Acrylic Art 101: Building a Painting Foundation

"Acrylic Art 101: Building a Painting Foundation" is an 8-week in-person course designed to introduce students to the vibrant and versatile medium of acrylic painting. Perfect for absolute novices and those who identify as beginner students, this comprehensive course covers every aspect of acrylic painting, from the initial steps of priming a surface to the finishing touches that bring a painting to life.

In this hands-on course, students will learn the fundamental techniques of acrylic painting under the guidance and expertise of artist and educator, Martha Johnson. The curriculum is carefully structured to provide a step-by-step guide through the entire painting process. Starting with understanding composition to basic mark-making techniques, students will discover how to bring depth and dynamism to their work. Using photographic references and understanding how to dissect and compose from an image, students will explore how to translate what they see to how they can paint. The course will also delve into the essential skills of colour mixing, helping students understand how to create a wide range of hues and shades through various subject matter.

Led by:

Martha Johnson

Composing a Painting: Learn how to plan and execute a painting from start to finish, understanding composition, perspective, and design.
Mark Making Techniques: Explore various brush strokes and techniques to create different textures and effects.
Colour Mixing: Master the art of blending and mixing acrylic paints to achieve the desired colours and tones.
Surface Priming: Understand how to prepare various surfaces for acrylic painting to ensure the best results.
Layering and Finishing: Learn the techniques of layering paints and adding final touches to make your artwork stand out.

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Details

Day: Wednesdays

Dates: October: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
November: 6, 13, 20

Time: 6:45 - 9:15pm

Fee: $395+ HST

Location: CSI Annex
720 Bathurst St
Toronto, ON
M5S 2R4

Acrylic pigments (Ultramarine blue, Alizarin Crimson, Hansa Yellow, Yellow ochre)
8-ounce white Gesso
Small Matte medium
One canvas (no smaller than 14”x18”)
Charcoal Pencils (medium) and Willow stick for drawing
Sketchbook (no smaller than 12 x14")
Five acrylic bristle brushes including one 1” Bright style brush, two medium sized brushes, one small and one Rigor style brush for detail
Printed landscape photocopy, one black and white, one colour, each 11” x 17”, if possible
A few sheets of Bond printer paper
Scissors
Masking tape
A couple of coloured pencils
Ruler or straight edge
Rags
Nitrile gloves
Water container

For this in-person course, you are expected to bring all necessary materials detailed in the materials section specific to the course.

Please feel free to bring a notebook and pen to take notes during the class.

Avenue Road Arts School works in compliance with COVID-19 health and safety requirements. Although masks are not mandated at this time, we strongly encourage students to wear a mask in situations where social distancing becomes not possible.