Introduction to Painting

hand painted canvas of birds and sunflowersInstructor: Ambar Olivarez

Location: Sycamore Building, 7105

Painting is lots of fun and using acrylic paint is one of the best ways to be introduced to creating colorful art. We are going to demystify color theory by exploring the elements of color and how colors relate to each other. You will discover how to limit your color palette with amazing results. The subject matter will be up to you, still life, nature, landscape and more. Learn skills like underpainting, blending, and painting from observation. Commit to a weekly practice of how to visually interpret what you see and capture on paper. Clarify your identity, vision, and voice. Share studio time with other painters, beginners, creatives, and peers in the area. It is recommended that students have some basic experience with drawing, but you may still register if not. See below for the list of materials needed. Materials cost is not included in the course cost.

Date Day Time Cost Section Register By Registration Link
6/3/25-7/15/25 Tuesdays 3:30-5:30 p.m. $120 44169 5/27/25 Register

Supply List:

You may be able to find these paints at Michaels or other art stores like Joann’s Fabric or Cheap Joes of Asheville. These stores almost always have coupons you can find on their website.

Paint ($35)

Acrylic or oil paint.

The Following are Liquitex Basics Acrylic paints 4 oz tubes $5.49 each:

  • Cadmium Red Medium #10065073
  • Cadmium Yellow Medium #10065113
  • Yellow Oxide #10065112 (can also be called Yellow Ochre)
  • Ultramarine blue #10065113
  • Mars Black #10206545
  • Titanium White #10065125

For oil, a recommended brand available locally is Winsor Newton (My first choice) ($30 for a set of 10 colors). Colors: Holbein, and Williamsburg. Burnt Umber, Burnt Sienna, Cadmium Red Medium or Light, Alizarin Crimson, Indian Yellow, Cadmium Yellow Light, Ultramarine Blue, Prussian Blue, Sap Green, Viridian Green, Permalba White.

Brushes ($13)

Artist Loft brush set 10 piece #10171153 $12.99

If you decide to buy brushes individually, you will need:

  • #0 round brush for acrylic painting
  • #4 flat brush
  • #4 Filbert brush
  • #8 Filbert brush
  • 2” Flat Brush (or any size house painting type brushes)
Optional Brushes: 
  • Mop brush $5
  • Chip brush #10004085 $.99 (or any 1-inch cheap brush)
  • White Taklon Filbert Brush set #10514957 $6 
Painting Surfaces ($23)

Canvas: 8x10 canvas board Art Loft 5 pack minimum #10156196 ($10) - example . Or any kind of set of stretched and gessoed canvas (medium to heavy weight, gessoed wood panel, or gessoed paper). Optional: 11x 14 canvas 10 pack #11725298 ($10) - example. 
9x12 Multi-Media Paper for exercises ($13) - example. (Watercolor paper and canvas paper also works) 

Palette

Palette or a flat surface like glass for color mixing. Masterson Palette #10011263 ($30) optional and recommended for saving pigment - example. 

Additional Materials ($17)
  • Palette knife ($4) primarily for mixing
  • Wash Cloths, Paper Towels
  • Please bring a folder to save class handouts and reference photos.
  • Gesso 4-10 oz ($8) Optional. I recommend using this item if you plan to continue painting after the course.
How to Register by Email:
  1. Download Creative Arts Registration Form (Form must be fully completed to be accepted)
  2. Email completed form to ajclark@haywood.edu.
  3. If you are registering through email please await a Successful Confirmation Registration Email.
    This service is only available to those that register by email. 

How to Register in Person:
Please visit Student Services Department on the top floor of the Hemlock Building at
185 Freedlander Drive, Clyde, NC 28721.