Description
Program Level: Beginner, Ages 8-17
These engaging, hands-on classes are designed for young artists who are ready to build a strong foundation in color theory and painting fundamentals. Each course is a required part of the Beginning Painting Certificate of Achievement at The Artist’s Retreat, helping students develop the essential skills and confidence they need to grow as artists.
All required classes may be taken in any order, with the exception of the Final Project, which must be completed after all other required classes have been successfully finished. This flexible format allows families to choose the class schedule that works best for them. To make completing the program even more convenient, each required class will be offered multiple times throughout the year, giving students plenty of opportunities to earn their Beginning Painting Certificate of Achievement.
Class Names & Descriptions
- Brush Strokes
- Values
- Blending
- Shading
- Layering
- Color Mixing
- Color Wheel
- Final Project
1. Proper Brush Strokes (30 mins) $20
Throughout the class, students will practice holding a brush correctly, loading it with the right amount of paint, and using a variety of brush strokes to create different lines, textures, and artistic effects. They will also learn how brush angle, pressure, and movement influence the finished artwork, helping them gain greater control and confidence with every painting.
2. Color Values (1 hr) $40
In this class, students will learn how to lighten and darken colors, identify value changes, and use highlights and shadows to make their paintings more dynamic. Through hands-on practice, young artists will discover how mastering color values adds dimension, creates mood, and brings their artwork to life.
3. Blending (1 hr) $40
In this class, students will practice blending colors to create soft transitions, realistic shading, and seamless gradients. They’ll explore how different brushes, paint consistency, and blending methods can produce a variety of artistic effects.
4. Shading (1 hr) $40
Learning shading techniques helps young artists transform flat paintings into artwork with depth, dimension, and realism. In this class, students will explore how light and shadow work together to create form, making objects appear more three-dimensional.
5. Layering (1 hr) $40
Students will discover how applying multiple layers of paint adds depth, texture, and visual interest to their artwork. They’ll practice allowing layers to work together to create smoother blends, stronger colors, and more detailed compositions.
6. Color Mixing (1 hr) $40
In this class, students will learn how to mix primary colors to create secondary and tertiary colors, adjust color intensity, and achieve the perfect shades, tints, and tones for their paintings. Through hands-on practice, they’ll gain confidence in choosing and mixing colors that add harmony, contrast, and realism to their artwork
7. Color Wheel (1 hr) $40
During this class, students will learn how the color wheel works and why it is one of the most important tools every artist should understand. Through guided painting exercises and creative projects, children will explore primary, secondary, and tertiary colors while discovering complementary color combinations and analogous color schemes.
8. Final Project: Bringing it all together (1.5 hrs) $40
Students will complete a final painting project that brings together all the techniques and skills they have learned throughout the Beginning Painting program. This culminating project allows them to demonstrate their understanding of color, composition, and painting fundamentals. Upon successfully completing the project, students will earn their Certificate of Achievement in Beginning Painting.
Who:
Kids ages 8-17
When:
See drop-down for available dates and times.
Where:
The Artist’s Retreat
115 South 11th Street
Collinsville, Oklahoma 74021
If you have any questions, email us at info@theartistsretreat.com or give us a call at (918) 335-8318. You may also contact us through our contact form here:
