Autumn Still Life Oil Painting Workshop at Imperial Calcasieu Museum

At the Imperial Calcasieu Museum in Lake Charles, Louisiana, the Still Life Oil Painting workshop invites students to slow down and build autumn-themed paintings across two focused afternoons. Led by Resident Artist Nelly Gonzalez-Chan, this two-part class meets at the museum (204 W. Sallier St., Lake Charles, LA 70601) on October 24 and November 7 from 12–2 PM, and walks beginner and returning painters through observational drawing and the layered approach of oil painting. Part one concentrates on graphite observation: arranging the autumn still life, measuring proportions, and translating what you see into a confident underdrawing. Part two is a practical lab in oil techniques—mixing color, establishing value, glazing and building paint in layers directly on top of the initial drawing. No prior oil experience is required; the museum provides all supplies, and the studio-sized class (limit 15) gives each student hands-on attention. The workshop’s centerpiece is an intentionally simple still life—seasonal fruit, textured textiles, and weathered ceramics—chosen to emphasize form, light, and color relationships rather than technical complexity. That makes the room itself a feature: the museum’s classroom light, the scent of linseed and turpentine, and the tactile contrast between graphite lines and wet impasto become the sensory landmarks of the experience. Students can opt to leave finished works for consideration in the museum’s 2027 Community Exhibit, a local cultural moment that connects these afternoon projects to the wider art community of Lake Charles. Practical details matter: the class runs two hours per session, costs $75 for non-members or $67.50 for members, and requires attendees to be at least 13 years old. The museum lists English and Spanish among live guide languages. Wear clothes that can get paint on them; everything else is supplied. With a modest group size and a focused curriculum, the workshop strikes a balance between instruction and independent exploration. Why this workshop stands out in the Lake Charles recreation scene is simple: it converts the slow, observational skill set of outdoor sketching into a studio practice tied directly to local art institutions. For travelers seeking a non-hiking, hands-on cultural activity, this is a low-impact way to spend an afternoon learning durable techniques and connecting with community exhibit pathways. Whether you’re a returning painter refining layering strategies or a curious novice who wants to learn how to see—and then paint—this is a practical, welcoming entry point into oil painting in southwest Louisiana. Beyond technique, the class offers a doorway into Lake Charles’s creative network: museum staff and visiting artists regularly collaborate with schools and cultural events, so a single afternoon can lead to longer-term workshops, exhibit opportunities, or art-walk evenings downtown. For visitors, it’s a reliable indoor option when weather or schedules make field outings difficult.