Acrylic painting for lettering/ signage workshop [SSK]

Course intent

On this Sign Painting workshop, you will create hand painted signs suitable for outside or in, using font and colour choices to evoke a style, mood or atmosphere. You will draw inspiration from the history of typography looking at different artists’ and designers’ work.

What will I learn?

You will learn how to:

• Use guidelines to accurately draw out your lettering.
• Control your paintbrush to create different effects.
• Mix your paint correctly to achieve smooth areas of colour.
• Use font and colour choices purposefully to evoke a mood or atmosphere.
• Draw inspiration from the history of typography to create your own pieces.
• Protect your work to allow it to be displayed outdoors.

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

This workshop is aimed at learners who already have some experience with painting, who are looking to learn to create sharp lettering and how to use typography to evoke a mood. Beginners may want to practice brush control exercises ahead of the class to be able to get the most out of the workshop (suggested brush control video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvyvdJQWMAA&ab_channel=SusanChiang)

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

Learners need to bring:

• A pencil, a rubber, and a sharpener
• A jar
• Paper towels
• An apron/ clothes you don’t mind getting messy
• A3 size sketch pad, 250 gsm or higher suitable for acrylic painting
• Optional: A piece of smooth, unpainted/ unvarnished MDF wood, approx A3 size and at least 10mm thick to avoid warping. You can get this from shops such as B&Q, who will also cut it down to size. (Suggested item: https://www.diy.com/departments/mdf-fibreboard-l-810mm-w-405mm-t-12mm/1696259_BQ.prd)
• A set of artist-quality Acrylic Paints including black, white, and both warm and cool versions of primary colours (packs are often sold this way). It is important to buy artist quality paints from one of the reputable art brands to ensure good pigmentation. (Such as this set from Cass Art: https://www.cassart.co.uk/daler-rowney-system-3-original-acrylic-introduction-22ml-set-of-10--c/)
• Artist-quality, soft bristle paint brushes. You need a combination of round brushes with a pointed tip, and flat brushes. (Suggested set: https://www.cassart.co.uk/cass-art-white-synthetic-brush-set-of-6--c/ )
• Flat palette- you could even use an old plate! (preferably white)
• Masking tape

What can I do when I finish the course?

Learners will feel much more confident in their painting and lettering skills and understand the history of typography. You may wish to enrol on an acrylic painting course at Surrey Adult Learning in the Autumn term to continue your creative journey.

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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