed small-group setting
🖌 One Month Studio Membership for continued painting and Open Studio access
Some paintings deserve more than one sitting. Your included Studio Membership gives you additional time to continue refining your painting while enjoying a welcoming creative community throughout the summer season.
Small class size limited to 8 students.
When & Where:
🕘 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (please arrive by 8:45)
📍 4 miles North on Highway 27, Ladysmith, WI
N6580 State Highway 27
🪢 Small Class size of maximum 8, minimum 5
Subject to change if minimum students are not met.
You’ll leave this class with a painting in progress or complete, a new creative spark, and the confidence to keep going. No pressure, no perfection—just the joy of creating something that’s completely yours. 🫶🏻