Acrylic Painting 101 --
​a workshop from Napa Valley Art Workshops

Look for more Acrylic Painting 101 art workshops in northern California and online in 2020.
Karen also teaches Acrylic Painting and Mixed Media classes in Calistoga, California.

Taught by artist and art teacher Karen Lynn Ingalls
Saturday & Sunday, January, 2022
Calistoga Art Center, Calistoga, California

Little Apple (demonstration painting) • 8"x10" • Acrylics on panel • © Karen Lynn Ingalls

Are you new to acrylics? Wondering what they're all about, and how to get started? Come find out – and unleash your creativity as you play with paint. Acrylic paints are the most versatile and forgiving way to paint, excellent for both beginners and experienced painters.

Abstract • 16" x 20" • Acrylics on canvas • © Karen Lynn Ingalls

In this work-(play)-shop, we'll explore many of the different ways you can apply paint to paper or canvas. You will have a chance to play and experiment with paint, to explore how it feels. You'll also learn the basics of mixing colors.

Then you'll create three paintings, as you learn how to use acrylic paints in a spirit of discovery. On the first day, you'll experiment with both abstract painting and painting from an object (creating a simple still life).

Pear (demonstration painting) • 16" x 20" • Acrylics on canvas • © Karen Lynn Ingalls

On the second day, you'll learn how to use glazes and be introduced to acrylic mediums. Then you'll explore using acrylic paints in a way that looks like watercolors, and you'll be able to develop all three of your paintings, with Karen's guidance and support.

Pea Pods Snuggling • Acrylics on watercolor paper • © Karen Lynn Ingalls

Pair of Cherries • Acrylics on watercolor paper • © Karen Lynn Ingalls

This is an excellent introduction to acrylic painting, whether you've never painted before, or whether you're experienced in another medium, and want to discover all the things you can do in acrylics that you can't in any other paint medium.

Abstract painting • Acrylics on canvas • © Karen Lynn Ingalls

This workshop is designed for both beginning painters and painters who are new to acrylics. A materials fee of $25 covers your materials and supplies.

Demonstration painting of an apple in process • Acrylics on bristol board • © Karen Lynn Ingalls

When: beginning in January, 2022

Where: Calistoga Art Center, Napa County Fairgrounds, Cropp Building, 1435 North Oak Street, Calistoga, CA

Abstract painting • Acrylics on canvas • © Karen Lynn Ingalls

Cost: $185 for Calistoga Art Center members and $210 for non-members, materials not included
Materials Fee: $25 for all the materials you'll need to create three paintings (if you want to bring your own materials, email Karen for a materials list)

You can register online at: 
www.calistogaartcenter.org once it's scheduled.

Green Pear on an Orange Plate • Acrylics on panel • © Karen Lynn Ingalls

Why Acrylic Paints?

• Acrylic paints are the most versatile, and most forgiving, paint medium. 
  

• In what way are acrylics forgiving? It's simple — if you don't like what you're working on, just give your paint a little time to dry, and paint over it. No fuss.

• Do you want to paint quickly, allowing you to add layers of new paint over what you're working on, for rich, interesting surfaces? That's where acrylics excel.
  

• Do you want to create a watercolor–like look? You can do that in acrylics, without the difficulties you encounter in watercolors (the most difficult painting medium).
  

• Do you want to give create work that looks like oil painting? You can do that in acrylics — except they dry a whole lot faster! And you can get a buttery, creamy paint consistency similar to oils, and extended drying time for three to four days, by using Open Acrylics — which also intermix with every other kind of acrylic paints.
  

• Do you want to work with mixed media, and incorporate collage into your work? Acrylics are THE paint medium for working with collage, and they combine amazingly well with almost every other art medium.
  

• Would you like to add textural effects to your paintings? Welcome to the world of acrylic mediums, which give you a large range of options to do just that.
  

• Do you love the look of encaustics, but would rather not work with hot wax? You can create an encaustics effect in your paintings using acrylic paints and mediums.
  

Simple Repast • Acrylics and graphite on watercolor paper • © Karen Lynn Ingalls