Introduction to Watercolor is a beginner to intermediate level painting class. This is NOT to say it’s appropriate for beginner artists however. Students with Basic to 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 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 incorporate student interests along with still lifes, landscapes, etc.

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

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

Charcoal Drawing, is a foundation class for students who want to develop their ability to see and represent a full range of light and shadow on paper. Charcoal is quite likely the oldest drawing medium. It provides unparalleled flexibility and the ability to work fast. Because of this studio artists frequently use charcoal studies as a starting point for developing new ideas. Managing this smudge-prone material also helps students develop “clean” habits that carry over into other mediums as well.

We've included Pastel painting in this class as well since the working characteristics are so similar, however color and color theory are huge subjects that are too large for the scope of this class. While color picking and blending will be covered it will be in a fairly simple presentation.

Anyone considering an art school or arts major would benefit from working in charcoal and pastel before college! Some project artwork from this class may be useful for portfolios.

This Introduction to Painting class is designed for younger students who want to learn real painting skills. This is NOT to say it’s appropriate for very young children however. Students who have completed the Basic-2, Intermediate, or higher level classes are ideal candidates for this class. Since many artists prefer to have a simple drawing in place when starting a painting, students should 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 got a budding painter in your home, this is a perfect way to get them started on the right path. And it’s a killer deal since we provide all the needed materials, saving you hundreds of dollars in supply costs.

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 painting competition award winner.

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!