Painting From Within: The ART of Being Real
A 6 week class for painters of all levels
Saturdays 11a-2p September 25 - October 30

"Art offers an opening for the heart.
True art makes the divine silence in the soul break into applause." -Hafiz

Authentic expression comes from giving ourselves permission to be who and how we are in the moment, to accept what's present within ourselves as it is, and to express it! Using art as a mirror for life, this class will use the practice of painting to teach you how to expand your ability to be allowing and real in your self-expression, bring all of who you are – your darkness as well as your light - into your creativity… and have fun doing it!

This class is for painters of ALL levels - from those who have never picked up a brush to those who have painted for years.  All that is required is your desire to express yourself more fully and willingness to try.

This class is for you if want to...

*Connect with, trust, and let your creative energy flow freely.

*Empower yourself through learning how to turn towards
and move with what usually blocks you.

*Discover what's within you beyond the censor.

*Strengthen your connection to your inner voice and
open to something greater than you that guides you from within.

*Enjoy and develop your creative expression.

:: Details ::

Dates: Saturdays 11-2. Sept. 25. Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. If the weather holds up and folks would like to continue meeting in November, we can definitely do it. We'll discuss this possibility in October.

Where: A private home in San Mateo. Address given at registration.

Fee: $205-$250, sliding scale.. A $50 non-refundable deposit holds your space in the class. Payments can be made with cash, check, or via Paypal on my website. Payment plans accepted.

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: $180 f you sign up with your $50 deposit by September 10!

Discounted Sessions: While you are in this class, individual sessions are offered for $50-65/hr, sliding scale (instead of $65-80).

Highly recommended reading: Life, Paint, and Passion by Michele Cassou

For more info and to register:
650-344-9416 / robin@robinclark.org

"All children are artists.
The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." -Pablo Picasso

:: Materials ::

First off, you do NOT need to go to the store and spend a lot of money on supplies.  If you already own some of these things, great – then perhaps just get a few other things that make you excited about art.  If you do not own any painting supplies, begin simply.  Get a few things, use them, see what you like, get ideas from what other people in class have, and get more as you’re inspired to do so. 
 
-Paints: We'll be working with acrylics. Michael's has a great selection of acrylic paints in small bottles that are $1+/bottle and you can get virtually any color imaginable. This is a great, and highly recommended, way to begin. There is also a wonderful art store in the city on Van Ness called Blick's. They have an in-house line of acrylics, and carry Liquitex and Golden at lower prices than I've seen anywhere. They also have an online store that typically has even bigger discounts. Begin simply, get what excites you, you can purchase more paint later once you've got a feel for it.

-Brushes in various sizes & especially filberts. Get at least 1 really little one to do tiny details and 1 big brush. The rest is your preference.

-An easel. We'll be painting in my yard or in my garage if the weather is bad. I have backjacks for everyone to sit on so you can choose whether you want a desk easel that you can use while sitting on the ground, or a taller easel that you can stand at. You can likely find an easel on Craigslist and they can be purchased at Michael's for a very low cost. If you are someone who likes to paint on the ground, then you do not need to get an easel - it's just a suggestion for ease of creating.

-Rags to wipe your brushes on, a palette (could be a plate, lid, or a piece of saran wrap on top of a plate), a jar for water, a small spray bottle (you can find these at most any drug store).

-A blank paged journal that's just for art.

-Oil pastels (the nicer ones in the larger box really are worth it) and/or markers.

-Any other art supplies you like such as glitter pens, markers, feathers, etc.

-Watercolor paper (get the thicker kind). Get whatever size speaks to you. I've seen this at Aaron Bros. for a good price.

-Canvas or canvas board.  Get 1 in whatever size is appealing to you to start with.

-And last, but not least, please bring your lunch and/or snacks to have while you paint.