Acrylic Painting Techniques - All Abilities

Course intent

Whether you are a beginner or already have some experience of painting and drawing, you will learn the knowledge and skills needed to develop and expand your range of techniques. According to your level, you will develop drawing, painting and design skills, gaining a deeper understanding of the range of techniques and processes. Enjoy the well-being benefits gained through working in a friendly, creative learning environment

What will we cover?

We will cover:

• Acrylic Painting techniques
• The use of materials and tools
• The element of drawing in painting
• Sketching outlines
• Colour mixing
• Tonal values
• Composition
• Creating texture using paint
• Looking at and understanding other artists’ work
• Safeguarding, Prevent and British Values
• The importance of a clean and tidy studio

Learners will be inspired by the contemporary and historical context and will need to keep a sketchbook / notebook to record ideas, processes and progress, and the feedback they receive from the tutor.

There will be demonstrations, instruction, one-to-one tutorial guidance, group discussions and critiques.

To ensure that learners make good progress with their personal learning goals, the tutor will work with the learner to complete the required Individual Learning Plan.

For courses of more than one session, you will find you make the most progress if you attend every taught lesson and complete any self-directed study opportunities provided

Who is this course for? Is there anything I need to know before joining?

This course is designed for beginners and improvers. Even if you have never painted before or are just nervous about your ability, you do not need to worry as you will be guided through each step. Those who have already attended a painting course can continue to develop their knowledge and skills through a range of diverse exercises.

As our courses are taught in English, please contact us if you have any concerns about your level of English.

What do I need to bring to the first class? Will there be any extra costs?

• A3 size sketch pad 250 gsm or higher suitable for acrylic painting (mixed media pads have a smooth paper surface which may be preferable to a canvas texture paper surface when learning to paint).

• A set of artist-quality Acrylic Paints including both warm and cool versions of primary colours (packs are often sold this way). OR If buying paints separately then colour recommendations are:

o Ultramarine Blue, Cerulean Blue, Cadmium Yellow, Lemon Yellow, Cadmium Red, Alizarin Crimson, Titanium White, Ivory Black or Mars Black.

These examples cover both warm and cool biased primary colours. It is important to buy artist quality paints from one of the reputable art brands to ensure good pigmentation.

• Artist-quality, soft bristle short-handled paint brushes for acrylics. Round brush with a pointed tip in either a size 5 or 6.
• If you wish to purchase extra brushes then the recommendation is a size 3 and size 0 which are good to have for finer details. A Filbert brush (flat brush with curved edges) in size ½ inch or ¾ inch. Brushes will be discussed in more detail at the first lesson
• Flat palette or old plate (preferably white).
• Acrylic Paint Flow Enhancer (translucent or transparent liquid).
• Slow Drying Medium/ Acrylic Retarder Gel (transparent gel).

Other materials needed during the course will be discussed in advance of the lesson where those materials will be needed. Please email Customer services at adultlearning@surreycc.gov.uk to contact the tutor on your behalf if you have any questions about materials for this first session.

What can I do when I finish the course?

In discussion with your tutor, you may like to progress onto further painting or mixed media courses. This tutor’s Powerful Portraits Painting course offers development of the skills learned on this course

Additional information

We welcome learners with additional needs and disabilities. When you enrol, please let us know if you would like to discuss your extra support needs with a member of the Supported Learning Team who will then contact you as soon as possible. If you are enrolling within 10 days of the course start date, we may not be able to contact you before your first class. Surrey Adult Learning values and supports equality and diversity by promoting fairness and respect at all times.

How to enrol

You can't currently enrol online for this course, so please call 0300 200 1044 to express your interest or to make an enquiry for further information.

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