Tuesday & Wednesday, 10am–2pm
September 15 & 16
Non Member: $300
Member: $270
Simplify and Abstract
This workshop will focus on the process of simplifying images and understanding how art comes into being. Through observation, experimentation, and play, students will build confidence and broaden their art-making skills while keeping the process open and direct. Students will also explore the creation of abstract artwork, learning how abstraction can grow naturally from observation, intuition, and thoughtful design choices.
Some of the subjects covered in the workshop will include learning through observation of both contemporary and historical artworks, working with strong contrasts in value, exploring calm versus active visual elements, using patterns of warm and cool color to create rhythm, developing abstract compositions from observation and imagination, developing one’s content—discovering what your art is about
The emphasis throughout the workshop will be on curiosity, experimentation, and trusting the creative process.
Lenny begins each class with a 20-30 minute introduction to artists whose work demonstrates the techniques and approaches Lenny will be asking you to work with that day. Some days he will supplement the information with a quick demonstration, while other days the lesson will be more verbal and conversational. Students will then be given a project idea to work on with the freedom to explore a project idea of their own. The last bit of class will be devoted to a show and tell giving students time to view each other’s work and to receive group feedback if desired.
Students can expect to work in all sorts of mediums in this class — from pen and ink, to charcoal, to acrylics, oils, watercolor, gouache, collage and possibly a combination of them all. The main purpose is to give students the freedom and tools to explore a variety of ways to portray an image or an idea. Important elements such as composition, value, line, form, color, texture and space will be discussed and emphasized weekly.
Having previous experience is good but not necessary. Coming to class with a playful attitude and an experimental mindset are required.
PLEASE NOTE: The AAN’s Painting studio is equipped with easels and glass top carts for palette use and daily personal storage, and Gamsol and brush cleaner. Due to this studio’s evening classes in a variety of media, please be prepared to leave your cart and easel clean, store work in progress in drying rack s provided, and transport your supplies to and from the studio each day. Storing unused paint in a plastic palette bin is suggested. Thank you in advanced for your consideration.
Supply List:
A variety of drawing implements such as pencils crayons and water soluble crayons.
Large drawing paper, scissors, glue, pencils, old magazines (preferably magazines that are colorful, like fashion, home and garden, etc.), paint (your choice, acrylic or watercolor), a couple of brushes, a palette to mix paint on, a spray bottle to keep your acrylic from drying out, painting surfaces (such as canvas boards, a stretch canvas, or paper), and a water jar.
If you’re using acrylics it’s nice to have a medium, which is clear acrylic paint with no pigment in it. This comes in gloss or matte. Lenny prefers the matte because the paint is matte. Students are also welcome to use water soluble oil paints if they prefer.
