Whether you have any previous experience or not, this is a great workshop that allows for freedom of expression. It will increase your confidence in painting, encouraging you to let go of traditional visual references and subject matter, focusing on acrylic paint effects and techniques.

• A variety of structured exercises will help develop your understanding and appreciation of working in acrylic paint
• Use a wide range of brushes and palette knives for different effects
• Layer paint and scrape through
• Apply paint with other household items and utensils
• Prepare the surface
• Consider different working methods, allowing for staining, drips and puddles
• Add texture and pattern into paint
• Discuss and explore the advantages and disadvantages of using acrylic paint on different supports
• Discover a variety of paint handling techniques whilst learning about the work of contemporary painters to inspire and enrich your own explorations and discoveries
• Develop your own visual language and improve understanding of the principles of painting through experimentation and guided independent practice

This course is an opportunity for you to:

• Recognise greater creative potential in acrylic painting
• Gain a solid understanding of the key skills required to manipulate acrylic paint
• Use a variety of associated mediums to achieve the desired flow of paint
• Explore and combine a variety of paint handling techniques
• Develop the confidence to employ a variety of painting methods and materials
• Produce a number of experimental abstract paintings in acrylic paint

You will be encouraged to use a sketchbook to record notes, sketches, colours and ideas during the course. The tutor will provide exercises, demonstrations and inspiration for this course.

Included

On this course the College will provide A3 cartridge paper, A3 acrylic paper, acrylic paint in primary colours: Crimson Red, Cadmium Red, Cadmium Yellow, Lemon Yellow, Ultramarine Blue, Prussian Blue, along with Titanium White per student, and acrylic mediums to share amongst the group.

What students need to bring

• Brushes – a varied selection of synthetic acrylic brushes in a range of sizes: 2 – 12
• Large household decorating brushes
• Pencils, rubbers, masking tape
• Palette knives and a large palette
• Plastic tubs or yoghurt pots for mixing paint
• Rags/ sponges/ other mark-making tools
• Suitable clothing for painting
• An apron
• Sketchbook

Additional information

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

Daily Timetable

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

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