All Levels

Acrylic Painting: An Introduction to Color and Composition

Melissa Dunn

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All Levels

Acrylic Painting: An Introduction to Color and Composition

Melissa Dunn


A blank canvas can be intimidating. Knowing how to build a painting from the ground up may seem like a mystery but it’s actually a learned skill that’s accessible to everyone. Through the basic principles of design like balance and contrast, this class will focus on how composition and color work together as the foundation of painting.

A variety of subject matter such as landscape, still life and abstraction will be our guide. Each week a new color palette will be introduced as well as acrylic painting techniques like layering, expressive brush work, smooth blending, scumbling and texture. Group discussions will help build our visual vocabulary.

This class is recommended for all levels, from the beginning painter to working artists with a studio practice. Every student will be met where they are while being encouraged to expand their personal artistic voice.

12 hours of instruction
Four week class meeting on Saturday for three hours each week.


Starts Sat, Apr 4, 2026 - four week class
9:00am-12:00pm
9:00am-12:00pm
680 Oakleaf Office Lane Memphis, TN 38117
Materials Included: All supplies provided

If you're having trouble deciding, feel free to call or email us. We're here to help! We can offer more details and walk you through our offerings to find the best fit for you.
(901) 625-5323
info@shapeshifterartschool.com

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Melissa Dunn
About the Instructor

Melissa Dunn

Melissa Dunn is a Memphis-based artist, musician and educator.  She came of age in the city’s music scene, splitting her time between playing in bands and making visual art. Music remains integral to her practice, although it’s now more of an inward-facing part of her studio life.  Her contemplative drawings and paintings are based in abstraction, bridging the world of her imagination with her lived experiences.  She’s received the Crosstown Artist Residency and a public art commission for Memphis International Airport. As a teaching artist dedicated to continuing-art education for adults, she has taught at Flicker Street Studios, studioELL and is a co-founder of ShapeShifter Art School.