Painting - Acrylics: From Realism to Abstraction

This will be a highly experiential class and you will work (and play) hard all week. To get the most out of your class time, you are encouraged to spend a little time getting prepared. Most of the suggested supplies are basic and readily available.

• Acrylic Paint: (heavy body or fluid or a combination)
• Red, yellow & blue - One of each is sufficient, but feel free to bring more if you have them; consider bringing a warm and cool of each of red, yellow and blue.
• White: Titanium white + 1 or 2 others such as titan buff, zinc white, or similar. You will use more white paint than you expect. 
• Black: Any version of black.
• Earth tones: raw or burnt sienna, raw or burnt umber, naples yellow, yellow ochre, or similar. No need to bring all of them but having a few to play with will greatly enhance your colour mixing and value options.
• Acrylic fluid medium(s): such as matte medium or glazing liquid. (Gel or other heavy or specialized mediums are not required but feel free to bring if you want to play with them.)
• Supports:
• 4 – 6 firm supports such as stretched canvases, canvas boards, watercolour paper, or similar. Size is your choice, small or large. Suggestion: try using a size or shape that is new to you. Be prepared to work on multiple projects at the same time. If you choose to work on paper, bring a board to support it on the easel.
•  A few sheets of heavy paper, a canvas pad, (or perhaps some re-purposed cardboard boxes?) or similar surfaces for playing with ideas.

• A large paint brush (at least 2"). “Hardware store” type of brush is fine.
• A few smaller brushes,
• A palette knife(s).
• Pencils, pens, markers, or other mark making tools.
• Scrapers, rags, sponges and other application tools (optional but fun to play with)

• Easel: You will work at a floor easel most of the time. The college provides sufficient easels for the class, but if you have a favourite easel, consider bringing it.
• Palette: a surface on which to mix your paints. Any palette will suffice, but a “wet palette” is recommended. You can easily make your own wet palette by following the instructions on the instructor’s website. Click on this link: https://www.grethejensen.com/learningresources/create-your-own-wet-palette/

• Apron, gloves, water container.
• Paper towels and/or rags.
• Your device – phone, tablet, or laptop.
• You will be encouraged to select your own subject matter, so bring: 
• your ideas 
• favourite art books
• photographs 
• or other materials for inspiration.

Mandatory Studio Safety Practices 

Your health and safety is our priority. Our studio environments can have a number of objects, tools and chemicals that require personal protective equipment (PPE) or other consideration for your well-being. All persons (including faculty, staff and students) are asked to observe the following while in the shops and studios: 
 

• Wear sturdy and appropriate shoes such as sneakers, closed leather shoes or work boots open-toed shoes, flip-flops or high heels are not allowed. 

• No long, dangling clothing or accessories (scarves, flowing sleeves, chains, long necklaces, etc.). 

• Long hair must be tied back. 

• No bare skin if exposure to chemicals or tools/machinery is likely. 

• Appropriate PPE is mandatory when operating tools and equipment within the studios. 

• Please consult with the faculty or studio technician to determine the appropriate PPE required for specific machines and studio processes. 
   

Fit tests are required for courses requiring a respirator as noted on your material list. Arrangements will be made on-site. As these are mandatory safety practices, we will follow up directly with students who may have oversighted the above. Individuals may be asked to address any concerns before continuing to work in the studio. Be sure to buy appropriate, good-quality safety articles and equipment, i.e. safety boots, protective eyewear, hearing protection, work gloves, x-acto knives, etc. - Ask your supplier for advice.