Painting Leaves in Acrylics | Anita West

What will I learn?

In this one-day acrylic painting workshop, Anita West will guide students through the process of creating expressive and resolved paintings using leaves as subject matter. Working from a variety of leaf forms, students will explore both the subtle and dramatic qualities of shape, tone, colour and texture.

Open to all levels of experience, Anita will help students bring clarity and visual impact to their work while learning acrylics painting techniques and observational skills in a supportive, hands-on environment.

You will learn:

Using different types of leaves as subject matter, students will:

• Refine their drawing skills to accurately describe shapes and forms
• Learn how to mix colours that enhance the form
• Explore the use of transparent glazes to build luminosity
• Understand tone and the importance of strong contrast
• Learn effective opaque acrylic painting techniques
• Develop an understanding of basic composition and tonal balance
• Learn how and where to add texture to enrich your painting

Who is this course suitable for?

Open to all levels of experience, from beginners to advanced.

What do I need to bring?

Bring along a few leaves that inspire you – eucalyptus leaves are Anita's favourite.

Drawing Materials - Bring your preferred drawing implements such as:

• Graphite pencils
• Erasers
• Charcoal/charcoal pencil
• A notebook for drawing or smooth polycotton canvas or boards.

Acrylic Paints - It is suggested to bring a range of TRANSPARENT acrylics.  Suggested colours: 

• Paynes grey
• Raw/burnt umber
• Raw/burnt sienna
• Blues ( ultramarine, pthalo)
• Transparent yellows
• Transparent reds
• Titanium white.
• Any black (carbon, ivory, mars)

Please also bring:

• Clear painting medium (this is necessary)  
• Small amount of impasto medium (optional)
• Painting rags
• A suitable surface for painting acrylics; stretched polycotton canvas, or smooth white board
• Painting palette
• Palette knife
• A variety of paint brushes etc.

What is provided?

• Easels, tabels and chairs
• Tea and coffee (please bring your own cup)
• A friendly, supportive and encouraging learning environment
• Connection to the Bienarté Art Community