Painting introduces new apprentices to AFH and provides a solid foundation for all other artistic mediums, allowing the youth to explore their identity and larger societal role in ways most have not previously experienced. Professional artists and mentors teach youth the basics in drawing, painting, design, and color theory, preparing them for work in other fine and commercial art media. Training in painting leads to commissioned works and collaborative murals.

Working closely with clients, participants are challenged to develop design and painting skills for theater, film, display advertising, and mural art. Using a blueprint, reading an architect’s scale rule, and interpreting a designer’s drawing are some of the skills learned in order to transfer designs on paper to walls, backdrops, and banners.