Unit Objectives: 1. Examine Renaissance paintings 2. Explore basic acrylic techniques 3. Summative: Grisaille painting

Unit 2: Acrylic Painting

Lesson Outline: I. History of Acrylics II. Acrylic Paints basics III. Grisaille Painting IV. Brush Properties V. Types of Brushes VI. Acrylic Techniques

History of Acrylic Painting Developed in late 1940s water- based acrylics developed in 1950s popular in the 1960's amongst Pop artists (Andy Warhol) and Photorealism and Op art.

Acrylic Paint Basics Composition: pigment, water and acrylic binder, forms a hard, clear film as water evaporates Versatile media: in mixed media and various paper/board

Acrylic Effects: Direct application (opaque) or diluted with water (transparent) Produce soft effects (watercolor) and sharp effects of layered oil paint

Grisaille Painting Grisaille=Gray tone in French Monochrome (one colour) underpainting ranging from dark to light, transparent to opaque, flat to reflective, and sometimes from warm to cool.

Value/Tone in Grisaille Definition: lightness and darkness of a colour (one of elements of design) generate a focal point Create of depth through layering and gradations of value

Value Exercise: Materials: paper Pencil or charcoal Instructions: Draw a simple value scale on the paper provided or in your sketchbook

Value Scale Examples: Pencil Study

Benefits of Grisaille 1. smaller painting steps 2. captures rhythm of nature 3. builds a network of paint layers channel natural sunlight from the surface (ground layer) 4. provides a foundation for color overlays

Grisaille Technique: Step-by-Step 1) The Foundation Examine tonal shades (lights, darks, and midtones) 2) Preparation Look at sample picture and prepare and tonal scale for that picture 3) Painting Blocking-In: first layer of paint and applied quickly Roughly block in areas over entire canvas to indicate overall impression Re-evaluate. You may choose to add darker tones after painting an initial layer.

Brush Anatomy Three parts of a brush: 1) The Tuft synthetic fibers, boar bristles, and other animal hairs. 2) The Ferrule metal part that holds tuft to handle 3) Brush Handles short or long (wood or resin) Short = control and good for close-up Long = best for easel work

Acrylic Brushes

Paintbrush Shapes, Types and Uses 1. Long Flat: thick layers (holds paint) Long, straight brush strokes (bold) Straight edges and wide areas 2. Bright or Short Flat: thick shorter strokes multitude of well-defined brush strokes thin straight lines. 3. Angular Flat: corners of the subject arches

Paintbrush Shapes, Types and Uses 4. Round: good to outline and fill in small areas (detailed work) Especially useful with slightly thinner acrylic paints. 5. Filbert: rounded edges and blending 6. Fan: effects of grass, leaf cluster, fur or hair. Smoothing and blending Ideal with minimal paint 7. Rigger: very fine lines

Class Activity: Identify the types of brushes from your brush set and/or the random assortment of brushes in groups. Duration: 3 minutes

Cleaning Acrylic Brushes gently with cool water and mild soap Swirl soapy brush in your palm Repeat washing and rinsing until water run clear ensure that base of brush head is clean. Dry the handle and ferrule and stand head up to allow the hair to dry

Summative Assessment Acrylic Grisaille Painting

Instructions: Paint a grisaille of a Renaissance painting Use gridding to transfer drawing onto canvas Duration: Four class periods and completed grisaille due at the end of the week.

Grisaille-Schedule: Day 1: Lesson and Select painting Day 2: Grid and Transfer on canvas Day 3: Painting-Applying techniques Day 4 &5 : Add details

Materials: Acrylic paints Assorted brushes canvases Palette Renaissance paintings Water and soap

Method of Working: 1. Generating Ideas 2. Selection Process 3. Transfer to canvas 4. Painting Blocking in Building up the layers Opaque layers

Resources: Caring for your Brushes: for-your-Brushes_ep_29.html Acrylic Painting Techniques : Shadows & Highlights: channel Acrylic Painting Techniques for Beginners: Speed Painting With Acrylics: related How To Paint A Portrait II: =related