Instructor: Fine Artist Randy Groden
This six-week course introduces and strengthens acrylic painting fundamentals, including color mixing, brushwork, layering, values, composition, texture, and finishing techniques. Beginning students will receive a clear foundation, while experienced painters will receive individualized instruction suited to their abilities and goals.
Students will begin with several photographic images clipped from magazines and learn how to identify a strong painting subject, distinguish a thoughtfully planned photograph from a poorly organized reference, and improve an image through cropping, rearranging, simplifying, and establishing a clear focal point.
I will also teach students how to frame subjects within the camera, plan a composition before taking the picture, evaluate lighting and viewpoint, and take their own useful reference photographs. The goal is for students to move forward with the ability to create personal reference material specifically planned for future paintings.
Alongside the painting instruction, students will be introduced to practical aspects of the art business, including how to present themselves and their artwork, establish reasonable prices, prepare work for display, and approach galleries or other venues professionally.
These subjects can be developed further in subsequent courses. Questions may be directed to me at randygroden@me.com.
Acrylic Painting Supply List
Randy Groden Painting Classes
Heavy body acrylic paint provides useful coverage and supports both thin passages and visible brushwork. Liquitex Basics or a comparable line is suitable for starting the class.
Before you buy Bring materials you already own before replacing them. Comparable brands and colors are welcome. You can purchase large prepackaged sets with all the suggested colors then add larger tubes as you go of colors you use the most.
Acrylic Colors
• Titanium White, large tube
• Cadmium Yellow Light Hue or Hansa Yellow Light
• Yellow Ochre
• Cadmium Red Light Hue or Pyrrole Red
• Permanent Alizarin Crimson
• Ultramarine Blue
• Phthalo Blue
• Burnt Sienna
• Optional Sap Green
Brushes
• Synthetic flats and filberts in sizes 2, 4, 6, and 8
• One small round brush and one 1 inch flat brush
• Keep these brushes separate from brushes used for oil painting
Surfaces and Equipment
• Three primed canvases, 11 x 14 inches or a little larger, for the first classes
• Stay wet palette or disposable palette paper
• A square plastic water container with brush holder holes around the edge and a small fine mist spray bottle.
• Palette knife, paper towels or cotton rags, apron, and small trash bags.
• Wait until the first class and we discuss before buying gels, retarders, or other specialty mediums
Bring to the First Class
• 2B pencil and a kneaded eraser
• Two or three clear reference images that you have an interest in painting. We will discuss and choose the best.
Studio care reminder Do not allow any paint to dry in brushes. Wipe excess paint onto a paper towel before rinsing, and always remember you do not pour paint solids of any kind into the sink.