Week 1:  Intro to Printmaking

In this class students will be introduced to simple printmaking techniques using foam sheets, brayer and printing inks. Students will start with an image either created independently or they will bring an image to replicate. Using simple techniques, students will transfer their chosen image to foam sheets to cut, and paste to a sturdy background and learn to make the best transfers onto a variety of papers.

Skills: drawing, cutting, problem-solving, use of a brayer and printer’s inks.

Materials: Foam sheets, scissors, brayer, printing inks.

Weeks 2 and 3: Intro to Dimensional Collage

In this class students will be introduced to dimensional collage. We will be introduced to the basic compositional rules when creating our collage pieces.  Over the course of 2 weeks students will create texture on their collages using tissue papers, paint, and other mixed media elements, incorporating a plaster mask, then finish with pictures, words and other 3-dimensional elements.

Skills: design and composition, painting, problem-solving, using a combination of adhesives and mixed media elements.

Materials used: Plaster wrap, mask form, canvas boards, magazine pages, textured papers, paint, an assortment of glues, and mixed media elements.

Week 4: Pop Art Self Portraits

In this class students will create an abstract background using a variety of paints and techniques and overlay a pop art inspired self-portrait to create a unique piece of very personal art.

Skills: Abstract application of paint using a variety of paints. Problem-solving, playing with a variety of mediums to learn the nature of the medium. Proper facial placement for the most accurate representation of themselves.

Materials: watercolors, acrylics, alcohol inks, sharpie, clear acetate film.

Provided Supplies:

• Stretched canvases

• gesso

• professional level acrylic paints, including foundational colors as well as expressive neons, metallics, and more

• professional level mediums such as gels, glazes, and pastes

• an array brushes in multiple sizes and shapes

• palette knives

• sponges and more

Course Description:
Unlock your creativity and dive into the world of acrylic painting in this exciting 4-week workshop, taught by Jenny Benoit. Whether you're a complete beginner or have some painting experience, this course will guide you through the essential techniques of acrylic painting while completing a beautiful painting to take home after every class.

Throughout the course, you’ll explore various painting styles—from vibrant landscapes and still life to expressive portraits and abstract art. Jenny will provide hands-on guidance and personalized feedback, helping you develop confidence and find your unique artistic style.

What You’ll Learn:

• Class 1: Master the basics of acrylics with a simple landscape painting, learning how to blend and layer for a dynamic result.

• Class 2: Discover texture techniques with a still life painting, experimenting with sponges, palette knives, and acrylic mediums.

• Class 3: Step into portraiture, learning how to paint faces with realistic skin tones and shading techniques.

• Class 4: Let loose with abstract painting, using all the techniques learned to create a unique piece that expresses your creativity.

By the end of this course, you’ll not only have four beautiful, finished paintings to display at home but also a deeper understanding of acrylics and a variety of new skills to continue your artistic journey.

Jenny believes that to truly understand the versatility and potential of acrylics, you should learn with the same professional level products that she uses. The following materials will be provided, their purposes explained as well as some techniques for using them.

Molly Gentry

I have been a teacher of English, History, and Art. Being a teacher of art, one has the opportunity to learn and teach all mediums. As long as I can remember I have always been a creator of something, starting with realistic graphite and charcoal portraits and moving to more loose approaches using watercolor, papier mâché, and acrylics. My newest passion has been for Creative Reuse. I love to repurpose old and forgotten things into interesting Collage and Assemblages. There is nothing more inspiring than a pile of vintage book pages, tossed toys and old doll parts. I have found my calling with this medium.

Jenny Benoit

Hi, I'm Jenny Benoit, an acrylic painter based in Sandpoint, Idaho. I’m known for my lifelike details and interesting integration of imagery to tell a story. While I love painting all sorts of subjects, I’m currently finding endless inspiration in the stunning nature of the Northwest.

I’m passionate about sharing the joy of art with others. I volunteer with the Pend Oreille Arts Council, where I help out at the Joyce Dillon Studio and teach at the art school for adults. I’ve been an art docent for kids for over twenty years and currently work with Kaleidoscope, Sandpoint’s art program for children.