intro to AbstRact acrylics
In these courses, students will learn new techniques about color and composition, texture with gels and pastes, glazing, and how to finish a painting through class demonstration, instructor critique, and peer interaction.
Students will complete paintings as part of the lesson with the class as a whole, following the instructor's step-by-step guidance. You will also be working on 2-3 personal-project paintings throughout the duration of the class that will give you a chance to apply those lessons. Drawing skills not required. Supplies to Bring on Week 1:
Optional Materials:
Available for Purchase @ Front Desk If Needed:
TUE AM Class Info:
WED PM Class Info:
Artists who have taken this class may want to explore our Intermediate Acrylics class. Parking Info |
WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS CLASS...
• those who are brand new to abstract painting
• those who want to return to painting after a long break |
• those who want to learn how to use acrylics
• those who want to break out of realism |
Register: TUE AM
Register: WED PM
About the instructors
Kristen Guest, TUE AM instructor
Kristen Guest is Art on 30th's Director of Education and a Mentoring Artist, overseeing the Mentorship Program. She is an award-winning and published full-time artist and art instructor in San Diego, California. She graduated from art school at Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in Art Education, that focused on painting, book arts and printmaking, and has been teaching realism painting since 2004 and abstract painting since 2018. Currently, Kristen is the Resident Artist at Bernardo Winery in San Diego, where her studio is located. Kristen recently became a Teaching Artist for R&F Paints and shares her love and knowledge of their Pigment Stick product line. Her work is represented through Ashton Gallery in San Diego and Janssen Artspace in Palm Springs, and has been displayed on exhibit with The Athenaeum Arts & Music Library in California, Huntington Beach Art Center in California, Port Angeles Fine Arts Center in Washington, Jen Tough Gallery on Artsy.com, Saatchi's The Other Art Fair Online Studios Los Angeles, and Guest House Staging in San Diego. |
Maureen Kerr - WED PM instructor
I was born in Switzerland and began traveling with my family before the age of one. As a child, I lived in Germany, France, Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan and finally San Diego California, where I still reside. I still love to travel which in part is what drives my passion for art. Whether I'm hiking in Sedona, Arizona, taking a gondola ride in Venice, Italy, browsing through an open-air market in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, or just sitting in my backyard, I see life, vibrancy and color everywhere. My goal as an artist is to bring some of what I see to life on canvas, so you can share my journey with me. |
Mike Lafata - WED PM instructor
As an abstract painter based in the beautiful city of San Diego, my artistic philosophy revolves around exploring the interplay of color and form. My paintings are rich in texture and dimensionality; drawing inspiration from the world around me. My approach to painting is rooted in minimalism, where I use a delicate balance of translucent and opaque textures to create one-of-a-kind works of art. Each piece is carefully crafted to evoke a sense of depth and intrigue, inviting viewers to embark on their own interpretation based on their personal experiences. Abstract art is a fascinating genre that holds the power to transcend language and cultural barriers, enabling us to communicate on a deeper emotional level. I enjoy helping my audience to connect with the art and inspire them to see the world through a new lens. |
"I highly recommend Art on 30th. Very friendly environment and I’ve learned so much—even on my first day in class!"
~Monica L.