Introduction to Acrylic Layers 2-Day Workshop

Discover New Pathways to Your Creative Freedom!

• Finding yourself bored and in a rut with your art making?

• Getting stuck and frustrated, uncertain how to proceed?

• Are you an art “adventurer” wanting to try something different?

• Want to find new approaches and techniques to stimulate your creativity?

I can relate, having navigated all of these questions many times over…  The Acrylic Layers process was developed seeking answers to these very questions!  Let me be your guide into this incredibly FUN, CREATIVITY BOOSTING world of my Acrylic Layers Process!

The Acrylic Layers Process consists of working with physically distinct and separated layers in developing a painting.  This creates unique textures and actual dimensionality, allowing the viewer to see through physical layers of clear gel to what sparkles through from what lies beneath.

The Acrylic Layers approach develops the artwork in a different way that frees you to explore and express your creativity by removing that “Hope Buster” called “Expectation” and opening you and your creative process up to new and exciting possibilities!

This Acrylic Layers Workshop is perfect for you if:

• You enjoy exploring new approaches to making your art

• You want to learn new techniques to integrate into your creative toolbox

• you need to gain more confidence in your artistic decision-making process

• you desire a re-invigoration of your creative juices and inspiration…

In this two-day workshop we will cover the basics of the Acrylic Layers Process including:

• The Overall Acrylic Layers Process

• Two Under-Painting Approaches

• Two Acrylic Gel Application Variations

• Two Art Media Application Techniques

• Two Subtractive Methods to Expose Earlier Layers

In addition to the specific techniques involved, we will cover empowering ideas to facilitate your creative decision making and tailorable approaches to adapt this process to your own personal art making.

All tools and supplies for this two-day workshop are provided for a separate fee with all of the materials needed.  I will be sharing my personal stash of mixed media paints and drawing media to play with free of charge; the separate supplies fee covers my costs for the acrylic gel and six supports, four of which I will have prepared in advance with under-paintings and the initial gel layer to jump-start the process for you.  This allows you to come and immerse yourself without having to worry about what to bring or buy!

You will also receive detailed process handouts and the comprehensive supplies list with links for pursuing the Acrylic Layers Process following the workshop.

After This Workshop You Will:

• Understand the basics behind physically distancing layers of art media with acrylic gel using variations of under-paintings, acrylic gel layering, and art media applications

• Be equipped and inspired with new techniques and ideas to expand your creative toolbox and boldly explore your creative intentions

Meet Your Guide For This Exciting Journey!

Robyn Ryan is a professional artist working out of her studio in Fauquier County, Virginia.  Creating and selling art for 30+ years, Robyn enjoys working in water-based media, mixed media, and bronze.

An encouraging and enthusiastic instructor, Robyn has taught numerous workshops in watercolor, her unique Acrylic Layers Process, and Sculpture.  As a teacher, Robyn’s focus is on inspiring her students to have fun while venturing through and beyond the mechanics of art making toward increased confidence, joy in the process, and finding each person’s unique form of expressing their creative intent.

Her workshops are great for beginners and experienced painters who want to cultivate their skills and build their creative toolbox to create their own unique artwork from the heart, not just the mind.

For more information on purchasing paintings, classes, workshops, and publications go to: https://robynryanart.com

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve never used acrylics before, is that a problem?

That is NOT a problem, I will be showing you how to use all of the art media during the workshop in the context of this Acrylic Layers process.  NOTE:  This will not be a detailed “how to” course on acrylic painting.

Will we be producing a piece of art painting along with you?

This workshop focuses on using the Acrylic Layers process and techniques to express your own personal creative intentions.  You certainly are welcome to model your pieces after the pieces I develop during the demonstrations but I am certain once you get started your own ideas and inspirations are going to take over.  This is why I like to classify this workshop as a “Creative Growth” workshop as much as a “Process” workshop.

Sounds like a LOT will be covered in this workshop, will I be overwhelmed?

We will cover a lot of ground, however, I’ve structured it and organized it so you will have a very methodical framework to follow.  In addition, you will have additional resources including handouts to refer to during the workshop and at home.

I am very experienced in my media and subject matter, how will this Acrylic Layers process help me?

I truly believe if you are OPEN to trying something new which you have not tried before, there will always be something to learn and add to your artistic tool box whether it is a new technique, method, media, or thought process you can incorporate into your own creative practice.  The workshop provides a safe and fun environment to experiment with new approaches which typically yields insight into how you approach your art regardless of technique or media used.  In addition to the Acrylic Layers process itself, this workshop leads you through a new way of thinking through making your art to be intentional in decision making more clearly and confidently along the way.  The experienced artists who have participated have all gleaned a fresh outlook and found “pearls” to tailor and integrate into their personal art practices.

I am an absolute beginner and have never picked up a brush, is this workshop for me?

I don’t recommend this workshop for absolute beginners who are looking for detailed “how to paint” or “how to draw” basics.  If you have already had some basic art instruction and are comfortable with basic painting/drawing principles, you can definitely take advantage of this workshop as a basis for how your approach your art making moving forward.  Still not sure?  E-mail me and we can discuss one-on-one if this workshop is right for you!

Do I need to purchase/bring supplies for the workshop?

No Worries!  To keep it simple and to ensure you have the right materials to learn this technique, all supplies will be provided for a separate supplies fee.  You will receive the supplies list at the workshop so if this process resonates with you, you will know what you want to invest in following the workshop.

Can I use oil-based media with this process?

We will NOT be using any oil-based media during the workshop.  You cannot embed oil-based media between layers of acrylic gel.  If you are feeling adventurous, oil-based media could be used as a FINAL media layer on top of your FINAL acrylic gel layer BUT it cannot be covered with acrylic gel and would have to be sealed as you normally seal and finish and oil-based media work.