Introduction to acrylic painting - still life with Suzanne Caines

Ref: D1D36741

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About this course

An introduction to mixing paint for still life and interior spaces where you will learn to develop your painting in a series of controlled steps. Learn to select and prepare surfaces and materials, build a composition and make supplementary studies to guide your colour application and evaluate your progress and results.

Course Description

This is a course which will take you through the making of an acrylic painting from beginning studies to a final piece, considering the different stages involved. A variety of projects, working from both representation and abstraction, will develop your handling of the medium and build confidence in image-making with paint. You will be able to follow set painting projects and /or develop your own ideas in painting, building upon the momentum in the studio.

Course Materials

Included

The course fee includes the cost of providing some paper and gesso, shared amongst the group, and some acrylic paint, gloss medium and clingfilm.

What students need to bring

  • Rags
  • A variety of brushes
  • Empty window cleaner sprayer (for spraying water on artwork)
  • A portable music device with headphones and music (optional)

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Timetable

Daily Timetable

Course teaching: 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive: 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)  
Morning teaching: 11am-1pm
Lunch break: 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching: 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes: 5.15pm  
 

General Information

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected]

This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations Please refer to our terms & conditions below

Disclaimer The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions

Tutors

Suzanne Caines

Suzanne Caines is a Canadian Artist, researcher, curator & arts educator from Nova Scotia, Canada.

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Further study options

Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study. 

Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.