CLASS NO. 2
October 9, 2021
ERIC HOTZ: ART CLASSES AT LANGLEY ARTS COUNCIL
NOTE: COVID protocols are in place. LAC requires masks to be wore. Hand sanitizer is provided.
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In my painting classes, I will teach you the basics, a few standard techniques, and a few lesser known techniques and tricks. I will also teach a bit of the history behind painting and of past painting master painters. This is an intro to painting and, therefore, it is designed to be a fun three hours. Painting should always be seen as fun and creative.
My second painting class was a landscape painting of a sunset along the Fraser River. This is not a difficult painting and yet it uses a few impressionist painting techniques that are good to know. This was an enjoyable exercise that easily fit nicely into the 3-hour class.
Teaching acrylic painting and techniques to my students. This was the target painting of my second acrylic painting class. I demonstrated the techniques used to create this painting. My students were encouraged to try anything they wanted, changing the composition, for example, adding and subtracting elements. Anything is possible and encouraged.
Every one of my students receives a photo of the painting I am demonstrating. Some people like working from photos, while others prefer following my demonstrations, and others prefer to create their own version of the target painting. There is no right way; it is up to the student to find their preferred method that works for them.
Explaining a technique and the theory behind it. I will often point out how previous painting masters tackled their art problems and explain their solutions.
I provide the paint pallet (a styrofoam plate) and a water cup. The students provide their paints and brushes. However, I do have spare brushes and some paint on hand. No one goes without. Students are encouraged to mix the colours they need.
Everyone's approach to a painting is different. This is not only expected but also appreciated as it shows there are as many solutions to creating a painting as there are people. Seeing how others render their paintings is also a learning experience.
Learning to paint with acrylic paint, to handle the brushes, and learning techniques help build confidence. Confidence is the most important ingredient when painting and that only comes from painting as much as you can. The more you paint the more you know. Soon you will learn that mistakes can be corrected quickly and easily when using acrylic paint and that fear only exists in your mind. Fear shows you what needs to be conquered.
My second painting class saw many beautiful paintings emerge. The skies and reflections rendered by my class exceeded what I expected. But above all, everyone had fun in this relaxed dynamic class.
A very nicely rendered sky. Everyone's painting captured this very well. The mood is everything with paintings and everyone created the mood of this painting superbly. All the paintings from this class were beautifully painted.
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Social distancing is observed and masks are worn at all times. After a few minutes of painting, everyone forgets they are wearing masks as their focus, and their concentration shifts to their paintings.
You do not need a lot of paint colours, nor a large collection of brushes to start painting. Experimenting with brush types and a variety of paint colours is never wrong. In the end, it is the act of creating and enjoying the process of making art that matters.
Everyone had fun working on their paintings. Having three hours to create a painting is both good and relaxing. You can work at a comfortable pace in three hours.
It was nice seeing everyone embrace the theme of the painting and also create the atmosphere with their skies, water reflection, and their trees. Overall, this was one of the best classes I have seen with student results and everyone had fun.
It's nice seeing my students create a mood with their paintings. This is what creating art is all about.
The canvas sizes we paint are up to the student. Normally, I will render onto 16x20-inches canvases but painting onto smaller or larger is encouraged. Work with the size you are comfortable with. Be bold!
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