Winter Acrylic Class: The Art of Creating Depth, Dimension & Texture

Celebrate the cool tones and serene beauty of winter in this inspiring 6-week acrylic painting class, perfect for beginners and art enthusiasts alike. Through guided, step-by-step instruction, you’ll explore a variety of acrylic techniques designed to bring your winter-themed artwork to life.

Experiment with modelling paste, gel mediums, and unconventional tools such as palette knives and sponges to add texture and atmosphere to your paintings. Each week introduces new methods including dry brushing, layering, impasto, and mixed media collage, allowing you to build skills while creating snowy landscapes, frosty skies, and abstract compositions inspired by the season.

All acrylic supplies are included, so simply bring your creativity and enthusiasm. This class provides a supportive, relaxed environment to develop your artistic voice and capture the stillness and sparkle of winter on canvas. Join us and discover the joy of painting with texture, light, and cool winter color.

About the Instructor

Diana Quilarque is a dedicated visual artist with over 26 years of experience in oil and watercolor painting. Originally from Venezuela, she developed a deep appreciation for realism through detailed landscapes, still life, and portraits. After a 20-year hiatus, she rekindled her passion for painting, studying under renowned artist Lorne Winters from 2017 to 2023. During this time, she refined her techniques and expanded her artistic vision.

Drawn to watercolor’s fluidity and expressive nature, Diana embraced the medium, allowing her to capture light, movement, and emotion in ways oil painting could not. She has exhibited her work in local art collectives and has contributed to multiple charity auctions. Passionate about teaching, she shares her expertise through workshops, guiding students of all levels to develop their skills and artistic voices. Diana believes art is a transformative experience—one that fosters creativity, mindfulness, and connection.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

WHAT PARTICIPANTS MUST BRING

Note: Please feel free to use tools you already own or can repurpose, no need to buy expensive art supplies.

• A notepad or notebook
• Apron or protective clothing
• Disposable gloves (optional, for keeping hands clean)
• Old cloth, baby wipes or towel for cleaning up
• Bowl for water for quickly clean tools while working
• A cake frosting spatula, wall scraper or stripping knife -for spreading the base layer evenly
• Catalyst Wedge (with teeth), OR any plastic/silicone scraper with serrated edge (e.g., grout tool or notched scraper from a hardware store) for creating arches or lined textures.
• Any other texture tool you’d like to try (be creative! e.g. a comb, sponges, an old toothbrush, an old credit card)
• Canvas Boards (9 x 12 or 11 x 14)

WHAT WE’LL PROVIDE

· Modelling paste

· Modelling gel

· Gesso

· Glue or gel medium to adhere collage

· Palette knives

· Acrylic paints

· Brushes

· Towel paper

· Paint mixing pallets

· Sketching paper

· Spray bottles

· Fine-grit sandpaper

· Painter’s tape

· Varnish