Oil Painting: Inspiration and Design

 Date: June 2, 3, 4 and 5, 2017

Cost: $680

Skill Level: Appropriate for all levels (true beginners are advised to familiarize themselves with tools and materials before class starts)

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This four-day oil painting workshop emphasizes the importance of having a clear idea for a painting. What is it you see that makes you want to paint something? Awareness of your inspiration guides the decisions you make as you paint.

The first day begins with the practical matter of color and value. A structured exercise will reveal keys to this important relationship. Subsequent lessons on days will impart techniques useful for any subject. Lectures and demonstrations will reinforce an understanding of design, vision, and a lighthearted approach. Afternoons are studio time with time for students to paint on their own and receive individual instruction.

A note about critiques. The critiques in my classes are a little different than what you may be used to. It’s more like Show and Tell: participation is invited, and optional. The idea is for students to step back and see their work from a distance; when it is your turn to talk you are invited to say what your intention was for your painting, what you are satisfied with, and what you would like to see that you don’t see happening. Then I may point out some things that I feel are useful to teach the group. My goal is for students to develop an internal loop of observation, painting, and assessment.

CLASS OUTLINE

Day 1

Morning: Color and value (demonstration/practice)

Afternoon: Applied still life basics: value studies

Still life

objects

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Day 2

Morning: Still life demo

Afternoon: Studio time with individual instruction. Still life. Still life setups

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Day 3 and 4

Morning: Portrait demo

Afternoon: Studio time; model or still life. Individual instruction

Portrait

model, still life

setups