Students will learn the basics of acrylic paint, including which paints to buy, how to mix basic colours, composition, which brushes to choose, blending techniques, varnishing, and a brief introduction to mediums and gels. With group demonstrations and paint-along exercises on canvas and canvas paper, students will experiment with colour mixing, brush strokes, glazing, washes, blending, and layering effects. Students will paint studies based on still life arrangements and photographs.

Location: Opus Studio 1357 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 1Z
Sat Oct 22 - 10:00am to 4:30pm (half hour lunch)
Cost: $85.00 All supplies included. 10 student maximum.

Learn to paint still life from a live set up with acrylics on canvas. Imagery will be composed from a display of engaging still life arrangements that incorporate a variety of textures, shapes, patterns, and translucence. Techniques for painting realistic tones, light and shadow, illusion of texture, and dramatic contrast will be applied to basic colour theory, rules of composition, and principles of design in your composition. Observe a demonstration of approach to the subject, layering, glazing, and blending, and apply techniques to a final painting with guided individual instruction.

Location: Opus Studio 1357 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 1Z
Saturday Nov 5 - Sunday Nov 6, 10:00am-5:30pm (half hour lunch)
Cost: $150.00 All supplies included. 10 student maximum.

Based on photographs of your choosing, learn how to create a realistic portrait from initial sketch to final painting. Render lifelike skin tones, hair texture and proportional features of the human face with layering, blending techniques and glazes. Bring a few photos or colour copies of 8" x 10" portraits (head and bust only), your choice of profile, ¾ , or straight-on view with clear highlights and shadows. Focus on likeness is optional for intermediate painters, not recommended for beginners. Following demonstrations, students will complete studies for painting prominent facial features, and apply techniques to a final painting on canvas, with guided individual instruction.

Location: Opus Studio 1357 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 1Z
Saturday Nov 19 – Sunday Nov 20, 9:00am-5:30pm (half hour lunch)
Cost: $170.00 All supplies included. 10 student maximum.  

• Students will work at their own pace on the subject matter of their choice, or from examples or staged props provided by the instructor. All subject matter is welcome, from realism to abstraction.
• Imagery will be developed with acrylic paint on canvas, incorporating perspective, visual depth, and interpretations of light and shadow in a successful composition. Students will learn skilful colour mixing, colour washes and glazing techniques.
• Commitment to artistic growth and a successful studio experience is supported with individual attention, critiques, demonstrations and references.