Painting outside is a somewhat overwhelming experience. Constantly changing light, shifting clouds, weather, myriad possible distractions. However, these challenges create an experience of chasing the moment that stays with me, and feeds my work in the studio. Something about the intensity of looking and decision making that happens in that chase gets under my fingernails.
Even if you don't consider yourself a landscape painter, this practice is a great teacher, as every mark can condense and articulate huge and complex spaces, and so I have always considered it the artistic equivalent of 20 push ups. OK. More like 40. Its not easy. And has never gotten easy even though I've been doing it for years. The intensity of that chase makes compression of information, simplification, and editing essential, and these are all critical ingredients of great painting. Also, if one is less attached to outcomes, it can be wonderfully meditative, and a great way to spend outdoors soaking in our favorite places.
In this workshop we will focus on painting quick studies outdoors on location, and we will emphasize priorities like: clear notation, sensitivity to color and tone, editing, abstraction, surface, light, authenticity of response, willingness to fail, and most of all, tuning in to the deep beauty of what we are looking at, by slowing down and painting.
Our location will be along the Russian River near Healdsburg, with views of the river, the mountains, and the surrounding hills and vineyards...
this class is open to all levels but is best for intermediate to advanced painters, ie: those with at least a few years of experience and practice.
$375 per participant
No materials are provided--(suggested materials list available on request)--all media welcome, instructor will paint in oils
Class meets from 9 am to 4pm daily with 60-90 min for lunch (BYO recommended)
to sign up:
contact Healdsburg Center for the Arts
