The Venice Art Center Acrylics Painting Classes

Painting With Oil, Acrylic and More!
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#601 Fun with Acrylics
Instructor: Linda Larisch

Have fun using heavy body acrylic paints (in tubes). We will learn basic elements of composition, value and color, while working from an image of your choice or a still life. These elements apply to abstract art as well. We will delve into abstraction and experiment with various acrylic mediums and paper to add texture and interest. Learn how to use acrylic paint as a transparent and opaque medium.

Dates: 4 weeks, Friday, 9:30am-12:00noon
# 601A: February 1-March 1 (no class 2/22) # 601B: March 8-29 # 601C: April 5-26
Fee: $65/Members $90/Nonmembers

#602 Studio Painting—All Media
Instructor: Ron Sanders

A class for all painters wishing to better understand the principles of composition, design, color and paint application leading to stronger works of art. Students may work in any medium and paint any subject of their choosing.

Dates: 6 weeks, Wednesday, 9:30am-12:00noon
#602A: January 2-February 20 (no class 1/16 & 2/13) #602B: February 27-April 3
Fee: $95/Members $120/Nonmembers

#603 Three-Day Oil Painting Mini-Session
Instructor: Hodges Soileau

In this painting mini-session, the instructor will impart some of the principles that he uses and considers most important, whether one is working in oils, or any medium that uses color. The principals of shape, value, edges and color temperature are what are most important. The importance of understanding the effect temperature of light has on color will be explained, stressed and demonstrated. Increasing ones observation skills, as they relate to these principals is extremely important. Hodges will demonstrate how to begin a painting in different ways. There is no one best way to do this. Last, but not least is the importance of trying to have fun with paint. It should certainly be fun…..or why do it!

Dates: Three-day Mini-Session, 9:30am-4:00pm
#603A: January 14, 16 & 17
#603B: February 11, 13,& 14
Fee: $275/Members $325/Nonmembers

#604 20th Century Abstraction
Instructor: Francesco Agresti

First we learn from the Artists everything that their works can teach us about form, color, and technique. We will paint our way through to the present. Beginning with *Modernism (Picasso, Matisse and others) *Contemporary (DeKooning, Pollock, Warhol and more) By synthesizing, appropriating (NOT copying) all of these various influences, we will develop a new image of our own.

Dates: 6 Weeks, Tuesday, 9:30am-12:00noon
#604A: October 30-December 4
#604B: January 22-February 26
#604C: March 5-April 9
Fee: $95/Members $120/Nonmembers

Dates: 4 Weeks, Tuesday, 9:30am-12:00noon
#604D: December 11-January 15 (no class 12/25 & 1/1)
Fee: $65/Members $90/Nonmembers

#605 Oil Painting
Instructor: Lynn Aylsworth

All skill levels from beginners to advanced students are welcome to attend this class. We will work on still life, landscapes, portraits and seascapes. Students will be encouraged to retain their own “handwriting” sense of design and composition. The subject matter is chosen by each student and we will work from photographs or still life set-up. Step-by-step instructions are available for beginners. The instructor will work with each student individually. Please bring any photos or images that interest you to use in the class.

Dates: 6 Weeks, days vary, 1:00pm-3:30pm
#605A: November 12-December 17 (Monday)
#605B: November 13-December 18 (Tuesday)
#605C: January 7-February 18 (Monday) (no class on 2/11)
#605D: January 8-February 12 (Tuesday)
#605E: February 15-April 1 (Monday)
#605F: February 26-April 2 (Tuesday)
Fee: $95/Members $120/Nonmembers

Dates: 4 Weeks, days vary, 1:00pm-3:30pm
#605G: April 15-May 6 (Monday)
#605H: April 16– May 7 (Tuesday)
Fee: $65/Members $90/Nonmembers

#606 Painting with a Palette Knife
Instructor: Dr. Mary-Louise Biasotti Hooper

Painting with a palette knife can produce exciting or peaceful results depending on the technique. The class will cover those techniques to help you add texture if you want it. You can use oils (traditional or water soluble), tube acrylics or tube watercolors. Oils require Liquin medium. Acrylics require acrylic gloss medium plus a slow-drying medium (watercolor can be used without mediums). Bring your supplies and pictures/set-ups and be prepared to paint from the 1st class. Beginner, Intermediate or Advance artists welcome.

Dates: 6 Weeks, Wednesday, 1:00pm-3:30pm
#606A: October 10-November 14
#606B: April 17-May 22
Fee: $95/Members $120/Nonmembers
Dates: 5 Weeks, Wednesday, 1:00pm-3:30pm
#606D: November 28-January 9 (no class 12/26)
Fee: $80/Members $105/Nonmembers

#607 Painting from Photos or Set-ups
Instructor: Dr. Mary-Louise Biasotti Hooper

We cannot always paint from direct observation. Using your photos can result in exciting paintings if you learn some critical techniques and ideas. Join us for this exciting class in painting from indirect observation. You can use oils, tube acrylics or tube watercolors. Bring your supplies and photos/set-ups and be prepared to paint from the 1st class. All levels welcome.

Dates: 6 Weeks, days vary, 1:00pm-3:30pm
#607A: Monday, November 12-December 17
#607B: Wednesday, March 6-April 10
Fee: $95/Members $120/Nonmembers

#608 Painting Techniques of the Impressionist Masters
Instructor: Dr. Mary-Louise Biasotti Hooper

They rocked the art world!!! They created a new way to see & paint. Come join us and learn the exciting techniques that can enhance your art. You can use oils, tube acrylics or tube watercolors. Bring your supplies and pictures or set-ups and be prepared to paint from the 1st class. All levels welcomed.

Dates: 6 weeks, Friday, 9:30am-12:00noon
#608A: November 16-December 21
#608B: March 22-April 26
Fee: $95/Members $120/Nonmembers

#609 Composition: “Does This Tree Belong Here”
Instructor: Dr. Mary-Louise BiasottiHooper

Good art is planned and created but where do you begin?? Are there rules? Must you follow them?? Join this class to explore those questions and learn to design classical, modern and contemporary art. You can use oils, tube acrylics or tube watercolors. Bring your supplies and pictures/set-ups and be prepared to paint from the 1st class. All levels welcome.

Dates: 6 Weeks, Tuesday, 9:30am-12:00noon
#609A: September 25-October 30

Dates: 6 Weeks, Tuesday, 1:00pm-3:30pm
#609B: January 23-February 27

Dates: 6 Weeks, Tuesday, 1:00pm-3:30pm
#609C: April 9-May14
Fee: $95/Members $120/Nonmembers

#610 Plein Air Painting: All Mediums
Instructor: Sally Christiansen

Plein air painting (any medium) at area parks determined by instructor. This class begins with a 15 minute demo in pastel. Artists select a site and proceed with guidance as needed. A lively, gentle critique which involves everyone ends each session.

Dates: 6 Weeks, Tuesday, 9:00am-12:00noon
#610A: March 5-April 9
Fee: $115/Members $140/Nonmembers

#611 Painter’s Choice: Water-media and More
Instructor: Joanna Coke

Each session there will be a focus on how to handle a particular medium. You can work with 1 medium or mix it up with several. So bring your acrylics, watercolors, collage, colored pencils or pens. This is open studio for students to work on their specific projects with instruction and learning how to use which medium first & then layering others for different effects. All levels.

Dates: 5 weeks, Wednesday, 1-3:30pm
#611A: Acrylics: January 2-30
#611B: Watercolor Pencils: February 6-March 6
#611C: Collage: March 13-April 10
Fee: $80/Members $105/Nonmembers

#612 Building A Strong Foundation—FUNdamentals of Painting I
Instructor: Karen Hitt

A painting class designed to introduce you to the beauty of the specific medium of choice. This course provides instruction in acrylic or oils for the beginner and helps them to build a strong working foundation in each of them. “The beauty of acrylics are that they dry very quickly, and the horror of acrylics are they dry very quickly.” “The beauty of oils are that they dry very slowly, and the horror of oils is that they dry very slowly.” -Karen. These pros and cons will be worked together for the GOOD. You will learn to see beyond the black and white of a subject, with a strong focus on color theory., how to mix colors, and play on the warm and cool of them. A Classic Renaissance palette and techniques will also be explored, discovering as the Masters did where to begin with design, composition, palette, color theory, transferring and surface selection to build a strong working base in each of these painting mediums.

Dates: 4 weeks, Thursday, 9:30am-12:00noon
#612A: January 10-February 7, no class 1/17
Fee: $65/Members $90/Nonmembers

#613 Advancing The Foundation—FUNdamentals of Painting
Instructor: Karen Hitt

This class is designed to furtherbuild and enhance the methods and techniques of the student who hasbeen exposed to acrylic or oil painting. Students will be assisted individually in the development of their skills and execution of these very versatile mediums. Demonstrations will be given bythe instructor to aid students to their understanding of the processes of composition selection, color theory, advanced design elements and execution. Classic Renaissance paletteand techniques will be explored...discovering and taking examples from the Masters. Continual emphasis on the importance of color temperature, color theory, values, shapes,design and developing and advancing your execution in eacharea the focus is advancing the foundation of your painting.

Dates: 3 weeks, Thursday, 9:30am-12:00noon
#613A: February 28—March 21 (no class 3/7)
Fee: $50/Members $75/Nonmembers

#614 Start To Finish—ALL Mediums
Instructor: Karen Hitt

This class is designed to take the essentialfoundation of strong drawing skills, composition, value, capturing light, color theoryand expression to a finished work of art. All of these will beexplored in depth, to take your creative ideas from start tofinish. This is an ongoing study divided into three week sessions. Regular still life and/or a live portrait model on occasion will be set up, or you can work on the subject of yourchoice. Demonstrations will also be done by Karen to accompany current student’s works. A strong emphasis will be onclassic techniques, while exploring and learning from the“Masters” works of art. This three week format gives the student greater time to stay on task with their projects at hand.All mediums welcome in this open studio atmosphere. It is agreat opportunity to explore the variety of mediums available(Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor, Pastel, Graphite)… with all of thembeing used and demonstrated throughout the 3 week periodas each student is individually worked with. Each session ispersonalized for the students on hand. Supplies needed areeach student’s medium of choice and drawing materials. Thisclass is designed to work with the students supplies on hand.Karen’s color palette is available on her supply list.

Dates: 3 weeks, Thursday, 1:00pm—5:00pm
#614A: October 4-18
#614B: November 1-15
Fee: $75/Members $100/Nonmembers

#615 Start to Finish: All Mediums Mini-Session
Instructor: Karen Hitt

Designed to take the essential foundation of strong drawing skills, composition, value, capturing light, color theory and expression to a finished work of art. All of these will be explored in depth, to take your creative ideas from start to finish. This is an on-going study, with demonstration by Karen to accompany student's works with each session personalized for the student. A strong emphasis will be on classic techniques, while exploring and learning from the "Masters" works of art. All mediums are welcome in this open studio atmosphere and a great opportunity to explore the variety of mediums available (oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, graphite) with all being used and demonstrated as each student is personally instructed to their individual needs. See supply list for more details.

Dates: Two-day mini-session, 9:30am-3:30pm
#615A: December 4 & 5
Fee: $120/Members $170/Nonmembers

Dates: Three-day mini-session, 1:00pm-7:00pm
#615B: December 10, 11 & 12
#615C: February 18, 19, & 20
#615D: March 20, 21 & 22
Fee: $180/Members $230/Nonmembers

#616 Portrait Painting: Emphasis on Children from Photographs
Instructor: Karen Hitt

How do you capture that little face you love?Children’s expressions are genuine... and agreat joy to capture in art. Though the fundamental of all portraits will be discussed, howto achieve beyond an accurate depiction of the color of theeyes and hair will be explored; and matched with learning howto add greater expression and personality to all of your portraitwork. Come explore the possibilities, open to all mediums.

Dates: One-day, 1:00pm-6:00pm
#616A: February 28
Fee: $50/Members $75/Nonmembers

# 617 Intro to Plein Air 101—Out and About & “Green”
Instructor: Karen Hitt

Sometimes the classroom is just too small and can not truly simulate the effects of the natural light or scale found in nature. “Out and About” is to take your drawing and painting to this next degree: Full Scale, scaled down and how to get there with composition, value, design and color. This class is designed for the intermediate to advanced student where they can work in their medium of choice. (Instructor will mainly work in oils). Weather permitting class will be held out doors. The beginning of class will meet at the VAC, then out and about from there. At the end of the day there will be personal and group critiques to discuss the challenges and successes of the day. Each student will need their own outdoor easel & gear. See supply list for more details.

Dates: One-day, 8:00am-5:00pm
#617A: December 6,
Fee: $80/Members $105/Nonmembers

#618 Individualized Acrylic
Instructor: Nancy Rose

How do you weave your own unique voice into painting? Choose your subject matter & your own style. Every class has one lesson for the Advanced & one for Beginners in value, color, composition & focal point. Beginners are guided and Advanced painters learn to see through Juror’s eyes. Individualized Learning Specialist and artist, Nancy Rose, known for her positive relaxed teaching approach, helps you bloom! Watercolor Painters welcome!

Dates: 4 Weeks, Thursday, 1:00-3:30pm
#618A: November 1-29 (no class 11/22)
Fee: $65/Members $90/Nonmembers

# 619 Adding Life To Your Face & Figure
Instructor: Karen Hitt

This class is designed to touch on threemethods of working on the face and figure;using the “Masters”, live models, and photoreferences. We will work from the live model on the figure/portrait; look at and workwith the “Masters” Artist’ for style, learningjust how intentional that stroke of the brushor pastel Then finally work more with your references ofchoice for that person you have been wanting to captureyoung or old. This will be a FULL FIGURE day in everyway....Learn how to give your figures a sound leg to stand on,use your artist’s eye for the figures anatomy, the planes of theface and how to capture more than just an accurate depictionof color of the eyes and hair to your portraits.

Dates: One day mini-session, 10am-6:00pm
#619A: December 13
Fee: $80/Members $105/Nonmembers

#620 A Day In The Life Of A Still Life
Instructor: Karen Hitt

If painting in Alla Prima or a High Rendering Photo Realism style, the many approaches to bringing to life Your Still Lifewill be explored. We will discuss the elements that make for astrong Still Life composition and just how to set one up foryourself. Next we will walk through the Artist’ process of taking the essential foundation of strong drawing skills, composition, value, capturing light, color theory and expression to afinished work of art. The specifics in all of these areas of studyare explained and explored, opening the possibilities availableto your creative side, and help you see how to approach youridea, choose your medium, handle that medium and then apply your creativity with it, start to finish. Karen will demonstrateher techniques along with personal attention to each studentswork. ALL mediums are welcomed this Day in the Life of a Still Life.

Dates: One day mini-session, 1:00pm-6:00pm
#620A: January 10
Fee: $60/Members $85/Nonmembers

#621 The Magic of Color in the Creative Process
Instructor: Bill Buchman

Q:How do the best paintings catch our attention and arouse our emotions? A:Through color! Understanding and using color is one of the biggest challenges artists face and one of the most important areas to understand. When you learn why colors behave the way they do you will experience color anew. Discover how much fun color really can be through gaining a deeper understanding of how color really works in this highly informative hands-on course.

Dates: Two day mini-session, 9:30am-3:30pm
#621A: November 16 & 17
Fee: $100/Members $125/Nonmembers

#622 Artist Bootcamp
Instructor: Diane Mannion

Workout studio with exercises and experiments to explore techniques and practiceskills. Artists will create small studies to reinforce the language of drawing and painting.Basic concepts of form, values, composition,edges, and color will be stressed. Artists willbe encouraged to set goals, grow, and findtheir own way. Timed exercises will strengthen both the brain and eyes. This is the place to play with mediums you haven’t tried before. For all levels: Artists who arejust starting and artists who just can’t stop!

Dates: 6 Weeks, day varies, 9:30am-12:00noon
#622A: October 10-November 14 (Wednesday)
#622B: March 14-April 18 (Thursday)
Fee: $95/Members $120/Nonmembers

#623 Creative Extensions in Many Directions
Instructor: Suzanne Havens

This class is for painters who want stimulation, knowledge and support to grow beyond your current skills. Explore multiple extensions to your current painting! Develop new subjects (visual and conceptual)! Learn to “read” your own and others’ art to move away from judgment into deeper understanding! Explore color (emotionally and technically) to extend your power of personal expression! Learn to start, develop and finish (!) paintings using imaginative processes of creators!

Dates: 4 Weeks, Wednesday, 1:00-3:30pm
#623A: October 10-31
Fee: $65/Members $90/Nonmembers

#624 Creative Extensions in Color
Instructor: Suzanne Havens

This class is for painters who want stimulation, knowledge and support to grow beyond your current skills and want to become more expressive, powerful and finessed in your use of color. Explore how color not only carries meaning about space and form, but also conveys emotional and symbolic meaning! See how the three sensory dimensions of color influence each other! Explore color through demonstration, observation, hands-on exercises and by applying them to your current paintings!

Dates: 4 Weeks, Monday, 9:30am-12:00noon
#624A: November 5-26
Fee: $65/Members $90/Nonmembers

#625 Creative Extensions in Imagery
Instructor: Suzanne Havens

This class is for painters who want stimulation, knowledge and support to grow beyond your current use of imagery. Consider new ideas for your paintings by exploration of metaphor, symbols and life roles! Learn new processes to discover your uniquely personal imagery! Develop a painting that expresses your new-found images! I teach unique lessons in each of the Creative Extensions Series.

Dates: 4 Weeks, Monday, 9:30am-12:00noon
#625A: January 7-28
Fee: $65/Members $90/Nonmembers

#626 Open Painting Studio

This is an unmonitored open studio for multimedia. It is an ongoing open studio for anyone who wants come join a fun group!

Dates: Friday, 9:30am-4:00pm
#626A: Fridays (unless otherwise posted in classroom C)
Fee: $3/Members $5/Nonmembers

Due to popular demand, we made several Saturdays available for Open Painting studio. Various dates below. Please call (941)485-7136 to reserve your spot today!

Dates: Saturday, 9:30am-4:00pm
#626B:
Specific dates only:
December 15, 22 & 29
January 12, 19 & 26
February 2 & 9
March 9, 23 & 30
April 6 & 13
Fee: $3/Members $5/Nonmembers

#627 Portraits: Any Media
Instructor: Frances Smith

We will do complete portraits of children, multinationals, elderly people, Native Americans and more. Great reference materials supplied or bring your own photos. Demos in all media. We will focus on eyes, expressions and clothing.

Dates: 5 weeks, Thursday, 1:00pm-3:30pm
#627A: March 14-April 11
Fee: $80/Members $105/Nonmembers

#628 Open Sumi-e Studio

Dates: to be announced, call 485-7136 for dates.
Classes are from 9:30am-4:00pm
Fee: $3/Members $5/Nonmembers