Whether you have just signed on for Cindy's 'Paint in your PJ's' acrylic class and you're curious about what to expect, or you've already completed the unit and would like to share your experiences and/ or projects with the rest of us, then this is the place to do it!

The acrylics class was the first unit of Cindy's classes that I signed on for, at the time I wasn't aware that there were 6 units in total and that I should have started at the beginning! I had absolutely no experience with the medium. and I really wasn't convinced that I'd learn much with online instructions from a teacher that was as far away as Australia! I was a total convert after the first week, Cindy was able to tell me exactly what I was doing wrong!
Here are a few of the projects that I completed in class!

Those are all wonderful, Tannis, as is your self-portrait! I'm taking Cindy's Shading class right now and loving it...can't decide which one to take next. It could be acrylics after seeing your paintings!

Hi Donnarie, thank you, no matter which unit you choose to take next, I know you'll love it!
I'm in perspective unit 5 right now, I thought that it would be a necessary evil, but you know, I've learned alot and it's not that scary! We just did a room from imagination that we had to draw in perspective. So the furniture and everything in the room had to be scaled to the correct proportions as well. It is something that I thought I'd never even attempt! It was actually alot of fun! Except I kept redecorating!!!:)

Like Tannis, I chose to take Cindy's painting class first. I was under the impression that I could draw - fairly well. My main goal was to learn how to use acrylics. I had been using water colors for several years and was looking for a medium that was capable of producing more dramatic results. So I jumped in and enrolled in the painting course. It was eye opening!. In an 8 week period I began to realize just how much I didn't know. I sometimes questioned the wisdom of the exercises but ultimately everything fit together and I had acquired the ability to mix paints, create textures and paint an actual painting! I had been given a series of steps for approaching any artwork of my choosing. This was a tremendous gift and I knew I would benefit greatly from Cindy's patient and caring guidance. I am also currently in Cindy's perspective class. It is challenging and I know I have a long way to go.

I have included some of my exercises from the acrylics class. I feel like I've come a long way from these early paintings. I cannot begin to describe what a sense of accomplishment I feel and the pure joy of doing something I truly love!

[quote name='tannis' date='Sep 25 2009, 07:23 AM' post='110569']
Whether you have just signed on for Cindy's 'Paint in your PJ's' acrylic class and you're curious about what to expect, or you've already completed the unit and would like to share your experiences and/ or projects with the rest of us, then this is the place to do it!

Hi Tannis and Barbz (and Donna) - Wow!!! Your paintings are fantastic! I'm currently enrolled in Cindy's drawing and shading class and learning heaps. I've also now signed up for her acrylics class, so I'll be doing both courses for a few weeks. It feels a bit scary, but after seeing what you have both achieved I'm so glad I made the decision. I'll just have to keep showing up at the table and staying a bit longer for awhile.

Thanks for starting the forum.

Hi Metta,
You won't regret it, I assure you! Painting was scary for me too as I hadn't done much with paints. But Cindy starts at the very beginning with something as easy as how to hold the brush, and in which direction to go, she walks you through mixing colors, how to choose a pleasing color scheme, and before you know it you have all the skills required to paint your final project!!

I have attached a couple of paintings that I did for my grandsons rooms. They are three now, but these were painted when they moved from the nursery into their big boys rooms! The boys aren't twins, they are cousins but have the same color scheme and bedding. I was given the task to paint something in their colors to do with transportation. Mason still wants to show me his pictures that Grandma painted everytime I go into his room! Now that is a great feeling!

Those paintings are wonderful, Tannis! What lucky boys!

And, Barbz -- your paintings are awesome too. I especially love your tree...very dramatic!

Metta--how fun is that...two classes at once? Wish I had the time. Have fun with the acrylics, and be sure to post your paintings here so we can all see and be inspired!

[quote name='tannis' date='Oct 7 2009, 05:08 AM' post='116591']
Hi Metta,
You won't regret it, I assure you! Painting was scary for me too as I hadn't done much with paints.

Hi Tannis
It's probably more the thought of being able to manage my time, while I'm doing two courses, that's a bit scary for me. Learning the techniques of painting is something I'm really looking forward to, even more so after seeing your latest additions. I agree with Donna - your grandsons are very lucky boys indeed. You've created a beautiful series of paintings and I look forward to seeing more in the future.

And Donna - thanks for the words of encouragement - it will be really interesting to see what I'm able to produce after seven weeks.

Thanks Donna, it was a labor of love!

Metta, I know what you mean, I took units 1 and 3 at the same time, and was on holidays for 2 weeks of it. It'll be a bit of a challenge but you can do it! Deep breaths!!!

Hi Tannis, just wanted to let you know that I have registered for the four remaining units of Cindy's certificate course, so won't be doing the painting course for now. Portraiture comes next - which I'm really looking forward to. It is all so very exciting!

I would also like to acknowledge you for being such a great support to everyone - it's very much appreciated.

Francesca

Hi Metta,
I am so excited for you! Portraiture is so rewarding! Plus you'll learn how to use Charcoal. I really loved Charcoal although at first I thought that I'd never be able to control it enough to get the results I wanted. I look forward to seeing your portrait...have fun!

In unit 6, we are learning about styles of acrylic painting. Here is an example of hard edge semi abstract style and post- impression.
How are all of you in unit 2 making out? I'd love to see your progress!

Week 5 of composing originals... this week we had to paint one of the original thumbnails that we have been refining in one of the styles we learned about in Week 4 . Learning alot about composition! This is called "In awesome Wonder" and is painted in an expressive style