Instructor: Bill Lewis

Bill Lewis
Biography: Bill Lewis is a professional artist and retired art instructor with over forty years of experience in the public and community education systems in Oregon and Washington.

He teaches drawing, watercolor, oil and acrylic painting, abstract, non-objective painting, design as well as craft classes in metal tooling, stained glass, mixed-media collage, print-making, leather tooling, jewelry, macramé, ceramics, and sculpture.

In addition to his classes for COCC, he also teaches at several retirement facilities in Bend and provides private instruction.

Classes by this instructor


Get ready to mix it up! In this creative, hands-on class, you'll explore how to combine color, texture and dimensional objects to create a one-of-a-kind three-dimensional collage. Build on design principles while experimenting with layers, materials and personal touches. Bring any meaningful items you'd like to include in your piece, or just come as you are; plenty of materials will be provided!
Saturday, March 21, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Bend
Drawing: Abstract Simplified
Let's get creative! In this playful class, you'll learn to see everyday objects in a whole new way. Abstract drawing isn't about making things look "real", it's about capturing their energy, shape and spirit. Using colored pencils, crayons, watercolors and ink, you'll experiment, loosen up and discover your own unique style. No experience needed.
Friday, February 27, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Redmond
Have fun learning how to draw, even if you think you can't. This class shows you techniques to develop skills using geometric shapes which are then softened and rounded to draw anything. Beginning drawing is the basis for all fine art because it teaches you how to see objects in a different way. You will do a technique sheet and a finished drawing. No experience is required. Materials are supplied. Beginning Drawing Simplified series builds on techniques and experience. It is recommended the series be taken in order, but not required.
Friday, January 30, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Redmond
Have fun learning how to draw, even if you think you can't. This class shows you techniques to develop skills using geometric shapes which are then softened and rounded to draw anything. Beginning drawing is the basis for all fine art because it teaches you how to see objects in a different way. You will do a technique sheet and a finished drawing. No experience is required. Materials are supplied. Beginning Drawing Simplified series builds on techniques and experience. It is recommended the series be taken in order, but not required.
Friday, December 5, 2025 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Bend
Building on the information in Beginning Drawing 1, you will explore the importance of value (shading) which provides depth and perspective on a two-dimensional surface. Value is one of the main elements in drawing and painting, and adding charcoal makes it exciting. The projects include a pencil drawing and a charcoal drawing. Materials are included. Beginning Drawing Simplified series builds on techniques and experience. It is recommended the series be taken in order, but not required.
Friday, December 12, 2025 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Bend
In session three of Beginning Drawing, you will investigate the advanced drawing techniques of pencil, ink, and charcoal. Bring a black and white photo of something you would like to draw that is approximately 8 by 10 inches. All other materials are supplied. Beginning Drawing Simplified series builds on techniques and experience. It is recommended the series be taken in order, but not required.
Friday, December 19, 2025 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Bend
Bring your drawings to life with depth and distance! Perspective is the magic trick that makes objects appear to recede into space. In this fun, easygoing class, you'll learn exactly how it works. With step-by-step instruction, you'll create one-point perspective drawings of simple subjects like houses, barns, fences, sidewalks and more. By the end, you'll have at least two finished pieces that show off your new skills. All levels are welcome.
Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Bend
It's fun and easy to learn two-point perspective with this step-by-step method. Perspective gives objects like houses, barns, office building, fences, etc. the appearance of going back in space in two directions which give depth and distance. A pencil is used for this technique which adds realism to your projects. This also teaches the use of measuring exact proportions. Perspective Drawing Simplified series builds on techniques and experience.
Friday, November 7, 2025 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Redmond
It is better to learn one-point perspective after taking Perspective Simplified 1 because it makes the concepts easier to understand. This technique relies more on horizontals, verticals, and different points of view. All skill levels are welcome. Pencil or ink techniques will add to the interest of your two finished projects. All skill levels are welcome. All materials are provided. Perspective Drawing Simplified series builds on techniques and experience. It is recommended the series be taken in order, but not required.
Friday, November 14, 2025 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Redmond
This exciting class teaches you how to put one-point and two-point perspective into one finished drawing using pencil, ink, or colored pencils. Subjects you choose can be outdoor buildings and landscape, cityscapes, or interior rooms. Perspective Drawing Simplified series builds on techniques and experience. It is recommended the series be taken in order, but not required.
Friday, November 21, 2025 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Redmond
Take your drawing skills to the next dimension! Perspective gives your artwork the illusion of depth and distance. In this class, you'll learn how to master it with two vanishing points. Through easy, step-by-step instruction, you'll create dynamic drawings of houses, barns, fences, sidewalks and more. By the end of class, you'll have at least two finished perspective pieces to show off. All levels welcome.
Saturday, February 28, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Bend
Discover how fun and easy it is to turn metal into art! In this hands-on class, you'll learn how to emboss designs into copper and brass using simple tools and techniques. Create two unique pieces, one in each metal, and explore how texture, depth and shine bring your designs to life. All materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own design idea if inspiration strikes!
Friday, March 13, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Redmond
Dive into the joy of watercolor! No stress, just color and flow! In this fun, beginner-friendly class, you'll learn simple techniques to create three small watercolor paintings, using ink to accent and define your shapes. With easy, step-by-step instruction, you'll explore how water and pigment dance together to create beautiful effects. Watercolor Simplified is part of a series that builds on each class's techniques and experience, it's best to take them in order, but you're welcome to jump in anywhere along the way! All materials are provided.
Saturday, January 31, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Bend
Friday, February 13, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Redmond
Learn the simplicity and the joy of watercolor for all levels of experience. Discover simple techniques to create three small paintings with the use of ink to accent and define shapes. These techniques are easy and fun with step-by-step instructions. All materials are provided. The Watercolor Simplified courses build on technique and experience. It is recommended that the courses be taken in order, but it is not required.
Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Redmond
Discover more watercolor techniques in the second class to create texture and depth in your paintings using salt, plastic wrap, spray bottles and masking fluid. No experience is required for the two projects. Watercolor Simplified series builds on techniques and experience. It is recommended the series be taken in order, but not required. All materials are provided.
Saturday, November 15, 2025 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Redmond
Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Bend
Friday, March 20, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Redmond
Using the techniques learned in Watercolor Simplified 1 and 2, you will discover how value and blending are key elements in giving depth and volume to a finished painting. Students will complete a painting 8x10, 9x12 or 11x15 inches. All materials are provided. The Watercolor Simplified courses build on technique and experience. It is recommended that the courses be taken in order, but it is not required.
Saturday, November 22, 2025 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Redmond