Going Wild: Paint Wildlife with Mixed Media Workshop

Learn to paint soulful and charming wildlife animals using proven techniques that produce beautiful results, especially for beginners. We all seek imagery that conveys emotions ranging from humor to fear, happiness to sadness, and a sense of togetherness. Mastering emotionally evocative animal painting becomes an excellent way to connect viewers with your art, particularly when combined with mixed media textures and expressive mark-making techniques.

Exploration and Creative Techniques:

Discover fun and accessible techniques for creating undeniably quirky, colorful, and absolutely irresistible animal subjects. Learn to capture an animal's eyes, distinctive personality, and other important details that bring your work to life. Expand your artistic approach by experimenting with acrylics, inks, charcoal, collage materials, and other mixed media elements. Have you never painted before? No problem. We will guide you through a quick, simple process to get started confidently.

Your Finished Artwork:

Students complete a ready-to-hang 12x12 painting of a wildlife animal, complete with layers, textures, and vibrant expression, perfect for enjoying at home.

Supply List for Students to Bring:

This is a studio workshop where you will use supplies you bring. Please gather the following items before class:

• Your favorite color photograph of an animal, printed and cropped to 6x6 inches, also saved on your phone
• One 12x12 wood panel as your canvas base
• Quality paper towels, such as Viva or Blue Shop brand
• Acrylic paint in essential colors: black, white, red, yellow, blue, and neutral tones such as tan and brown
• A variety of papers, including newspapers, sheet music, or decorative gift wrap tissue
• Thin fabrics such as lace or burlap for mixed media effects
• Rubber stamps for texture and pattern work
• Various acrylic brushes in multiple sizes, particularly small brushes for detail work
• Gel Medium or Matte Medium for glazing and texture
• Palette knife for mixing and application
• Palette paper for mixing colors