Foundations in Art - Painting I
Learn how to professionally paint at 3 Square Art in Fort Collins, Colorado
Foundations in Art - Painting I
Painting I is a foundational art course that teaches the foundations of art with essential painting skills and techniques. Learn the basics of painting and “how to control” the medium of oil paint with structured classes with targeted painting lessons. The class explores oil painting tools and mediums, monochromatic shading, use of analogous and complementary colors, basic abstraction, composition and final critiques. These lessons help develop a toolset for visually communicating through painting.
Classes
The Painting I Course is divided into 4 classes that allow for careful development and training of each drawing technique. We recommend taking the entire course to build your drawing skills, but you can also take individual classes to focus on a particular subject or to join in at any time.
Class 1 - Monochromatic Painting
Discover the allure of oil paints as we delve into the basics of this versatile medium. Learn about safety, essential materials, brush techniques, and the art of shading while exploring monochromatic compositions. Through exercises focusing on shapes and values, you'll gain confidence in handling oil paints. In this class, we will paint a composition of cubes, cones and spheres to create the illusion of depth and atmosphere.
Class 2 - Painting with Color
Learn the fundamentals of color theory and mixing including how to harmonize your palette with the use of variations of grays, and the expressive potential of light and dark values. Through hands-on exercises, discover how to use analogous (similar) and complimentary colors to evoke specific moods and effects, gaining valuable insight into the dynamic interplay of pigments. We will look at composition and how to push and enhance the colors in our composition.
Class 3 - Underpainting & Glazing
Learn the secrets of creating depth and luminosity in your paintings through the classical techniques of underpainting and glazing using oil paints. Discover how layering translucent colors can enhance dimensionality and mood in your compositions. Explore various methods of underpainting and experiment with glazing techniques to achieve captivating effects while we create a classical still life painting.
Class 4 - Abstraction & Expressionism
Try your painting skills in abstraction as we challenge traditional representations and embrace the freedom of artistic expression. In this session, you'll learn the techniques for abstracting a portrait to push beyond the literal interpretations to convey the psychology, mood, energy, and emotion of our subject using intense color, gestural brushstrokes and dynamic compositions.
Details
Cost (Course): $140 for the Full Course (4 class set)
Cost (Single): $38 for a Single Class (join any single class!)
Ages: 15+ All skill and creative levels welcome (younger artists are welcome with accompanying adult)
Materials: All materials are provided
Schedule
Spring 2025 Semester
Class 1 | Monochromatic Painting - January 30 - OPEN
Class 2 | Painting with Color - February 13 - OPEN
Class 3 | Underpainting & Glazing - February 27 - OPEN
Class 4 | Abstraction & Expressionism - March 13 - OPEN
Time: Thursday 5:30-8pm
Location
3 Square Art - New Classroom (2F)
2415 Donella Ct, Ste 110
Fort Collins, Colorado
*Please note that we do not have elevator access to the 2nd floor at this time. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience.
Instructor
Craig A. McKee
BA Studio Arts, magna cum laude, Kenyon College, OH
Artist, Graphic Designer, Entrepreneur
Register for Foundations in Art - Painting I
Register for Painting I by selecting an individual class or a full course below. Registering will sign you up for the next available single session or next scheduled full course. If you have any specific requirements, please don’t hesitate to email us at classes@3squareart.com. Thanks and hope to see you at Painting I!
Foundations in Art: Painting I - Full Course, Spring Semester 2025 (4 Classes)
Painting I is a foundational art course that teaches the foundations of art with essential painting skills and techniques. Learn the basics of painting and “how to control” the medium of oil paint with structured classes with targeted painting lessons. The class explores oil painting tools and mediums, monochromatic shading, use of analogous and complementary colors, basic abstraction, composition and final critiques. These lessons help develop a toolset for visually communicating through painting.
Class 1 | Monochromatic Painting - January 30
Class 2 | Painting with Color - February 13
Class 3 | Underpainting & Glazing - February 27
Class 4 | Abstraction & Expressionism - March 13
Time: Thursday, 5:30 - 8pm