Introduction to Painting
“Sam helped me to see color differently. The activities in his classes helped me to not just see color, but to experience it. I look more closely now at how light, and the proximity of other colors can change my perceptions.
Sam sets a nice positive tone in the class. He modeled having fun, experimenting, and discovering in a unique way.” Spring 2023 Student
Sam's Teaching Instagram
6 Classes with
Fall Session:
11/8/23 -12/20/23
Wednesdays 1:30-4:30
Breaks Week of 10/16 and 11/20
Make up classes provided.
Pacific Grove Adult School
1025 Lighthouse Ave.
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
831-646-6580
Class Description: Introduction to Painting Fall 2023
This is a relaxed and fun class designed for students who have never painted, have some experience, or want to brush up
on some basics. We will paint with acrylics and learn the fundamentals of materials. Topics covered may include
composition, value, color mixing, painting from life such as still life and portraits, collaboration, and a copy problem. The
teacher will also introduce various artists either with slide presentation or books. This is a fun class where we learn
together and surprise ourselves with art. After enrollment students will be provided with a supply list to bring to first
class. The classroom provides tables and chairs for working.
Sam's Teaching Instagram
Syllabus and Supplies List
Invariably the student of painting finds materials they prefer by experimentation. The quality of paint varies greatly. To start, I suggest an artist level paint such as Golden or Liquitex but if this is cost prohibitive there are many alternatives.
Many students will already have paints and supplies that they have acquired and are excited to experiment with.
I encourage the use of those pre-existing materials. I also have the list below as a suggestion of materials.
There are convenient kits of paint and brush sets available I have linked below.
1. Tubes of Acrylic “Heavy Bodied” Paint such as the Golden brand.
2 reds, 2 blues, 2 yellows, black, white, burnt umber, yellow ochre. For the Black and White tube volume = 4 fl. Oz. For all other colors 2 fl. Oz is a good start.
*The goal is to learn to mix colors and apply paint. For this purpose we do not need 48 colors sets, etc. The student only requires 8 colors in addition to black and white. There are infinite ways to arrange a palette. The course is designed for flexibility and diversity. In this way all students might have slightly different colors which will promote sharing of information and growth. Hence the vagueness of “2 yellows.” For example, 2 blues can mean any pair of blues from possibilities like cerulean, cobalt, and ultramarine, pthalo, anthroquininone.
https://www.michaels.com/product/golden-artist-colors-modern-theory-color-mixing-set-D015671S
2. Surfaces to paint on such as a pad of “pre-primed” canvas paper measuring around 9”x 12” (Approximately 20 sheets)
3. Sketchbook with “mixed-Media” style paper.
4. Brushes. I suggest an assortment of round and flat brushes. Brushes are categorized for sale depending on paint medium. Since we are using acrylic paint in this class, I suggest using brushes, flat and round, in the acrylic category. Sizes ranging from 5 to 10.
5. Rags/ paper towels
6. water containers/ cups. These are for dipping brush in water when painting.
7. Palette. Acrylic dries quickly. Students need convenient ways to store paint in a relatively airtight container. I present 2 options. Either the palette paper and the larger artist palette box where all mixing and storing takes place or the smaller palette box in combination with palette paper.
a.https://www.michaels.com/product/artist-palette-seal-10011263
b.https://www.michaels.com/product/stawet-handy-palette-10473488
8.Palette knives
9.Spray bottle
a.https://www.michaels.com/product/clear-spray-bottle-4oz-by-artists-loft-10720097
10 A convenient way to carry everything (a bag or box of some kind)
11.Curiosity and compassion!
*Keeping the price down and accessible in a painting class is an art in itself! I do my best to design the class to be affordable
