BACKGROUND FIRST

PLEASE NOTE: Official signup is through our website: Portland Art Guild

3-session series: $70 for PAG Members and $140/nonmembers.
Sessions from 10:00am to 2:00pm on June 1st, 8th, and 15th, 2026

Join us for a perfect combination of loose play and serious focus in this class that challenges the traditional "object-first" approach to painting.
Instead of focusing on the subject itself, we will find beauty in the shapes around it. We’ll begin with the freedom of building up layered, abstract backgrounds in acrylics and/or craft paints. Next, we'll do some exercises to learn to simplify designs from nature, as well as completing some compositional thumbnails. Lastly, after sketching the design onto the background, we shift to negative shape painting – and this is where the magic happens! You will leave with unique artworks and a new set of skills. The guild will supply you with some large paper.

All levels welcome!

Find your supply list here.