Discover the versatility of acrylic painting in this inspiring 6-week, in-person course for adults, led by professional fine artist Alexandra Ghimisi.

Designed for both beginners and those looking to develop their skills, the course will guide you through the fundamentals of acrylic painting before introducing more advanced techniques. You will explore colour mixing, brushwork, composition, texture, layering, and expressive mark-making while creating your own paintings in a friendly and supportive environment.

By the end of the course, you will have gained greater confidence, developed your artistic style, and completed a collection of finished artworks.

Week 1 – Understanding Acrylic Paint

By the end of the session, learners will be able to:

• Identify the essential materials and tools used in acrylic painting.
• Demonstrate safe and effective use of acrylic paints and brushes.
• Mix primary, secondary and tertiary colours with confidence.
• Apply basic painting techniques, including flat washes, blending and controlled brushwork.

Week 2 – Layering and Opacity

By the end of the session, learners will be able to:

• Explain the properties of opaque and transparent acrylic paint.
• Build paintings using layering techniques.
• Control paint consistency for different effects.
• Apply glazing and scumbling techniques to create depth.

Week 3 – Texture and Mark-Making

By the end of the session, learners will be able to:

• Experiment with a range of mark-making techniques.
• Create texture using brushes, palette knives and alternative tools.
• Manipulate paint to achieve expressive and varied surface effects.
• Select appropriate techniques to enhance visual interest.

Week 4 – Blending, Edges and Detail

By the end of the session, learners will be able to:

• Blend colours effectively using acrylic paint.
• Control hard and soft edges to create form and focus.
• Use dry-brush and glazing techniques to refine details.
• Apply a variety of brushstrokes with increasing confidence.

Week 5 – Combining Acrylic Techniques

By the end of the session, learners will be able to:

• Combine layering, glazing, texture and blending techniques within one painting.
• Make informed choices about technique to support creative intentions.
• Demonstrate increased control of colour, tone and paint application.
• Develop a more confident and individual painting approach.