Getting Ready for Your First Class

So you are planning to to join the painting classes offered through Art Think Cafe? This page is designed to guide you as you prepare to come to your first classes.

Whether you are planning to attend in-person classes or on-line classes via ZOOM, I encourage you to do a little prep, and maybe some art store shopping before your first class.

 

rebellion class3

Suggested Supply List

For those who are new to classes at Art Think Cafe

The basics:

Acrylic Paint:

  • Red, yellow & blue - these are the root of all colours.
  • Whites: Titanium white + 1 or 2 others such as titan buff, zinc white, or similar. You will use more white paint than you expect - it is essential for mixing colours.
  • Black: Any version of black - you probably won't use very much of this.
  • Earth tones: Examples: raw or burnt sienna, raw or burnt umber, naples yellow, yellow ochre, etc. Don't get all of them; having a few to play with will greatly enhance your colour mixing.

Supports:

  • A few firm supports such as stretched canvases, canvas boards, or watercolour paper. Be prepared to work on multiple projects at the same time.
  • A 12" x 16" canvas pad is perfect for doing the initial exercises.

Tools:

  • A large paint brush (at least 1"), a couple of other brushes, a palette knife. Other tools such as scrapers, rags, sponges are fun to play with too.

Equipment:

  • Palette, water container, spray bottle.

Extras:

  • Apron, gloves, paper towels or rags

 

For the most part, there is no need to do a lot of shopping; I encourage you to explore what you can do with what you already have.

Create a work space at home

If possible, find or create a place at home where you can set yourself up to paint. A place where you can leave your materials out so you can readily return and continue practicing. It need not be a full studio, any little corner will do.

You will be able to access learning materials from home before and after the class, and I encourage everyone to spend a few hours outside of class time to work on your project(s).

You will need a laptop or similar device to access course materials which are provided via video from my website.