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:

• 16x20 multi-pack of economy canvas
• palette paper (gray is helpful)
• palette knife
• acrylic brushes in various sizes (recommended: Princeton Snap or Princeton Catalyst)
• acrylic paint: (recommended: Nova Color, Liquitex Basics, Galeria, Arteza, or Golden in Heavy Body or Fluid consistencies)
  • titanium white in a large size (i.e. 4-8 oz.)
  • carbon black, or mars black
  • ultramarine blue
  • pthalo blue (green shade)
  • bismuth yellow, or lemon yellow
  • cadmium yellow medium hue
  • vermilion red, or cadmium red light hue
  • quinacridone red, or cadmium red deep hue
  • ...plus any other colors you already have!
• quality paper towels like Viva or Blue Shop Towel
• $25 materials fee payable to AO3 on Week 1 for specific, additional supplies needed for our lessons

Optional Materials:

• Color Wheel Pocket Guide
• Mini Containers (for saving leftover paint)

Available for Purchase @ Front Desk:​

• Color Shapers
• Artist Aprons
• "Abstract Painting" book on Amazon, written by Art on 30th owner and mentor, Kate Ashton

​
Class Info:

• Cost is $199 (5 classes)
• TUE AM, 10:30am-1:30pm
• Next AM session: January 3 - January 31
• WED PM, 6pm-9pm
• Next PM session: January 4 - February 1
• Max 9 students 
• All skill levels welcome​
• Age level: adult (18 & up)​

​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

​​​​Class Cancellation & Refund Policies

Register: WED PM

​​​​Class Cancellation & Refund Policies

---

About the instructor

Kristen Guest

Kristen Guest is an award-winning and published full-time artist as well as a certified art instructor in San Diego, California who works in a variety of mediums and genres. She studied Art Education at Middle Tennessee State University and has been teaching realism painting since 2004 and abstract painting since 2018.

​Currently, Kristen works out of her studio at the Bernardo Winery, teaches a variety of classes and workshops, and is the Director of Marketing & Education at Art on 30th. She is represented through Ashton Gallery and her art is showcased in featured staged homes throughout San Diego in collaboration with Guest House Shop. She also creates work for designers, national exhibitions, and online galleries. Kristen is best known for her muted hues, expressive gestural line work, and simplistic approach to composition.
​
Instagram

---

"I highly recommend Art on 30th. Very friendly environment and I’ve learned so much—even on my first day in class!"

~Monica L.

Read More Reviews