Kerry Didday, B-A

Saturdays 9:30-12:00

Are you a beginner that has been playing and needs to know where to go next. An intermediate that has been painting but wants to expand and explore or an experienced acrylic painter looking to expand the portfolio, or create a mind blowing series? That’s my role, to move each individual forward in their painting endeavors. I try to build a creative environment where artists are inspired by each member of the class. Each morning will start with a class review of their current work as I critique and provide helpful comments. My students have an open mind and look forward to new and exciting painting avenues. I hope you will join us!

S5: Jan 18 (no 25), Feb 1, 8, 15

S6: Feb 22, Mar 1, 8, 15

S7: Mar 22, 29 Apr 5, 12

S8: Apr 19, 26, May 3, 10

$115 ACM Members

$140 Future Members

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Maggie Bosco, B-A

Thursdays 9:30-12:00

Become more in tune with your surroundings by learning how to paint from live observation using oils! Each week we will explore a new subject to paint including still-life setups, live models, Downtown Bradenton, and much more. Using historical and contemporary perspectives, students will learn how to efficiently determine the overall qualities of light, color, space and form of a scene.

S1:Jan 9, 16, 23, 30
S2: March 6, 13, 20, 27
S3: April 3, 10, 17, 24

$115 ACM Members

$140 Future Members

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The Art of Letting Go     B-A
Steph Gimson

Wednesdays: 1:00 – 4:00

Does a blank canvas excite or intimidate you? In this inspiring class, you’ll learn how to approach a new painting with confidence and curiosity. Whether you’re an abstract or representational artist, you’ll explore playful, intuitive methods to get started experimenting with torn paper, handmade collage materials, transfer techniques, sgraffito, and unconventional tools. You’ll loosen up, embrace spontaneity, and discover fresh ways to ignite your creative process.

S1: May 7 & 14
S2: June 4 & 11
S3: July 2 & 9
S4: August 6 & 13

Member: $96
Future Member: $121

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Simplified Acrylics, Really.     B-I
Helen Solomon

Thursdays: 1:00 – 4:00

This course is tailored for beginners and those seeking to refine their acrylic painting skills. Each artist’s unique style contributes to the distinctiveness of their work. Students will delve into various techniques and styles tailored specifically to acrylic painting throughout this class. We will cover crucial topics, including canvas preparation, underpainting, color mixing, composition, and paint application techniques.
Students will have the opportunity to cultivate their painting styles at their own pace. The class will incorporate demonstrations, discussions on techniques, and individualized instruction. You are encouraged to use your photographs as references or options to explore images from two free online resources, Unsplash.com and Pixabay.com.

S1: May 8, 15, 22, 29
S2: June 5, 12, 19, 26
S3: July 3, 10, 17, 24

Members: $135
Future Members: $160

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Simplified Acrylics II     I-A
Helen Solomon

Thursdays: 9:00 – 12:00

Participants will delve into the details of preparing a canvas and learn how to transfer their references using their photographs or freely available online resources. This intermediate to advanced class comprehensively examines various acrylic techniques, aesthetic concepts, and mediums. Participants will enjoy three hours of dedicated studio time with fellow acrylic enthusiasts, fostering an environment rich in creativity and camaraderie among like-minded artists. Throughout the class, students will have the valuable opportunity to engage in constructive discussions about their artwork, provide critiques on their peers’ pieces, and benefit from the instructor’s demonstrations.

S1: May 8, 15, 22, 29
S2: June 5, 12, 19, 26
S3: July 3, 10, 17, 24

Member: $135
Future Member: $160

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Purely Pastels     B-A
Dawn Geradot

Fridays: 1:00 – 3:00

Intended to teach the basics of using soft pastels using in some cases an under painting. This is a very forgiving medium allowing the artist to master the allusion of depth easily. If you have never tried pastels, it is a must. Come join us!

S1: May 9, 16, 23, 20

Member: $121
Future Member: $146

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Essence of a Figure     B-A
Maggie Bosco

Thursdays: 9:30 – 12:00

In this class, we will explore how to capture the energy and presence of a figure rather than focusing solely on precise details. Through expressive brushwork, color harmony, and thoughtful composition, we’ll learn to convey mood, movement and personality. Whether you work in oils, acrylics, or another medium, you’ll gain techniques to infuse your figures with life and authenticity. We will be painting from photographs for the first two classes, then from live models for the second two. Class fee includes live models.

S1: June 5, 12, 19, 26
S2: July 3, 10, 17, 24

Member: $149
Future Member: $174

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Complete Introduction to Acrylic Paints     B
Helen Solomon

Tuesdays: 1:00 – 4:00

If you have ever worked with watercolors or oils, you will find acrylics to be a delightful medium. In this class, we will focus on learning the basics of acrylic painting, starting with a simple drawing and following a few simple steps to create a beautiful, vibrant artwork.

S1: 4 wk: May 6, 13, 20, 27
S2: 4 wk: June 3, 10, 17, 24
S3: 5 wk: July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

4 wk: Member: $135
Future Member: $ 160

5 wk: Member: $169
Future Member: $194

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Alcohol Ink Painting     B-A
Dawn Geradot

Fridays: 1:00 – 3:30

A fluid painting technique lending itself to card making. It’s fast paced and a lot of fun. The colors dry very quickly due to the evaporation of the alcohol base in the inks. Once dried, we will enhance each piece with marker details.

S1: June 13

Member: $55
Future Member: $80

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Acrylic Palette Knife     B-A
Dawn Geradot

Wednesdays: 1:00 – 3:30

Palette knife painting allows for beautiful textural results. Using a variety of palette knives and other specialty tools as well as heavy body acrylics, we will discuss substrate options and start-up techniques. Using basic design elements for discussion in each week’s critique session is designed to aid in achieving a well-balanced finished product. Subject matter is of your choosing; but plenty of optional ideas are available. It’s an experiment in FUN!

S1: May 7, 14, 21, 28
S2: June 4, 11, 18, 25

Member $121
Future Member $146

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Dawn Gerardot B-A

Wednesdays 1:00-3:30

Experience silk painting and I promise you that IT IS addictive. Texturing, negative work, and depth will be created by the layering of colors. If you do not draw well, not to worry, you can copy your own photos or copy one of my patterns. Your only limitation will be your lack of enthusiasm. Just dig in & enjoy! Week one will be developing the design and starting the resist process. Week two begins the painting process. In week three & four, we complete painting, heat set, wash and start the detail work. Week five, we complete detail and look at prep & options for framing

S1: Sep 4, 11, 18, 25, Oct 2
S2: Oct 9, 16, 23, 30, Nov 6
S3: Nov 13, 20, (no Nov 27), Dec 4, 11, 18
S4: Jan 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb 5
S5: Feb 19, 26, Mar 5, 12, 19

$144 ACM Members

$169 Future Members

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Elise Manieri I

Wednesdays 1:00-4:00

We will apply the principles learned in Abstract Road Map to advanced projects focusing on layering, glazing, texturing and additional art tools and media. Let’s help you complete a piece to enter into our art show!

**Completion of Abstract Road May course is optional, but helpful.

S1: Dec 4, 11, 18
S2: Mar 12, 19, 26

$113 ACM Members

$137 Future Members

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Dawn Gerardot  B-A

Fridays 1:00-3:30

Palette knife painting allows for expressive, textural, unique results. Using predominately a variety of palette knives & heavy body acrylics, we will discuss substrate options and start-up techniques. Other steps include discussion of balance, color distribution, focal point, impact, and contrast. I provide weekly demos and class critiques as part of a routine discussion. Subject matter is of your choosing but there are plenty of ideas available. So, roll up your sleeves and give it a try. It’s an experiment in fun. Let your creativity flow!

S1: Sep 6, 13, 20, 27
S2: Oct 4, 11, 18, 25
S3: Nov 8, 15, 22, (no Nov 28), Dec 6
S4: Jan 10, 17, 24, 31
S5: Feb 7, 14, 21, 28
S6: Mar 7, 14, 21, 28
S7: Apr 4, 11, 18, 25

$115 ACM Members

$140 Future Members

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Elise Manieri B-I

Wednesdays 1:00-4:00

If you would like to explore abstract art painting or need help knowing how to start on a blank canvas, this class will provide plenty of tools and tips to guide you. We will apply basic art principles to assigned projects using primarily acrylic paints and other art media. Come and play in the sandbox and find your inner child again!

S1: Oct 23, 30, Nov 6, 13, 20
S2: Feb 5, 12, 19, 26, Mar 5

$161 ACM Members

$186 Future Members

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Joanna Coke  B-A

Tuesdays 1:00-3:30

Many sunflower pictures seem stiff because they are painted uniformly. Instead, learn how to paint sunflowers that feel more natural using color theory for mixing and placement of colors. Details in how to represent the seeded centers and leaves will also be discussed. In the first day, you will create a sample using this process. Thereafter, you can choose your floral subject to be inspired by.

Jan 21, 28, Feb 4, 11

$140 ACM Members

$165 Future Members

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Joanna Coke  B-A

Tuesdays 1:00-3:30

You will learn how to render the magnificent, billowing clouds that are uniquely Florida’s daytime landscapes. You will sketch some examples to see how clouds layer in space. You can paint large or small on paper OR canvas. You will learn to see more hints of other colors to add sparkle and interest.

Mar 4, 11, 18, 25 Class Full, Call For Waitlist

$140 ACM Members

$165 Future Members

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Helen Solomon  B-I

Thursdays 1:00-4:00

This class is designed for beginners as well as those looking to further their skills in creating art with acrylics. The unique painting style of each artist is what makes their work stand out. In this class, students will explore various painting styles and practice acrylic painting techniques. We’ll cover color mixing, composition, under-painting, and paint application techniques. Students will have the opportunity to develop their own personal painting style and interpret original subjects using acrylic paint. The class will include teacher demonstrations and individual instruction time. You are encouraged to use your own photos as a reference, but you can also use images from free websites.

S1: Sep 5, 12, 19, 26
S2: Nov 7, 14, 21 (no Nov 28), Dec 5
S3: Jan 9, 16, 23, 30 Class Full Call For Waitlist
S4: Feb 6, 13, 20, 27 Class Full Call For Waitlist
S5: Mar 6, 13, 20, 27
S6: Apr 3, 10, 17, 24

$129 ACM Members

$154 Future Members

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Helen Solomon I-A   

Thursdays 9:00-12:00

Participants will delve into the intricacies of canvas preparation and the art of transferring their own references onto the canvas from personal photos or from freely available online resources. This intermediate/advanced class offers a comprehensive study of various acrylic techniques, aesthetic concepts, and mediums. Participants will relish three hours of studio time with fellow acrylic enthusiasts, allowing them to immerse themselves in the creativity and camaraderie of the art world. Additionally, students will have the valuable opportunity to engage in constructive discussions about their own work and critique others’ pieces during classroom sessions.

S1: Sep 5, 12, 19 26
S2: Nov 7, 14, 21 (no Nov 28), Dec 5
S3: Jan 9, 16, 23, 30 Class Full Call For Wait List
S4: Feb 6, 13, 20, 27
S5: Mar 6, 13, 20, 27 Class Full Call For Wait List
S6: Apr 3, 10, 17, 24

$129 ACM Members

$154 Future Members

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Elise Manieri B-I

Wednesdays 1:00-4:00

Starting a new artwork with collage or adding collage to an existing piece is a contemporary method of developing your art. We will explore new ways to create collage papers and apply to new and/or existing pieces in this class using primarily acrylics and mixed media materials.

S1: Jan 8, 15, 22
S2: Apr 2, 9, 16

$113 ACM Members
$137 Future Members

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