Realism in Acrylic with Madison Faile

Realism in Acrylic with Madison Faile

Wednesdays, 10:15 am - 12:45 pm
$140 for 4 consecutive classes
Perfect for people with no experience, as well as more experienced painters. 

Check out Madison Faile's website!

This class focuses on building strong representational painting skills using acrylic paint. Students will learn a wide range of acrylic techniques, from foundational skills to approaches that allow for a high level of realism. The emphasis will be on careful observation, understanding color and value, and creating convincing form through layered paint.

Throughout the course, we’ll cover key topics such as color theory, color mixing, value structure, edge control, light and shadow, surface texture, and composition. Demonstrations will introduce acrylic-specific techniques including glazing, scumbling, dry brush, and controlled blending, with attention to how acrylic behaves differently from oil paint.

Students will also study the work of contemporary and historical acrylic painters working in a realistic or highly refined style. Required readings and visual references will help support discussion around technique, process, and artistic intent.

Each class will include demonstration, guided studio work, and individual feedback. We’ll end each session with a group critique, giving students the opportunity to talk about their work, learn from each other, and develop a stronger critical language around realistic painting.

This course is ideal for students who want to strengthen their technical skills, gain confidence with acrylic paint, and deepen their approach to realism.

Required reading: The Artist Way 

Supply List (click on linked items to add them to you cart)

• Abstract Acrylic Paints (heavy body only, no liquid or fluid acrylic)
• Primary Palette (mandatory)
• Ivory Black
• Titanium White
• Ultramarine Blue
• Vermillion or Cadmium Red
• Cadmium Yellow Lemon Hue
• Yellow Ochre
• Secondary Palette (optional)
• Venetian Pink
• Payne’s Gray
• Sap Green
• Titan Buff
• Raw Sienna
• Burnt Umber
• Chinese Orange
• Stiff Bristle paint brushes, like Princeton Aspen Set or Princeton Dakota Set
• Princeton Bristle Gesso Brush, 2" OR 3"
• Palette knife (Princeton Select Artiste Palette Knife #5 or #21)
• Paper towels
• Disposable palette (Grey Matters)
• Water cup
• Spray bottle
• Canvas sizes, no smaller than 12” x 12”
• Canvas Paper (12" x 16")
• Mixed Media Paper Pad (9" x 12", 120 lb.)
• Golden Retarder (Acrylic Medium)
• Gamvar (satin or gloss)
• Graphite pencils
• An open mind and a sense of humor