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This workshop will present a straightforward, step-by-step approach to one-, two- and three-point perspective and the principles of atmospheric perspective. Learn how to incorporate your new knowledge to freehand drawing from observation or imagination.
Register by: May 25
Reduction relief printing is a multicolor printing technique in which a single block is carved down to print separate colors at different stages as the block is reduced. Students will explore reduction relief printing to create a 3 or 4 color print. Demonstrations and discussions of relief carving, printing, registration, and paper will be covered.
Designed for those who wish to acquire or improve their basic skills in watercolor painting. A variety of materials and techniques will be discussed, including the selection of papers, brushes, and pigments, as well as transparent and opaque painting methods. Students will work from still-life, models or their own source material. For all levels.
Register by: June 1
Explore the aesthetic possibilities of abstract form through clay sculpture. Working from direct observation of objects and the life model, as well as your imagination, develop your technical skills as you progress toward a personally expressive body of work.
Drawing and painting out of doors presents unique surprises and pleasures as well as particular challenges. Working in the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s popular Azalea Garden as well as sites along the Schuylkill River, learn tactics to efficiently set up on location, select a composition and capture the light, color and shapes of the surrounding landscape. Open to students who have experience in oil painting, and to any who wish only to draw.
Register by: June 8
Newspaper and magazine cut-outs, fabric swatches, and photographs are just a few of the materials artists use to “glue down” and make art. Explore the various adhesives and tools designed for artists as well as some of the more popular non-artist commercial products available. Composition, color, texture, and content will be discussed. Personal vision and development will be encouraged. Open to all levels.
This workshop explores the creative possibilities of making monotypes utilizing the screen print process. Students will work with a variety of water based media to paint and draw directly onto a screen and transfer the image onto paper through screen print techniques. Single and multiple printings are possible as well as layering and overprinting images. A variety of media will be demonstrated to achieve diverse effects.
Register by: June 15
The line between drawing and painting is a blurry and exciting one, as seen in the work of Degas, Jim Dine and Egon Schiele. Learn to use and combine both wet and dry media on paper including brush and ink, watercolor, gouache, tempera, crayon and pastel while working form the costumed model in a visually rich setting.
Register by: June 22
This comprehensive workshop covers all aspects of painting a traditional portrait. Topics include achieving a likeness, modeling light and shade, mixing flesh tones and applying paint through various techniques. All participants will produce at least one finished portrait. Includes demos, portrait history and tips on painting children’s portraits. Valuable information for all levels.
Gilding is the decorative art of applying metal leaf to a surface—a beautiful technique for picture frames, book arts, house ornamentation and more! Learn traditional European oil gilding methods including surface preparation and the application of precious and non-precious leaf.
Register by: June 29
Enjoy the summer plein-air experience in the cool, lush forest surrounding Gladwyne’s Lower Merion Conservancy. Learn the basics of working outdoors, including site selection, set-up, capturing time of day, and the effect of light on color. Oil painting, as well as pastel and charcoal drawing techniques and materials, will be discussed.
Novice and experienced artists alike struggle with the realistic rendering of hands and feet, elements that add credibility and expressiveness to figure and portrait drawings. Learn to translate these complicated forms from simple planar construction to complex, intricate drawings and paintings. Students may draw or paint or both.
Register by: July 6
Save money and have greater creative control by learning how to frame and present your art yourself. This workshop will cover a broad range of presentation solutions for paintings and works on paper. Topics will include matting and hinging options and an overview of the picture framing process from start to finish. Participants will receive hands-on experience and are encouraged to bring work to be prepared for presentation.
If you like making collages, then collograph is the type of printmaking for you. Using basic chipboard, incorporate elements such as gesso, sandpaper, leaves, string etc., to create textured prints. Print as relief, intaglio or both, in black-and-white and color. Collographs are fun, economical and guaranteed to release your creative spirit.
Register by: July 13
What is the color of water? How do you mix a shadow color? Which green do you use? Address these and other nagging questions in this workshop, held on-location. Learn to use color as a vibrant and malleable element to suggest light, distance, and temperature. Instruction geared to oil, but all media welcome.