How to Paint What You See (Acrylic or Oil Painting) with Donna Rae Hirt

Skill Level: All

In this meditative, Zen inspired painting course, you will learn how to paint from observing simple still life objects. You will experience the joyful process of representing the three dimensional form using painting and drawing materials. Uses of color, composition, value, mark making, and style will be demonstrated by the instructor and discussed with your classmates. Students will be encouraged to visit the MFA to observe and sketch suggested works of art.

Suggested Readings:

Drawing on The Right Side of The Brain by Betty Edwards

The Natural Way to Draw by Kimon Nicolades

Zen In The Art Of Archery by Eugen Herrigel

Zen Brushwork by Tanchu Terayama

Zen Seeing Zen Drawing by Frederick Franck

Materials:

Students will need to purchase materials on the list here before the start of the class.

Note: Students may use oil paint with odorless mineral spirits if they prefer to paint in this medium. No oil paint mediums may be used in class which have toxic vapors such as turpentine contained in many varnishes. If one is experienced in

this medium and doesn’t require longer drying times between layers/applications of paint, this an excellent alternative to acrylics. List of supplies for oil painting by request of the instructor.

About the instructor: 

Donna Rae Hirt is a Professor Emeritus of Painting, Drawing, and Printmaking at Massachusetts College of Art and Design, with almost 50 years of extensive teaching experience. She is also an artist whose work has been displayed in many institutions including, the Smithsonian Museum, Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Minnesota Institute of Art, and the Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco.