Art Classes

Acrylic Painting classes

Have you been wanting for years to get back to painting or to learn how to paint for the first time? Or are you a painter who wants to explore things from a different perspective and acquire new skills? Join Karen at the Calistoga Art Center on Wednesdays or Fridays, and dive into your creative process!

In this class, you will
• explore acrylic paints and learn how to use them
• develop your painting skills
• learn the basics of values, composition, and design
• learn about color in theory and practice
• learn how to create harmonious color in your painting
• learn different ways to apply paint to a surface
• learn different ways to approach a painting, looking at
the work of many artists for inspiration and education
• create paintings based on what interests you

Our approach is to paint with a spirit of experimentation and discovery, and to learn to see anew. Acrylic paint is a versatile medium – there are lots of possibilities! This class is designed for beginning, intermediate, or more advanced painters.

Classes are generally scheduled in four week sessions (one class a week for four weeks). You may begin at any session. Repeat the class as many times as you like... you will always be doing something new!

Location: Calistoga Art Center, Napa County Fairgrounds, Cropp Building, 1435 North Oak Street, Calistoga, CA

You can download the class flyer here.

2013 Schedule

4-week Spring Sessions:

Classes on Wednesdays OR Fridays, from 1 – 4 pm

Spring Session 2:
4 weeks: May 15th through June 7th, Cost $60

continuing into summer....

Class Fee: $60 for each 4-week session
Drop-in fee: $25 per class (bring your own materials or some materials can be provided at a small cost)

You can download a class materials list here.
You may register online at www.calistogaartcenter.org

Student Testimonials:

"When I considered starting this class I contacted Karen Ingalls and asked if she wold be able to take a "Rank Beginner" in the class. I knew nothing of brushes, paints or technique. She said "Absolutely!" and welcomed me into the group wholeheartedly. During this course I learned a lot about technique, mixing colors, and looking at objects more closely. I can't tell you how enjoyable it has been and how tickled I have been about being able to produce some paintings. I'd even have to say that an onlooker could identify what I was painting! Karen also is great at presenting work of the Master Painters, discussing their techniques and style, and encouraging each student to grow with your own personal style. I saw a lot of development in all of the students in the class."
— Cindi Buell, Santa Rosa

"Classes with Karen are fun. She does formal teaching at the beginning of each class, but most of the time is spent painting. Every one gets individual attention. I had no idea if I could paint when I started taking her classes. It's very subtle, but you learn a lot, and everyone makes continual progress. She is very supportive of individual styles and gives really constructive feedback. Thanks, Karen, for a wonderful, relaxing three hours every week!"
– Patricia Campbell, Santa Rosa

"I have been taking classes from Karen Ingalls for approximately two and a half years. She is an amazing teacher. Her demos have always been very instructive and helpful, yet she allows each of her students to create/paint where their interests lie. I have been painting off and on my whole life, but have never understood how to use a palette of three to four colors to blend and create a painting that is so much more pleasing to the eye.

She has also taught me how to create a focal point using lines, color combinations, shapes, etc. She is always positive when critiquing our work, but also encourages us to move out of our comfort zones into a place that enables us to grow in our own individual styles. She NEVER paints our paintings for us (which I appreciate!!), as some of my teachers in the past have done. This always made me feel that the painting was not truly my own. I have learned so much from Karen, and plan to learn more as I continue to take classes from her!"
– Sally Briggs, Calistoga

I've learned more about how to make a real painting in three hours than I had in three years.
— Catherine Singels, Calistoga