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We will explore the fundamentals of watercolor—adding pen-and-ink as well. The class is designed to break down fear and encourage spontaneity. All levels are welcome in this positive and encouraging class. Materials: Paper: two 22” x 30” sheets of 100%, 140 lb., rag, cold-pressed paper (such as Arches or Fabriano). Brushes: one #8, #10, or #12 round brush (with a good point); one 3/4” or 1” flat brush; one large (2” or 2 1/2”) cheap bristle brush (from hardware store). Other: palette (any palette with eight or more color wells will do); water container; sketchbook; two No. 2 pencils; 3/4” or 1”–wide masking tape; small drawing board (Gatorfoam board or Masonite, 12” x 16” minimum); paper towels (Viva preferred). Paint: Any colors you have. Must-have colors (at least 14 ml) are Daniel Smith New Gamboge; Winsor & Newton Burnt Sienna (do not substitute another brand for this one); Alizarin Crimson Permanent; French Ultramarine Blue; Phthalo Blue; Burnt Umber. Please prepare a selection of photo references. Have ready several still-life or landscape reference photos. Max students: 13 Athenaeum Music & Arts Library on Instagram and Facebook

This class will explore the range of techniques possible when using acrylics, with emphasis on saturated color and creativity. Students will be encouraged to paint freely and spontaneously. Materials: Paint: Fast-drying acrylics are recommended, although students may opt for the “open” (slow-drying) type if they prefer. Brand names include Liquitex, Golden, Utrecht, and Winsor & Newton. Colors: Cadmium Yellow Medium, Yellow Oxide or Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Red Light, Naphthol Crimson, Phthalo Blue, Ultramarine Blue, Titanium White. Other useful colors: Brilliant Purple, Dioxazine Purple, Hookers Green Deep Hue Permanent. The first six colors and Titanium White are a must-have. Any other colors the student may have are encouraged. Brushes: Brights, #2, #4, #6. (Winsor & Newton University brand is good.); any bristle brush students may have. Supports: Small canvas panels, 5” x 7”, 6” x 8”, 8” x 8”, 8” x 10.” These can be purchased at Michaels (quite inexpensive and good quality). Other: Support for the panels (thick cardboard, etc.); disposable or covered palette; paper towels; finger sprayer; water container; roll of masking tape; selection of photo references (still life, flowers, landscape, and people in groups). Contact Stan for art store suggestions: stanaws@earthlink.net. Max students: 13 Athenaeum Music & Arts Library on Instagram and Facebook

The Gelli plate is an incredible tool for making monoprints without a press. We will use it to create unique multilayer prints using slow drying Golden OPEN paints. In this class, you will learn how to apply paint onto a Gelli plate; create masks and stamps; incorporate stencils and foliage; build up multiple layers; and learn to transfer magazine images. The resulting monoprints will then be incorporated into designed compositions on heavy paper. Materials: All materials are provided with the fee paid to the instructor. They include Gelli plate; brayer; Golden OPEN acrylic paints, regular acrylic paints; stencils, stamps, textures, variety of papers are included for use during the class. Max students: 8 Athenaeum Music & Arts Library on Instagram and Facebook

Still-life painting is the study of everyday objects that take on a new life, tell a story and can act as a portal to another place or time. Emphasis in this class will be on an impressionist technique of painting using an alla prima (wet into wet) style of painting, keeping loose brushwork, thick paint, and eliminating detail. We will cover composition, color, form, and lighting. There will be a setup for each class along with photo images to create from. I do a painting demonstration in each class. One of our exercises will be a personal still life using objects that have meaning for us. The best part is that we will have fun as we share our discoveries together. Come join us! I cannot wait to see what you will create. This class is for all levels of painters, both beginning and experienced. You are also welcome to do your own work. This is a good place to be with other talented artists and enjoy the creative atmosphere here at the Athenaeum. Please let me know if you have any questions. I am happy to help. sharoncaroldemery@gmail.com Materials: Paints: Your preference of paints: oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache … you name it! Please include Titanium White, Cadmium Yellow Light (cool yellow), Cadmium Yellow (warm yellow), Cadmium Red Light, Alizarin Crimson, Ultramarine Blue, Cerulean Blue, Viridian Green or Phthalo Green—plus any colors of paint that you would like to use. Brushes: Bring a variety of brushes for your choice of paints that include #2, #4, #6, #8. Good quality brushes make a difference. Other materials: 12” x16” paper palette pad; odorless Turpenoid and linseed oil for oils; soft vine charcoal; 1.5- or 2-inch palette knife; paper towels; two small jars with lids; spray bottle for acrylic painters; sketchbook; color pencils; four canvas or canvas boards, 11” x 14” or your preference. Good quality watercolor paper for watercolor painters. Suggested items: Masterson Sta-Wet Palette Seal to keep paints moist; glass palette to go inside the box making paint easier to mix; Silicoil jar with spring in the bottom to clean brushes; two tall containers to hold clean and used brushes at your station in the studio. Athenaeum Music & Arts Library on Instagram and Facebook

This watercolor class is about understanding the color, organization, and beauty of flowers. They can be so inspiring from which to paint! We will paint from real flowers as well as from photos, since some flowers do not last long when picked or they aren’t available. To capture their beauty, we will experiment with a variety of techniques and approaches. I encourage you to watch the demonstrations and then explore your own way of putting brush to paper. Please bring tube paints only and not paint pans. Be prepared to paint on the first day. Materials: 100% cotton, 140 lb. hot press and cold press paper pads, #8, #10 and/or #12 round brush, palette with lid for traveling, water container—large yogurt cup works well, No. 2 pencil, kneaded eraser, paper towels, tube colors—a warm and cool of each primary. Max students: 12 Athenaeum Music & Arts Library on Instagram and Facebook

In this class the face is the focus. Using different techniques and mediums, we will find fun ways to approach an often-daunting subject. Students will be encouraged to bring photos of family, friends—even pets. We will discuss the best kinds of photos to use and how to use the ones you have even if they aren’t the best quality. There will be a model for one session, and we will try self-portraiture. This is an interesting way to improve your skills, find some new ones, and have fun while you are at it. Materials: A 9” x 12” pad of mixed-media paper; soft vine charcoal (willow is the best); woodless graphite pencil, 6B, 8B, or 9B (the higher the number the better); pencil sharpener; kneaded eraser. Other materials will be discussed in class, and the instructor will bring some supplies for students to try and share. Max students: 12 Athenaeum Music & Arts Library on Instagram and Facebook

Kevin Inman Thursday, May 22 from 2–5 p.m. (1 day, 3 total hours of instruction) On location in Sherman Heights This plein air painting class is taught on location in beautiful San Diego. Enjoy the golden afternoon light in the vibrant downtown neighborhood of Sherman Heights. The Villa Montezuma is a 19th century Victorian mansion set on a hill overlooking the city skyline and the bay. Join San Diego landscape painter Kevin Inman to learn how to paint spontaneously, simplify a complex subject, and enjoy the moment. Topics include color mixing, design, and how to let go of your inner critic. Materials: Recommended oil or acrylic colors (Gamblin and Rembrandt paints): Limited palette: Alizarin Crimson Permanent, Cadmium Yellow Medium, Ultramarine Blue, Titanium White. This palette saves money but limits your options in advanced painting techniques. Basic palette: Cadmium Yellow Medium (or Hue), Cadmium Yellow Deep (or Hue), Cadmium Red Medium (or Hue), Alizarin Crimson Permanent, Ultramarine Blue, Cerulean Blue Hue, Titanium White, Burnt Umber, or preferred alternatives. Recommended but optional palette: Ivory Black, Burnt Sienna, Yellow Ochre. Brushes: a range of brushes from #2 on up. I prefer hog bristle flats and filberts. Other: cup or jar for solvent; paper towels; palette or paper palette pad; Gamsol or Turpenoid; linseed oil or Gamblin Solvent-free Gel; sketchbook; pencil; vine charcoal; palette knife; gloves; travel easel or pochade box; hat and sunscreen. Supports: stack of inexpensive materials for quick studies and exercises, such as a five-pack of Blick canvas boards, size 8” x 10” or 11” x 14”, an Arches oil paper pad, or a canvas pad. Two larger canvas boards or stretched canvases, 11” x 14” to 16” x 20”, for longer projects. Athenaeum Music & Arts Library on Instagram and Facebook

Pat Kelly Thursday, May 1 –Friday, May 2 from 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (2 days, 9 total hours of instruction) La Jolla Studio In May we will be painting urban landscapes in the village around the Athenaeum library. This two-day workshop will focus on drawing skills, perspective, and architecture, and integrating them into the plein air process and composition. Meet up at the Athenaeum entrance. Grab a coffee (there will be a demo at the beginning of class), unwind, and gear up for an enjoyable day of painting. Class will conclude with an in-person critique in the studio Materials: portable easel; four 8” x 10” or 6” x 8”, good quality canvas boards; half-dozen brushes, white bristle flat or filbert, # 2, #4, #6. One medium-size steel palette knife; small, pointed round brush for detail #2–#4. Paper towels; odorless turpentine; small jar for turpentine, wood palette; oil paints: Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Red Medium, Cadmium Yellow Medium Cadmium Lemon, Phthalo Blue, Ultramarine Blue, Permalba White, Raw Umber, Cadmium Orange. Sun hat, insect repellent, old shirt, and sturdy shoes are suggested. Max students: 12 Athenaeum Music & Arts Library on Instagram and Facebook

Thursday April 3 – Friday, April 4 from 9 a.m. –1:30 p.m. (2 days, 9 total hours of instruction) On location in Barnett Ranch In April we will be painting at Barnett Ranch Preserve. It is an open grassland with views of the mountains and is especially beautiful in spring. Outdoor study is the key to painting successful landscapes in the studio and an excellent way to learn to observe color, light, and aerial perspective. This two-day workshop will focus on composition and color mixing with a limited palette. Class begins each day with a demo and plein air session followed by group critique. Meet up at the Barnett Ranch County Preserve Staging Area: 1500 Deviney Lane at San Vicente Road, Ramona, CA 92065. Materials: portable easel; four 8” x 10” or 6” x 8” good quality canvas boards; half-dozen brushes, white bristle flat or filbert, # 2, #4, #6. One medium-size steel palette knife; small, pointed round brush for detail #2–#4. Paper towels; odorless turpentine; small jar for turpentine, wood palette; oil paints: Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Red Medium, Cadmium Yellow Medium Cadmium Lemon, Phthalo Blue, Ultramarine Blue, Permalba White, Raw Umber, Cadmium Orange. Sun hat, insect repellent, old shirt, and sturdy shoes are suggested. Max students: 12 Athenaeum Music & Arts Library on Instagram and Facebook

Kevin Inman Wednesday, April 2 from 2–5 p.m. (1 day, 3 total hours of instruction) On location in Balboa Park This plein air painting class is taught on location in beautiful San Diego. Paint the peaceful oasis of the Alcazar Garden, a formal garden with seasonal plantings in San Diego’s beautiful Balboa Park. Painting outdoors gives the artist the opportunity to experiment with light, color, and atmosphere. Work with San Diego landscape painter Kevin Inman to learn how to paint spontaneously, simplify a complex subject, and enjoy the moment. Topics include color mixing, design, and how to let go of your inner critic. Materials: Recommended oil or acrylic colors (Gamblin and Rembrandt paints): Limited palette: Alizarin Crimson Permanent, Cadmium Yellow Medium, Ultramarine Blue, Titanium White. This palette saves money but limits your options in advanced painting techniques. Basic palette: Cadmium Yellow Medium (or Hue), Cadmium Yellow Deep (or Hue), Cadmium Red Medium (or Hue), Alizarin Crimson Permanent, Ultramarine Blue, Cerulean Blue Hue, Titanium White, Burnt Umber, or preferred alternatives. Recommended but optional palette: Ivory Black, Burnt Sienna, Yellow Ochre. Brushes: a range of brushes from #2 on up. I prefer hog bristle flats and filberts. Other: cup or jar for solvent; paper towels; palette or paper palette pad; Gamsol or Turpenoid; linseed oil or Gamblin Solvent-free Gel; sketchbook; pencil; vine charcoal; palette knife; gloves; travel easel or pochade box; hat and sunscreen. Supports: stack of inexpensive materials for quick studies and exercises, such as a five-pack of Blick canvas boards, size 8” x 10” or 11” x 14”, an Arches oil paper pad, or a canvas pad. Two larger canvas boards or stretched canvases, 11” x 14” to 16” x 20”, for longer projects. Athenaeum Music & Arts Library on Instagram and Facebook