Mastering Acrylics: Color, Light & Shadow

Using a reference photo on a phone, this student is meticulously painting a tiger. This practice hones observational skills and the ability to translate a digital image into a physical painting.

A proud student displays her vibrant fruit painting. This piece demonstrates a great understanding of color, composition, and how to render different textures using acrylics.

This beautiful still life of sunflowers in a vase is an example of an advanced acrylic project. The student has masterfully captured the texture of the petals and the reflection on the vase.

A student stands proudly with her completed landscape painting. She learned to use acrylic blending techniques to create the smooth gradient of the sunset and the reflection in the water.

This monochrome study of stacked cups is a fantastic exercise in understanding value. By using only shades of blue, the student learns to see and paint light and shadow without relying on color.

This dynamic wave painting shows a great use of expressive brushstrokes and bold color. I encourage students to experiment with different application techniques to find their style.

An overhead view of our busy studio table. Students work on their individual still life projects, learning about monochrome painting and how to render reflective surfaces.

A group of students works on a Fauvism-inspired project, using bold, non-naturalistic colors to paint fishbowls. This exercise encourages creativity and a departure from traditional representation.

Inspired by Van Gogh, this student is recreating a famous artwork to learn about post-impressionistic brushwork and color palettes.