Term 1: Foundations & Core Techniques​

Goal: Build a strong technical base and explore diverse acrylic approaches through guided exercises and themed projects.

• Week 1: Intro to Acrylics - Materials, flat wash, dry brush, glazing.

• Week 2: Composition & Design - Rule of thirds, focal points, visual flow.

• Week 3: Light & Shadow - Value scales, light direction, monochromatic studies.

• Week 4: Colour Theory - Warm/cool colours, mixing, limited palette painting.

• Week 5: Brushwork & Texture - Brush types, palette knives, layering.

• Week 6: Landscape - Atmospheric perspective, layering depth.

• Week 7: Water & Sky - Transparency, blending sky gradients, reflection.

• Week 8: Portraiture Basics - Proportions, skin tones, stylised portraits.

• Week 9: Glazing & Scumbling - Transparency, mood, layering techniques. 

• week 10: Dynamic Composition - Movement, rhythm, figures/animals in context.

• Week 11: Final Planning - Sketches, layout, feedback, critique.

• Week 12: Final Painting - Group critique, painting completion & reflection.

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Term 2: Classical Foundations & Historical Styles 

Goal: Discover timeless painting techniques and explore art history through classical and modern approaches.

• Week 1: Drawing for Painting - Gesture drawing, underpainting (grisaille), classical forms.

• Week 2: Master Study - The value of copying Rembrandt, observational brushwork.

• Week 3: Drapery & Texture - Fabric realism with glazing and layered colour.

• Week 4: Classical vs Modern - Caravaggio/Saville style split canvas exercise.

• Week 5: Classical Palettes - Zorn palette, natural colour mixing.

• Week 6: Composition in Still Life - Golden ratio, triangle setups, value structure.

• Week 7: Classical Landscapes - Turner-inspired depth and light.

• Week 8: Portraiture I - Warm/cool modelling, layered skin tones.

• Week 9: Glazing & Atmosphere - apply techniques to enhance previous work. 

• Week 10: Light Abstraction - Expressive reinterpretation of previous painting.

• Week 11: Portraiture II - Loomis head, grisaille underpainting.

• Week 12: Final Project - Student-selected theme with classical critiques.

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Term 3: Personal Expression & Style

Goal: Deepen personal artistic voice through expressive techniques, historical influences, and an independent final project.

• Week 1: Abstract Mark-making - Mixed media, gesture, collage exploration.

• Week 2: Finished Abstract Piece - recreate composition with technique focus.

• Week 3: Chiaroscuro - Caravaggio-style dramatic tonal painting.

• Week 4: Tenebrism - Dark contrast, directional light, theatrical still life.

• Week 5: Rococo Aesthetics - Graceful figures, pastel underpainting, decorative detail.

• Week 6: Personal Object Project - Paint a meaningful object in any style previously explored.

• Week 7: Pre-Raphaelites - Symbolism, natural detail, emotional mood.

• Week 8: Student's Choice - Photo-inspired piece using preferred style.

• Weeks 9-12: Final Project - Concept development, composition planning & execution.