View this email in your browser

There are two basic methods of teaching and learning art, I think a combination of these two methods is the best way to grow as an artist.

Today's notecard is gleaned from one of my favorite books, Oil Painting Techniques by Harold Speed. I hope you like it!

1. Art Theory - What is art and how to study
Oil Painting Techniques by Harold Speed
Preface and Introduction, pgs iii and 1

To Harold Speed painting is drawing because drawing is the skill of expressing form no matter the medium used, however painting has the added complication of color.

There are two methods of teaching art:
1) hard drilling, and 2) having the student to rub along without any guidance. The danger of the first method is that the student gets too wrapped up in mastering technique and begins to lose the internal spark of personal expression. The danger of the second method is that the student may not have strong enough skills to aptly express what she is feeling.

--------

Personally, I think the best way to find your way as an artist is to combine both methods. To assign times in your development when you focus just on skill development and accuracy. Then at intervals dedicate time to just exploration and following anything that is inspiring. By working between both methods, you maintain the free expression of self, but you also develop a fluidity in your expressive abilities.

COME PAINT WITH ME!

WEEKLY CLASSES ARE SCHEDULED FOR THE 2019-2020 ACADEMIC YEAR.

Weekly Art Classes

Floral Still Life with Oils

This class concentrates on capturing the natural beauty found in flowers and the vases they partner with, working directly from life using oils. Specific lessons will cover all aspects of painting with flowers, learning to work with the individual characteristics of the different flowers available for each season as well as working to capture the silver, pewter or glass vases they are in. Alla-prima painting techniques will be taught and demonstrated to emphasize the importance of color and form when expressing the unique beauty found in flowers. All levels are welcome, however some experience with oil painting and accuracy in drawing will garner more realistic representations. Supply list provided upon request or with registration. *During the growing season, flowers will be provided from the instructor’s garden. During the offseason, a flower supply fee will be collected to purchase fresh flowers.

TAUGHT AT THE ARTS OF GREAT FALLS, WEDNESDAYS FROM 1:30 TO 4:30PM

Still Life with Oils

This class concentrates on capturing the beauty found in simple things, elevating them into something more significant. Still-life painting is fun in all aspects, whether you are exploring color, value, and composition, or whether you want to investigate how to paint the different textures and patterns found in objects, such as the shiny reflections of glass or the variegated colors found in a Macintosh apple. Setups are designed to teach painting fundamentals such as: seeing the big shapes, analyzing value shifts, controlling edge quality, and color mixing. All levels are welcome.

TAUGHT AT THE ART LEAGUE IN ALEXANDRIA, VA, TUESDAYS FROM 9:30AM TO 12:30PM

Instagram | like on Facebook | forward to a friend