While being able to finish a painting in one sitting can be satisfying, it is often hard to experiment with different techniques because we need drying time in between.  This FLEX course will give us the chance to create several works of art with many layers and in stages throughout the weeks.  We will focus on color schemes, color mixing, layering, texture, value, perspective, and adding details.  

*Please note that since this is a FLEX course, we will not have scheduled live meetings, instead, each learner will be able to work on their art at their convenience.

Five Week Schedule:
Starting with backgrounds and base coats, week one will be establishing the main shapes and areas within the four different landscapes.  New techniques will be introduced during weeks 2, 3, and 4, to push each painting from basic to professional results with finishing touches being added to the art in the final week of the course.  Instructional videos and printable resources will be dropped each Monday.  Examples of what you have created should be shared by the following Sunday with extra interaction happening throughout the week if you have any questions, concerns, successes, or comments to be made about your artwork.  A mid-week check-in with a prompt for discussion will also be added.  Working in stages like this and sharing your unfinished work will help you gain confidence in each part of the process.  I know I never wanted anyone to see my work before it was done because it was in what I call the "middle stage".  By sharing during this time you will see that it doesn't matter what your skill level is, everyone, even professional artists go through stages while painting that are not beautiful.  It takes time to get it to that point.

The four landscapes that will be created are:
1. Summer beach scene
2. Fall forest stream
3. Winter mountain lake
4. Spring cherry blossoms

Week One: 
Concentration on shapes and outlines.
Objective: 
Develop an understanding of composition through the process of underpainting.

Week Two:
Concentration on backgrounds and color mixing.
Objective: 
Prepare the next layer and begin exploring possibilities of where they can push limits within their art.

Week Three: 
Concentration on highlights and shadows.
Objective: 
Identify Elements and Principles of Art within their own work of art.

Week Four: 
Concentration on creating 3-Dimensional effects.
Objective: 
Combine previous layers with new techniques to eliminate the flat feeling of a 2-Dimensional work of art.

Week Five: 
Concentration on the final details and sharing our finished works of art with the option of an additional landscape of your choice with personalized advice given as needed.
Objective: 
Finish the four works of art and reflect on the process and product. 

Interaction:
Learners will be asked to share their progress with one another.  This interaction will not be limited to showing off only finished works of art, especially because we will be working on different stages of each painting and not complete them until the end.  It is important to share and receive feedback as you progress through each stage.  

Perhaps you are stuck on something or just can't quite figure out why you aren't happy with some part of your work - ask for feedback, not just from me, but from your peers.  Maybe you tried something that had an unexpected result.  Share with the class so we can celebrate your successful experimentation!  We can learn so much from each other through the work-in-progress photos and being able to compare each piece from day one to the completed masterpieces.  

I will provide individual feedback and guide each learner through the questions that are asked and photos that are shared.  Learners will also be encouraged to provide feedback and encouragement to each other with specific prompts each week.  Since so many other physical supplies are required, we will keep communication as simple as possible.  Communication will be made entirely through the Outschool classroom, no need to login to anything else during this course.  Feedback will be provided within 24-48 hours.

Creativity is encouraged!  As I provide demonstrations and resources each week to draw and paint I hope you take what you learn and use your own color combinations and spin the suggested subject matter into something unique to your personality.  An optional work of art can be created during this last week to showcase your new skills in which you choose your own subject matter and I will guide you with any questions you have throughout.  I can't wait to see how you give your work character and begin developing your own artistic style!