WEDNESDAYS 6:30pm – 8:30pm & SATURDAYS 10am – 1pm | Beginning & advanced painting class with David Reuss
About the Instructor
“Strength is what appeals most to me in art. The work can be any medium, style, subject, or size — but in the end, it must have power.”
David H. Reuss is a lifelong New Yorker whose career blends a passion for fine art, illustration, and arts leadership. His work spans multiple disciplines, mediums, and genres, always rooted in the belief that boldness and conviction are the heart of great art.
David began his professional journey as a staff illustrator at Lowe, a major advertising agency, where his days were filled with high-paced commercial creativity. It was through fellow illustrator and Salmagundi Club member Bill Angresano that he first encountered the historic Salmagundi Club. After work, the two would often head to SCNY for evening life drawing sessions under Louis DeDonato. Captivated by the Club’s legacy, community, and creative energy, David joined as a Scholarship Member in 1997.
Since then, he has exhibited widely, won numerous awards, and sold many works through Salmagundi’s highly regarded exhibitions and auctions. His commitment to the Club deepened over time: in 2012, he joined the Board of Directors, serving as Treasurer and Chairman of Education, and has previously held roles including Third Vice President, Chairman of Public Relations, and Co-chair of the Junior/Scholarship Committee.
David also carries forward a legacy of artistic passion in his family. His mother, the late Laurel Reuss (1941–2023), joined the Club as a Resident Artist in 1999, finding inspiration and community within its storied halls.
A graduate of the School of Visual Arts (BFA) and Pratt Institute (MA in Arts and Cultural Management), David is also an Executive Member of the Society of Illustrators, where he serves as both Membership Chairman and Treasurer.
With over two decades of experience across commercial illustration and fine art, David brings a wealth of knowledge and an open, encouraging teaching style to every classroom.
Online or in-person
David Reuss conducts a hybrid of in-person classes in our Club building and online classes via Zoom.
In-person morning classes are available every Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Evening Zoom classes are also available on Wednesday from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Admission
RSVP required
$30 | In-person classes
$25 | Zoom classes
20% off in-person classes | Salmagundi members
For more information, please visit his website at blackwolfstudio.com.
Please feel free to contact David Reuss at davidreuss@me.com with any questions.
About the Zoom Class
David H. Reuss offers a dynamic and engaging Zoom-based painting and drawing class for artists of all experience levels. Structured for insight, interaction, and growth, this remote format maintains all the benefits of an in-person workshop while allowing students to join from anywhere.
How the Zoom Class Works:
- Before Class: Students email David high-resolution photos of the work they are currently creating—or are about to begin—as well as any reference material they’re using (such as photos or inspiration images). This gives David time to prepare thoughtful critiques and suggestions tailored to each piece.
- Class Kickoff: Each session begins with a short presentation spotlighting a noteworthy artist or artwork. Together, the group analyzes the piece in detail—discussing technique, composition, what resonates (or doesn’t), and occasionally reviewing the artist’s background and related works.
- Student Work Reviews: The heart of the class is an in-depth, real-time review of student submissions. Using professional illustration software and screen-sharing tools, David presents each student’s piece to the group. He then performs live, on-screen adjustments—cropping, color shifts, compositional tweaks, and other artistic modifications—to demonstrate different options and possibilities.
- Interactive Critique: These sessions are lively and collaborative. Fellow students are encouraged to share thoughts and feedback, fostering a rich and supportive community atmosphere.
- Post-Class Support: After each class, David emails students the adjusted versions of their work, allowing them to review suggestions at their own pace and apply what they’ve learned.
What You’ll Need:
- Access to Zoom (with a stable internet connection)
- Digital photos of your artwork and any reference materials
Whether you’re aiming to refine technique, solve creative challenges, or simply grow in confidence, David’s Zoom class provides personalized instruction, creative exploration, and a thoughtful, artist-centered learning experience.
Available Classes
Spots must be reserved ahead of time. We can not accept cash that day or credit card purchases at the time of the class.