Clifton Forge School of the Arts

Tuition: $30 for single class or $125 for all 5 The Basics Sessions

Ages: 13 to Adult

These introductory classes are designed to provide a comprehensive overview of effective painting techniques across five sessions. Each class will cover topics such as composition, color theory, color mixing, brushstrokes and care, as well as specific features of landscapes (trees, mountains, sky, and water), still life (fruit, tables, lighting, fabric, and shading), and portrait elements (faces and simple body shapes).

You can enroll in all five classes or choose the ones that interest you most!

It is recommended that you bring your own acrylic paint, brushes, and acrylic or canvas paper--however, there will be select amount of paints, brushes, and paper provided by the instructor, if needed. If you plan to attend 3 or more classes you will need an acrylic or canvas paper pad.

The Basics of Painting 1: Composition

This class (1 of 5) will focus on creating more effective compositions. We will explore what to look for in a good composition and how to differentiate between a weak composition and a strong one. We will analyze examples of both good and bad compositions and outline the characteristics of a strong composition, such as balance, movement, and space.

Additionally, we will experiment with different compositions and critique each other's work. By the end of the course, you will have a complete understanding of effective composition and the skills to create new ones on your own.