About This Class

Are you stuck in a rut and feeling uninspired in your art? Do you just want to get out of your head and experiment with texture and color to create a beautiful and fun creature, then let me show you my favorite way to paint animals!

In this class I will show you how create this playful, rainbow elephant. We will do this by evaluating our reference photos for value, assigning colors, then using a sponge (or two), a couple brushes and a few simple mark making techniques you probably already know (maybe plus some you pull out of you own imagination) to paint your own master piece. This class will use wet on dry and mark making techniques while letting each color dry as we go. AND you can always go at your own pace feel free to take your time and go day to day with each color OR use a hair dryer and make it all in one afternoon. Hopefully, this class will help you feel free, enjoy making different textures and remind you why you love to paint.

This class is for all levels of artist and my main goal is for you to get a chance to relax, experiment and have fun with your art.

I will guide you with:
* How to evaluate reference photos for light, medium and dark values
* How to assign colors and preserve space for your values
* How to create different type of mark making for water, plant and animal skin textures
* How to achieve depth, form and light using different colors and layers
* How to bring your painting together at the end with final details
* How to do all this with all kinds of brushes (or maybe just one) while you have a great time

You will be painting this playful colorful elephant and (hopefully) come out on the other end excited and inspired to try these techniques on your own future artwork for all kinds of fun.

Getting started
First of all, I believe in you! AND also….it might be helpful to watch each section or the whole thing before you jump in. The Mark making warm-ups are just the same as in physical exercise— pretty helpful but completely up to you. So grab your supplies and lets go paint an elephant!
Share your artwork
I’m very excited to see what everyone can do with this piece and the different textures we all create. Please upload your masterpieces onto “Your Project” on the ”Project and Resources” page (I’m no technical computer wizard but I’ll try to help if I can)
Just a Reminder
This is my first class so I’d love whatever feedback you have to give. I am passionate about my art and always looking to improve my own skills as an artist and a teacher. My hope is that you will produce this and hang it on your wall and be super duper proud of yourself. But please keep in mind…. The work you make here is not a intended to be sold, exhibited or entered into a competition. See Skillshare terms and conditions
Thanks for following the rules and GO MAKE SOMETHING GREAT!!!

Katherine Szak

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