Introduction to Painting

SF 124
Instructor: Christopher West
Wed., 6:45–9:45 p.m., June 3–August 5
10 sessions. $300. Noncredit. Prerequisite: none

This course is designed for beginners and those who have minimal painting experience. Students learn a variety of techniques, including alla prima, glazing, scumbling, and impasto, as well as explore a wide range of subject matter, such as still life, portrait, abstraction, and the model. Individual critiques, group discussions, and field trips to galleries supplement the studio experience. The course emphasizes learning different methods to develop a personal painting style.

Bring to first class: two preprimed canvas boards, acrylic paints (black, white, yellow, blue, and red), palette knife, disposable palettes, several brush sizes, a few jars, rags.

Mixed Media: Explorations in
Drawing & Painting

OAK 214
Instructor: Jamie Brunson
Mon., 6:45–9:45 p.m., June 1–August 3
10 sessions. $300 (plus $5 materials fee payable to instructor at first session). Noncredit. Prerequisite: minimum one drawing or painting class, or familiarity with the materials

Participants in this mixed-media course stretch their creativity and build improvisational skills by exploring new combinations of materials. Weekly exercises encourage structured experimentation with various dry- and water-based drawing and painting materials (acrylics, inks, pens, pencils, charcoal, etc.) using methods including collage and transfer techniques on various surfaces.

Demonstrations of technique followed by exercises and in-depth projects are designed to put into practice new methods of working. Creative process and a personal approach to subject matter is encouraged. Group discussions about contemporary work and work produced in class examine topics inherent within the creative process: spontaneity/control, narrative/formal content, hallmarks of quality.

Bring to first class: 18 x 24 in. pad of Strathmore drawing paper (or sheets of other heavy-weight paper suitable for ink washes; metal clips for securing paper; charcoal sticks and pencils, ebony lead pencil; chamois, kneaded eraser, assorted small brushes, oil sticks and oil and/or chalk pastels as desired.

Intermediate/Advanced Painting

OAK 228
Instructor: Merl Ross
Sat., 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., June 6–July 25 (no class July 4)
7 sessions. $210. Noncredit. Prerequisite: Introduction to Painting or equivalent experience

Intended for those students who have completed an introduction to painting course and who wish to further develop their visual explorations using acrylic or oil paint. A variety of themes are explored, some through direct observation, others drawing upon imagination. Emphasis is given to developing a personal vision. Individual feedback and group critiques assist students to examine the properties of color and its application, along with other technical concerns.

Bring to first class: several brushes, a few jars, rags, a preprimed canvas (at least 16 x 20 in.), disposable palettes, palette knife, acrylic or oil paints (titanium white, mars black, cadmium yellow or hue, cadmium yellow light or lemon yellow, cadmium red medium or hue, quinacridone violet, ultramarine blue, phthalo blue). If working in oils, bring odorless mineral spirits, damar varnish, Liquin, Galkyd, or linseed oil.

Exploring Watercolor

OAK 230
Instructor: Lynn Sondag
Sat., 9 a.m.–noon, July 11–25
3 sessions. $95. Noncredit. Prerequisite: none

This course is designed for individuals who are new to watercolor. In addition to learning basic techniques and color mixing, participants explore experimental approaches that synthesize form, content, and personal expression. Students incorporate both realism and nonobjective subject matter in their paintings.

Bring to first class: 4 sheets of Arches 22 x 30 in. 140lb cold press watercolor paper; Windsor Newton "Cotman" or Windsor Newton professional watercolors—5ml tubes: ultramarine blue, cerulean blue, cadmium red medium, permanent rose, cadmium yellow medium, lemon yellow, burnt sienna; #6 and #12 round brushes; palette with large mixing area, 3H pencil; kneaded eraser; sketch book (any size).