Intro to Abstract Acrylics

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 or Golden Fluid consistency)
- 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 Student Kit — 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 If Needed:

Color Shapers
Artist Aprons & Tote Bags
"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: April 18 - May 16
WED PM, 6pm-9pm
Next PM session: April 19 - May 17
Max 10 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 graduated from 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, where her studio is located, and she is a Mentor and the Director of Education at Art on 30th. Her work is represented through Ashton Gallery in San Diego, Woman Made Gallery in Chicago, Jen Tough Gallery / Artist Alliance on Artsy, Guest House Staging, and Manzanita Roasting Company. Kristen is best known for using muted and earthy hues that comes out of her love for nature, expressive gestural line work, natural textures, and a 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.

class info