This class is designed to provide a broad introduction to painting materials, basic techniques and concepts including color theory, color mixing, value relationships and paint application. This class will explore the notion of abstract painting as it relates to direct observation along with visual ideas that derive from intuitive inspiration. We will also explore the qualities of abstract art through a variety of lenses that students will learn to integrate into their own working process. Color is a tool of expression, and we will work on the principles of composition, proportion, and space in terms of color relationship. The goal for students is to gain an understanding of the process of abstract artmaking so that they may proceed beyond the classroom with their own pictorial investigations.
Classes will typically start with a demonstration and lecture for each project, and the students will use the rest of class time to work on their project. At the end of each project, there will be a feedback session to review their work and have a conversation as a group. This class will focus on individual students’ needs and interests and emphasize the development of their own style. Previous drawing experience strongly recommended.
What You Will Learn in This Course:
1. An understanding of the appropriate use of acrylic paint
2. Brush and palette knife techniques
3. A variety of mixed media approaches.
4. Color theory and color mixing
5. An overview of historical and contemporary abstraction in painting