Acrylic 101 : Intro to Acrylic Painting | Jolene Aarbo | Sept 10, 17, 24, Oct 1, 2026 | 1pm - 4pm

Whether you're completely new to painting or looking to build confidence with acrylics, this four-week course will introduce you to the essential techniques needed to create vibrant and expressive paintings. Students will learn about materials, colour mixing, composition, brushwork, and layering techniques while completing a beautiful West Coast-inspired landscape. 

Week 1 – Getting Started with Acrylics 

• Introduction to paints, brushes, surfaces, and mediums 

• Understanding values, colour mixing, and brush handling 

• Creating gradients and blending techniques 

• Small studies and exercises to build confidence 

Week 2 – Painting the Sky & Distance 

• Transferring the drawing to canvas 

• Creating atmospheric skies and distant landscapes 

• Understanding perspective and depth 

• Begin the class painting  

Week 3 – Midground & Foreground 

• Building texture and form 

• Painting trees, grasses, rocks, and natural elements 

• Colour temperature and creating focal points 

• Continue developing the painting  

Week 4 – Finishing & Refinement 

• Adding highlights, details, and finishing touches 

• Strengthening composition and contrast 

• Final critique and discussion 

• Tips for continuing your acrylic painting journey  

What You'll Learn 

• Acrylic painting fundamentals 

• Colour mixing and value control 

• Brush techniques and texture creation 

• Composition and focal points 

• How to complete a finished landscape painting 

Suitable for beginners. All skill levels welcome. 

Materials Required
Students are asked to bring their own 11" x 14" stretched canvas. If preferred, canvases may also be purchased directly from the instructor. 

• A basic acrylic paint set 

• A selection of brushes, including: small detail/liner brush, 1/4" flat brush, Medium flat or filbert brush, Larger flat brush for skies and backgrounds 

• Paint palette 

• Water container 

• Paper towels or a rag 

• An Apron if you wish (optional) 

For palettes, disposable paper palettes such as the Meden palette pads work well and are inexpensive. Students who plan to paint regularly may wish to invest in a Masterson Sta-Wet Palette (optional), which helps keep acrylic paints workable for longer periods.