“Golden Creatures: Painting Texture, Color & Light”
with Instructor Paulo Jimenez
Oil or Acrylic • Palette Knife Techniques • Beginners Welcome
This is a 4-week class series
Tuesdays - November 3, 10, 17, & 24, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM to NOON
Payment in full is required before the first class.
No class substitutions or make-up sessions
are available.
Classes are limited to 10 students.
If you prefer to pay by check/cash for $120 (members) or $140 (non-members), please notify the Art League by email in order for us to hold your spot, make check payable to Art League of Daytona Beach and mail to 433 S. Palmetto Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 along with a completed registration form or you may drop off at the Art League during our gallery hours. For registration form click HERE.
ABOUT THE CLASS
In this four-week class, students will complete two paintings, spending two sessions on each project. We’ll explore how to simplify a subject, build color and texture, and use metallic gold paint as an important part of the composition.
Students may work in oil or acrylic. Through step-by-step demonstrations and individual instruction, we’ll use brushes and simple palette knife techniques to create expressive paintings without overworking the details.
Weeks 1 & 2 – The Golden Sheep
For our first painting, we’ll create a simple sheep portrait on a vertical 12" × 16" canvas. The sheep will be placed inside a rounded gold arch, surrounded by a deep wine-red outer border.
Students will learn how to simplify the sheep into large shapes and values, then suggest the wool with loose, painterly strokes instead of painting every detail. We’ll use metallic gold paint for the arch, keeping the gold relatively smooth and flat so the texture of the sheep remains the focus.
We’ll also explore the beautiful contrast between the soft cream-colored wool, luminous gold, and deep wine red, and how a limited palette can create a strong, elegant composition.
Weeks 3 & 4 – Blue Butterfly on Gold
For our second painting, we’ll work on a 12" × 12" square canvas using a blue butterfly as the subject. Students will learn how to simplify the wings into clear shapes while keeping the painting balanced and expressive.
We’ll work with combinations of blue, cream, white, and metallic gold, using the gold background to create contrast and luminosity. We’ll focus on symmetry without making the painting feel rigid, simple color transitions, expressive brushwork, and restrained palette knife texture.
Students will learn:
How to simplify photographs into large, paintable shapes
How to create texture without painting every detail
How to work with metallic gold paint
How to mix creams, whites, warm neutrals, blues, and shadows
How to create simple animal features and wool texture
How to balance symmetry and expressive brushwork
How to use a limited palette effectively
Basic palette knife techniques
How to combine flat areas of color with painterly texture
How to keep a painting loose, simple, and expressive
Beginners are welcome and no previous painting experience is necessary. Students bring their own oil or acrylic painting supplies. For this class, I recommend one 12" × 16" vertical canvas for the sheep and one 12" × 12" canvas for the butterfly.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
B. 1973, Costa Rican-born American
As an artist, I draw inspiration from my diverse cultural background and personal experiences to create vibrant and captivating works of art. Born in Costa Rica and raised in the arid landscapes of the Atacama desert in Chile, my artistic journey has been shaped by the beauty and contrasts of these environments. I pursued my BFA at the University of Hartford, where I honed my technical skills and developed a deep appreciation for the power of visual storytelling.
My artistic style can be best defined by my latest collection, which focuses on wildlife set against a backdrop of gold and silver leaf. Through this collection, I explore the relationship between nature and the ethereal, merging the beauty of nature with the elegance and symbolism of precious metals. The use of gold and silver leaf not only adds a touch of opulence but also serves as a metaphor for the preciousness and fragility of the natural world.
In another collection, I delve into the vibrant street scenes of Saint Augustine. Drawing inspiration from the city's rich history and architecture, I aim to capture the unique atmosphere and timeless charm of the nation's oldest streets. Through intricate details and a careful interplay of light and shadow, I strive to evoke a sense of nostalgia and a deep connection to the past.
Currently residing in Central Florida, I find myself surrounded by a different kind of natural beauty and cultural tapestry. The dynamic landscape, diverse wildlife, and vibrant communities of this region continue to influence and enrich my artistic work. Through my art, I seek to celebrate the intricate interplay between nature, culture, and human experiences, inviting viewers to pause, reflect, and find their own connections within the pieces.
Ultimately, my goal as an artist is to create visually striking and emotionally resonant works that transcend boundaries and speak to the universal human experience. By capturing the essence of places, creatures, and moments, I hope to invite viewers into a world of wonder, curiosity, and contemplation. My art is a reflection of my journey and a testament to the power of creativity to bridge gaps, inspire dialogue, and ignite imagination.
https://www.instagram.com/paulojimenezart/
ClickHEREfor Paulo’s Youtube channel.
ClickHEREfor Paulo’s Facebook page.
For additional questions please contact instructorPaulo Jimenez at j3228107@icloud.com or the Art League at 386-947-7103
Cancellations must be made at least one week prior to the first day of class in order to receive a refund.