Tuesday–Thursday 10-3pm
August 9–11
Non-Member Tuition: $500
Member Tuition: $450
Investigate still life painting with artist in residence Mia Bergeron and learn her process for turning this potentially predictable art form into one of poetry by adding the element of surprise. Mia begins this workshop with a slide presentation of still life painters working today and throughout art history who have bent the rules of reality to engage the imaginations of their audience. Each day will be divided into two parts and include demos and personal critiques. Mornings will be spent painting still lifes from observation as Mia discusses the basics of representational painting, including lighting, drawing, values, color, edges, chroma, composition. Focus then will switch in the afternoon to weaving facts with fiction and fantasy as you infuse personal narrative into your still life with the help of photo references (Mia will share her collection to inspire you, but you are welcome to bring your own images, as well). Delving into
the complex concept of imagination, Mia will also demonstrate how to make multiple images read cohesively, and how to set up believable lighting when working from photography, observation, and imagination in the same painting. Prior knowledge of drawing and oil painting is strongly suggested. Mia will teach in oils, but acrylic painters are welcome.
Thank you for signing up for a class. Once your class is paid for, we cannot offer a refund or credit, unless we cancel class due to low registration. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact us BEFORE completing your payment.
The AAN Studio is equipped with glass top sliding carts that make perfect glass palettes. However, you will want to bring a large plastic bin or tray with palette paper and a lid. Because the studio is used for evening classes and storage room is at a minimum, students are asked to transport their supplies to and from the studio each day. We also supply vegetable oil, dawn soap, and Gamsol for clean up.
Recommended Paints: (Please do not re-buy a ton of paints. I find most people have plenty of colors, and we can work with what you have. As a general idea, my palette is a warm and a cool of primary and secondary colors, plus black and white. Any brand is fine, but I will put the brand I use next to colors that are more specific. Paints with * are optional)
Alkyd Titanium White (Graham)
Cadmium Yellow Lemon (hues are fine)
Indian yellow
Cadmium Orange (hues are fine)
Cadmium red Light (hues are fine)
Permanent Alizarin crimson (or Quinacridone Rose, or both)
Luminous Opera (Holbein Aqua duo. You can also look for a fluorescent pink) Violet gray (Georgian)
Raw Sienna (or yellow ochre)
Transparent Oxide Red (or burnt Sienna)
Sap green
Permanent green light
Viridian
Manganese Blue (or Cerulean)
Ultramarine Blue
Ivory Black
Medium:
Galkyd or Galkyd Gel by Gamblin
Brushes:
Just a variety of shapes and sizes, including at least one flat-shaped brush for drawing. I recommend Rosemary Eclipse brushes as a good basic. Please also have a few rough bristle brushes.
Supports:
Ampersand gesso board museum series. You may buy flat or cradled.
Please pick a panel between 11”x14” and 18”x24”- the size is up to you.
PLEASE PRIME YOUR PANEL A MEDIUM GRAY IN ACRYLIC PRIOR TO CLASS.
Solvent: Gamsol
Palette Knife:
Any metal knife that is flexible. I use an RGM brand knife #80. Please do not use plastic knives.
References:
I strongly suggest bringing your phone and/ or a tablet if you own one. I will also provide printed photos to work form, but I have found having access to online images as we go to be more rewarding.
Other tools:
Feel free to bring a scraper, a squeegee, a soft brayer, old credit cards, etc.
I will provide several tools for students to try.
Hand held mirror
Sketchpad and pencil for notes and doodles
A cardboard box to transport your wet painting in after the last class.
