Deconstructing a Landscape in Acrylic

Illustration of acrylic landscape painting for this class by instructor Tracy Holmes. (Photo by Tracy Holmes)

Dale Farland

Have you wanted to paint a landscape, but you just didn’t know where to start? Do you have a favorite photo of a landscape you wish you could paint? In this class, instructor Tracy Holmes will take you step-by-step from a photo resource to a finished painting over two sessions. She will instruct you regarding the underdrawing, layering paints from background to foreground, color mixing, gradients, and detailed brushwork. This class is intended for intermediate and advanced students who have the basics of acrylic painting, but need further instruction on techniques.

Tracy Holmes is a Tucson-based artist whose artwork is represented at the Southern Arizona Arts Guild in La Encantada. She has also shown her artwork at Tohono Chul Park, Tucson Botanical Gardens, and the Sonoran Desert Museum. In fact, until July 2023, you can view her watercolor artwork entitled Sonoran Desert Life at the Center Pointe Gallery at the Tucson Airport.

Tracy received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Brigham Young University and has more than 20 years of teaching experience.

Class description: Over two sessions, totaling four hours, students will learn from Tracy a step-by-step process to create an acrylic landscape. This is your opportunity to understand what is necessary to paint a landscape. After your two classes, you will have a finished landscape painting plus the knowledge for future acrylic painting. This class is intended for intermediate and advanced students who have the basics of acrylic painting.

Dates for the class: Thursday, April 6, and Thursday, April 13

Time: 10 a.m. to noon

Class fee: $80. Please mark on your check that it is for the acrylic landscape class.

Class materials provided by instructor: Canvas, brushes, paints, and pencils.

Class materials provided by the student: Bring a photographic landscape resource that contains sky, land, bushes, and or trees (minimal buildings). Extra resources are available if the student cannot find one to paint. The student may want to print a large photo resource, created by laser or inkjet, so it is easier to see and match colors. Calendars and magazine images are also great resources for this class.

Class size limit: Minimum: 10, Maximum: 20

Registration:  Go to GroupWorks. Click on “Events.” Click on “I’m Going.” Confirmation is depositing your check in the lockbox outside the Art Room door. Please deposit your check quickly as classes fill up. Please do not click “I’m Going” unless you intend to take the class.

Reminder: Starting in 2023, participants in all art classes must be a member of the SBR Art Club. If you want to join the SBR Art Club, contact Dale Farland at [email protected] for membership forms. SBR Art Club membership is only $25.