WATERMEDIA ART CLASSES WITH J’ANNA-JACQULYN

ART & JULES, 2089 Gottingen Street, Halifax, NS, B3K 3B2

artandjules@gmail.com

(902)407-3390

Date: From October 7^th to November 18^th 2009

Time: 9:30am to 12:30pm

Cost: $40 per class or 7 sessions $245

Abstraction with a Touch of Realism and Realism with a Touch of Abstraction

Non-figurative, imaginative painting is taken as a phenomenon of our time – the artist being the instrument and spokesperson for the spirit of the age.

The next seven weeks will be set aside for experiencing the world of abstraction with a touch or realism and realism with a touch of abstraction. Encyclopedia.com defines abstract art as “art that does not depict recognizable scenes or objects, but instead is made up of forms and colors that exist for their own expressive sake”. However, there is more to abstract art than non-representational scenes or objects. In order to do abstract painting well, certain principles of design need to be considered. For example the necessity for organizing shapes, to have a focal point, apply proper proportion and balance; all these are expressive forms that can be described with color, texture etc. On the other hand, Realism is defined as “a literal truth and pragmatism” and although realism seems to be the antithesis to abstraction, in order to have a certain aesthetic quality, it, too, holds to certain design elements

Representational works of art have been with us for millennia. Abstract art appeared in the early 1900’s with one of its initiators being Wassily Kandinsky (1866-1944). Kandinsky said “The art today embodies the spiritual matured to the point of revelation. The forms of this embodiment may be arranged between two poles: (1) great abstraction; (2) great realism. These two poles open two paths, which both lead to one goal in the end.

Whether the work of art is abstract or realistic, during our time together we will travel into the world of the imagination. You will learn how to expand your creativity by experimentation. You will also learn how to paint loosely, freely and with abandon. Some of your works will be totally abstract – some will be representational. There is no right or wrong – the design principles are for guidance not for restriction.

Examples of my work appear with each lesson plan. This is not my usual step-by-step course The example paintings are for reference only, not to be reproduced. . Under my instruction, the focus will be on imagination and improved painting skills.

Week I: “In the Midst of Time” (acrylic on Canvas) The weeks that follow will be progressive. Our initial painting will guide us throughout the rest of this course. It will be abstract (by definition) and will consist of the varied design elements ie colors, shapes, balance and proportion.

Week II: “Fall Landscape” (acrylic on canvas) Negative shapes are as important as (if not more important than) positive shapes. This week will be about negative shapes as well as using unconventional colors to describe an ordinary scene.

Week III “Roses in the Wind” (Acrylic on primed watercolor paper) Using a limited palette, this week’s painting will be about taking a simple subject with intention of having it emit emotion. A painting is always about “something” but it is the unseen elements that give it excitement.

Week IV “Dragon & Fly” (Watercolor on Yupo). Today, we will be using Yupo, a synthetic “paper” (defined best at Currys.com) that has a myriad of uses. Realism using Yupo is difficult but not impossible – abstract is a given for this wonderful, fun material.

Week V “Forest” (Watercolor on 200lb TH Saunders Watercolor Paper). For our fifth work of art we will be doing an abstract painting using the medium of watercolor. Participants will be encouraged to produce a piece of work that will describe something in nature. References can be from anywhere: imagination, photographs, sketches, magazines or even the internet. Below is an example of taking a small area of a photograph and embellishing it.

Week VI “St.Xavier” Cathedral in the South West. (Watercolor on 200lb TH Saunders Watercolor Paper). This week is about leaving copious amounts of white paper to describe intense sunlight. It is also about vibrancy with color using a VERY loose painting style.

Week VII “Bird of Paradise” (Textured Acrylic for the under painting and watercolor as the final medium).This week is about textures. Supports can be canvas, primed board or primed watercolor paper or any suitable surface of your choice.

Materials for acrylics: Week I and II: Stretch Canvas 16x20 is a nice size for a three hour workshop. Colors: Varied colors of your choice (artist’s quality is preferable. Good brand names are Golden Heavy Body, Liquitex or Tri-Art*(see below). For brushes, I recommend one small inexpensive soft bristled house painting brush, one artist’s size 6 and size 12 flat or filbert.

Week III: One half sheet of primed (white gesso) watercolor paper. Acrylic paints and brushes, same as week I and II.

Week IV: You might want several sheets but have at least one half sheet Yupo paper and artist’s quality watercolors*(see below). I recommend DVP Brand but any artist’s quality will be fine. Brushes: Recommended size 10 found and 1” flat.

Weeks V and VI: Quarter and/or Half sheet. I recommend TH Saunders 200lb Watercolor paper (140 lb is fine)or any good quality watercolor paper.

Week VII: A quarter sheet of primed watercolor paper. I will be bringing the texture material for your use. In order for the work to dry completely, the texture will be applied several days before we are ready to paint on it.

Acrylic brushes: suggested sizes 6 and 12 filberts or flats (or your own preference). Also required, a painting knife, plenty of rags (pure cotton is preferable), a large water container, a covered palette (covered plastic containers can be used for your acrylics and can be purchased at the dollar store). Paper paper towel, wax paper (or freezer paper), paper plates for mixing paint and a spray water bottle for misting paint. What you don’t have, I will be bringing with me for you to use.

*A detailed list of colors for both watercolors and acrylics describing their properties will be handed out to each participant.