Price range: $195.00 through $210.00
Sorry, the registration deadline has passed.
Date: Wednesday, June 24, and Thursday, June 25, 2026
Time: 9 am–1 pm
Registration Deadline: Thursday, June 18, 2026
Location: Thoreson Farm
Skill: All
Students will learn to explore imagery expressionistically (with emotion) using acrylic paint on heavy watercolor paper. The group will gather at the Thoreson Farm and utilize its surroundings for inspiration with varied study methods mixed into the exploration. Painting outside, weather permitting, will be one focus of this workshop. Brenda will instruct vivid, rich color methods of underpainting and layering of paint from washes to thick, buttery paint strokes (impasto). Drawing with paint to create a composition and composing with energy will also be taught, along with paint application, color mixing, and proper paper preparation.
Sessions will explore techniques and individual approaches. Create one to two completed paintings per day. Although this class is intended for intermediate students, all skill levels are welcome.
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 may need to order your supplies ahead of time. I order from Dick Blick or Utrecht. Or, feel free to bring what you have, and I can make it work. The only local art supply store is Michaels in Traverse City, which sometimes sells out of paint colors. They do have pads of paper. Usually, the large sheets of paper need to be ordered (See details below).
-Portable easel.
-Wood panel, drawing clipboard, or any other drawing artboard. It must comfortably allow you to secure a 22″ x 30″ piece of paper. The foam core tends to blow away or be unstable.
-Chair if needed. Standing to paint will be encouraged, but you are welcome to sit.
-Arches 300 lb. watercolor paper 22″ x 30″ (2–3 sheets), which can be torn down to various sizes. Hot press (smooth) if possible, or cold press (rough) as an alternative.
-A smaller Arches pad is helpful for studies. (No canvas or wood necessary).
-Heavy Body Acrylic Paints:
Color selection will comprise any yellows, blues, reds, and white.
Brand ideas: Golden, Winsor-Newton, or Utrecht (or bring what you have available).
Tubes of paint are preferred over jars if possible. Please avoid purchasing “Studio Series” acrylic—it has a more liquified result and takes longer to dry.
Preferred Acrylic Paint Colors:
Yellows—purchase at least one: Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Yellow Medium, Primary Yellow
Blues—purchase at least one: Primary Cyan, Cerulean Blue, Ultramarine Blue
Cadmium Red Medium
Cadmium Light Red
Magenta or Quinacridone Magenta
Cadmium Orange
Dioxazine Purple
Titanium White
-Hog / Bristol Paint Brushes, if possible. Flat 1/2″ to 1″ is a #5 & #10, filbert or bright #10. A small signing brush, if you have one.
-Masking Tape— 1″ or broader masking or painting tape to secure the paper to the painting board.
-Palette. Paper plates work great—the plain, cheap kind, no Styrofoam or bring what you usually use (please no glass pallettes).
-Water Container for rinsing paint brushes.
-Painting Rags. Cloth works best.
-Water for brushes and to drink! Remember that we will be painting outside if the weather permits.
Please read the GAAC cancellation and refund policy here: http://glenarborart.org/terms-and-conditions/