Update: The workshop is over but recordings are available. You get the full workshop experience as I will provide feedback on homework via private Facebook group.
This is an online workshop. Oct 12 – Oct 26, 2024 Saturdays 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM PST
(We will meet Saturdays 10/12, 10/19 and 10/26)
A 3 week deep dive into painting skies. Each class will include lecture, demo and homework. All classes will be recorded and available to view for 6 months after the workshop ends. I will offer individual critiques for homework via a private Facebook group.
Workshop Description:
In this class, we will learn how to create expressive landscape paintings featuring the sky. We will understand how to use values and color to capture the light in the sky in different lighting conditions. We will learn to simplify the landscape and use beautiful greys to create paintings that are vibrant and alive. Each lecture will also include a workbook with 5 exercises based on all the concepts learned in that lecture. A sample solution key will also be included.
Workshop Outline:
Week 1
We will learn how to simplify the landscape. We will discuss the value structure of clouds and how they are affected by different lighting conditions. We will learn to use the 3 value system to simplify the subject and come up with a value plan. We will learn to use our reference as a starting point to create a good design.
Value & Design Demo of clouds. Week 1 Workbook & Solution Key. Week 1 Homework.
Week 2
We will discuss color theory as it applies to skies and clouds. We will discuss different strategies to create subtle value and temperature changes needed to capture the light on the clouds. We will learn how to create vibrant and exciting paintings.
Demo on Color. Week 2 Workbook & Solution Key. Week 2 Homework.
Week 3
We will discuss the color and value relationships work in a sunset sky and a nocturne. We will also discuss how to use brushwork and edges to convey the illusion of realism and details.
Demo. Week 3 Workbook & Solution Key. Week 3 Homework.
Critiques:
Each week, homework will be assigned to the students. Each student can submit 2 paintings per week for critique via private Facebook group. I will provide individual critiques on Facebook via comments. Additionally, I will select 5 paintings to discuss in class. These will be selected based on how they can facilitate class learning (not on merit).
What’s New This Year?
After a successful workshop in 2023, I’ve made some updates to enhance your learning experience:
1. Extended Class Time: Each session is now 3 hours long, giving us extra time for detailed critiques and more comprehensive demonstrations.
2. Expanded Content: In addition to sunsets, we will now cover nocturnes on the last day, offering a broader range of sky painting techniques.
3. Workbook with Exercises: Each class comes with a workbook featuring five exercises to reinforce the concepts we cover. You’ll also receive a sample solution key. This is alongside the regular homework assignments based on our demos.
4. Personalized Critiques: You can submit one or two paintings for critique each week via a private Facebook group. I will provide feedback in the comments and offer a Procreate paint-over for one of your works, showing how to enhance it further.
5.Updated Lectures and Techniques: Since last year, my own artistic journey and teaching methods have evolved, particularly after teaching my “Study the Masters” online course. I’ve revised and enriched the lectures to reflect my latest insights and have incorporated new strategies to help convey these concepts effectively.
I am thrilled to teach this workshop again and can’t wait to share this experience with you. I hope you’ll join me!
Workshop Materials List:
Here are the materials needed for the workshop. All the demos will be in oil but feel free to use oils, acrylics or gouache
Colors: My palette consists of warm and cool of each primary and white. I use Utrecht Colors.
You can use any brand of pigments. I recommend artist-grade colors.
I use the following pigments:
Titanium white
Cad yellow lemon
Cad yellow med
Yellow ochre
Cad red light
Quin rose
Ult blue
Paynes grey
Indian Yellow
Phthalo Blue
Brushes
Bristle Brushes – I like Blick masterstroke bristle brushes size 8, size 6, size 4. or Robert Simmons Signet bristle brushes but any brand of bristle brush is fine. I like to use filberts in sizes 4,6,8,10 but feel free to use what you have and are comfortable with.
Palette knife to clean your palette (wooden or glass palette recommended). I love this palette knife from Blick.
Solvent – Gamsol.
Medium – Solvent Free Gel by Gamblin.
Surface – For my artwork, I like to use hardboard panels and prime them myself with 4-5 coats of Liquitex acrylic gesso.
I like to use small to med sizes for copies like 6×8 in, 8×10 in, or 9×12 in.
Alternatively I recommend Canson Canva-paper for studies. You can buy either the loose paper pad or the paper mounted on foamcore artboard.
https://www.dickblick.com/products/canson-plein-air-canva-artboards
https://www.dickblick.com/products/canson-foundation-canva-paper-pads
Another option I have recently started using is the Yes all medis Canvas Panels
https://www.jerrysartarama.com/yes-all-media-cotton-canvas-panels
