OIL PAINTING CLASSES

This class is designed to be an introduction to the Impressionist method of canvas building. Emphasis will be on color, design and learning to see values. Any level of ability is welcome in the class and we all learn from each other. If there is time I will start with a demonstration, showing the steps of building a painting. Normally I work along with the class showing the stages of painting as I go. Students may work from a still life that they provide or use photographs as long as they are original and not copyrighted or published. There are written handouts that give the students all the information on my method of painting so they have a reference after the class is over. It can be tailored to suit any art group, or individual in length of time and price. Call for more information. 813 779-3570.

Paintings are built, much the same way a house is built; from the ground up. The demonstration above shows the stages of building a canvas, starting with (1) charcoal composition, (2)initial construction, (3)toned underpainting, (4)reconstruction, (5)laying in color, (6)ending. Following these steps gives the student a method and gives people a “roadmap” so they are never lost in their work. It is less frustrating and the emphasis on construction gives students who are fearful of drawing well, a means of painting even if they have never drawn at all.

OTHER CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS

Private Instruction

Any of my painting or drawing groups may be tailored to individual instruction in your home or in my studio.

Monotype

This workshop is one or two days and gives students an introduction to this wonderful printmaking technique. My method uses hand tools and does not require a press, so it is attractive to organizations that don’t have a printmaking studio. It’s also attractive to artists who don’t want to invest in expensive materials. Most artists have on hand the necessary equipment to do monotypes using my method. No experience is necessary, and I supply the acrylic panels and printmaking papers. Students will use oil paint for this workshop.

Watercolor

A one to 3 day workshop working in watercolor. My method is very focused, very meditative, and shows students how to build up very intense areas of sparkling color. It is based on dry brush techniques. The method of applying paint is repetitive and very rhythmic, and leads to a meditative mood. This type of watercolor workshop does not appeal to everyone, but for those that “catch on” love the method and technique.

Pastel

A one to 5 day workshop working with pastel as the medium. This is a flexible workshop, both in time and approach. If students wanted to work portraits that could be arranged, working out the details on a case by case basis. I believe working from photographs is difficult for beginners, so I would propose to hire models. Generally, my pastel workshops give an introduction to the medium, and shows students my approach to building a pastel using toned paper.

Drawing

Students learn how to develop a drawing using a measuring stick to demystify proportion and perspective. All sorts of tools and papers will be explained. Students can explore different equipment or use a pencil. Materials are supplied.

Egg Tempera

I call this workshop “A Modern Approach to Egg Tempera” because it shows students how to do this fascinating medium using both hand ground pigments and pigment dispersions, as well as commercially prepared gesso panels. So much of the tedious work is reduced and we can enjoy this wonderful luminous medium to its fullest. I generally do 2 workshops annually.

THE STAGES OF PAINTING