The first project functions as a review of basic color theory, painting techniques, and proper handling of acrylic paint and care of paintbrushes. Students choose a common color scheme, then design an original painting which connects in some way to their color scheme. 

The second project exposes students to contemporary painters and paint techniques. The focus of the Artist Study is to research an artist's style and approach, and apply components of that research into an original painting. Inspiration can come from an artist's color palette, the subject of the painting, a specific technique or, an overall survey of the style. 

Student's final painting calls upon a quarter's-worth of technical and theoretical knowledge as they attempt to match the colors and textures of a printed image. 

Can you spot the circular painting in this image? 

Impasto is all about thick, sculptural application of oil paint to build dimension and depth in a painting. Students will learn the basics of handling oil paint and will refine studio skills such as mixing colors, painting exclusively with a palette knife, and effective clean up procedures for oil paint.

Bob Ross becomes the teacher during this project, as students are introduced to new wet-on-wet painting techniques. Through creating a landscape, students learn techniques like handling brushes, thinning paint, layering color and textures, and brush clean-up and maintenance.

In this final painting, students apply a toned underpainting to their canves, then use a paint thinner to color their painting in thin washes. This approach allows the development of uniform shades and intricate details.