Classes & Workshops
Learn Acrylic, Mixed Media and Encaustic Painting!
Senior Mixed Media Group Course – Following the Foundations of Creative Aging
Art in all its forms has been proven to improve the lives of Seniors. The Foundations of Creative Aging is a program designed to bring art to Senior Living communities and is set up in 8 sequential classes that will build off of skills learned in prior classes. This type of course, in studies, has shown to reduce depression, reduce medication and doctor visits, build confidence and deeper friendships and so much more. Instructor, Jana Soiseth is trained in the Foundations of Creative Aging method and works with Activities Directors to bring this program into Senior communities.
Class Description
COST: $750 for up to 12 participants or $75 per participant with minimum 10 participants
(includes supplies)
Class Length: 9 Weeks – 1.5 Hours/per week
Number of Paintings Produced: 5
Class Level: Beginning to Intermediate
This class is designed to bring the benefits of art to senior living communities. It is set up in 8 sequential weekly classes that will continuously build off of skills learned in previous classes and will end with a class exhibit in the community.
Here is a sample curriculum. (curriculum may change, this is an example)
Class Goals
- Understand the basics of acrylic painting techniques.
- Learn how to mix and apply colors effectively.
- Develop composition skills.
- Explore mixed media materials to enhance paintings.
- Learn about different styles and what you enjoy creating most
Week 1: Introduction to Class
- Class materials and supplies
- What we’ll learn
- Expectations and planning
- Gathering nspiration for our projects and where to find it
- Drawing and keeping an art journal
Week 2: Introduction to Still Life Painting
- Choosing a composition
- Creating a underpainting
- Building layers and texture with acrylic paint
- Practice exercises
Week 3: Landscape Painting
- Introduction to landscape painting
- Understanding perspective and depth
- Choosing colors
- Creating texture and detail
- Practice exercises
Week 4: Abstract painting
- Introduction to abstract painting
- Understanding color and composition
- Incorporating mixed media for interest and texture
- Building layers and pattern
- Practice exercises
Week 5: Mixed media techniques
- Introduction to mixed media materials
- Adding texture with collage and paper
- Using stencils and stamps
- Adding texture with gels and pastes
- Practice exercises
Week 6: Bringing it all together
- Review of techniques learned in previous classes
- Choosing a subject, style and composition
- Incorporating mixed media elements
- Starting a final project painting
- The under-layer
Week 7: Work on final painting
- Building off of the previous week
- Finishing up the under-layer and working on the middle layer
- Working on the top layer
Week 8: Work on final painting
- Building off of the previous week
- Working on the detail layer
- Finishing the painting (sign and varnish)
- Planning the exhibition
Week 9: Exhibition day
- Invite family and friends
- Exhibit work in your community’s facility
Overall, the course curriculum aims to teach students a range of mixed media techniques that they can use with acrylics, while also encouraging them to explore their own creativity and style. By the end of the course, students should feel confident in their ability to create complex and layered mixed media acrylic paintings.
If you are an Activities Director at a senior living facility or senior center interested in hosting an art class for your community, please contact me and we can discuss your needs. Please note: If you provide the paints and 5 – 11×14 wrapped canvases for this class, you can subtract $75 from the above cost.
What I Provide:
- Step-by-step Art Instruction
- Plastic Table Covers
- Aprons
- Brushes
- 5 Canvases (approximately 11 x 14)
- Easels
- Paint
- Paper Plates/Palettes
- Water Cups
- Music
- Mixed Media Suppplies
- Varnish
What You Provide:
- Well lit location
- Tables for up to 12 people
- Floor covering to keep floor clean – if desired
- Sink for water access
- Exhibition Space for 12 to 24 paintings (This can be set up on tables with my easles if wall space is an issue)
- Refreshments and drinks for exhibition day
Similar Classes
Senior Paint and Sip Style Class
COST: $150 for up to 12 participants or $15 per participant with minimum 10 participants
(includes supplies)
Class Length: 2 Hours
Class Level: Any Experience Level
This class is a fun and relaxed painting experience where participants can create their own masterpiece while sipping their favorite drink. The class is open to all skill levels, from beginners to experienced artists. During the class, participants will follow step-by-step instructions to create a painting, while also enjoying a fun and social atmosphere.
Senior Group Acrylic Painting Lesson
COST: $200 for up to 12 participants
Class Length: 3 Hours
Class Level: Beginner to Intermediate
This class teaches the basics of acrylic painting. You’ll learn about color harmony, how to mix colors, composition and the steps to work through your first acrylic painting. By the end of the class you’ll have enough knowledge to continue painting on your own and improve your skills.
Senior Mixed Media Group Course – Following the Foundations of Creative Aging
Cost: $750 (includes supplies)
Class Length: 9 weeks – 1.5 hours per week
This is a 9 week course that will take place in your senior community and will build upon the skills developed each week, ending with an art exhibition within your community.
It has been proven that sequential learning in senior environments reduces depression, doctor visits, the need for medication and builds confidence and stronger friendships among the community.
Meet Jana Soiseth, Your Instructor
“The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them.” – Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
Hello! I’m excited to meet you! I’m a clasically trained artist working in mixed media and encaustic art. After art school, I worked for a graphic design agency and from there transitioned into owning my own agency. For 25 years, I have been creating art whether on screen for clients or in my studio for collectors. I love all styles of art, but I adore encaustic and mixed media due to it’s beauty and versitlity. I am passionate about my art and believe that learning never stops. There is always something new to learn, whether it’s a new technique or working with a new product. Come along with me and I will share with you the wonder of art making.
Got a Question?
If you have questions about classes and workshops I would love to answer them. Please reach out. Send me a note in the form below.