Painting: acrylic techniques and mediums
Time: 14:00 - 17:00
Location: Keeley Street
Choose a start date
- Course Code: VH055
- Dates: 21/05/24 - 11/06/24
- Time: 14:00 - 17:00
- Taught: Tue, Daytime
- Duration: 4 sessions (over 4 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Amanda Bracken
Course Code: VH055
Choose a start date
Duration: 4 sessions (over 4 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
Ideal for the beginner but also useful for the intermediate painter who wishes to develop painting skills, which explore the potential of acrylic paint media. During the course we will explore the properties of the medium, not just as a non-toxic equivalent to oil paint, but as a fast-drying paint with its own character, capable of multi-layered techniques, which can be adapted to a variety of supports. From the early experiments by the Mexican Muralists, its subsequent adoption by New York School colour-field painters, to the gallery works of today and its surprising adoption as a medium of choice in a variety of global cultures. We will take inspiration from key approaches, inspired by 4 chosen moments in time and place and use of accompanying glaze and gel media where relevant.
What will we cover?
• Methods of application. Brushes and other tools.
• Impasto and glazing.
• Working with varying drying times.
• Use of mediums to modify the flow of paint.
• Controlling and experimenting with brushstroke.
• Increasing the vocabulary of your paint handling.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Recognise greater creative potential in acrylic painting.
• Use a variety of associated mediums to achieve the desired flow of paint.
• Explore and combine a variety of paint handling techniques.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Ideal for the beginner, no previous painting experience is necessary, and the improver.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
• Tutor demonstration
• Practical activity
• One to one guidance
• Group discussion.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Basic materials will be provided but you are welcome to bring any extra or special materials. Students who have their own set of brushes are recommended to bring them.Basic materials will be provided but you are welcome to bring any extra or special materials. Students who have their own set of brushes are recommended to bring them.
Need art supplies? Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencil to printing services, at 15% off.
To get 15% LGC discount, students will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment of them being a student at City Lit. You can apply in-store or by simply emailing info@londongraphics.co.uk with a scan or photo of relevant confirmation. The student discount does not apply to products that are already discounted or on offer. More information can be found here- https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
A wide variety of painting classes are available at City Lit for further progression.
Amanda Bracken started her teaching career at the Serpentine Gallery, researching, developing and delivering projects to a range of audiences, which illuminated the art work on show in the exhibition programme, including a teachers’ pack for the Bridget Riley exhibition. She also gained substantial experience developing projects and workshops within the education departments of The Drawing Room, the Estorick collection, The National Portrait Gallery and the Victoria Miro Gallery in particular Alice Neel: Portraits. Bracken holds an MA in Fine Art gained at Central Saint Martins. She also holds a BA in joint Art/Dance and a PGCE gained at Goldsmiths College London. Brackens paintings, drawings and installations have been selected for exhibitions in London and nationally including the Drawing Room, ASC Gallery, C and C Gallery and Atkinson Gallery Millfield. ‘I am interested in colour and form in all its permutations and the qualities of the substance of painting and drawing-the figurative, the abstract and the in-between. Citylit has a diverse Art department where I can use my experience to stimulate students to develop their own work'.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.