Introduction to Acrylic Painting (Course Code: 01) is one of the most rewarding ways to express yourself artistically, and this course will explore the medium of Acrylic paint, a medium which is both flexible and durable.
This class is suited to both beginners and for people with some experience in painting. During the course students will work on different skills, methods and techniques, such as perspective, colour mixing and paint application.
The course subject matter will include landscape, still life and portraiture, and the work of famous artists’ will be looked at for inspiration and exciting ideas
Students of this class will benefit and grow from getting individual support and tuition and they will be encouraged to develop their own personal style.
See http://www.jennycleary.com
Materials list for Acrylic Painting
Continuation Painting QQI Level 5 (Course Code: 02)
This QQI certified course is intended for those who have already done our Introduction to Acrylic Painting course, or those who have experience of the fundamentals of painting. Participants will work on a number of painting projects, with input and instruction from the tutor. The work produced may be submitted for certification at the end of the course.
See http://www.jennycleary.com
Materials list for Acrylic Painting
Paint
This is a list of a few colours I recommend. You can get more if you need to, but it is not necessary. I would advise you to look out for ready-made sets in shops like Easons, Evans and Reads, which are often cheaper than buying seperate tubes. Look for makes like Galeria and System3 which are both reasonable priced student paints.
Try not to get tubes any smaller than 60ml.
I would always get a bigger white tube, since this will be the colour you will use the most of.
Cadmium yellow
Raw Sienna
Ultramarine
Cadmium red
Burnt umber or Raw umber
Crimson Lake (sometimes called Alizarin Crimson)
Sap green or Phthalo green
Titanium white
Mars black
optional: Cobalt blue, Yellow ochre, Lemon yellow, Cerulean blue, Burnt sienna
Brushes
We are trying to keep things simple to start off with so all we need are one large, one medium and one small.
There are round and flat brushes, so try at least one of each to see which one you prefer. Make sure that they are suitable for acrylics (ask someone in the art shop if you’re not sure)
You can get good quality expensive brushes but I would go for something medium priced.
Try not to get the cheapest brushes as the hairs often fall out of these while painting.
Ground
The advantage of acrylic paint is that you can paint on most supports. It can be anything from canvas, canvas board, acrylic paper, wood, glass and metal.
I would suggest you start off with Acrylic paper and then later when we get to your personal projects you can use canvas or canvas board. A4 size is good or bigger if you want. You can then always cut your paper down to the size that you want.
Other materials
Pallette. I would suggest a disposable paper pallette which lets you use a sheet at the time for mixing and saves you cleaning up after.
Kitchen towel or rags to dry your brushes
Pencils, 2b – 6b for sketching
An eraser
Jar for water
Folder (paper or plastic to contain all your work)
Ruler
Optional:
It is a good idea to use an easel because it is easier when you are painting upright. It allows you to stand back and see what you’ve painted. If you manage to get hold of a small table-top easel please bring it in.
Mediums and glazes. There are lots of mediums for acrylic, to give it different qualities. I will talk to you more about this in class.
Palette knife
Sketch book
Other supplies to create mixed media images, e,g,: pastel, ink, pens, mixed paper.
Drawing for Beginners (Course Code: 03)
This course involves learning how to realistically draw what you see by accessing the creative part of your brain. Proven drawing techniques and skills will enable you to accurately draw from observation, from photos/artwork and from your own memory and imagination. The tutor will work closely with students, providing continual constructive feedback on each individual’s work. Subjects will include the human face, body, nature, still life, animals, basic perspective and much more. B, 2B and 4B pencils, an A3 sketchpad, a good soft eraser and a pencil sharpener that holds shavings will be the materials required. See http://www.nicolasedgwick.com/
Materials list for Drawing (Beginners)
2B, 4B and 6B Faber Castell pencils.
Soft pencil eraser.
A3 sketchpad. No expensive cartridge paper needed! Please make sure your paper isn’t shiny
or too textured.
A good sharpener that holds shavings.
Drawing and Painting (Course Code: 04)
This is a popular course! It is accepted that accurate drawings are the basis for good realistic paintings, so along with learning the fundamentals of acrylics and watercolours, proven drawing techniques will also be taught. Over the weeks, students will draw and paint various subjects from observation, as well as from photos/artwork. The tutor will work closely with students, providing continual constructive feedback on each individual’s work. One or two additional media may also be introduced during the course. Time will also be given for students to explore their preferred media and subject matter.
See http://www.nicolasedgwick.com/
Materials List for Painting & Drawing
On this course you’ll get a chance to try out three different painting mediums, respectively: acrylics, pastels and watercolours. You’ll also be shown the basics of drawing. If at any stage you want to forgo or stay with a certain painting medium that is perfectly fine.
Note: It is completely up to you, but as we are all on budgets I suggest getting just the acrylic and drawing materials to start with. I will let you know when we will be switching to the next medium.
ACRYLICS
Paints needed
(I suggest Winsor & Newton Galeria acrylic paints, which are a good medium-quality brand, and widely available)
Titanium White
Mars Black
Cadmium Yellow Medium
Cadmium Red
Alizarin Crimson
Ultramarine Blue
Cerulean Blue
Hookers Green
Burnt Umber
Other items needed
A4 or A3 Galeria Acrylic Pad
Tear-off palette pad OR plastic palette
Brushes (which can also be used for watercolours)
Cotman synthetic brushes. They have a turquoise blue handle.
No 8 round brush
No 4 round brush
1” flat brush (OPTIONAL)
PASTELS
24-pack soft chalk pastels. I suggest Faber-Castell. Don’t get Reeves brand – they are not good enough.
Paper: Winsor and Newton pastel paper or Ingres Pastel Paper. They come in various sizes.
WATERCOLOURS
Cotman watercolour tubes. Don’t get the professional paints as they are quite expensive! The particular paints needed are the same names as the acrylic paints.
Cold Pressed watercolour paper. Suggested w/colour pads are Winsor & Newton or Langton.
DRAWING MATERIALS
A3 sketchpad (just make sure the paper is not shiny) • 2B and 4B pencils • Soft eraser • Sharpener • Tissues • old newspapers
ITEMS NEEDED WEEKLY
Tissues • Old newspapers
Classes for all evening courses will be delivered onsite for the January 2023 term
The safety of our learners and staff is paramount and the College will comply with any public health measures the Government may introduce to reduce the spread of COVID 19.
Course Payment
We are pleased to inform our learners that online enrolment and payment is now possible for our evening classes. This will be available through our college website, www.ballsbridgecollege.com. Postal enrolment and payment by cheque and postal order will continue to be accepted.
There will be no enrolment evenings this term.
