Acrylic Sampler at Swinton's April 26, 2015

I've been a very very busy bunny. Got big projects on the go and stuff I can't quite show and tell about yet so stay tuned, it is going to be very informative here in the next little bit. I have a mural I've been working on being unveiled this Thursday, a show pice I've been working on coming up soon and 10 new pain tined commissions and their process to share. But for now I have my Swinton's Sunday Sampler to share.

It was the smallest size class I've had here so I gave them extra supplies and assigned a value cart and colour wheel on canvas board for them to experiment with and have something they can take home to refer to before getting onto their more creative try out.  I showed how to make black using a limited palette as well as how to use just the primaries to get all the colours they may need.

I did the speediest loosest laying down and blocking in of colour so that they could see how easy and fun it can be. So quick that the intimidation level should have gone way way down plus I shoed them how to make a basic skin tone and how to lay out and plan their work after rubbing in a tone to knock back the white of the gessoed canvas.

 This participant used a round 2 brush in his first time using acrylic. He did a wheel showing how he mixed certain colours for what he wanted to paint and practiced a face above, I felt like it looked like she had a monster mouth when looked at together so I snapped this shot for inspiration and prosperity sake.

Here he is giving it another go on the provided 7 X 9 Fredrix canvas board. He struggled with having wetted the paint a little too much, having had prior watercolour experience, but I taught him that acrylic is a different beast. It likes to be more like oil and it is best to add mediums when wanting to alter the consistency of the pigments as water weakens the overall structural bond of the polymer based paint.

Another first timer went the portrait route based off a pic of her nephew on her blackberry. Portraits are difficult subject matter as it is but for a first time painter, and in the time given she has made a really nice start. I like the tones being developed. It feels reminiscent of early picasso works to me.

Her mom also participated and made this lovely painting based on an image found in Doug Swinton's collection. There are so many great references up for grabs but maybe in the future I'll list that students are welcome to bring stuff with them if they like.

Here is it after the short hour they have to sample the materials and give painting a quick go. I'd say excellent but the students are most often the most critical of their own work.

Bright bold colours and simplified shapes represent this landscape scene so beautifully. Needless to say I am very happy with how everybody did with me this gloriously sunny Sunday after a successful Stanley cup win for the Flames after an exhilarating game. I heard there was quite the Red Mile debauchery the evening before. No wonder a few people signed up didn't show. lol.

Before leaving I was able to pick up the custom frame job they did for me down there. So excellent! Frames really help make the window to the painting and elevate the work. I shelled out a good amount picking the top of the line and heaviest frame I could find………..but then got a great deal due to a Groupon Swinton's is offering for custom framing. Hurry up, it is still on if you need anything frames, Its way better, higher quality, quicker and cheaper than anywhere else including the dreaded Micheals.  I can't recommend it enough!