Class Discussion Items

  1. Styles of painting: Realism, Impressionism, Abstract, Cubism, Expressionism, and more.  (See tab “Styles of Painting“)
  2. Selecting your canvas:
    1. For fun, ¾” depth is fine. You can paint the sides, but a frame is better to keep it from warping.
    2. Professional, 1-1/2” depth is preferred. They are called “wrap-around”, and the sides are painted so it doesn’t require framing.
  3. Selecting your subject.
  4. Prepping your canvas. Charcoal and hairspray.  Bare minimum of sketch.
  5. Brushes – so very important! Only a handful are needed, but having the correct brushes and knowing how to use them is key!  Long handled is for “loose” painting (standing back); short handled is for “tight” (closeup) painting.  Sometimes, your fingers are your brush!  (For details on brushes, see tab “Resources“)
    1. Flat
    2. Round
    3. Thin
    4. Angled
    5. Fan
  6. Other tools:
    1. Pallet knife (excellent for texture)
    2. Sponge
    3. Q-tip
    4. Toothbrush
  7. Mixed media. Tissue paper and other stuff.
  8. Mixing colors. Color wheel.
    1. RARELY use pure black.
    2. Some colors I simply must buy: turquoise, some shades of purple and pink.
  9. Where to start: Background vs. subject.
  10. Highlighting and shadowing – Source of light.  VALUE:  Refers to the lightness or darkness of a   Know your source of light.
  11. When are you finished?
  12. Sealing a painting.  (For details on sealing, see tab “Resources“)
    1. Matte
    2. Glossy
  13. Sign your work!