Come paint with me at Michaels (Lewisville)

***If you know you want to take my class and you'd rather not read all this, simply call the Michaels Lewisville store at (972) 316-0837. Tell them you want to sign up for a painting class, and they'll hook you up! If you want more information, keep reading.***

This past spring an educational coordinator for Grumbacher sent an email asking if I would be interested in teaching painting classes at Michaels. I jumped on board because I am always looking for ways to make some extra money, plus I think exposing the community to art is essential if we want art education to remain in our public schools.

Tonight I taught my first class and had a really good time. I didn't have as much of a chance to fully complete the demonstration painting because I was so involved in helping everyone else, but this is it anyway:

Landscape Lesson Plan: "Live Oak Lane"

I've had a number of friends ask for more information about the classes, so here's the scoop.

Many Michaels stores around the country offer painting classes from a Grumbacher instructor. Grumbacher is an American art supply company that has been around since the early 1900's. I have Grumbacher oil paints from college that are still good and I still use (11 years later.) Quality stuff.

If you are interested in signing up for a painting class, go here to find a class by state and city. If you are looking for me, click on TX_Lewisville, hit search, and my schedule will pop up. You can then click on any of the classes to see the store address, phone number, curriculum, etc.

There are four categories offered- Floral, Landscape, Seascape, and Still Life- and multiple lesson plans for each category. I like to rotate through the categories and allow my students to pick which lesson to complete, but every instructor is different.

Once you have decided which class(es) you want to take, download the class syllabus from the same calendar page. The syllabus will have general information, class information, and a supply list. Take the syllabus to the Michaels store where your class is offered and an associate will help you find your supplies and sign you up for the class. The classes are $25 per person per class and the supplies are a one-time cost of $49.99. A Michaels 40% off coupon (found here or in the sunday paper) can be used to bring the cost of the supplies down to $29.99.

Here's what comes in the kit:

3 fl oz. tube Academy Acrylic Titanium White

3 fl oz. tube Academy Acrylic Cad Red Light

3 fl oz. tube Academy Acrylic Ultramarine Blue

3 fl oz. tube Academy Acrylic Cad Yellow Medium 014173351258

Bristlette Round #2 Brush

Bristlette Filbert #8 Brush

Grumbacher Small Painting Knife

MacPhersons 9x12 Canvas Board (2)

After that, you just show up! In two hours you will leave with a painting like these:

And again, if this seems like a lot, simply call the Michaels Lewisville store at (972) 316-0837. Tell them you want to sign up for a painting class, and they'll help you out. Feel free to ask questions (by commenting on this post) and I will get back to you. Children 7 and up are welcome, but a parent must be in the class at all times.

Come paint with me!