Painting from Observation

Learning to paint involves two main endeavors: knowing how to manipulate the medium and knowing what subjects to paint.

These are best learned together, whether the approach is realism or abstraction.

In this course, we will paint from still lifes, interior spaces, and landscapes while learning to make compelling compositions, mix colors, work with light and shadow, and create texture.

Experimenting with water-based media such as acrylic and watercolor, students will gain facility with the paint itself while finding their voice through the choices they make.

We’ll discuss color, shape, line, composition, and light, and how each affects the feeling of a painting.

We’ll also examine painted works from early Roman frescoes to contemporary art.

Each class begins with a slide lecture introducing the week’s focus, followed by 90 minutes of painting in virtual breakout rooms visited by the instructor.

The final half hour is devoted to group discussion of paintings made in class and for homework.

This course is open to students of all levels.

Students must purchase their own art supplies for this course and can expect to spend an additional $75–$100 on these materials.