Intro to Acrylic Painting, Thursday morning class
About this Event
Intro to Acrylic Painting
A 7-Week Course for Beginners
Have you always wanted to try painting but weren't sure where to start? Or perhaps you've painted before and would like to revisit the fundamentals and build your confidence?
This seven-week Introduction to Acrylic Painting course offers a relaxed, welcoming environment where you'll discover the joy of painting while developing a solid foundation in essential artistic skills.
Led by award-winning visual artist and art educator Matt Dampier, the course combines practical demonstrations, guided exercises, and individual instruction to help you understand not just how to paint, but why certain techniques work.
Whether you're picking up a brush for the first time or returning to painting after a break, this course is designed to encourage experimentation, curiosity, and creative confidence.
What You'll Learn
Over seven weeks, we'll explore the essential building blocks of painting, including:
- Understanding Acrylic Paint: Discover the versatility of acrylics, different painting techniques, brushwork, and how to work with the medium.
- Colour Theory and Mixing: Learn how colours interact, how to mix your own colours, and how to create harmonious palettes.
- Value, Light and Shadow: Understand how light and dark create depth, dimension, and atmosphere in a painting.
- Composition: Explore how to arrange elements within a painting to create balance, interest, and a strong visual impact.
- Perspective and Depth: Learn techniques for creating convincing space and three-dimensional forms.
- Developing a Painting: Bring everything together, from initial planning and sketches to a completed artwork.
Each 2.5-hour session includes demonstrations, practical exercises, and plenty of time to paint, experiment, ask questions, and receive individual guidance.
Your Creative Journey
Throughout the seven weeks, you'll be painting from the very first class, creating a new piece of artwork each week. As we introduce new techniques and concepts, each project will build on the last, gradually increasing in complexity and helping you develop your skills and confidence.
Alongside your weekly paintings, you'll work independently at home on a final piece that brings together everything you've learned. You'll have regular opportunities to discuss your progress, ask questions, and receive individual feedback and guidance during class.
The course will conclude with a student exhibition at the Cotton Factory, where you'll have the opportunity to showcase your final painting and celebrate your achievements alongside your fellow students.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is ideal for complete beginners, those returning to painting after some time away, or anyone wanting to strengthen their understanding of the fundamentals.
No previous painting experience is necessary. All you need is a little curiosity and a willingness to explore your creative side.
Course Details
Location: The Cotton Factory, Hamilton
Duration: 7 weeks, with one 2.5-hour class each week
Schedule: Thursday mornings, starting January 14th, 2027
Course Fee: $300 introductory offer (regularly $350)
Materials: Students are required to bring their own painting materials. A detailed materials list will be emailed following registration, along with recommendations for different budgets. Those starting with basic student-grade supplies can expect to spend under $100, while those wishing to invest in higher-quality materials are welcome to do so.
Spaces are limited to ensure a relaxed learning environment with plenty of individual attention.
About Your Instructor
Matt Dampier is an award-winning visual artist and art educator based in Hamilton. A graduate of Sheridan College's Visual and Creative Arts program with Honours, Matt maintains an active studio practice and has exhibited his work in solo and group exhibitions throughout Ontario.
Alongside his artistic practice, Matt teaches painting and drawing courses and workshops, sharing his enthusiasm for creativity, experimentation, and the fundamentals of visual art.
His teaching approach is supportive, practical, and focused on helping students develop the confidence and skills to pursue their own creative interests.
Registration & Cancellation Policy
Full payment is required at the time of registration to secure your place in the course.
As class sizes are limited and your registration reserves a place for the full seven-week course, all student-initiated cancellations are non-refundable, subject to applicable law.
Unfortunately, refunds or make-up classes cannot be offered for individual sessions missed by students.
Minimum Enrolment
This course requires a minimum number of participants to proceed. If minimum enrolment is not reached, the course may be cancelled or rescheduled. Registered students will be notified at least seven days before the course begins and offered the choice of transferring to another available course date or receiving a full refund.
Instructor Cancellations & Schedule Changes
In the event that an individual class must be cancelled by the instructor due to unforeseen circumstances, including inclement weather, every effort will be made to reschedule the session so that students receive the full seven weeks of instruction.
If the course cannot proceed or be completed, students will be offered an appropriate refund for instruction that cannot be provided.
Any changes to the schedule will be communicated to students as soon as possible.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 300.00
