Inside Gerri Willging's Mixed Media Painting Class

Wow, Gerri Willging is an amazing teacher!

She freely and generously shares the knowledge she has gained from more than 50 years of painting and 40 years of teaching. At 84, she is still vibrant, energetic, and incredibly enthusiastic about helping others grow as artists.

This morning was the second day of her six-week class, and it was inspiring to watch both her teaching process and the students' progress. Gerri has been teaching workshops at The Artists Playground for over 30 years, and her experience shines through in every lesson.

The Importance of Fundamentals

One of the key ideas Gerri emphasizes is the importance of the fundamentals of painting, whether your work is realistic, abstract, or somewhere in between.

She reminds students that strong design and composition are the foundation of successful artwork. Understanding these basic structures will serve you well regardless of the style or medium you choose to pursue.

Exploring Mixed Media

Today's project focused on mixed media techniques.

Students began by collaging tissue paper onto watercolor paper. They then used a variety of markers to create interesting lines and add visual interest to the surface. These exercises encouraged experimentation while reinforcing the design principles discussed in class.

The final project was completed on a 16" x 20" canvas and incorporated lessons from both the first week's class and this morning's exercises.

More Than Just Painting

Gerri's class runs from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with an hour break for lunch.

The lunch break gives everyone an opportunity to relax, get to know one another, and share ideas before returning to the studio. It's a wonderful balance of learning, creativity, and community.

By the end of the day, students had not only explored new techniques but also gained a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles that strengthen every painting.