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


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, September 26, 2025 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Madras
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, October 4, 2025 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Madras
Saturday, December 6, 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.
Saturday, December 13, 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.
Saturday, December 20, 2025 | 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
Discover how easy it is to emboss designs into copper and brass to create beautiful pieces of art. Learn about the tools and techniques necessary to create these unique designs. Students will walk away with two finished pieces, one in copper and one in brass. No experience necessary. Students are welcome to bring their own design to emboss if desired. All materials provided.
Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Prineville
Visual Arts Youth Camp
In this youth camp, students will experience four different visual arts media: watercolor painting, soft pastels, drawing, and crafting with lifelong art educator, Bill Lewis. Students will increase their confidence with these visual media by participating in hands-on projects every day. Experience the magic of fun and easy watercolor techniques and create a finished watercolor painting with ink accents. Use soft pastels to create an oriental wall hanging, and learn how to draw using geometric shapes to create realistic drawings of things in the world. Students will also make their own sketch book with a unique cover that they will use throughout the camp and take home with them after camp. Join us for this fun-filled and interactive camp! Ages 10-15.
August 18-21, 2025 | 9:00am-12:00pm PDT | Bend
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, August 16, 2025 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Redmond
Friday, October 3, 2025 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Madras
Friday, October 10, 2025 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Bend
Saturday, November 1, 2025 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Prineville
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.
Friday, October 17, 2025 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Bend
Saturday, November 15, 2025 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Redmond
Using the techniques learned in Watercolor Simplified I 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.
Friday, October 24, 2025 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Bend
Saturday, November 22, 2025 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Redmond