Tanya Hough

Written By Cath Smith

Hough studied at Ringling School of Art. After retiring from teaching, she began painting full-time, largely to help navigate the anxiety and grief surrounding the decline of her aging parents. From there, painting morphed into a way of life.

“Color has always attracted my imagination and exploring it in paintings makes me happy. I paint primarily with acrylics, though I immerse myself in other media such as colored pencil, watercolor and occasional multimedia and collage. I love the challenges of new subjects and varied approaches, and I adore using the palette knife and varying brushwork and surfaces.”

One of her paintings “That Banyan Tree” is the cover art for “Banyan Moon,” a novel by Thao Thai, released June 2023.

 
Classes (All)
Learning to paint with Acrylics by Exploring IMPRESSIONIST Artist Styles with Tanya Hough - March 3, 10, 17, 24 @ 6:30pm - 9pm (Copy)
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Learning to paint with Acrylics by Exploring IMPRESSIONIST Artist Styles with Tanya Hough - March 3, 10, 17, 24 @ 6:30pm - 9pm (Copy)
$145.00

This class is designed to allow students to explore works of famous artists and some painting techniques that relate to them. Each week we will peruse and discuss the work of one famous artist and explore their art and approach to painting (5-15 minutes on the large screen). Next we will play with this approach by planning and painting our own pieces using prompts, examples, or items supplied for still lifes.This class is fun, educational, and hands-on and is designed to build community while simultaneously developing and improving painting skills. This class can be as simple or complex as the student desires. The focus is on experimentation and learning using acrylic paints.

 Students will be able to take their pieces home and/or come to an open studio time on Tuesday afternoons to work on them. 

All materials will be provided as well as a schedule of artists we will learn about. The artists in this series will be Monet, Kandinsky (his earlier, colorful work), Van Gogh, (and probably Matisse and Seurat).

6 student limit. Bring a friend.

Wear something that looks good with paint on it.

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Different Strokes: Acrylic painting Techniques with Tanya Hough - February 10, 17, 24 6:30pm-9pm
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Different Strokes: Acrylic painting Techniques with Tanya Hough - February 10, 17, 24 6:30pm-9pm
$115.00

In each class we will look at a different style and brush technique, then try to imitate it in painting.  First, we will draw (or transfer) the image, make a simple background, and begin to paint our subject. We will discuss each technique and when it works best in a painting (with lots of examples), and how to achieve them. This can be as simple or complex as the painter desires. 

I will provide step-by-step instructions and have specific examples to follow, but personal exploration is encouraged.

We will play around with ways to use them effectively, first sketching or blocking on paper, then moving to canvas. We will use the new techniques to complete a piece of our own each week. Examples will be provided. 

 The class is limited to 5 students ages 16 and up.  Basic painting supplies will be included (brushes and basic paint colors, canvas boards or an 11x14 canvas).

(Students have the option to use examples/subjects provided by the instructor to paint one simpler piece on canvas or canvas board each week OR to bring a more complex subject/image of their own and adapt it.

 

Wear something that looks good with paint on it.  All of my classes are personalized so a student may repeat a class and get new instruction each time.

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POP Art: Learning to paint with Acrylics by Exploring POP ART Artist Styles with Tanya Hough - Jan 13, 20, 27 & Feb 3 @ 6:30pm - 9pm
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POP Art: Learning to paint with Acrylics by Exploring POP ART Artist Styles with Tanya Hough - Jan 13, 20, 27 & Feb 3 @ 6:30pm - 9pm
$145.00

This class is designed to allow students to explore works of famous artists and some painting techniques that relate to them. Each week we will peruse and discuss the work of one famous artist and explore their art and approach to painting (5-15 minutes on the large screen). Next we will play with this approach by planning and painting our own pieces using prompts, examples, or items supplied for still lifes. This class is fun, educational, and hands-on and is designed to build community while simultaneously developing and improving painting skills. This class can be as simple or involved as the student desires. The focus is on experimentation and learning using acrylic paints. 

There are options for all levels and types of learners.

Students will be able to take their pieces home to work on them and/or come to an open studio time on Tuesday afternoons to work on them. 

All materials will be provided as well as a schedule of artists we will learn about. The artists in this series include Andy Warhol, Yayoi Kusama, KAWS (his earlier, colorful work), and Burton Morris.

Up to 6 students. Sign up with a friend.

Wear something that looks good with paint on it.

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Acrylic Painting with Tanya: FLORAL on an ABSTRACT background - March 3, 10, 17 @ 6pm
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Acrylic Painting with Tanya: FLORAL on an ABSTRACT background - March 3, 10, 17 @ 6pm
$110.00

3 Classes, 3 paintings, lots of fun!

The first class will be spent setting the stage for our flowers and experimenting with ways to create abstract backgrounds using palette knives, brushes, and various common items. We will learn about complementary colors and why they work so well against each other, then we will play. We will be working on three separate pieces which will allow us to experiment and move between each piece while another is drying. At the end of class we have our abstract backgrounds and discuss placement and types of flowers that might work with our backgrounds before we head home. Class 2 will allow us time to decide on our flowers, and their placement before we block them in. We will learn some brush techniques that best suit our choices, and progress on our pieces.  Our third lesson will allow us time to address challenges and add details to finish our pieces.

This can be as simple or complex as the painter desires. 

Ages: 16 and up. 

Basic painting supplies will be included (palette knives, brushes and basic paint colors, and an 11x14 canvas).

Wear something that looks good with paint on it. 

All of my classes are personalized so a student may repeat a class and get new instruction each time.

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Elegant Writer class with Tanya
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Elegant Writer class with Tanya
from $35.00

Painting with pen, brush, water, and watercolor pencil.

We will be drawing and painting with pen, brush, and water.  This class is a little like watercolor, but easier. The special pen we will be using “bleeds” a turquoise and pink color when water meets the ink so there will be lots of relaxed experimentation. All materials will be provided as well as techniques that assist and allow participants to experiment and build painting skills.

First we will play with and practice several approaches to making the most of the color “bleeds”.  It takes some practice to figure out how to make the ink flow the way we want it to and create the desired effects. Once we have mastered the basics, we will apply the technique to hand drawn flowers, and finally receive special paper to make a finished piece.  A picture will be provided to those who don’t feel confident enough to draw their own.  Lastly we have the option to use watercolor pencils to color the flower centers and leaves.

This is very individualized and quite relaxing. You will leave with several practice pieces and one potentially finished flower.

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Painting Birds: Acrylic painting class with Tanya Hough - February 17 & 24 @ 1pm
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Painting Birds: Acrylic painting class with Tanya Hough - February 17 & 24 @ 1pm
$85.00

First we will draw and/or transfer our bird onto canvas. There will be several examples (birds and crows) to choose from (or you may bring your own photocopy). We will discuss basics of acrylics and color as well as ways to create contrast. Next, we will have the option to use a paintbrush or palette knife to create a simple background using specific contrasting colors based on our bird choice. We will “block in” our birds with color and begin to shape them. In class 2, we will learn some techniques to help us add details and refine our birds and we will add details and highlights.

This is a two class series as it will allow us time to practice, learn, and make a finished piece without rushing. The group is limited to 5 students ages 16 and up.  Basic painting supplies will be included (palette knives, brushes and basic paint colors, and an 11x14 canvas). Wear something that looks good with paint on it.  Limited to 6 students

All classes are personalized so a student may repeat a class and get new, personalized instruction and use different examples each time.

Learn more about Tanya Hough

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Acrylic Painting with Tanya (2-class series)
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Acrylic Painting with Tanya (2-class series)
$85.00

Painting on Black Canvas (Negative Space)

With a black canvas, instead of painting in the darks, we will let the dark canvas create the background and dark parts of the painting while painting in the colors. This requires us to shift our perspective. We will need a basic sketch ready before painting. For those with minimal drawing skills, there will be at least 4 images which can be transferred (mostly birds). Those with drawing skills are encouraged to complete a sketch on paper to transfer to the canvas.

Once we have our image, we will begin adding color.

Animal Patterns

Let’s play with color and pattern!! Tortoises and turtles have repeating patterns that make painting them fun and relaxing. Two templates will be provided to transfer the image onto your canvas (or you can draw your own).

The first class will involve the transfer of the image, selecting your color palette, and the simplest part of painting. This means painting the tortoise/turtle background and beginning the shell design. The second class will be the painting of the pattern where we add a variety of color. Each student can choose to use the examples as a guide or use their own imaginations.

All classes

  • At least four examples will be provided as well as techniques that assist and allow participants to improve their skills.

  • Group is limited to 6 students ages 14 and up.

  • Basic painting supplies will be included (palette knives, brushes and basic paint colors, and an 11x14 canvas).

  • Wear something that looks good with paint on it.

  • All of my classes are personalized so a student may repeat a class and get new instruction each time.

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Acrylic Painting with Tanya
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Acrylic Painting with Tanya
from $35.00

Tendrils & Tentacles

Acrylic painting class with Tanya Hough

Beginning with simple shapes we will be painting an octopus on an 11x14 canvas. Students can reference one of my photos or start from scratch and draw their own. We will learn basic techniques that assist and allow participants to improve their skills. This is for all skill levels and can be as simple or complex as desired.

NOTES

  • Group is limited to 8 students ages 14 and up.

  • Basic painting supplies will be included (palette knives, brushes and basic paint colors, and an 11x14 canvas).

  • Wear something that looks good with paint on it.

All classes are personalized so a student may repeat a class and get new, personalized instruction and use different examples each time.

Read more →
Acrylic Painting (Deconstruction) with Tanya - 4 class series starting Oct 21 @ 1:30pm
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Acrylic Painting (Deconstruction) with Tanya - 4 class series starting Oct 21 @ 1:30pm
$135.00

Class Dates: October 21, 28, November 4, 11.

No matter what your level, this series will be tailored to your specific skills and needs. We will address the basics, as well as different approaches which will build skills and confidence in your acrylic painting.

  1. We will investigate how to plan a painting, what to add and what to leave out.

  2. We will learn color basics and mixing, and how to use different brushes and a palette knife.

  3. We will practice painting shapes, shadowing, creating contrast, skills that will help us paint landscapes, florals, and buildings (depending on which subjects students prefer).

  4. We will use canvas boards and paper to practice each skill and improve technique before we get to our masterpieces on a 12x16 canvas.

Students can bring their own photos of landscapes, florals, or architecture for their pieces or choose from several examples.

All materials will be provided. Wear something that looks good with paint on it.

All of my classes are personalized so a student may repeat a class and get new instruction each time.

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Palette Knife Painting Petals (and backgrounds) Acrylic painting class with Tanya - Jan 13 & 20 @ 1:30pm
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Palette Knife Painting Petals (and backgrounds) Acrylic painting class with Tanya - Jan 13 & 20 @ 1:30pm
$85.00

Palette knife painting is fast and creates beautiful color variations. While it uses more paint than traditional painting, and you sometimes have to wait for paint to dry, it can be very exciting! It’s my favorite way to begin a painting.

We will start by choosing a floral drawing from several examples (or one of our own) and either transfer the image or draw our own. (There will be lots of reference photos available, but feel free to print out pictures/photocopies of your own.) Once our image is on the canvas we will discuss some color basics, and learn about palette knives and techniques to use them. We will practice until we feel comfortable getting started with paint.

Next, we will block in the background and note the beautiful color striations we can create as we become more skilled. We will then use the knife to block in the flower colors until we have a rough picture. Finally, we will bring in the paintbrushes to add detail and finish our pieces.  So everyone has a chance to complete their pieces, this will be a two class series. The first class will get us started and comfortable with the palette knives and how to use them. The second class will allow students to learn techniques to refine their paintings, creating detail and contrast.

This class will allow participants to improve their skills, no matter their level.  Group is limited to 6 students ages 14 and up. Basic painting supplies will be included (palette knives, brushes and basic paint colors, and an 11x14 canvas). Wear something that looks good with paint on it.  All classes are personalized so a student may repeat a class and get new, personalized instruction and use different examples each time.

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