Past-workshops – Page 10

Sunday March 13, 2022

Figure to Face

For students just starting to explore the world of painting, this workshop offers an introduction to a simple and effective technique – and expert help in completing two acrylic paintings in just five days.

For accomplished artists, it’s a chance to try a different method, medium or subject matter in the first painting, and to use what they’ve learned to do a portrait of a family member or friend in the second.

Nicholas Pearce has taught hundreds of students to work with a limited palette of four colours plus white, applied with a single 1 1/2 inch house painters’ brush for everything from blocking in to fine details to tonal washes. They learn to mix colours on the canvas, and to feather wet paint onto dry to create subtle colour shifts. The final step is washes to unify lighting effects in some areas, and to set other areas back.

The workshop begins with composition, the basis of all good paintings. Then students choose from figurative photo references provided. The ancient technique of gridding is used to transfer the image to a 30 x 40 inch canvas. For their second painting, students do a portrait of someone close to them.

Throughout the week, Nicholas offers mini-lectures, provides one-on-one help, and paints on his own canvas to show the techniques in action. The goal is to have everyone walk away with two paintings, ready to hang on their walls.

NOTE: This class teaches skills, not creativity. Nicholas believes creativity is inherent, and cannot be taught. Skills, learned in a fun, collegial atmosphere, provide the foundation that allows creativity to emerge.

* This instructor has generously donated a piece of art, “Tania with Fan”, available at the Gala Auction.

Sunday March 13, 2022

Paper Extravaganza

This workshop is an intensive investigation of an everyday and yet so wonderful material: PAPER
We will begin by learning something of the history of this age-old medium and then gather inspiration from contemporary cut paper artists creating innovative work today. Time will be spent experimenting with different papers and tools for cutting. Through cutting, folding, weaving and collage techniques you discover the strength and versatility of paper.

In this workshop you will make different book forms and objects to apply the techniques. For this workshop you do not need drawing experience, it challenges both beginners and advanced. Some templates will be provided.

Sunday March 13, 2022

Layered Stories: Porcelain, Pattern & China Paint

In this workshop, participants will learn about Katriona Drijber’s approach to throwing and decorating with porcelain. The workshop will cover all stages of creating multi-layered, multi-faceted functional ceramic work.

This includes one day covering the particularities of throwing with porcelain and throwing complex and voluminous forms, including teapots, treasure jars, and animal jars; one day of trimming porcelain and developing/conceptualizing pattern for different forms; one day covering different techniques for surface decoration at the greenware stage (carving, slip trailing, underglaze washes and Mishima); one day of china painting the glazed ceramic surface; and on the final day a discussion of work made in the workshop.

In addition to the techniques described above, we will also make time for talking about content within the work – the ‘why’ of what imagery and pattern gets used and how to make that personally relevant and fulfilling to you.

Friday March 11, 2022

Letting it go! Abstract Workshop

Day 1: Eunmi will bring a couple of abstract paintings and use them to demonstrate some basics of composition, value, and colour. After that, you will paint two to three small paintings as an exercise to help you loosen up and let your brush flow freely. She will also cover some basic elements of abstracts. After lunch She will help you individually work towards finding your own voice.

Day 2: You will be painting on a larger canvas which will Let Your Brush Go in a free flow manner and will allow you to express your individual feeling towards your art.

Wednesday March 9, 2022

Abstract Thinking

This is a painting course where students learn Ken Campbell’s signature technique for creating hard-edge abstract compositions.

Students will learn Ken’s 4-step approach to creating abstract painting, including 1) simplified shape
design; 2) story design; 3) value mapping; and 4) colour harmony planning.
These abstract techniques are foundational and immediately applicable to drawing, painting and design
projects in various styles and materials.

The course includes lectures with samples, PowerPoint, step-by-step demos, critiques, one-on-one work
and Q&A. Several classical and contemporary artists’ work will be compared including the work of Pablo
Picasso, S. Neil Fujita and B.C. Binning.

The course is taught in oils. Please inquire if you would like to use another medium.

Wednesday March 9, 2022

SAORI Weaving Adventures

In this workshop the students will be introduced to the SAORI Philosophy of Weaving:

1. Consider the differences between machines and people
2. Be bold and adventurous
3. Look out through eyes that shine
4. Inspire one another and everyone in the group

This beautiful philosophy from Japan opens new ways of exploring weaving, whether you have never woven before or have been weaving for many years.

SAORI looms will be provided and we will start with weaving and the exploration of colour and texture – like painting with yarn. During the workshop the students will be able to complete at least two weavings. We will also look at things like 3-dimensional woven creations, one-of-a-kind wearable art and clothing design.

As there are ‘no rules and no mistakes’ in this style of weaving, the possibilities of what we will do in the 5 days is endless. Each student will be encouraged to explore things that are of interest to them in this expressive style of weaving.

NOTE: If you have your own loom to bring to class, please contact the MISSA office.

Tuesday March 8, 2022

FLOW: Fluid Mixed Media Exploration

Delight in the fluidity of your creative spirit while exploring a multiplicity of liquid mixed media materials and techniques. In this five-day workshop, learn about the creative flow state by playing with fluid paints, inks, rust, Cyanotype, marbling, molten encaustic beeswax and more. You’ll be enchanted by the spontaneous and joyful collaboration between fluid media and your artistic voice, creating stunning paintings, fabric, and art books in this fun and supportive workshop. A delicious, mixed-media smorgasbord of materials and techniques suitable for both new and experienced artists alike.

Note: This class offers a “taste” of many techniques among a wide variety of mixed media approaches and materials. It is not an encaustic class, but offers wax as one technique among many.

Tuesday February 22, 2022

Forest To Sea In Soft Pastels

Are you inspired by the landscape of the West Coast with its lush forest and endless ocean? Learn to create colour saturated landscapes using soft (chalk) pastels in this class, through simple, step-by-step lessons, from a solid drawing to adding layers of sumptuous colour.

Begin by studying trees and the interior forest, culminating in soaring Douglas Firs. Working on a sanded paper, build a drawing in vine charcoal, then add colours from dark to light to achieve voluminous dimension in light and shadow. Further on, experiment with underpainting to achieve rich surfaces and happy accidents. Later, pastel the coast and beaches, creating rocky shores with beautiful driftwood forms and beautiful blue vistas of ocean.

Suitable for those interested in starting their pastel journey or curious about the medium, to those with moderate experience who want to further their vocabulary in this wonderful medium.

Friday February 11, 2022

Brush Dance

This workshop explores the dynamic tradition of the brush as a rewarding tool for experimentation and contemplation.

We will explore and develop a personal brush languages as we use the breath to support spontaneous mark making.
Combining mark-making within surfaces of layered fibre (cloth and paper) for use in artist books, banners, cards and paper installations, participants will have opportunities to reflect on insights gained through repetition of asemic scripts and mandala practice.

A series of experimental ink exercises will combine innovative brush making and apply altered tools on a variety of paper surfaces. We will focus on creating a unique lexicon, a vocabulary of gestural marks to inform new work and expand your current practice.

Time will be devoted to integrating mixed media techniques into finished projects on panels and canvas with attention to mounting. Each studio sessions includes a demonstration and participants will be offered an eclectic collection of materials.

All levels welcomed in the spirit of Shoshin, a Zen Buddhism word meaning ‘beginners mind’… openness, eagerness without preconceptions…being a beginner even at an advanced level.

This course is dedicated to the remarkable legacy of the Northwest Coast Calligraphic tradition.

Friday February 11, 2022

Clay is Your Canvas

Clay has the ultimate surface for decoration and embellishment. In this 2 day workshop we will investigate decorative techniques using underglazes and slips. With the consideration of surface, colour, balance, texture, pattern and design the student will construct a vocabulary of hand built forms and imagery that work with the individual’s aesthetics. Both greenware and bisque pieces will be explored. Slip trailing, stamping, sgraffito, inlay, mono-printing are a few on the menu. Functional hand-built forms will be constructed with the emphasis of interplay between surface and form.

NOTE: There will be NO firing in this workshop.