Painting & Ceramics Classes Begin January 9

Local artist Mari Yamato will be teaching spring semester introductory painting and ceramics courses at Olney Central College.

Students in the painting class will explore and work in several mediums including acrylic, oil, watercolor, and gouache — an opaque version of watercolor. They also will study art styles such as abstract, realism, and impressionism.

“We will focus on functionality, characteristics of paint to color harmony, and how depth can be achieved through painting light and shadows,” Yamato said. “Certain types of functions can only be achieved through certain paints, and students will be learning how to utilize them.”

During the semester, students will complete four major and four minor projects in each medium, enabling them to gain additional experience.

ART 1115 Introduction to Painting will meet from 1 to 3:50 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, beginning January 9. Students will be responsible for buying their own materials and a list will be provided on the syllabus.

Students in the ceramics class will create their own pottery using a variety of hand-building techniques including pinch pot, coil, slab, and sculpture. They also will gain experience using the potter’s wheel.

“This is a great class to make functional items for your home or gifts,” Yamato said. “You can learn how to make bowls, vases, plates, and mugs.”

Yamato will also teach related vocabulary as students study decorating processes and glazing and firing techniques. Students will have the opportunity to experiment with Raku, a traditional Japanese firing process in which clay is fired outdoors utilizing a propane torch.

“It is a Japanese technique which utilizes special Raku glazing to get rainbow metallic finishes on pottery pieces,” Yamato said. “It has been a favorite activity of students in past years.”

During the semester, students will utilize their acquired skills to complete five required projects.

“They will also have free time to explore their own interests,” Yamato said. “If they have ideas for items they want to make in their free time, they will be able to do that.”

ART 1116 Introduction to Ceramics and ART 2115 Intermediate Ceramics both will meet from 1 to 3:50 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning Jan. 10.

Students will be required to purchase clay from the OCC Bookstore. Other materials will be provided.

Yamato, of Olney, has a background in illustration and a bachelor’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. She has taught art classes at OCC for the past five years.

For more information or to register for the courses, call 618-395-7777.