Instructor: 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, macram�, 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

Watercolor Simplified

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.
Friday, April 17, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Redmond
Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Bend
Saturday, June 6, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Bend

Drawing: Beginning Simplified

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.
Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Bend

Watercolor Simplified 2

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.
Friday, May 1, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Redmond

Drawing: Beginning Simplified 2

Building on the information in Drawing: Beginning Simplified, 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.
Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Bend

Calligraphy Simplified 1

This introductory class explores a brief history of calligraphy, essential tools of pen, ink and paper. The focus is on learning one classic style, guiding you through each stroke. Practice time ensures you'll gain confidence and skill, setting a strong foundation for your calligraphy journey.
Friday, May 15, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Redmond

Art: Mixed Media- Collage

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!
Friday, May 29, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Redmond
Saturday, May 30, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Bend

Metal Tooling with Copper and Brass

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, June 12, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Bend