Upcoming Workshops

Online Painted Papers 

Create your own unique stash of painted papers for collage, book arts & sculpture!  I will share techniques using a range of different papers, translucent & opaque, smooth & textured. There are many different ways to create pattern and texture on paper; stencil, stamp, imprint, stain, mask, resist, comb, dabble, brush, splatter…and so on.  Demonstrations will explore a range of mark making techniques plus gluing tips all using acrylic paints,  mediums,  gels & pastes.  This class  will be recorded for viewing afterwards!

MAY 3, 11 AM - 1 PM (PDT)

Register HERE     Fee:  $40

In Person Painted Papers, Collage & Layering

Create collage art using your own unique stash of painted papers!  We will explore several techniques that can be used to create color, pattern and texture on paper using a combination of acrylic paints, mediums & gels. These same products can then be used for gluing, building up the surface with smooth, textured, transparent or translucent layers. I will also include methods of developing imagery & pattern within the surface. 

This workshop is designed to encourage experimentation, to learn the unique qualities of each acrylic product and explore both familiar & new techniques using each.

MAY 8 & 9, 9 AM - 4 PM (PDT)

Seattle Co-Arts - 753 N 185th St, Shoreline, WA

Register HERE

Fee:  $200 M, $250 NM

Online Acrylic Encaustic & Resin Effects

Discover how to create the luscious effect of wax encaustic & resin pours using GOLDEN Acrylic products. This online class includes demonstrations of how to achieve this effect using various acrylic mediums & gels; transparent & translucent, tinted & un-tinted, smooth & textured. In the process you'll discover the unique qualities of each product. I'll also share multiple samples of these methods in use within both collage & painted surfaces including how I incorporate them into my own artwork. These techniques enable you to create an intriguing depth, further developing imagery, pattern & texture within the layers of your art.

This class  will be recorded for viewing afterwards!

MAY 24, 11 AM - 1 PM (PDT)

Register HERE     Fee:  $40

In Person Printmaking with Gel Plates

Class is FULL - Due to it's popularity, we are scheduling an additional class. Contact Barbara De Pirro at depirroart@gmail.com to be added to the waiting list. Thanks!

Learn the basics of creating your own printed papers using gel plates! We will explore masking, stencils, mark making & painterly print techniques, using water based, slow drying acrylic paints. These methods create unique results; the pressure of printing creates texture and pattern not possible when painting directly on paper. Printmaking is an excellent way to create your own supply of papers for collage, book arts, cards or art that can stand on its own.

I will share samples, demonstrate the process, answer questions and work with artists individually during the workshop.  Each artist will create samples of the technique, which will serve as a valuable reference for future projects. All materials provided. 

MAY 31, 1 - 3 PM (PDT)

Artist & Craftsman Supply, Tacoma, WA 

Register HERE

Fee: $50

In Person 3D Collage & Sculpture

Translating your flat collage artworks into 3D sculptural forms, move into the next dimension!  This class will cover a range of techniques that include the manipulation of paper, cardboard & acrylic into dimensional forms.  It all begins with creating simple collage works onto various surfaces.  You'll then explore creating small models using these elements exploring a series of techniques that include creating dimensional forms, building up the surface, layering elements, etc. We'll explore securing elements by gluing, stitching, weaving etc. I will also share how to stabilize the structures for display. Acrylic products & tools provided by the instructor. 

JUN 14, 12 AM - 5 PM (PDT)

Artist & Craftsman Supply, Seattle, WA

Register HERE

Fee:  $160

In Person Fabric Painting with Acrylics 

Discover a range of techniques that can transform your Fiber Art, creating incredible surfaces and patterns! We will explore acrylic paints, in combination textile medium that can be heat set, creating a soft hand that can also be laundered. Whether you choose to use your fabrics for art to wear, functional art, wall hangings, sculpture or art installations, this workshop will open your eyes to a whole new approach. 

I will share samples, demonstrate the process, answer questions and work with artists individually during the workshop.  Each artist will create samples to take home, which will serve as a valuable reference for future projects. All materials provided. 

JUN 21, 1 - 3 PM (PDT)

Artist & Craftsman Supply, Tacoma, WA 

Register HERE

Fee: $50

Online Collage & DeCollage

Building up surface texture, imagery and pattern then excavating back through. Cut, peel, distress, conceal & reveal! Discover techniques combining assorted papers, acrylic paints, mediums, gels & pastes to create multi-layered artworks, enriching the surface. Realism, abstract and mixed media artists will all benefit from this innovative way of thinking about materials. This class will be recorded for viewing afterwards!

JUN 28, 11 AM - 1 PM (PDT)

Register HERE     Fee:  $40

In Person Image Transfers & Acrylic

Come explore how to use Acrylic Mediums & Gels to transfer imagery into your artwork! This technique is an excellent way to incorporate images & text layers into your paintings, collages or other mixed media works. 

I will share samples, demonstrate the process, answer questions and work with artists individually during the workshop. Each artist will create samples of the technique, which will serve as a valuable reference for future projects. All materials provided. 

JUL 19, 1 - 3 PM (PST)

Artist & Craftsman Supply, Tacoma, WA

Register HERE

Fee: $50

In Person Painted Papers 

Create your own unique stash of painted papers for collage, cards & book arts!  I will share techniques using a range of different acrylic paints, mediums & papers. There are many ways to create pattern and texture on paper using basic mark-making tools. Demonstrations will explore a range of these techniques plus gluing tips.

I will share samples, demonstrate the process, answer questions and work with artists individually during the workshop.  Each artist will create samples of each technique, which will serve as a valuable reference for future projects.  All materials provided

AUG 9, 1 - 3 PM (PDT)

Artist & Craftsman Supply - 616 St Helens Ave, Tacoma, WA 

Register HERE     Fee:  $50

Studio Tip Videos

I love creating these skins to use in both my sculptures & collages. They can be layered, glued, woven, stitched into the surface or shaped into 3D forms. Enjoy my process of peeling back the dried skin!
View Video HERE

Add more interest & depth! Many thick acrylic products can be used tinted with acrylic paint or in their natural state then painted once dry. 

View Video HERE

Adding more color! This sample is a combination of an image transfer and a raised stencil pattern, painted using Fluid Acrylic Paints in a Water Media technique.

View Video HERE

Splash of Color! Water Media wash of color over collage using Fluid Acrylic Paints.

View Video HERE

Building transparent layers over Collage using Acrylic Mediums & Gels! FYI Acrylic Mediums & Gels are white when wet but will be transparent once they're dry.

View Video HERE

A perfect way to build transparent imagery within your layers! 

View Video HERE

Which product do I use for gluing Collage papers?  A question I frequently get asked... 

Here's a short video tutorial about my favorite methods & products!  

View Video HERE

Printmaking with Acrylic Paint is simple and addictive! These accordion books were created with all my leftover printed & painted papers.

View Video HERE

Questions? Contact Barbara De Pirro, depirroart@gmail.com