Today is the deadline for submitting spring class proposals fro the Vancouver School Board. My dear friend Shannon went through this with me and gave me some great edits and feedback - thank you Shan, you rock! Here's the application. What a process of getting clear! Fingers crossed it'll be accepted, but if not, rest assured I will find a way to share my knowledge and passion with others! xoxox Deb

Proposed class:

Energizing and Experimental Abstract

Painting in Acrylics

Course Description:

“An energizing and experimental painting class in acrylics, mixed media, & collage for adults”

This is energizing and informative abstract painting class with an emphasis on experimentation & creative process. Students will learn the fundamentals of abstract painting. Building on this foundation, each class will progressively introduce new techniques such as glazing, layering, removal, staining, lifting & layering in of collage elements all to achieve line, depth, texture & interest in their paintings. We will be using liquid and heavy body acrylics, as well as acrylic mediums & gels, and collage elements.

Course Outline – 8 weeks

Week 1 – The Basics.

Materials list discussion and clarification, bring what you have.
Discussion of acrylic paints and mediums, substrates, and implements – brushes, palette knives, etc.
Health and safety about acrylics –basic need to know.
Nesting in and how to best set up your work space . The concept of bridging to support you and your art making.
Group discussion of personal class goals and what students most want to learn/get out of this class
Students may bring one painting to work on throughout the class or practice on several smaller paintings (strongly suggested – I will explain why)
All students are asked to bring a journal or note paper for note taking

Week 2 – The Art of Start.

Basics for abstract painting.
Design & composition discussion. 12 basic compositions.
Paint and play – start with black and white, students work on fundamental concepts of composition and design.

Week 3 – Staining and Glazing with liquid acrylics.

Colour Basics. Historical /mineral colours vs. modern colours. Analogous,
Adding layers by staining and/or glazing liquid fluid acrylics (matte medium) to add depth and interest into your work.
Color combinations. Triad colour combinations that produce stunning effects.
Play and practice these concepts of layering using the basic principles of making an abstract painting. Students are encouraged to begin adding colour to their black and white work and playing with glazing and staining.

Week 4 – Focal points - Adding lines and definition

Removal Techniques: 5 various papers, rubber shaper, water, alchohol, SOS pad
Artist safe removal tape, rulers, Stenciling with heavy acrylics and spray paint.
Derwent Pencils, C’aran dash crayons, using gesso as lines.

Week 5 –Words and Images.

· Incorporating words and images into your work.

· Stamping – purchased and home made stamps.

· Transfer technique of photographic image with gloss medium.

· Paint and play - applying any techniques taught up to this point to your work.

Week 6 – Texture and Collage

Building interesting texture into your painting using Collage – photocopies, tissue paper, other decorative papers.
Heavy gel mediums, moulding paste, gloss medium, creating thick wax-like effects.

Week 7 – How to know if you’re done.

Tricks and tools to finishing a painting, how to know when you’re done or what to change/improve. Do your own critique – yes you can.
What makes a great abstract painting work.
Going back on your class work and applying finishing techniques taught here to take the piece to closer to a completed piece.

Week 8 – Making art part of your life.

Where can you go from here? Exhibiting, selling your work, selling rights
Resources for further exploration and growth in art and creativity
5 top things that stop artists in their tracks and how to overcome them.
Feedback sheet

Supplies/room arrangement

Each student requires a full table space to work. Tables will be covered in plastic sheet or plastic table cloth/covering. A materials list will be provided and explained in detail on the first class. All students are encouraged to bring what supplies they have already to the first class.

About the Art Instructor - Deb Chaney, SCA

Deb Chaney is a contemporary abstract artist painting large layered mixed media abstract works on canvas and paper. She has been painting in acrylics and mixed media for 10 years and has sold paintings in Canada and the U.S. and is currently exhibited in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Santa Barbara, California. She is an elected member of the Society of Canadian Artists. Her passion is painting and inspiring others to find their creative groove. The author of The Little Inspiration Book, Ideas to Empower Women and contributing author of Sand in my Bra, Funny Women Write from the Road, Her portfolio can be viewed at www.debchaney.com .

Deb Chaney - Relevant Education and Training

2008 Sabrina Ward Harrison, Spilling. Carol Parks Studio, Los Angeles, CA

2008 Dr. Robert Maurer and Jill Badonsky, Kaizen Muse Creativity Coaching Training.

2007 Lana Grow, Aquamedia & Collage: Peninsula Art School, WI.

2007 Nancy Reyner, Encaustics Effects with Acrylic. Santa Barbara, CA

2007 Independent Study, Kanuga Water Color Retreat, Asheville, N. Carolina

2007 Ann Baldwin, Painting and Collage, Santa Barbara, CA

2007 Jill Badonsky, Muse Facilitator Workshop, San Francisco, CA

2006 Bob Burridge, Basics in Abstract Acrylic Painting, Burbank, CA

2002-2006 Adolfo Girala; Personal Instruction in Mixed Media and Acrylics
2005 Rick Stitch; Abstract Painting, Santa Barbara City College Adult Ed
2005 Karen Browdy; Collage and Mixed Media, Santa Barbara City College Adult Ed

2002 Introduction to Watercolors, El Camino College Community Education
1998 Ron Mulvey; Beginning Acrylic Painting, Nelson, BC, Canada.