Painting 1

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paints are known for their versatility and vibrant colors. They have a hard time coming out of clothes so please come prepared (class aprons are provided). We usually are using the primary colors as well as black and white. You will learn various techniques such as:

Layering: Building up layers of paint to create depth and complexity.

Blending: Mixing colors smoothly on the canvas for gradients and transitions.

Dry Brushing: Using a dry brush to apply paint sparingly, creating texture and fine details.

Wet Blending: Blending colors while still wet to achieve smooth color transitions.

Glazing: Applying thin, transparent layers over dried paint to alter color and create depth.

Impasto: Using thick layers of paint to add texture and a three-dimensional effect.

Splattering: Flicking or splashing paint onto the canvas for a dynamic, spontaneous effect.

Watercolors

Watercolors are known for being transparent with multiple different ways to use them. Landscape artists typically use then in plein-air (Plein air is a French phrase that means "in the open air" and refers to the practice of painting outdoors). Here are some different basic techniques below:

Wet-on-Wet: Applying paint onto a wet surface to create smooth, blended colors.

Wet-on-Dry: Painting on a dry surface for more controlled, defined edges.

Wax Resist: Applying crayon or wax to your canvas/paper then painting overtop of it. The paint does not paint those areas.

Gradient Washes: Creating smooth transitions from light to dark by varying water content.

Dry Brush: Using a dry brush to apply pigment with minimal water, creating texture.

Salt Technique: Sprinkling salt onto wet watercolor to create unique textures and patterns.

Lifting: Removing paint from a wet or dry surface using a brush or paper towel for highlights and corrections.

Sponging: Using a sponge to apply or lift watercolor for textured effects.

Masking: Using masking fluid to block out areas of the paper and preserve white spaces.

Tools

In this course you will be using various tools such as:

Brushes

Flat Brush: Has a wide, rectangular head for broad strokes and filling in large areas.

Round Brush: Pointed tip for detail work, lines, and controlled application of paint.

Filbert Brush: Oval-shaped with a flat edge, ideal for blending and softer edges.

Detail Brush: Very fine and small for intricate details and precise lines.

Fan Brush: Fanned-out bristles used for textures like foliage and hair.

Stencil Brush: Stiff, round brush used for stenciling and texture effects.

Angular Brush: Has slanted bristles for precise, angled strokes and corner work.

Sponge Brush: Provides a stippled effect and is used for texture and sponging techniques.

Hake Brush: Wide and flat with soft bristles, ideal for wash applications and broad strokes in watercolor painting.

Rigger Brush: Long and thin, used for fine lines and detailed work in both watercolor and oil painting.

Palette Tools

Palette Knife: Used for mixing paints, applying thick layers of paint, and creating texture.

Spatula: Similar to a palette knife, used for mixing and scraping.

Mixing Palette: A flat surface (usually made of plastic, glass, or acrylic) for mixing paints.

Palette Tray: A compartmentalized palette for organizing multiple colors or paint types.

Paper or Canvas

Color Theory