Mixed-Media art is exciting! The opportunity to stretch yourself, each layer infusing more depth and personality as you work, leading you down the path of making unique and expressive artwork that resonates.

We will create artwork that has something to say, whether it is in the literal sense of using words or simply knowing how to place color and textures so that your work lures the viewer in to seek and enjoy more. We will focus on abstracting the human figure and will use several different mediums to create a powerful, expressive composition that is deeply personal. Art speaks volumes and I want to give you the confidence that allows you to continue to create in your own unique voice.

Course will focus on:
? Using graphite to break the stigma of the blank paper
? Building a background by layering acrylics
? Developing a figure(s) that helps express your concept
? Exploring paint applications that change the expressiveness of your work
? Shading and color development for building value
? Adding stencils for interesting visual textures and movement
? Changing media to build strong contrast
? Embracing the art of messy handwriting as a visual element

Students will need the following supplies for class:
? Two 18 x 24 surfaces. These can be watercolor paper, mixed-media paper, primed unstretched canvas, boards, etc. (Due to the nature of layers and techniques preferably NO STRETCHED CANVASES)
? Brayer
? Palette or Palette Pad or STA-WET Palette
? Acrylic Paints. Please bring any and all colors that you want to work with. I personally like to mix heavy body and fluid acrylics when I paint for texture and contrast. I also like to work in a mix of warms, cools and neutrals like Titan Buff, Raw Umber and White.
? Gesso. I actually use gesso as my white paint.
? Paintbrushes. Bring your favorites. I suggest a couple of flats and rounds in different sizes, but I also like to paint with my fingers too.
? Palette Knife
? Neocolor ll Crayons
? Soft Pastels
? Charcoal Pencil
? Book text
? Matte Medium
? Stencils. My favorites are small designs like text, numbers or dots, but please bring what you love.
? Brush Bucket. To clean your brushes.
? Paper Towels
? Baby Wipes
? Spectrum Spray Fixative. I’m suggesting this one because it is odorless and can be sprayed indoors
? Apron or Paint Clothes. I like to get messy :)
? * Optional - large drawing board. Sometimes students prefer to work on paper sheets using these.