Skyblue Lesson Plans
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This section is for Skyblue Students who come along to classes, you can only reach this area via the Members Only Login area
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Sign up to the Members Only section and join in with discussions
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Scroll down to see a variety of topics that we have covered. These lesson plans can be also printed so you can practice at home. Jane shares her expertise with you and we go through them in more detail in class.
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If you want them on your iPad at class, click on the chosen lesson plan, it will open. Click again on the screen and it will ask if you wish to view in 'iBooks'. For other devices you can save to a folder.
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Once you have this you will be able to save each lesson to your iPad and then bring it with you to class or have it when you need it. Leave your feedback on the Members Only Section
All lesson plans are copyright Jane Denman, Skyblue Art Classes 2016 and are for the sole use of Skyblue Students
Beginners - Shopping for Art Materials
If you already attend classes but want to see which art materials you have or need to get then check out the 3 lists made by Jane (click on the image)
Drawing Materials
Acrylics Art Materials
Watercolour Art Materials
Choosing paper for Watercolour
February 2016
Which paper and texture and size do you need for class when you use watercolour paints? Its confusing so Jane has tracked down a simple explanation here
You can use the paper too for acrylics - saves time and money :)
Printmaking for Xmas Cards
November 2016
Giving hand made Christmas cards beats all of the others on the mantelpiece. Jane gives her tips for equipment and how to get started with stunning designs here....
October 2016
Putting a black and white photo into a painting is another unusual start for a painting. Jane gives her tips on what you need to do this and it is surprisingly simple......
Overpainting & Collage
Starting out painting? Finding things confusing with acrylics? Jane's lesson plan takes you through a few steps using acrylics
Seascape in Acrylics
We take a look in class at how to get an effective seascape in acrylics. Inspired by the artist Dave White, Jane goes through what you will need and how to approach it with her lesson plan
September 2016
Top tips for having an image printed onto a gift. If you are stuck choosing your favourite painting on a mug, phone case or pencil case tin (there are more to choose from too) or simply need to have a few pointers then read here how to do it ....
Colour Wheel for Class
This essential colour wheel is available for you to print out (heavyweight paper is best). Two files for two A4 pieces of paper. Print and join with sellotape! Dont forget to bring along to class. You could buy the excellent book that it derives from too :)
November 2015
Getting the eyes 'right' in a portrait can be tricky. We investigate in class how to do this with acrylic and watercolour. Jane gives a few of her top tips for painting eyes here
October 2015
We take a look at painting portraits in class, where do you start when using watercolour? Jane looks at artist Charles Reid and his loose watercolour portraits to inspire. Read her lesson notes
September 2015
One of the class requests was to 'draw the figure and Degas ballet dancers'. Drawing the figure can be challenging. Read on to read Jane's starting out tips to get you on track.
If the idea of 'overpainting' fills you with joy then adding collage too will really get the creative juices flowing. A great way to start the September term, read Jane's tips and what to bring
July 2015
As we are starting a group project of birds in a tree, how do you go about drawing a bird? Jane gives some tips for those starting out...
July 2015
We investigate in class how to develop techniques for areas such as grasses, trees and rocks using watercolour and simple printmaking techniques....
July 2015
In class we look at the artist Sir Cedric Morris who painted irises and grew them too! Drawing flowers can be a bit daunting when you are starting out but Jane gives some tips on getting started....
June 2015
It may sound a little obvious but having the right equipment to hand when trying new techniques helps enormously, especially when it dries in the summer heat! Jane discusses what you need to achieve beautiful watercolour effects.....
June 2015
Jane gives her tips on how to set about painting skies with watercolours. Skies set the mood and atmosphere for so many scenes.....
Mixing Greys and Browns
Read Jane's notes about mixing greys and browns and then click on the picture for colour charts and watercolour info
May 2015
The 2nd class focusing on portraiture, this time we are looking at techniques that help you achieve a likeness. Read Jane's class notes and tips about how to go about this
Jane reviews which Acrylic sets are best buy and buying them online can save you money. Great for the Painting Skin Tone and portraits projects as it has the recommended basic palette and more
May 2015
As we have a go at painting portraits, just how do you get started painting skin tones? Jane gives her tips with a basic palette of colours
Painterly technique in Watercolour
We explore in class a fascinating way of applying watercolour, here are Jane's notes to help you
April 2015
In class we look at "lifting off and painterly application". For more details of what exactly are transparent and staining watercolours ....
Download the seascape image for the video
April 2015
Want to paint the seascape in the video? Here you can find the inspiration photo and the finished painting by Jane
March 2015
So answers on a postcard please! If you are thinking about entering the postcard Little Painting Challenge you may be thinking to yourself, what is the ultimate image to put on a postcard?
This BBC challenge is now closed :)
March 2015
In class we delve into the world of colour regularly. Here you can read about the colours: yellow and violet with a project at the end. As well as looking at these colours we explore one way of applying paint to surface. All abilities covered!
Loosening Up
February 2015
Want to inject something new into your painting or drawings? Maybe you are just starting out and want to know how to be creative with paint or just to draw. Read Jane's tips on how to squeeze your creativity out of you in minutes!
April 2015
Sometimes it is tricky seeing everything that happens in class, Jane decided to do a video for you. Don't forget to turn your sound up!
Download the seascape image for the video
April 2015
Want to paint the seascape in the video? Here you can find the inspiration photo and the finished painting by Jane