For aspiring oil or acrylic painters with some fundamental painting skills, this 7-week course will cover the basics of rendering the head and portrait, landscape painting, and spatial deconstruction (Cubism).
Emphasis will be placed on paint handling techniques and the application of color to describe forms and space vividly. Students will learn to identify some of the creative processes involved with perception and visual interpretation.
Come to the first meeting with basic painting supplies, a pencil, and a small mirror or self-portrait photos. Students who have had instruction in the described practices, and would like to continue at a more advanced level, are also welcome.
School Policies
Students who withdraw 48 hours prior to the first class are eligible for a refund or credit toward another class, less a $25 registration fee.
Please click here for more details.
Term: Summer 2025
Suggested Ages: 18+
Colors (required):
Acrylic: small tubes - 2 oz., large tubes 4.65 oz.
Oil: small tubes - 37 ml., large tubes 150 ml.
Large tube
Titanium or Zinc White
Small tubes:
Cadmium Yellow Light (or substitute)
Cadmium Red Medium (or sub.) – not Grumbacher!
Yellow Ochre
Burnt Sienna
Raw Umber
Ultramarine Blue
Colors (optional):
Cadmium Orange
Alizarin Crimson
Viridian Green
Sap Green
any Violet
Cobalt Blue
Cerulean Blue
Mediums – Oil only:
1qt. Turpenoid (odorless turpentine, blue can only)
2oz. Liquin or Galkyd
Acrylic only:
8oz Liquitex Slow Dry medium OR Golden Glazing Medium (Matte or gloss)
If working with water-based oil, purchase a 2oz. bottle of water-based oil medium.
Brushes and Tools
Flat (long, square cut) natural, white bristle, ¼”, 1”
Filbert (flat, round cut) sable or synthetic ½”
Round sable #4, white bristle #10
Sash (Chinese bristle “house painting brush”) 2”-3”
Recommended: Robert Simmons series 43 (Egbert) #2 extra long filbert
These are recommended sizes. Any variety of sizes and shapes will do.
Oil and acrylic brushes are long handled. Short handled brushes are generally for watercolor or gouache.
14”X18” Minimum!! Palette (disposable sheets, wood or plexiglass – no trays!)
1 pad 12”X16” Canvas Pad (NOT PAPER) preferably Fredrix brand (yellow cover)
1 roll 1” masking tape
3”or 4” Spatula type Palette Knife (not painting knife with round stem)
Be sure knife bends along blade rather than at the handle!