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Tate Britain Workshop

Introduction to Acrylic Paint Technique, Experimentation and Process

29 April 2023 at 13.00–16.00
24 June 2023 at 13.00–16.00
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Gillian Ayres CBE RA, The Colour That Was There 1993. Tate. © Estate of Gillian Ayres RA CBE.

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Join us for an introduction to Acrylic Paint at Tate Britain with Artist Educator and Art Therapist Alice Davies

This practical one-day workshop invites you to explore some traditional and more experimental acrylic paint techniques, looking at a brief history of this modern and versatile paint and how artists from the Tate Collection have used the material. Techniques learnt will then be applied to your own larger scale artworks.

Over the course of the session, you will build up the introductory skills and techniques needed to get you started making your own masterpieces.

The price of the workshop includes materials to take home with you, including a set of Winsor & Newton: Gillian Ayres Acrylics, produced in collaboration with Tate.

This session is for people aged 16 and over.

Introduction, 15 minutes: A brief introduction to Tate and an introduction to the workshop and what it will entail, with a brief history of chalk pastels.

Part One, 50 minutes: In this part of the workshop, you will learn 8 different acrylic paint techniques following examples through hands-on exercises. Examples include blending, stippling, sponging, splattering, washing, dry brushing and detailing.

Tea Break, 15 minutes

Part two, 30 minutes: After learning the above techniques see artists within the Tate Collection and ways artists have used this material.

Part three, 50 minutes: Use learnt techniques and knowledge to make an inspired finished piece. Individual tips and any questions that you might have during the process will be answered.

Exhibition, 20 mins: View completed works, discuss the making process and how similar techniques were used differently by members of the group.

Tate Britain's step-free entrance is on Atterbury Street. It has automatic sliding doors and there is a ramp down to the entrance with central handrails.

There is a lift between the Lower and Main floors. Alternatively you can take the stairs.

  • Accessible and standard toilets are located on the Lower floor.
  • A Changing Places toilet is not currently available.
  • Ear defenders can be borrowed from the ticket desk on the Lower floor.

To help plan your visit to Tate Britain, have a look at our visual story. It includes photographs and information about what you can expect from a visit to the gallery.

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For more information before your visit:

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Tate Britain

Manton entrance, meeting point Clore Studio

Millbank
London SW1P 4RG
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Dates

29 April 2023 at 13.00–16.00

24 June 2023 at 13.00–16.00

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