8 week Art Foundation Course - Painting, Drawing, Printing

Art Foundations: drawing, painting and print

Unlock your artistic potential in this 7-week mixed-media course designed for adults of all skill levels. Explore drawing, painting, and mixed-media techniques while developing your understanding of color, composition, and form. Through hands-on projects and guided exercises, you’ll gain confidence, discover your personal style, and experience the joy of creating. No prior experience is needed—just a curiosity to experiment and express yourself through art.

Course Overview

• Duration: 8 weeks

• Session Length: 2 hours

• Level: Mixed (beginner to intermediate)

• Format: Hands-on exercises & demonstrations, optional mini projects

• Venue - Studio 164 Falkirk

Weekly Schedule

Week 1: Introduction & Drawing Foundations - Techniques: Contour drawing, gesture drawing, basic shapes, shading (hatching, blending, stippling) - Mini Project: Simple still life sketch

Week 2: Value & Composition - Techniques: Value scales, shading for depth, rule of thirds, focal points, composition sketches - Mini Project: Still life emphasizing light and shadow

Week 3: Color Theory & Intro to Painting (Acrylic) - Techniques: Primary/secondary/tertiary colors, warm/cool, complementary colors, mixing neutrals, acrylic basics (layering, blending, dry brushing) - Mini Project: Abstract color mood painting

Week 4: Acrylic Painting Project - Techniques: Underpainting, layering, blending, atmospheric perspective, texture creation - Project: Small landscape or still life painting

Week 5: Introduction to Watercolor - Techniques: Wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, gradient washes, lifting, textures (salt/alcohol) - Mini Project: Small watercolor landscape, floral, or abstract piece

Week 6: Ink, Pen & Mixed Media - Techniques: Ink drawing + watercolor wash, collage basics, gel medium transfers, combining multiple media - Mini Project: Mixed-media composition

Week 7: Introduction to Printing - Techniques: Lino cut printing. Project: Design and print a graphic for a bag or clothing.

Week 8: Portrait / Figure Drawing - Techniques: Facial proportions, figure gestures, expressive charcoal or pencil techniques - Project: Portrait drawing

Materials List (all provided in-class but not to take home)

• Drawing: Graphite pencils, charcoal, erasers, blending stumps, sketch paper

• Painting: Acrylic paints, brushes, palettes, canvas boards

• Watercolor: Pans or tubes, watercolor paper, masking tape, soft brushes

• Ink: Waterproof pens, India ink, nib pens

• Mixed Media: Glue sticks, gel medium, scissors, magazines/books for collage, textured paper

• Pastels, gouache, markers

Notes

• All exercises are designed to encourage experimentation and creativity.

• You are encouraged to explore personal style and preferences.

• Focus is on process and discovery not finished pieces.