Schedule: 

Oct. 5th

Color Mixing Grid

Paint Properties

Learn about acrylic paint properties, binder quality, and brush shapes. Master the mechanics of layout design, tracking ratios, and keeping a limited palette clean while mixing.

We will create a grid matrix using your core palette colors for a exploration in color and leave with a hangable piece of art.

 

Oct. 12th

Drapery

The Grisaille Layer (Dead Color Study)

‘Explore the traditional grisaille method (painting entirely in shades of gray). Learn how to eliminate the distraction of color to master light, shadow, form, and edge transitions. We will paint a monochromatic study of folded white cloth or a classical plaster bust, establishing crisp rendering, cast shadows, and subtle gradations.

 

Oct. 19th

Barn Owl

The Limited Palette

(Zorn Palette Harmony)

Study the traditional limited palette historically used by classical masters. Learn how to achieve a full range of lifelike flesh tones and earthy atmospheres using only four colors: Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Red, Ivory Black, and Titanium White.

We will use this four-color palette to master color harmony and create an owl painting on a 9x12 wooden canvas.

 

Oct. 26th

Pumpkins & Gourds Indirect Painting and Optical Glazing

Transition from direct painting to classical indirect layers. Learn how to apply thin, transparent glazes of color over a dry underpainting, allowing light to pass through and create deep, luminous optical color mixing.

Apply vibrant transparent color glazes over a dried, pre-prepared tonal underpainting of pumpkins and gourds using layers to build deep richness.

​

 Nov. 2nd

 Soft Pastoral Scenes

Scumbling and Sfumato (Texture and Edges)

Learn the traditional technique of scumbling by applying opaque, dry paint lightly over a darker surface to create a milky, semi-translucent effect. Practice sfumato to create soft, smoky, imperceptible edge transitions.

Learn to paint a traditional pastoral landscape scene, using scumbling to create low-lying morning mist or fog, and sfumato to soften distant tree lines into the horizon.

 

Nov 9th

Harvest Still Life

Scumbling and Sfumato (Texture and Edges)

Bring together the elements of composition, tonal depth, and edge control into a final observation project. Learn direct painting techniques for capturing different surfaces (matte, reflective, and organic) alongside studio best practices for applying a protective archival varnish.  Students will compose their own harvest still life by setting up a physical arrangement of items with varying textures, such as a polished metal pitcher, a ceramic mug, or a rustic piece of fruit and paint a complete, realistic study that showcases balanced form, dramatic lighting, and a final protective satin finish.