SAAC plans virtual acrylic painting workshop for adults
The South Arkansas Arts Center is inviting the community to sign up for a new acrylic painting workshop, The Acrylics Experience: Methods and Techniques, taught by well-known local artist Maria Botti Villegas.
Hosted on Zoom, the classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday nights, with the first class experience beginning on April 27 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Acrylic is a fascinating medium to explore. From translucent to opaque finishing, acryl-
ics are a very versatile medium. Acrylic paint techniques are full of possibilities. Because acrylics dry fast, the results are more immediate, perfect for fine sketches or for a fast and spontaneous gesture. Also, acrylic paint is more forgiving than watercolor because it can be layered and layered over and over again like in oil paint.
This workshop is appropriate for a wide range of students. From beginners to experienced painters, the two part workshop will introduce new techniques to the more experienced and curious artist, as well as the beginner.
The first part of the workshop will include basic notions of brushing, color palettes, value and basic composition styles. Even more experienced painters will benefit from adventurous study of color palettes, layering through brushstrokes and abstract styles. The second part begins on May 6 and will focus on the use of acrylic techniques like underpainting, mixed media and canvas textured surfaces.
Cost for the Zoom workshop is $125 for an individual part or $200 for both. Take either part, depending on your comfort level working with acrylics, or take both for the full experience. Part one will be held on April 27, 29 and May 4 with part two on May 6, 11, and 13.
The flexibility of a well-planned Zoom workshop can create a variety of benefits for participants who would like to learn an artistic technique from home.
“I find the format can be more accessible for my students,” said Villegas, “because they don’t have to pack away their project at the end of each class. They can continue their work after the meeting ends, and continue to communicate with with me by text or email.”
Plus, the format can bring together students from different geographic locations to learn together virtually.
Villegas, a muralist, illustrator and multidisciplinary artist, was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She holds a five-year degree from Pueyrredón School of Fine Arts in her native country.
In 1992, she moved to El Dorado and became an Arkansas Arts Council Artist-in-Education (AIE artist). As a working artist, she has participated in numerous exhibits and competitions in Arkansas, Louisiana and other states, winning many awards including the 2001 scholarship from the Committee of The National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C. She has also painted 30 public murals in Arkansas and Louisiana.
For more information about the acrylic workshop for adults, call the SAAC office to register at 870862-5474, or visit saac-arts.org. SAAC is located at 110 E. 5th St. in El Dorado.