Painting in Acrylics: O'Keeffe-Inspired Squash Blossoms Series

Instructor: Aryn Lill, art Instructor and artist who is passionate about helping others on their artistic journey.

As pumpkins and squash ripen for harvest at the Farm at the Arb, join instructor Aryn Lill for a closer look at an earlier stage of the plants' growth through the work of Georgia O'Keeffe. Often called the "Mother of American Modernism," O'Keeffe captured the beauty of nature with bold compositions and delicate details. In this two-part class, you'll study her painting Squash Blossoms and explore how she used line, shape, color and composition to create her iconic style. Aryn will guide you step by step as you create your own Squash Blossoms-inspired painting to take home.

In this class, you will: 

• Be inspired by the seasonal bounty growing right onsite as you come to and from each class — including our giant pumpkin display! 
• Learn about Georgia O'Keeffe's art, life and how she found her artistic voice. 
• Discover the process of painting using fundamental techniques such as mixing, color value, proportions, composition, layering and impasto. 
• Enjoy the Arboretum Glass Pumpkin Patch on the first day of class (optional).

Supplies: All materials will be provided by the instructor.

Instructor Bio:

Aryn Lill is an award-winning fine artist, illustrator and muralist whose public artwork can be found throughout Minnesota. Initially focused on drawing the human form, she later found inspiration in wildlife, dreamy skyscapes and the natural world, which are central themes in her work. Passionate about protecting animals and the environment, Aryn incorporates these values into her art. She earned an A.A. in Fashion Design from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles and a B.A. in Studio Arts from Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, with a focus on public art and illustration. With nearly twenty years of teaching experience, Aryn has worked with students of all ages and cultural backgrounds, developing an instructional style rooted in classical fine art while encouraging personal expression and process exploration. She founded The Blue Fox, a traveling fine art studio, in 2013, expanding it to offer classes and summer camps across five counties in Minnesota.