The textural quality, impromptu blending and happy surprises are what makes this a  fun tool for applying paint. You might observe your subject the usual way, but the painting comes out with a different energy--you can't help but loosen up. We will work in acrylic or oils, on whatever subject interests you--I will be demonstrating with a landscape.  We'll spend some time initially with the various techniques of applying and excavating the paint surface, and look at a variety of tools for making your marks.

​

Materials:

Your choice of oils or acrylics, in whatever colors you like to use.  I prefer oils and use a split-primary palette (warm and cool versions of each primary color: If you'd like more details on a suggested color assortment, let me know.)

Acrylic painters: You'll need "Heavy Body" paints from Liquitex or Golden tube paints (not the paint that says "fluid"). For better texture any of these mediums are good:

Gel medium for transparent effects

Fiber Paste for lots of texture/impasto

Molding paste for added body, not quite so much texture

Liquitex Heavy Body paint seems a little stiffer than Golden--which will give you more texture.

​

Oil painters: You just need your regular tube paints--the water-soluble might be a little on the thin side, the ones I've used are. Titanium white is your best white. I like a little jar of 50-50 Gamsol and safflower/linseed oil for a medium to dip into if I want thinner paint.

​

Everyone:

• Painting Knives:  Here's what we won't use: plastic palette knives or palette knives that have the blade on the same plane as the handle.  When you look at the painting knife in profile, the shank/blade should dip down from the handle--offset, giving your fingers a little space.  I will bring lots of different sizes, so don't feel like you have to buy stuff. But if you want to order my favorite one. It's made by Richeson: Che Son 830.  Available at Amazon

• Supports: Bring a sheet or two of watercolor paper for practicing. Any of your usual supports is fine for your paintings (one or two)--paper, wood, canvas. Not a bad idea to try a couple different types.  I love linen.

• Photo reference:   We will be painting, so bring your usual reference, or paint out of your head! Don't expect to duplicate a complex photo, this is a very loose process!

• Bring the usual kit, apron, gloves, palette, lunch, etc.

​

Instructor Instagram