Hidden Gem – A Beginner Acrylics Workshop

Hidden Gem – A Beginner Acrylics Workshop

Class | Available

140 East Main Street Tuckerton, NJ 08087 United States
TBD
Beginner
8/26/2026 (one day)
11:00 AM-3:00 PM EDT on Wed
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$65.00
$55.00

Hidden Gem – A Beginner Acrylics Workshop

Class | Available

Learn a clear, step- by- step acrylic process to paint glowing cedar water and forest light.
Inspired by a peaceful moment along a babbling brook in the local landscape, Hidden Gem captures the glowing cedar-stained water, vivid green reflections, and the sense of movement and serenity found deep in the Pine Barrens. In this beginner-friendly acrylic workshop, students will learn how to build a landscape painting from the ground up using a clear, structured sequence that removes the intimidation factor and builds confidence at every stage. Over four hours, participants will tone their canvas, sketch the composition, wipe out the lights, establish a simple, loose grisaille, place the darkest darks, block in color, and refine the painting with expressive details.

This class is designed for novice painters who want to learn a reliable process while creating a vibrant, nature-inspired artwork.

Class Goals:

By the end of this workshop, students will:

* Learn a step-by-step acrylic painting process from start to finish
* Understand how to tone a canvas for unity and warmth
* Practice wiping out lights to establish early value structure
* Build a simple grisaille underpainting.
* Identify and place darkest darks to strengthen composition
* Mix natural Pine Barrens greens and cedar-water colors
* Apply color in clean, confident layers.
* Add final details that bring movement and energy to the scene

You’ll leave with:

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

* A completed acrylic painting inspired by Hidden Gem
* A strong understanding of the acrylic painting sequence
* A loose grisaille underpainting process they can replicate in future work
* Confidence in mixing natural greens and warm cedar-water tones
* A handout summarizing the step-by-step process
* A renewed appreciation for the beauty of local Pine Barrens waterways

  • 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.

    A reference photo will be provided by the instructor.  For those students who choose to bring their own  references, bring reference photos of local Pine Barrens waterways to work from your own imagery.


  • 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 for a Supply List
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.