We have had many requests for a general painting instruction class over the years. Since we’ve recently expanded our studio space—resulting in more blocks of teaching time—we can finally fit it in!

Introduction to Painting is a beginner to intermediate level painting class. This is NOT to say it’s appropriate for beginner artists however. Students with an intermediate level drawing ability are ideal candidates for this class because we will not be able to provide drawing instruction. Since many artists prefer to have a simple drawing in place when starting a painting, students must have basic drawing skills in place already.

Students will learn about watercolor, acrylic and oil paint and materials, and variety of techniques.

Because each medium is distinctly different in the way it is used, technique is extremely important, and that’s what we’ll be teaching.

If you’ve always wanted to try painting this is the perfect class to learn the foundation skills of these various mediums — or to take what you already know to a higher level.

Call 978-266-1600 for more information, or register online today!

Julie Ripley, the instructor for this class, is a John Peto National Trompe L’oeil competition award winner.

Explore the different mediums and techniques available for acrylic painting. Including direct painting, glazing with gel mediums, and palette knife paintings. Subject matters will include portraits, animals, landscapes, and still lives. This class will explore different surface textures and how to incorporate materials into your paint and paintings.

Watercolor Painting for Adults is a beginner to intermediate level painting class. This is NOT to say it’s appropriate for beginner artists however. Students with an intermediate level drawing ability are ideal candidates for this class because we will not be able to provide drawing instruction. Since many artists prefer to have a simple drawing in place when starting a painting, students must have basic drawing skills in place already.

Students will learn about watercolor using variety of techniques. - Blending, masking, wiping out, also combining watercolor paint with Pen and watercolor pencils.  Subject matter will range from still lives, to portraits, to landscapes.

If you’ve always wanted to try watercolor painting this is the perfect class to learn the foundation skills.

LEARNING TO PAINT WITH OILS is far easier than you might think and incredibly satisfying. This full trimester introductory class is designed for teens and adults. The class will be presented by Julie Ripley, a superb professional oil painter and also a regular drawing instructor at ActonArt. Julie has an MFA from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design and is frequently featured in galleries throughout New England. Julie is also a John Peto National Trompe L’oeil competition award winner.

THESE CLASSES WILL PRESENT A SERIES OF PROJECTS, most of them multi-week, designed to teach and guide students through basic processes that are common to many oil paintings. Students will typically be able to choose their own subject matter but reference materials will always be available to assist them if needed.  We recommend that students have some drawing ability however since we will be making simple underdrawings that our paintings will be developed upon.

It’s easy to see why so many people equate oil painting with “fine art.” So many of the master artists we commonly think of worked primarily in oil paint and the iconic masterworks of centuries past tend to be paintings done in oils. It doesn’t take an art conservator to understand why oils have claimed the mantle of popularity among artists. They are remarkably versatile to work with providing artists a broad range of creative options on the canvas. The pigments mix cleanly providing rich colors with clarity and depth. Once cured the medium is stable and capable of enduring many hundreds of years without severe aging effects. The surface can even be cleaned to remove airborne grime and contaminants.

We provide all needed supplies including water soluble oil paints that allow for easy soap and water clean-up at the end of a day of painting. No more toxic solvents and noxious fumes. Life is good, and oil painting is great!

If you have ever found yourself attracted to the idea of learning to paint with oils this is a perfect opportunity. The price is right, the instructor is top notch and the curriculum is serious but completely approachable for beginners. We hope you'll join us!

This class has been designed for people who have some experience and would like studio time for independent work/experimentation while having the benefit of professional guidance when working with new materials and techniques. All high quality materials are included in the course fee.

Now you can feed your artistic brain, be guided through the use of new materials and techniques, and have complete freedom to work independently all in the same class! Register today and come have some fun!