Introduction to Painting with Acrylics

During this 3 session class we learned about complimentary colors.

Caroline's (7) lovely clementine.

In the first session we explored both watercolor and acrylic paints. We worked quickly so that the colors could mix and blend while they were still wet.

A still life composition, also by Caroline (7).

These paintings are all acrylics on small blocks of wood, approximately 5"X5." We painted very quickly; I love the gestural quality the students achieved in their paintings.

Ananya (6) loves Kiwi, so she was thrilled to have them model for her.

We started by first doing a quick sketch of the subject, kiwi's, limes or clementines today.

John's (10)  portrait of a clementine.

Since we were focusing on just one object, I wanted to make sure the kids made it pretty big. Then straight into the paint.

Kiwi's by Henry (6).

Subject first, background second, stem third, shadow fourth and then more paint and details on the subject.

Clementine by Henry (6).

A nice use of complimentary colours in this painting of a lime by John(10).

Other rules off my thumb: try not to use the default color straight out of the tube, let your brush strokes show on the painting, use more paint then you think you should,  and whatever you do, never, ever, ever ever paint with brown. Happy painting everyone!