Join Ahmad Austin on February 5, 2022 to learn to paint with a palette knife! In this 5 hour workshop, you will learn how to paint two flower paintings on a 16x20 canvas using a palette knife. Ahmad will walk participants through different painting techniques that can be done with the palette knife, and he will discuss mixing colors and creating unique textures using acrylic paint and the palette knife. You will finish both paintings before the end of the class. Ahmad will conduct a demo, and all supplies are included. Be sure to bring your lunch and beverage for the lunch break from 12-1 PM. You must be 18+ to attend. Space is limited to 12 attendees. The minimum for this class is 6 participants, and if the class does not meet the minimum, participants will be refunded. About Ahmad Austin: Internationally recognized artist Ahmad Austin believes that good art is like good music: it makes you feel something. Marked by bold colors, movement, and loose strokes, his paintings are sure to do just that. Built upon years of formal training, Austin’s personal style emerged when he picked up a palette knife and discovered a new artistic freedom that captured more emotion and energy than he ever experienced while painting with a brush. You’ll often find Austin painting to the sound of jazz legends like John Coltrane, creating pieces that capture the essence of jazz. “When I’m painting, it’s as if time doesn’t exist,” he said. Unwinding as he creates, Austin’s personality and his style are both relaxed. Yet, he uses quick strokes and scratching techniques that convey a certain energy that comes off the canvas. “I’m very easy going—maybe a little too much,” Austin said. “I think some of the emotions I hold back come out in my paintings.” Currently, Austin paints portraits of black kids by channeling their innocence as well as their challenges that some of them may endure due to the social constructs within our society. These paintings come from years of experience of teaching elementary students in the inner city for over 12 years. Austin’s work has been showcased worldwide from Italy to Ireland, as well as respected in his home community of Birmingham, Alabama. When he isn’t creating exquisite, award-winning pieces of his own, Austin stays busy teaching others to do the same. By day, he teaches highs school students techniques to express themselves artistically and at night he teaches numerous classes online through his Palette Knife Academy which have been enjoyed nationally and internationally. A patient and encouraging teacher, Austin said his students inspire him with their creativity. Several of his students have developed their own style using the palette knife and have gone on to become professional artists as well. “There’s nothing more rewarding than that,” Austin said. Whether he’s painting a series of his signature musicians or portraits, Austin’s work is a lot like jazz music—filled with a calming sort of energy that keeps people coming back to it. He plans to keep and inspiring others to do the same for years to come. This workshop is sponsored in part by the Alabama State Council on the Arts.