Acrylic Painting Workshop: Exploring the Zorn Palette
Spend two days immersed in the subtle beauty of the Zorn Palette.
This classic set of just four colors—vermilion, yellow ochre, black, and white—unlocks a surprisingly rich and expressive range. Named after Swedish painter Anders Zorn, the palette is renowned for its ability to evoke mood and atmosphere.
This workshop begins with hands-on exercises in color mixing, value, and theory, designed to deepen your understanding of this elegant palette. Then, you’ll apply what you’ve learned through guided painting projects using landscape and still life imagery provided by the instructor. Along the way, we’ll discuss mark-making, composition, and when and how to thoughtfully expand the palette. All work will take place in the studio.
Dates
August 5 - 6, 2025
Registration Fee
$295
On-Campus Lodging
Participants can enjoy a special rate at the Stone Hotel and Cottages.
For Paint:
Our suggested brand is Golden Heavy-body Acrylic paint. Liquids will work, too. Other brands of professional grade are acceptable. Please, no slow drying acrylic.
- Zorn Limited Palette Colors:
- Yellow-ochre
- Cadmium Red Light (Cadmium Red Medium will work, too)
- Mars Black
- Titanium White (Liquid titanium white will work, too)
- Optional Expanded Palette:
Bring these colors if you would like. They will be introduced in a minimal way.- Prussian Blue
- Cobalt Blue
- Cadmium Yellow Light or Medium
For Brushes:
- Size 4 or 5 Bristol brush, or what you have available. This size is about 1/2' wide. Synthetic is an option. Filbert or flat or both.
For Watercolor Paper:
- Arches 140lb. Hot press paper (smooth) watercolor block (10 to 20 pages), 9” x 12” or larger.
- Optional: 300 lb. Cold press (slight texture) watercolor block 9” x 12” or larger.
Other:
- Regular masking tape or white painters tape. No blue or colored painters tape.
- Optional: Palette. (White paper plates will also be provided for color mixing)
See our registration and cancellation policy.
K-12 educators in Michigan can earn SCECH clock hours by attending Acrylic Painting Workshop: Exploring the Zorn Palette.
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