Here are links to a few painting projects for kids--or adults!

Easier & fun

Takes more patience

Watercolor techniques 

More Watercolor techniques

General Painting Tips

• Keep moving forward, don't over-work.
• To over-work and over-blend can produce less interesting colors & outcomes
• Gather materials before starting if you need to keep paint wet​

Materials
Acrylic

• Gather up any acrylic paint and brushes you have.
• Use heavier paper or a canvas
• Thin paint, shake well. Thick paint, test to see which tubes are still good.

If you don't have the right paper, try this:

• Tape your paper down on cardboard or...
• Paint white paint up to the tape (thin if needed)
• Let dry thoroughly
• This will make your paper stronger

Watercolor

• Use any materials you have
• grade school watercolors are fine
• To keep colors strong don't overmix with water 

Paper:

• Printer paper does not work as well.
• Use a cover stock or thicker paper
• Try different types of paper you have
• If all else fails, play with absorbing colors onto paper towels

Current Exhibit:
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Now - September 15 (free admission starts 7/1)
"Into the Blue" juried exhibit of local artists

Plein Air:
Catiri's Fresh Paint - Amana, Iowa
August 30-September 2
Public Sale & Awards Banquet on Sunday at 5 pm
Get Patron or VIP tickets HERE!

Bluff Strokes - Dubuque, Iowa
October 6-12
60 artists will paint Dubuque County
culminating in a Patron sales Friday evening (10/11)
and Public sale Saturday (10/12)

Classes & Events
Acrylic Painting Classes
Monday Evenings 6:30-8:30 pm
5 sessions/$85
Sept. 16, 23, 30 & Oct. 14, 21
Friday Daytime:
Morning 9:30-11:30 or Afternoon 12 to 2 pm
6 sessions/$95 for returning students
$115 for newly joining students
Sept. 13, 20, 27 & Oct. 4, 18, 25 (no class Oct. 11)
Private Art Lessons are ideal for new artists or someone who feels a bit out of practice. Start at the beginning with materials, techniques, color, and composition. Or go to the next level with your art and creativity. Minimum 4 lessons for new artists and 2-3 sessions for those wanting to come up to speed.

Contact me for information about any of these opportunities at 319-270-7341 or art@liannewestcot.com

Looking for a fun night out?
Check out Bordeaux & Brushes at The Secret Cellarsecretcellarwines.com/
​Next Bordeaux & Brushes: Aug 29, 6-8 pm

New! Framed small prints.

Plein Air Festivals
Portrayal of Mt. Vernon
Sat, Oct. 6 (exhibit to be announced)
Bluff Strokes, Dubuque
October 7-13

Shows & Exhibits
Friday evening, October 5
Iowa City Senior Center, 2nd floor gallery
Sunday, November 18 10 am - 4 pm
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art Holiday Market
December 1-2
Holiday Thieves Market, U of I Memorial Union

Wednesday, Sept 5 @ 5 pm
Tuesday, Oct 2 @ 5 pm
Register Here or call 319-841-2172

Solo Exhibition
Pappajohn Biomedical Institute
June 11 - August 24 • 129 Newton Road, Iowa City, Iowa  •  Directions:

Tuesday, August 7 @ 6 pm
Register Here or call 319-841-2172

Catiri's Fresh Paint, Amana
Fri-Sun, Labor Day Weekend
Taliesin Plein Air Fest, Spring Green WI
September 16-20
Iowa City Art Walk
Friday, October 5
Month-long exhibit @ Iowa City Senior Center, starting on the Friday evening art walk.

Portrayal of Mt. Vernon
Saturday, October 6
Bluff Strokes, Dubuque
October 7-13