4-Week Expressive Acrylic Series

A supportive 4-week acrylic painting series to help you turn a reference image into your own expressive artwork.



4 x 2 hours Class size 1 to 10 (public dates), 1 to 6   $175 - $195 (Earlybird price of $175 applies if you book into a public session 14+ days ahead)

In this 4-week live online series, students will learn how to use a reference image as a starting point rather than something to copy exactly. Through guided demonstrations and exercises, we will explore how to simplify shapes, adjust color, loosen brushwork, and make personal choices that lead toward a more expressive painting.
Using examples inspired by artists such as Emily Carr, students will see how a landscape or natural form can gradually move from representation into semi-abstraction or abstraction. This is one way to understand abstraction and begin developing a more personal painting style.
Each week builds on the previous one, guiding students step by step toward one resolved artwork. By the end of the series, each student will complete one finished acrylic painting on canvas, ready to hang. The goal is not to create a separate painting every week but to develop one artwork more deeply with structure, feedback, and creative confidence.

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Save $20 per guest, when you book 14+ days before a session

Upcoming dates for 4-Week Expressive Acrylic Series

Times are New York time. Dates and prices as of 14 Nov 2026, 6:46pm; availability and price are confirmed live when booking on this page.

2 upcoming dates between 7 Jan 2027 and 4 Feb 2027.

  • Thu, Jan 7 2027, 11am-1pm (then the same time each week, for the next 3 weeks)
  • Thu, Feb 4 2027, 11am-1pm (then the same time each week, for the next 3 weeks)
Knowledge required
No previous painting experience is required. This series is suitable for beginners while also offering guidance, feedback, and creative development for students who already have some painting experience and want to explore a more personal, expressive style.
What to bring
Acrylic paints:
  • Titanium White — large tube recommended
  • Ultramarine Blue
  • Phthalo Blue
  • Burnt Sienna
  • Raw Umber
  • Yellow Ochre
  • Cadmium Yellow Light
  • Crimson Red
Canvas:
One stretched canvas, preferably at least 12" x 16"
Brushes:
  • A selection of large, medium, and small brushes
  • Flat, bright, and filbert brushes are recommended
  • A mix of soft and coarse hair brushes is helpful
Additional materials:
  • Palette knife
  • Rags or paper towels
  • Palette, wax paper, or a large flat plastic plate for mixing paint
  • Water containers, such as large yogurt containers
A more specific color list or reference image may be shared before the first class, depending on the painting direction.
Session repeats

This class series runs over 4 consecutive sessions, at the same time every week.

Suitable for
This class is great for team building and other group events.
Verified reviews

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Recent reviews of 4-Week Expressive Acrylic Series

  • 5/5 from Silja Yates, attended Sep 2026: I very much enjoyed my painting class with Lina. She is an excellent teacher with an incredible eye for details. She suggests one little variation to my painting and it is lifted to the next level! During her class, I have become more confident in my colour choices, and are now able to use a variety of brush strokes to enhance my artwork. The atmosphere in the class was kind, calm and supportive, something I appreciated very much. Thank you, Lina
  • 5/5 from Sylvie Bonnotte, attended Aug 2026: Je me suis inscrite aux cours pour dĂ©couvrir les techniques, les mĂ©langes de couleur, la façon de tenir les pinceaux. Lina est très patiente avec les dĂ©butants, explique et aide pour trouver les bons tons de couleur. Également, les perspectives, la façon de retravailler les erreurs. Tout cela dans une ambiance dĂ©tendue, en musique. Lina encourage Ă  regarder les peintures de chacun et Ă  apprĂ©cier les diffĂ©rents styles. Se lancer sur une toile blanche n'est pas Ă©vident mais Lina nous donne toujours de bons conseils. Des cours dĂ©tendus entre participants de diffĂ©rents niveaux mais toujours sans prĂ©tention!!
  • 5/5 from Helen Wanger, attended Aug 2026: I have taken a number of Lina's classes and loved every one of them. Her classes are not only informative, but relaxing and fun. There is always music playing and much comradery within the class. Lina encourages and inspires us to find our own style and not just copy a reference picture. I wanted to include some pics of my paintings, but it didn't seem to allow it. I can't wait for the next class to start. Helen Wanger
Your teacher

Lina Faroussi
Lina Faroussi

5.0 (3)
female Women-owned

I’m a visual artist based in Toronto with over 20 years of experience. My path into art wasn’t traditional, I hold a BCom degree and previously worked in the corporate world. After moving to Toronto in 2006, I made the decision to fully commit to my artistic practice and have been working as a full-time visual artist ever since.
Over the past five years, I’ve been teaching and coaching both in person and online, working with adults and seniors at different levels. My approach combines strong technical guidance with a more intuitive and expressive process. I guide participants in using acrylic tools, colour, and composition, while also helping them move beyond simply copying a reference image toward creating their own interpretation.
My teaching style is structured and guided, while still maintaining a coaching and mentoring approach. I work step by step through demonstrations, showing how to simplify a reference image, build a composition, and gradually transform it into a personal piece. Each participant is supported in creating a painting they feel confident in, and proud to sign as their own.
I also believe that art can be a powerful way to express thoughts and emotions. While my classes are grounded in technique, they naturally open space for personal expression, allowing participants to connect more deeply with their creative process.
Many of my students return regularly, which I value greatly. They often come not only to develop their skills, but to continue growing their confidence and individual style in a supportive and inspiring environment.
As an artist, my work has been exhibited locally and internationally, and I’ve received recognition including the Caravaggio Prize in Italy.
These experiences continue to shape both my artistic practice and the way I guide others in discovering their own creative voice.

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class 0 4FHB8OR140 b96a490f1dd90bcefdba5812d2d1076a 1 production new-york-city New York City NY US new-york-city