Acrylic Painting - Beginners

Course intent

Learn how to paint in acrylic paint by starting at the very beginning. Gain confidence whilst exploring a variety of subjects, painting both from life and photographic references. With hands-on tuition and constructive feedback you will become more skilled and find what interests and inspires you.

What will I learn?

Acrylics are known for their vibrant, strong colours and the immediacy they offer, with no long drying times. You will discover how quickly a painting can be built up, making this medium ideal for painters who don’t have the space to store slow-drying oil paintings.

You will learn : · Acrylic Painting techniques · The use of materials and tools · The element of drawing in painting · Sketching outlines · Colour mixing & tonal values · Composition · Looking at and understanding other artists’ work · The importance of a clean and tidy studio and how to clean up in an environmentally-conscious way·

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

This course is for beginners and those who are not yet confident in acrylic painting. This weekly class will help learners master the basics so that they are able to independently create their own paintings after the course.

As our courses are taught in English, please contact us if you have any concerns about your level of English or any factors which may impact your ability to access this course.

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

YOU NEED TO BRING: ● An apron and suitable clothing for painting spills. ● Notebook or sketchbook and pencil ● A set of acrylic paint to include the colours: Titanium White, Mars Black, Burnt Umber, Ultramarine, Yellow Ochre, Crimson, Cadmium Red, Cadmium Yellow (please avoid traditional cadmium pigments). Suggested set: https://www.cassart.co.uk/daler-rowney-system-3-original-acrylic-introduction-22ml-set-of-10--c/ ● A small assortment of flat and round brushes. This set is an affordable introductory set with a variety of shapes and sizes: https://www.cassart.co.uk/cass-art-white-synthetic-brush-set-of-6--c/ ● A palette. This needs to be a flat surface (preferably without dipped sections) that measures around 20 x 30cm minimum. Glass, ceramic, enamelled metal, or plastic palettes can be used. We do not recommend the use of Plexiglass or other types of acrylic sheeting, as acrylic paints and mediums can adhere permanently. ● A palette knife such as https://www.cassart.co.uk/rgm-professional-palette-knife---rgm-x-043--c/ ● A3 pad of acrylic painting paper (250gsm or higher) ● Kitchen roll or old cotton rags to clean your brushes ● A clean, empty, leak-proof glass jam jar with a lid to store and transport paint water in. ● Masking tape

Your tutor will advise where to buy further materials that may arise as needed, specific to your particular individual projects.

For some classes, you will be asked to bring in objects or photographs to act as a reference for your paintings. A camera phone is useful for photographing your still life setups so that you can continue your work at home.

What can I do when I finish the course?

We hope that you will enjoy the course and will want to continue exploring acrylic painting with us. We offer a variety of classes for every level of painter, which are available on our website.

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.

How to enrol

Our courses are for adult learners aged 19 or over. If you are under 19, please call 0300 200 1044.

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