Do you love those thick, textured paintings that practically beg to be touched? If you also happen to dread cleaning paintbrushes, this is the class for you! In "Knife to Meet You: Painting with Palette Knife" you'll learn about the different types of palette knives, explore a variety of techniques, and complete one or more floral paintings using those skills. Some familiarity with color theory and color mixing is helpful but not required. Students may bring their own supplies (a list will be provided upon registration) or register for the supplies-included option. I can't wait to come play with you in class!
Instructor: Deb McCahan says: There is something irreplaceable about a thick, deliberate stroke of bright color — the way paint builds up on the panel, catches the light, and becomes something you want to touch. Deb paints to capture the vibrant energy of landscapes that have shaped her: the wide skies of the high plains where she grew up, and the Colorado Rockies she sees from her door every morning. By training she is a clinical microbiologist, and for more than twenty years she has taught paper crafting as a creative outlet. Now painting has become essential to how she understands and moves through the world. The challenges of the process — composition, color, the physical act of building texture — every stage feels like its own discovery. As a community-taught artist who came to the easel only seven years ago, she brings curiosity and a deep gratitude for what nature offers freely to anyone willing to look. She warmly invites fellow students to join her in exploring the textures, color, and joy that painting continues to open up for her.
Skill Level: All levels welcome
Ages appropriate: 18 - 104
Min to run/Date: 6 by 10/17/2026
Equipment and Materials: Beginners or those choosing the supplies-included option will receive surfaces for practice and primed panel for painting, use of palette knives and brushes, palettes, basic bulk colors, paper towels and solvents for cleanup. Intermediate and advanced students should bring their own surfaces for practice and panels for painting, tools, paint, paper towel roll and boxes to transport wet paintings.
Everyone should bring an apron and a reference photo or image to paint. More information will be provided by Dan in advance of the first class.
Some individuals may find the odors of paints or solvents mildly offensive, all solvents (Gamsol and Linseed Oil) are safe for travel on planes and will be used appropriately and sparingly.
NOTE: Some initial information listed class times differently, the correct class times are 6:00 - 9:00 PM.