Summer Glow in Acrylics – A Step-By-Step Approach to Light and Atmosphere

Summer Glow in Acrylics – A Step-By-Step Approach to Light and Atmosphere

Class | Available

140 East Main Street Tuckerton, NJ 08087 United States
TBD
Beginner
7/29/2026 (one day)
11:00 AM-3:00 PM EDT on Wed
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$65.00
$55.00

Summer Glow in Acrylics – A Step-By-Step Approach to Light and Atmosphere

Class | Available

Learn how to capture the glow of summer light in this structured, beginner-friendly acrylic painting workshop!

Using a clear, step-by-step process, students will explore how to build a painting from the ground up—starting with a simple value study and progressing through a loose tonal underpainting, color development, and final refinement. Inspired by coastal scenes and light-filled summer imagery, this class emphasizes understanding value, light, and atmosphere before introducing color. Students will also be guided in selecting and working with a limited color palette to create harmony and cohesion in their paintings.

Students may work from a provided reference (similar to the instructor’s demo painting) or bring their own reference photos for a more personal approach.

Class Goals:

By the end of this workshop, students will:

- Understand the importance of value as the foundation of a successful painting
- Learn a step-by-step process for building an acrylic painting
- Develop skills in creating light and atmosphere through contrast
- Learn how to choose and work with a limited color palette
- Gain confidence transitioning from loose monochrome (grisaille) to full color

What to Expect:

During the class, students will experience:

- A structured, start-to-finish painting process
- Live demonstrations at each stage of development
- Guidance in selecting a cohesive, limited color palette
- Step-by-step support from value study to final details
- Individual feedback in a relaxed, encouraging environment

You’ll leave with:

At the conclusion of the class, each student will leave with:

- One completed acrylic painting capturing light and atmosphere
- A clear, repeatable painting process
- Value studies and color swatches created during class
- A better understanding of how to use a limited palette effectively
- Increased confidence in building paintings in layers

Materials Needed:

For those students who wish to bring their own materials, a list is provided for download.

Suggested canvas size for this class is 9x12 inches or 11x14 inches.

For those students who choose to bring their own references, bring reference photos of coastal scenes, boats, landscapes, etc., to work from your own imagery.

Sign up now to learn how to capture of glow of summer light in acrylic!


  • Students can pay the instructor a $10 cash fee for all class supplies 

    OR

    For students who want to bring their own supplies, click here.  
Cesaretti, Kimberly
Kimberly Cesaretti

Kim was born in northern New Jersey, residing in Elizabeth and Hillside prior to moving “down the shore” with her family to Lanoka Harbor in December, 1971, where she and her two younger sisters were raised. She has been an artist since early childhood, from the moment she could pick up a crayon and make marks on paper. While a student attending Lacey Township High School, Kim participated in the New Jersey State Teen Arts Festival where her watercolor work was chosen to tour the state. Also, one of her oil paintings won second place in the New Jersey State Congressional Art Competition in her senior year. After high school, Kim attended the prestigious Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University. She continued her education at Ocean County College (OCC) and, while a student there, Kim landed a job as a Graphics Artist at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Lakehurst (NAWCADLKE), NJ. She continued her career there after earning her Associate Degree in Fine Arts from OCC and then went on to earn a degree in Art Education from Georgian Court College in May 1995. Upon graduation, Kim received the Art Award from the Art Department at GCC and the Dean’s Medal of Academic Excellence (Highest GPA, Evening Division). While still employed as a Graphics Artist at NAWC, Kim earned a Master of Science in Systems Management with a Certificate in Technology Management from Capitol College, Laurel, MD in May 1998. After a seven year career as a Graphics Artist, Kim took the opportunity to enter the acquisition field in the Department of Defense as a Contract Specialist in August, 1997. Then, in January, 2000, Kim was hired as an Adjunct Instructor at Georgian Court College/Georgian Court University to help start and develop a web design program for the Art Department. Kim married her husband, Albert, in October, 2000. They have two daughters.