Course 2050: Acrylic Painting for Beginners:
Exploring Form, Composition and Color in Acrylics!
This class is co-sponsored by the University of Washington’s Experimental College
Sign up now for the SUMMER QTR. 2013 class, starting in July:
When: Sundays 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. ~ July 21-August 11 (four meetings)
Where: University of Washington campus in Seattle
Tuition: $99
To SIGN UP NOW, click the TAKE CLASS button below.
- General Public: $99 tuition + $10 reg fee = $109
- UW Students (current ID): $95 tuition + $5 reg fee = $100
Course description: Acrylic paints are vibrant, beautiful and easy to use, and lend themselves to beautiful spontaenous effects. In this introductory Seattle painting class, aimed at folks who’ve never painted before, you’ll learn how to mix and blend colors on your palette or on your canvas. You’ll learn a few basics about color theory and composition, get some practice mixing colors and creating textures with the different brushes, and learn an easy method of painting objects in way that makes them look solid and three dimensional. Plus, you’ll learn how to paint some simple landscape elements in acrylics. It’s fun, and you’ll learn a lot and be surprised at what you can paint. Even if you don’t know an artist’s brush from a toothbrush, you’ll get off to a good start. Absolute beginners welcome! To read student comments about this class, scroll down this page. Instructor: Nils Osmar
About the materials: You can either bring your own materials, or purchase a materials kit especially created for this class, which is available at the University Bookstore, located on NE 43rd street and University Way NE in Seattle, about five blocks from where the class is held. (A materials list will be sent out when you sign up, for folks who would prefer to bring their own.) (The kit includes a simple inexpensive set of tube acrylics, plus a variety of different brushes, and watercolor or canvasette paper for painting on, and costs less than $20.)
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)
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)
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’sASUW 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.
Categories: Seattle painting classes; acrylic painting classes in Seattle; beginning level painting classes.
us on Facebook