24SPR Large Floral Still-life Painting MON 6:00PM (03/18-04/29)

Instructor: Rebecca Madura / 6 weeks / March 18 - Apr 29 (No class Apr 4) / Monday / 6:00PM - 9:00PM 
Class Size: 5-10

Exploring Color and Composition: Large-Scale Floral Painting

I am following Nature without being able to grasp her, I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers.
-Claude Monet

Description: Over the course of this class, we will create larger-scale expressive paintings of a floral still-life. Using either oils or acrylic paints, we will explore the process of roughly blocking-in, using value to create depth and volume, and rendering and refining the whole composition. For the compositions, we will begin working from observation, and learn how to take reference images in order to complete the paintings. We will analyze some exemplary master works to understand composition and explore a variety of techniques. Color will be an important component of the workshop– studying the effect of light on color, creating contrast and using complementary colors to create the rich colors of nature.

Prerequisist: Some painting experience would be helpful, but beginning painters are welcome. 

Supplies:

(If you already have paints/supplies – bring what you have. I will have a variety of oils and acrylics for experimentation)

Basic Palette (cool) *This limited palette is sufficient for most paintings– it is a good starting palette if you don’t already have paints

• CERULEAN BLUE
• CADMIUM LEMON
• ULTRAMARINE BLUE
• ALIZARIN CRIMSON
• TITANIUM WHITE (large tube)
• WINSOR RED
• YELLOW OCHRE
• RAW UMBER
• RAW SIENNA
• ULTRAMARINE VIOLET
• VIRIDIAN
• Optional: Burnt Sienna, Burnet Umber

ACRYLICS: Same colors (May substitute Ultra Blue with Phthalo Blue, and Viridian with Phthalo Green)
Mediums are optional. There are a variety of acrylic mediums, but if you prefer a longer drying time, a slow-dry medium or retarder would be helpful. For clean up, soap and water is all that is needed.

OILS:
A painting medium such as Galkyd, Liquin, or Neo Megilp.
baby oil or safflower oil (for brush clean up)
NOTE: solvents (gamsol, turpentine, turpenoid etc...) are not absolutely necessary! However, you are welcome to bring some. Oil brushes can cleaned with baby/veg oil, and soap and water. Well cleaned brushes will last until you wear them out!

BOTH OIL and ACRYLIC Painters:
Rags or good quality paper towels (I like the blue automotive towels),
Enamel, glass, or disposable palette. (Dollar store baking sheets, glass plates also work well)

Palette knife

Brushes-various sizes (ie. 2,4,6,8,10,12,14) Brights or filberts. A couple of rounds (small or medium) maybe be useful. Sable (synthetic), natural white bristle or other Synthetic mixed brushes are recommended. There are some quality value packs of a variety of sizes and types available at most art stores are a good to start.

Painting support: You will need a canvas or rigid support to paint on.Canvas (stretched) or wood (luan ¼” plywood or other wood panel), sized 24” x 24” or larger! You may choose either a rectangular canvas or a square format.

For the first class you will need your flowers and a sketchbook or drawing paper. You will receive an email before the first class with more information.