Paint Class

I have enrolled in a painting class and had my first class this last Friday.

I was very impressed with my instructor. She was very informative on supplies had us do an icebreaker and gathered information on each of us on our experience and expectations.

I feel that this will help me get painting on a regular basis. This week I plan on painting each day, and returning on Friday for further instruction.

The class was offered as a oil or acrylic painting class, so as I was going over the supplies needed I decided to try acrylics. I haven't worked in acrylics since high school. I decided on acrylics mainly because they are less toxic than oils. Plus I had a few acrylics on hand from a different project I had started.

The class runs for 3-1/2 hours and the first 3 hours were explanation of the supplies and a demonstration of a monochromatic still life. This left just half an hour to paint.

I started mixing paints as instructed and was pleased with the colors I created. Once I started laying the paint on the canvasette I realized I hadn't mixed enough. So, back to mixing I went. At last I got the background done. It took forever because my size 8 round brush (recommended) just didn't fill up the background as quickly as a bigger brush would have. My next problem arose from the paint drying out. I have been working with color pencil, water colors or oils. No drying out there! It was very frustrating. I either have to work quicker or come up with another plan. It will be a challenge.

For now I am cutting my canvesette papers in half to do smaller scale paintings. Most of the work I do this week will be monochromatic still lifes.