Art on 30th - An Arts Community in San Diego

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  • Home
  • About
  • Calendar
  • Instruction
    • Workshops
    • Classes
    • Artist Development Programs
    • Instructors
  • Call For Artists
  • Rentals
    • Studio Rental
    • Gallery Rental
    • Art for Rent
  • Our Artists
    • Professional Artists
    • Studio Artists
    • Art Instructors
  • Exhibits
  • Contact

class info

intro to AbstRact acrylics

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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. 

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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 in 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
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Class Info:
  • TUE AM, 10:30am-1:30pm
  • Next AM session: October 10 - November 7
  • Instructor: Jennifer McHugh
  • WED PM, 6pm-9pm
  • Next PM session: October 11 - November 8
  • Instructor: Mike Lafata
  • Cost is $199 (5 classes)
  • 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 instructors

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Jennifer McHugh - TUE AM + WED PM instructor

California native, Jennifer McHugh, is an abstract artist who captures the moments, stories and nuances of the everyday, and brings them to life through a visual narrative. Her work is created intuitively, through many layers of acrylic paints, chalk, pencil, oil pastels, and other mixed media. Largely self-taught, Jennifer has explored many styles to help her evolve as an artist, but her work is always process-driven. Guided by spontaneity, she translates her inspiration without any idea of what the final product will be.
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Jennifer creates in her backyard studio in San Diego, CA, where she lives with her husband and two children. Her work is sold in galleries and boutiques in San Diego & California, and hangs in homes all over the U.S. and overseas. She also teaches workshops in her studio, local venues and as part of an artist collective that works with hotels and large corporations.

Instagram
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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.

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

~Monica L.
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Art on 30th, 4434 30th Street, San Diego, CA 92116  |  (619) 894-9009  |  arton30th@gmail.com

"An 8,000 square foot, 2-story art center focused on community."

HOURS
Sunday: Closed
Monday–Friday: 10am–4pm
Monday–Thursday: 6pm-9pm
Most Saturdays: 10am-4pm
(reception Saturdays: only open 4pm-7pm)
See calendar page for our next opening reception date.

Cancellation & Refund Info   |   Parking Info

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"Abstract Painting" book on Amazon by owner and mentor, Kate Ashton


Art on 30th is ADA approved in all public spaces of the building with a wheelchair accessible front entrance and a handicap parking spot in our back parking lot with a ramp that leads to our wheelchair accessible back entrance. Studios on the 2nd level are privately leased and not part of our public space; artists can apply for wheelchair accessible studio spaces on the 1st floor as part of our Coworking Studios that we offer to the public for a monthly fee  with no commitment/contract (see our Rentals page for more info). 
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