New Acrylic Painting classes begin January 20 & 22

Spring classes at the Calistoga Art Center begin the third week of January!

Acrylic Painting classes will run on Wednesdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., beginning on January 20th, or on Fridays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., beginning on January 22nd. Napa Valley College is maintaining its commitment to keep these classes free for adults, as long as we have a minimum of fourteen students on the first day.

So, here's the skinny - in addition to all the things I cover for students who are new to painting - the basics of composition and design, how to begin a painting, mixing colors, the painting process, you name it - and helping students individually as they progress with their paintings, students last semester asked for an extra focus on brushwork, color, and portraits. (That doesn't mean that everyone has to paint portraits. You can tuck away the information for future reference, if you're not interested in painting portraits now.)

Materials for the first day:

• Acrylic brushes (if you are about to buy new brushes, buy filberts)

in a range of sizes (you can begin with two or three brushes)

• Water container (preferably plastic), paper towels, masking tape

• Palette

• Paint: Titanium white

• Acrylic painting paper or canvas paper (preferable),

or watercolor paper, at LEAST 9"x12" (larger is great!)

• "The Masters" brush cleaner

Materials for the rest of the semester:

• Paints (whatever you have, and whatever colors you choose

after the first day)

• Acrylic painting paper, canvas paper, canvas boards,

gessoed masonite, or canvases as your painting surfaces - your choice

Any questions? You can contact me through the Art Center at (707) 942-2278.

The classes are held in the Art Center's new space in Calistoga's historic Masonic Building, on the second floor, at 1336 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga.