Students will learn to explore imagery expressionistically (with emotion) using acrylic paint on heavy watercolor paper. The subject will be the Thoreson Farm building structures and landscape, with varied study methods mixed into the exploration. Painting outside, weather permitting, will be a 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.
Skill Level
All
Objective
Skill Development, Creativity Enhancement
Outcome
Improved Technique, Creation of Artwork
Instructor
Brenda J. Clark is a full-time artist and co-owner of the Brenda J. Clark Gallery which was established in 2003. The gallery represents only her work. Brenda paints in all sizes with acrylic on paper, wood, and canvas. 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
Supply List
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.)
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. Standing to paint will be encouraged, but you are welcome to sit.
-Arches 300 lb. Paper (22″ x 30″). 2-3 sheets. Hot press (smooth) if possible, or cold press.
A smaller arches pad is helpful for studies. (We are not working on canvas or wood).
-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 on: 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 (no glass).
-Water Container for rinsing paint brushes.
-Painting Rags. Cloth works best.
-Water. To drink! Remember that we will be painting outside if the weather permits.
