Acrylic Painting II: Technique and Style Development

Instructor: Lia ter Heide
Thursdays 1-4pm
8 weeks: April 10 to June 5
Location: Online
$330 
Prerequisite: Acrylic I or equivalent

In this intermediate studio course, students will build on foundational experience to further develop confidence in their acrylic painting. Working through a variety of subjects and themes, from both observation and imagination, students will explore the work of established artists and artworks as they journey down a path of personal artistic discovery. Students will learn advanced techniques, refine their skills, and build a portfolio of dynamic and visually engaging acrylic paintings in a supportive and constructive environment.

Syllabus

  • Introduction to course
  • Still-life: constructing meaning
  • Foliage: minutiae and impression
  • Landscape: interpreting place
  • Animal portraiture: vivification, character and texture
  • Portraiture: observing and describing
  • Portraiture: interpreting self
  • Abstraction: order and disorder
  • Self-directed work
Please note this outline is subject to change depending on student interest.

Supplies

  • Acrylic paints: whatever paints you already own. The following pigments (or equivalent) are recommended:
    • Mars Black
    • Titanium White
    • Zinc White
    • Primary Yellow
    • Cadmium Red Medium
    • Pthalo Blue
    • Ultramarine Blue
    • Pthalo Green
    • Burnt Umber
    • Raw Sienna
    • Optional: Students may choose to bring other colors, including any they may currently own, but they are not required. Colors that may assist range include Dioxazine Purple, Alizarin Crimson, Payne’s Grey, Jenkins Green, Green Gold.
  • Brushes: A variety of synthetic or hog bristle acrylic brushes, including bright, filbert, and round styles in several sizes. Recommended: 1” bright, #6 bright, #10 round hog bristle, round #4 or #6, filbert #6, and a small round or liner for detail, #2 round
  • Palette knives: a variety set of plastic or metal palette knives
  • Supports: students may choose to paint on heavy paper (Strathmore 300, 140lb stock is a nice heavy paper suitable for painting on) 4 full sheets should be enough for this course. We will be dividing the sheets into halves, quarters and eighths as we work. 
    Note: If you would prefer to work with canvas, cradleboard, or other supports, please feel free to use them in this course.
  • Palette: for our purposes, Tupperware or plastic lids (ice cream, yogurt etc) work well. You can also buy acrylic palettes
  • Painter’s tape
  • Small spray bottle
  • Rags/cloths
  • White gesso
  • Acrylic fluid medium (gloss or matte)
  • Acrylic gel medium

Optional but recommended:

  • Apron or paint shirt to protect clothes
  • Nitrile or latex gloves to protect skin