Foundation of Painting is broken into three video series: Color, Texture and the Basics of Painting. Each part is made up of 3-6 lessons for a grand total of 14 video tutorials.

Part 1: Color

The key to a successful painting is a deep understanding of our pigments and how to use them. Here we will uncover how a limited palette can produce unlimited results, how to choose the right colors for your needs, and most importantly how to mix colors and neutrals. By the end of the class you will be able to mix any hue needed with confidence and ease.

Part 2: Texture

Texture can be achieved in a number of ways. Here we will explore types of brushes, mark making, paint additives, and paint surfaces. All exercises in this section are designed to facilitate a relationship with our brushes and tools so they can more comfortably fit in our hand, resulting in more confident and intentional paintings.

Part 3: The Basics

The first two parts of this course involve getting to know, truly know, our pigments and tools by building a strong foundational knowledge of the medium itself. In this last part we will apply these lessons to actual paintings. We will closely examine how to create a dynamic composition, how to give objects form, finding value structure and creating depth of field. I’ll include a few ‘paint-a-longs’ to best prepare you for your time after class.

Coming January 2022

Part 1. Color: $40

Part 2. Texture: $30

Part 3. The Basics: $90

Foundations of Painting Full Course: $130 (a $160 value)

Foundation of Painting Full Course + 3 Meetings: $300 (a $340 value)

Introduction:

I’ll show you how to choose the right sketchbook for you, and why I can’t get enough of my Moleskine Art Sketchbook. I’ll also give you a glimpse into how/why I use mine, and the specific media I recommend. Lastly, I’ll show you my setup!

Class 1: Drawing Methodologies

In our first class together I will show you several non-traditional approaches to drawing that will sharpen your technical skills, increase hand-eye coordination, loosen up your mark and keep your engagement and focus strong. All exercises will help to build up your repertoire, and give you a multitude of ways to engage with drawing and your sketchbook long after the class.

Class 2: Methods in Abstraction

After practicing different methods of drawing, we will explore how abstraction may enter into our practice. This process-oriented class will look at 5 historical art movements and dissect how artists were pursuing abstraction in each. Each historical movement is paired with a guided exercise so that you may uncover the method in your own way.

Class 3: Scavenger Hunt

With so many methods of drawing explored thus far in the class, it is now time to pursue them in your own voice. All artists will have 1-hour to complete as many items as possible on a ‘scavenger hunt’ list. Meanwhile, Amanda will meet with every artist for 5 minute private check-ins. The list includes very non-traditional household items and methods of drawing. The goal is to see how it feels to draw new and different subject matter, to see things in a new light, and find new inspiration in the everyday. The full scavenger hunt list will be available for download for you to keep long after the class.

Class 4: Artist Dissection

Prior to this class, each Sketchbook Challenger will have done some preliminary searching for ~5 ‘inspirational’ artists. During class, you will choose one artist and dissect your favorite work by them. Amanda will work alongside you and show you different ways of dissecting based on your own personal goals for your creative practice. This exercise is incredibly beneficial for those wanting to learn more about composing, value structure and color mixing.

Class 5: In your Style

Last class we dissected another artist's work, now let’s resemble their ingredients into our own work of art. Use your artist as inspiration but remember - this is YOUR artwork!

Class 6: Alternative Endings

Come to class with an artwork (created by you) that you’re not crazy about. The class will begin with a slow warm-up designed to help us take in every square inch of the painting and see it through an objective lens. The following hour is considered open studio time and will be spent making small, informal sketchbook pieces in any media that help us see the potential and possibilities of this particular artwork. During this time, Amanda will meet with every artist for 5 minute private check-ins.

Class 7: Reflect

Class will consist of a guided reflective exercise, showing us yet another way of using our sketchbook.

• Sketchbook* see note below

• Pencil (I recommend 2B or similar)

• Ruler

• Dry media (consider colored pencils, markers, crayons, etc)

• Wet Media (consider watercolor, gouache or acrylic paint

• Fixative spray

A note about sketchbooks -

It is vital to choose a sketchbook that is right for you. The wrong sketchbook could mislead you so please, please, PLEASE, shop around. Hold the book. Feel the pages. Consider the following:

Size: Choose a size that is slightly outside of your comfort level. Smaller sketchbooks sometimes feel more comfortable and accessible, but I’d recommend looking for something ~8x10 inches. This size will give your thoughts and drawings space to wander and breathe.

Paper weight: Make sure to read the label of the sketchbook to ensure the paper will hold your preferred medium. If you intend to paint in your sketchbook make sure your paper can hold water and pigment well. When in doubt, buy a mixed media or watercolor sketchbook.

Format: Hard cover allows for easy lap drawing, soft cover is more malleable, spiral bound is great to take drawings out of your sketchbook. Does square, rectangular or wide landscape format best fit your intentions?

I will be using a 8.25 x 11.75 Moleskine Sketchbook. This sketchbook is the right size and feel for me, but it may not be right for you. It takes pencil, inky pen, and non-watered down acrylic paint very well. Blick studio markers will bleed through the page and water-based media will make the page buckle.

Full Course: $150

Which includes…

• 8 Videos (no expiration)

• Downloadable versions of all presentations shared by Amanda

• (5) homework assignments to complete in between classes

• (3) extensive lists of drawing prompts

• Amanda’s artist inventory list (100+ excellent artists)

• Several art readings regarding how/why artists keep sketchbooks

• An optional contact list of participants (many keep in touch after class ends)

• A few other goodies!