Department: Art and Design
Course Number and Title: ART 3330, Acrylic Painting
Bulletin Description:
A studio introduction to the tools, paints, mediums and techniques of acrylic painting. The course engages
students in developing a focus in stylistic and content concerns, and this investigation pursues a refinement of
the student’s direction in painting.
Prerequisite(s):
Co-requisite(s):
None
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Program Goals and Outcomes (applicable to course as indicated on curriculum map)
This BFA Art Elective applies to the most of the program goals and outcomes of all 4 BFA majors in that
such an elective encompasses the reinforcement of knowledge of art history, discipline specific visual
skills as well as research and critical skills specified in each of the program goals. The course, however,
specifically applies to the following goals within the BFA in Fine Arts:
BFA in Fine Arts Goal #1: Mastery of visual and technical skills
Demonstrate proficiency in the use of a wide range of drawing, painting, and printmaking mediums in the
creation of skilled works.
BFA in Fine Arts Goal #2: Develop two and three-dimensional design skills and proficiency with
application of technology.
Demonstrate a proficiency in two and three-dimensional design skills and the application of technology
as an integral part of creative process.
BFA in Fine Arts Goal #4: Develop conceptual, research, and critical thinking skills.
Demonstrate ability to create personal, expressive works of art, execute long-term artistic projects or
thesis and write a statement of artistic intent.
Units of Instruction:
This course introduces students to acrylic painting and teaches basic acrylic painting techniques and processes.
Students will develop a basic understanding of the formal elements of image construction and the acrylic
painting process.
Suggested Method of Instruction:
- Frequent instructor demonstration of all techniques and processes.
- Frequent presentation and critiques of student work throughout the semester.
- Frequent presentation and analysis of historical and contemporary examples of acrylic and oil paintings.
I. Introduction:
Introductory lecture on the art of Watercolor Painting. Historical and Contemporary examples
examined and basic techniques, paints, tools and papers discussed.
A. Techniques: Transparent and Opaque Watercolor techniques.
B. Paints: Transparent Colors, Opaque Colors, Reflective Colors and Sedimentary Colors
C. Tools: Brushes, Palettes, Sponges and other tools for applying and manipulating paints.
D. Papers: Examination of the different paper brands and grades of paper including rough, cold and
hot pressed.
II. The Studio Setup:
Organization of the watercolor workstation for effective painting.
III. Working with Watercolor Paints:
A. Color Mixing
B. Wet into Wet
C. Dry Brush Painting Techniques
D. Pouring
E. Texturing
F. Layering Washes
G. Lifting Out Colors
H. Highlights
I. Masking
IV. The Drawing and Designing a Composition
V. Paraphrasing / Interpreting Subject Matter
A. Landscape Painting
B. Flower Painting
C. Still Life Painting
D. Painting Faces
E. Water Surfaces and Reflections
Bibliography:
Bolte, Mari. Acrylics. North Mankato, Minnesota: Capstone Press, 2014.
Bourdet, Susan D. Painting the Allure of Nature. Cincinnati, Ohio: North Light Books, c2001.
Brady, Patti. Rethinking Acrylic: Radical Solutions for Exploiting the World’s Most Versatile Medium.
Cincinnati, Ohio: North Light Books, c2008.
Finmark, Sharon. 500 Acrylic Mixes. Loveland, Colorado: Interweave Press, 2012.
French, Soraya. Dynamic Acrylics. Hauppauge, NY: Barron’s Educational Series, 2009.
Greer, Hugh. Acrylic Landscape Painting Techniques. Cincinnati, Ohio: North Light Books, c2002.
Hammond, Lee, Paint Landscapes in Acrylic with Lee Hammond. Cincinnati, Ohio: North Light Books, c2009.
Harrison, Hazel. The Encyclopedia of Acrylic Techniques. New York: Sterling Pub., c2002.
Reyner, Nancy. Acrylic Innovation: Styles & Techniques Featuring 64 Visionary Artists. Cincinnati, Ohio:
North Light Books, c2010..
Sundell, Lexi. Creating Exceptional Color with Acrylics: How to Make Color Choices that will Take Your
Painting To a New Level. Hauppauge, N. Y.: Barrons Educational Series, 2012.
Tauchid, Rheni. New Acrylics Essential Sourcebook: Materials, Techniques, and Contemporary Applications
for Today’s Artist. New York: Watson-Guptill Publications, 2009.
Tranberg, Dan. Acrylic Fusion: Experimenting with Alternative Methods for Painting, Collage, and Mixed
Media. Beverly, MA: Quarry Books, 2012.
APPENDIX I: NEW YORK STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS
APPENDIX I: NEW YORK STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS
New York State Education Department (NYSED) Requirement: NYSED requires that there be 15 hours of
instruction and 30 hours of supplementary assignments for each course credit.
Students are expected to complete 90 supplementary hours of research and class work per semester.
APPENDIX II: RATIONALE FOR A UNIVERSITY-WIDE CORE CURRICULUM
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