Welcome to my art classes!
I am so glad you are here to begin your creative process. You are joining a very welcoming group of students who love painting together. It's not only a great place to develop your painting skills but a wonderful place to get to know like-minded people.
I have painted for over 20 years and have had the priviledge of learning from many master artists and participated in 3 mentorships. I taught children for 5 years and have moved on to teaching adults for the last several years. I love watching and encouraging growth in a student. It is my firm belief that a spark of interest more than talent is the key ingredient in learning how to paint.
I have put together some resources for you that will get you started on your creative journey.
Looking forward to having you in my class!
Andrea
I am so glad you are here to begin your creative process. You are joining a very welcoming group of students who love painting together. It's not only a great place to develop your painting skills but a wonderful place to get to know like-minded people.
I have painted for over 20 years and have had the priviledge of learning from many master artists and participated in 3 mentorships. I taught children for 5 years and have moved on to teaching adults for the last several years. I love watching and encouraging growth in a student. It is my firm belief that a spark of interest more than talent is the key ingredient in learning how to paint.
I have put together some resources for you that will get you started on your creative journey.
Looking forward to having you in my class!
Andrea
6 Essential items to get you started
4 helpful tips
Art Store in Calgary
Kensington Art Supply and Instruction https://kensingtonartsupply.com
Inglewood Art Supplies www.inglewoodart.com
Destination Art Supplies https://www.destination-art.ca
Sunnyside Art Supplies http://www.sunnysideartsupplies.com/
Simply Simmons brushes can be found at any art store including Michaels. They are student grade, very affordable and are excellent brushes to start with. I still use them!
1" Wash
#16 and #12 Shader
#6 and #3 Round
Tri-Art Acrylic Paints
I was delighted to learn about these Canadian made paints. The professional grade is comparable to other top brands used by artists but at about a third of the price. This company also makes it's own plastics thus cutting down on their costs. The paints are very smooth and creamy. When buying paints, it is recommended to buy the best you can afford. Do not buy craft paints.
Things to look for when buying paints.
High viscosity
High % of pigment to binder. Craft paints are filled with binder and dry very dark.
Lightfast - don't fade quickly in sunlight.
Quality pigmentation
Colours to get started:
Bismuth Yellow Light
Indian Yellow
Phthalo Blue (green shade)
Ultramarine Blue
Quinacridone Scarlet or Alizarin Crimson
Quinacridone Red or Cadmium Red
Canvases and boards
Canvas boards are perfect for students. They can be bought at any art store. Michaels sells them in packs. I recommend 9x12 or 11x14. You can also get canvas packs at Michaels.
Good quality canvases have a tighter weave and are better constructed. Wood panels are better priced than canvases and are more durable. When buying wood panels or canvases, it is very important to gesso them prior to painting. Most canvses have already been gessoed but check when you buy them. Gesso acts as a binder so that paint will adhere to the canvas. Usually two coats will suffice.
- Simply Simmons brushes
- Tri-Art acrylic paints
- Colour Wheel
- Home-made palette using a cookie sheet or baking tray, blue shop paper towels and parchment paper. Line the tray with wet paper towels, then place the parchment paper on top. It will keep your paints moist all day. Acrylic paints dry very quickly in our very dry Alberta weather. You can purchase a small cookie sheet at Dollarama for $4.00 9"x13"
- A sketchbook that takes watermedia 9x12
- Pencil & eraser
- Paper towels
4 helpful tips
- Bamboo place mat to carry brushes. Available at dollar stores
- Rubbing alcohol removes acrylic paint from many surfaces
- Master's soap deep cleans your brushes and removes acrylic paint from fabric.
Art Store in Calgary
Kensington Art Supply and Instruction https://kensingtonartsupply.com
Inglewood Art Supplies www.inglewoodart.com
Destination Art Supplies https://www.destination-art.ca
Sunnyside Art Supplies http://www.sunnysideartsupplies.com/
Simply Simmons brushes can be found at any art store including Michaels. They are student grade, very affordable and are excellent brushes to start with. I still use them!
1" Wash
#16 and #12 Shader
#6 and #3 Round
Tri-Art Acrylic Paints
I was delighted to learn about these Canadian made paints. The professional grade is comparable to other top brands used by artists but at about a third of the price. This company also makes it's own plastics thus cutting down on their costs. The paints are very smooth and creamy. When buying paints, it is recommended to buy the best you can afford. Do not buy craft paints.
Things to look for when buying paints.
High viscosity
High % of pigment to binder. Craft paints are filled with binder and dry very dark.
Lightfast - don't fade quickly in sunlight.
Quality pigmentation
Colours to get started:
Bismuth Yellow Light
Indian Yellow
Phthalo Blue (green shade)
Ultramarine Blue
Quinacridone Scarlet or Alizarin Crimson
Quinacridone Red or Cadmium Red
Canvases and boards
Canvas boards are perfect for students. They can be bought at any art store. Michaels sells them in packs. I recommend 9x12 or 11x14. You can also get canvas packs at Michaels.
Good quality canvases have a tighter weave and are better constructed. Wood panels are better priced than canvases and are more durable. When buying wood panels or canvases, it is very important to gesso them prior to painting. Most canvses have already been gessoed but check when you buy them. Gesso acts as a binder so that paint will adhere to the canvas. Usually two coats will suffice.