In this session with Veteran Artist Joe Merritt, we will be exploring creating self-portraits with acrylic paint. But there is a twist: you can use anything to paint except brushes! Going outside of traditional painting methods forces us to look at the subject differently. We will be using fingers, paper towels, sponges, plastic utensils, and more, in an effort to express who we are in the moment. This can be literal, or abstract, or somewhere in between. Bring suggested supplies listed below, and an open mind and attitude for exploration.

Suggested Supplies:

• • Acrylic paints (pallet colors your choice)
  • Sponges
  • Flowers
  • Anything from your recycling bin
  • Paper towels
  • Newspaper
  • Rubber gloves (if you want to keep your hands clean.)
  • Anything you can think of to stamp, scrape, or move paint.

Self Portrait, by Joe Merritt

Joe Merritt was medically retired from the United States Marine Corps in 2016 after 10 years of honorable service. Joe rediscovered art during his medical treatment and has a successful career as a professional artist, exhibiting his work and presenting gallery talks across the country. He is a steward of the veteran art community, leading art programming with active duty and veteran populations in DC, MD and VA.

About CBAW Visual Arts Workshops
Join Veterans and Artists, Valerie Acosta, Shaun Smith, Joe Merritt, or a special guest to learn new art techniques on Wednesdays at 7pm EST. Come hang out in a collaborative group setting and bring what materials you have. No experience necessary! To register, click the link below.

REGISTER HERE

MissionBelonging is funded in part by Creative Forces®: NEA Military Healing Arts Network, an initiative of the National Endowment in partnership with the U.S. Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. Creative Forces Community Engagement Grant program is managed by Mid-America Arts Alliance.