In Progress: Beginning Acrylic Painting

Discover the vibrant world of acrylic painting in this fun and interactive 6-week course designed for beginners! Whether you're new to painting or looking to build confidence in your skills, this class will introduce you to essential techniques, color mixing, brushwork, and composition.

Description

Discover the vibrant world of acrylic painting in this fun and interactive 6-week course designed for beginners! Whether you're new to painting or looking to build confidence in your skills, this class will introduce you to essential techniques, color mixing, brushwork, and composition.

Through guided demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and personalized feedback, you'll learn how to bring your ideas to life on canvas. By the end of the course, you’ll have completed several paintings and gained the confidence to continue your artistic journey. No prior experience is needed—just bring your creativity and excitement!

Weekly Breakdown

Week 1: Introduction to Acrylics & Basic Techniques
Overview of materials (brushes, paints, surfaces)
Understanding acrylic paint properties (drying time, layering)
Practicing basic brushstrokes and blending techniques

Week 2: Color Theory & Mixing
Understanding primary, secondary, and complementary colors
Mixing tints, shades, and tones
Creating a simple color wheel and gradient exercises

Week 3: Painting Light, Shadows & Depth
Learning how to create dimension with highlights and shadows
Exploring warm vs. cool colors in shading
Painting simple still life objects with light and shadow

Week 4: Landscape Painting Techniques
Understanding atmospheric perspective
Creating skies, water, and natural textures
Painting a small landscape step by step

Week 5: Exploring Texture & Layering
Using palette knives, sponges, and brush techniques for texture
Experimenting with glazing and layering colors
Creating an abstract or textured painting

Week 6: Composition & Final Project
Planning and sketching a composition
Applying all learned techniques to a final painting
Group critique and discussion on personal artistic growth

About the Instructor

Lourdes Morante-Mieses is a Visual Artist, free-lance Curator and Educator. Lourdes holds a Bachelor’s degree in Radio, TV, Film and Theater at San Jose State University and an Associate degree in Studio Art at Foothill College, California. Born in Lima – Peru, Lourdes has been an artist since childhood. Since her move to California in 2000, she has been submerged in the art world working mainly in painting, sculpture and mixed media.

She has been running Gallery 2905, at Universal Media Access in San Jose, California, for over two years and has been Art Juror at the 2016 San Jose International Performing and Visual Arts Festival organized by Beacon Artists Association, San Jose, CA. Lourdes teaching practice includes Montalvo Arts Center, Saratoga CA., St. Mary’s School, Gilroy, CA, Circulo Cultural, Redwood City, CA., The Forum, Sunnyvale, CA., and Mieses Art Studio, San Jose, CA., among others. Lourdes’ works are exhibited in KALEID Art Gallery, San Jose, CA., and in private collections in California, Barcelona, and Peru.

Supply List

All materials will be provided.

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