Price range: $195.00 through $210.00
Sorry, the registration deadline has passed.
Date: Tuesday, February 24, and Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Time: 9 am–1 pm
Registration Deadline: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Location: Glen Arbor Arts Center Classroom
Skill: All
Spend two days immersed in the subtle beauty of the Zorn Palette.
This classic set of just four colors—vermilion, yellow ochre, black, and white—unlocks a surprisingly rich and expressive range. Named after Swedish painter Anders Zorn, the palette is renowned for its ability to evoke mood and atmosphere.
This workshop begins with hands-on exercises in color mixing, value, and theory, designed to deepen your understanding of this elegant palette. Then, you’ll apply what you’ve learned through guided painting projects using landscape and still life imagery provided by the instructor. Along the way, we’ll discuss mark-making, composition, and when and how to thoughtfully expand the palette. All work will take place in the studio.
Objective: Skill Development, Creativity Enhancement
Outcome: Improved Technique, Creation of Artwork
Brenda J. Clark is a full-time artist and owner of the Brenda J. Clark Gallery. The gallery was established in 2003 and represents only her artwork. Clark is recognized for her bold individual feel for a scene that will challenge you. Her brilliant colors exist not to copy an appearance, but to reveal a meaning. Her paintings begin and end on location (outside) 99% of the time. Clark taught in the Department of Art at Michigan State University from 1989–1999. She received a Bachelor of Arts from Truman State University and a Master of Fine Arts from Kent State University.
Website: www.brendajclark.com
Social Media: www.facebook.com/BrendaJClarkGallery, www.instagram.com/brendajclarkartist
Note to students: You will need to order or purchase your supplies ahead of time. Dick Blick or Utrecht are good resources. Feel free to bring what you have available, too. The local art supply store is Michaels in Traverse City, which sometimes sells out of paint colors. They do have pads of paper (See details below).
Heavy Body Acrylic Paints:
The suggested brand is Golden Heavy-body Acrylic paint. Liquids will work, too. Other brands are acceptable. Professional grade preferred. No slow-drying acrylic. Genuine Vermillion color is no longer made—Cadmium red light or medium is the substitute for it.
Zorn Limited Palette Colors:
Yellow-ochre
Cadmium Red Light (or, Cadmium Red Medium will work)
Mars Black
Titanium White (Liquid titanium white will work)
Expanded Palette Options:
Bring these colors if available. Purchase if you like. They will be introduced in a minimal way.
Prussian Blue
Cobalt Blue
Cadmium Yellow Light or Medium
Please read the GAAC cancellation and refund policy here: http://glenarborart.org/terms-and-conditions/