Introduction to Painting
This course introduces fundamental painting techniques, materials, and concepts. Students explore color mixing, brushwork, composition, value, and observational painting while working with water-based and acrylic mediums to build foundational studio skills.
§ 01 By the end you can
- Identify painting materials, tools, and surface types.
- Mix and apply color using value, hue, and temperature relationships.
- Develop observational skills through still life and basic studies.
- Apply compositional principles using form, space, and balance.
- Produce finished paintings demonstrating technique and visual clarity.
§ 02 Sixteen sessions
The whole semester.
- 01Introduction to Painting Concepts & Materials
- 02Understanding Paint Types & Surfaces
- 03Color Theory Basics: Hue, Value & Temperature
- 04Color Mixing & Swatch Exercises
- 05Brushwork: Marks, Strokes & Texture
- 06Light, Shadow & Value Structure
- 07Observational Drawing to Painting Translation
- 08 · MidtermStill Life Setup & Lighting
- 09Layering, Blending & Basic Techniques
- 10Composition & Spatial Planning
- 11Warm/Cool Studies & Limited Palette Exercises
- 12Acrylic Techniques: Washes, Glazes & Opaque Layers
- 13Exploring Personal Expression in Paint
- 14Surface Preparation & Studio Procedures
- 15Work-in-Progress Critiques & Refinement
- 16Final Observational Painting Project
Midterm around session 8. Final project briefed at session 8 or 9 and developed in stages until the juries.
§ 03 Final project
Students will create a portfolio of finished observational paintings demonstrating color control, composition, and technique.
Deliverables
- At least 6 completed paintings (still life or observational subject).
- Color chart and brushwork practice sheets.
- Short reflection explaining visual decisions and process.
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