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"Your class was wonderful. I'd never painted before. I've been painting ever since..." - J. Kinsley, Seattle

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CLASS 250: Acrylic painting for absolute beginners!
Spring Quarter 2012

This class meets on a Sunday, so it has FREE parking
When: Sundays, 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m., April 22-May 13 (four meetings)
Where: University of Washington campus in Seattle
Course fee (tuition): General Public: $99
UW Students with current ID: $95
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COURSE DESCRIPTION: In this enjoyable introductory class, aimed at folks who've never painted before, you'll learn how to mix and blend colors, use brushes, and paint some simple objects. You'll learn a few basics about color theory and composition, and how to paint using acrylics. We'll then move on to paint things like trees, mountains, clouds, rocks, and still lifes, using an easy step-by-step method. Even if you don't know an artist's brush from a toothbrush, you'll have fun, learn a lot, and get off to a good start. Total beginners welcome! (Note: the class runs for two hours, then we have 15 minutes for cleanup, packing up our paints, etc., before we need to be out of the classroom.)

A NOTE ABOUT MATERIALS
You can either bring your own materials, if you already have some, or pick up a materials kit especially created for this class at the University Bookstore, located on NE 43rd street and University Way NE in Seattle, about five blocks from where the class is held. (You can just stop over on your way to the first class to get the kit.) The kit includes: 1) a set of high quality acrylic paints (about $20); 2) a small set of brushes (less than $5); 3) a pad of watercolor paper (about $5); and 4) a pallette (about $2) The total is around $35, and will last for months of painting.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:
Nils Osmar has made his living in the arts since the 1980s, and has taught both accredited and non-accredited classes in Seattle for over twenty years, through the University of Washington's ASUW Experimental College, Antioch University Heritage Institute, the Wonder School, and Classesandworkshops.com. He has worked as a fine and commercial artist, and done book and magazine illustration, design, book covers and interiors. His artwork has been internationally published. To view examples of the instructor's artwork, click here

ABOUT THE SCHOOL:
This class is sponsored by the ASUW Experimental College, the Wonder School, and Classesandworkshops.com. It's open to everyone; you don't have to be a U.W. student to sign up. (If an enrollee is under 18, please contact us first to make sure the class is a good "fit" for the student)

OTHER QUESTIONS? For the answers to frequently asked questions, see FAQ

STUDENT COMMENTS
I really loved all of it, the color theory, how to mix paints, how to create earth tones, how to paint trees and clouds, the "undermixing" technique - wow!!! - and the freeform times when we were just playing with color. The only thing I wish is that it was ten weeks instead of four. I would love to take an advanced class if you offer one. - Evvie M., Ballard (Seattle)

Thanks Nils! The class was a wonderful introduction. It was just right for me. Thanks also for all the good information about "green" ways to dispose of paint water and leftovers. I always felt bad about dumping the water down the drain. - M.J., Kenmore

Good class! I'm excited to keep painting. - Judith R., Seattle

I have a confession. I had been wasting an incredible amount of paint, because I'd try painting with acrylics and they would dry out on the palette. The techniques you showed us to make the paint last so much longer, will probably save me a hundred dollars a year in paints. I loved your "ten cent solution" for preventing dry out. It's easy and totally solves the problem. - Molly B., Bellevue

Thanks by the way you set up the supply thing. It was great just being able to stop at the (Univsersity bookstore) on the way to class and have the kit already set up and waiting. No need to worry about buying the right stuff. My girlfriend took a painting class and spent over $200 on materials. Your guys kit was under forty bucks, has the big tubes of a good brand name. And the tip about how to make a stay wet palette was great. - Jim M., Everett

I really enjoyed this class! The instructor was very relaxed and really encouraged all of us in our efforts, and answered questions and gave guidance whenever asked.  (unsigned; comment submitted online)

Nils, Just wanted to let you know that I completed my application to the Game Animation Certificate program, and as of a week ago received notice of my acceptance. One of my portfolio pieces was a charcoal figure based upon one of the exercises from class - and of course, I'd never touched charcoal before meeting you. Thanks again for all the tips and encouragement! Your classes really helped polish my skills and boost my confidence a great deal. -- J.C. (Seattle)

Your teaching style was a pleasure to learn by and I enjoyed your class very much.. - Ruth B. (Seattle)

I was the redhead who drove in every week from Tacoma. It was worth it. You really have something going if you can take someone like me and turn me into an artist, well, a beginning artist anyway! But that's way ahead of where I was. Thanks again Nils! - R.M. (Tacoma)

Loved the right brain stuff, like drawing upside down. I also loved, honestly, that you provided the materials. (Art supplies) can be so expensive, I was happy when you told we wouldn't have to buy any. - M.R. (Bellevue)

Thanks for taking some time before the class to help me figure out which class I should take. - M.J. (Seattle)

The teacher was fabulous. Addressed every student by name and remembered the reasons why they were in the class and was so pleasant to learn from. - Rose B., Seattle

The instructor provided hands-on help and was especially well organized. He was very personable and remembered everyone's name. - C.B., Seattle

(The class) was well organized and you took us along step-by-step. I will see you in the fall for one of your other classes. - Mary J. (Redmond)

It was fun, like all of your classes. - Maura H. (Bothell)

Classes starting soon:

ACTING CLASSES
CLASS 110: Beginning Acting
CLASS 300: Let's Make a Movie
CLASS 120: Actors workshop: Auditioning

ART CLASSES
CLASS 210: Drawing for Absolute Beginners
CLASS 220: Figure Drawing
CLASS 225: Drawing clothing and drapery
CLASS 230: Drawing Faces and Portraits
CLASS 240: Perspective drawing for artists
CLASS 250: Acrylic Painting for Beginners
CLASS 270: Cartooning for fun and profit
CLASS 290: Drawing in pen, brush & ink
CLASS 295: Exploring charcoal

FILM AND VIDEO CLASSES
CLASS 300: Let's Make a Movie
CLASS 310: Filmmaking 101
CLASS 320: Documentary Filmmaking
CLASS 550: Start writing your screenplay

SOFTWARE CLASSES: PHOTOSHOP
CLASS 400: Photoshop for Beginners

WRITING CLASSES
CLASS 510: Writing fiction & short stories
CLASS 550: Start writing your screenplay