ACRYLIC PAINTING ESSENTIALS:Thursdays, 10:30 – 1:00pm • May 4,11,18,25

Adults and Teens – minimum 4, max 12 participants

We will explore the essentials of acrylic painting in representational work including taking and choosing a great reference photo, composition, thumbnail sketching, value studies, color mixing and brush work. This class series is great for beginners as well as those with some painting experience. We will use the theme of Spring Landscapes as our muse. Classes will build on each other but if you cannot attend all 4 classes, you are welcome to drop in on the topics that interest you most.

Materials: Students will supply all materials including a sketch book and sketching tools, paint, brushes, pallet and painting surface of your choice. Some reference photos will be provided but you are welcome and encouraged to bring your own. Please bring a phone with a camera or digital camera to class for taking reference photos and documenting your progress. If you are new to painting, please contact Cathy for a more detailed materials list.

Week 1 – Taking great reference photos, composition and thumbnail sketching. This first step is critical in developing a good painting. We will discuss what makes a good reference photo and how to take one.

Using the tool of thumbnail sketching, students will learn to simplify what they see and help refine their visual ideas. During the process, we will discuss how composition can help create a strong painting. We may do some sketching outdoors if the weather allows so, please wear appropriate clothing to the first class.

Week 2 – Value studies. It is said that color gets all the glory, but value does all the work. We will explore this concept by breaking down sketches and reference photos into values and developing value studies that will help create a strong painting.

Week 3 – Color mixing. Learning to mix colors is essential and perplexing to most students. We will explore “recipes” for creating the perfect color and understanding how and where to use it in a painting.

Week 4 – Brush work and using perspective. How we apply color to our painting surface is critical in developing an interesting painting. We will explore different brush strokes and tools, soft and hard edges and employ perspective in the development of our paintings.

Contact: cathyfaughnan@gmail.com; phone 303 718-1463