Foundations of Painting

Description

The Foundations of Painting course is ideal for beginner artists looking to learn to paint from direct observation as well as for more experienced artists who want to sharpen their skills and understanding of techniques, composition and proper color theory. The course will explore classical oil painting techniques through a series of focused, easily understood exercises designed to produce solid basic competence in all aspects of realist painting. Class time will be divided into lecture sessions covering art history and color theory, class critiques of works in progress, and studio work sessions devoted to the assigned still-life paintings. Class assignments will be to produce three, small two color paintings designed to teach color theory, mixing and application. This class is structured to encourage you to embark on a journey of delight and discovery in a supportive and non-intimidating environment while creating paintings that exceed expectations. Intermediate and advanced students will have the option to choose alternative subject matter. *Class members are expected to devote 6 hours on assignments between each class meeting. Materials: An optional materials fee of $75 will include a basic set of oil paint comprised of 3 primary colors plus black and white, an air tight palette storage box, 3 - 8?x10? primed panels, 1 jar of alkyd painting medium and a basic brush set. All other oil paint colors, prints, mediums and layout materials will be provided by ArtWaves at no cost. Participants who have and would like to utilize their own paints, panels, alkyd medium and brushes may do so and should not select the materials fee during registration. About the Instructor: Ernest McMullen is a landscape painter who finds his subject matter on the coast, surrounding waters and interior of Mount Desert Island, Maine. His abiding interest is in evoking the mysterious blend of form light and spirit found on the island with an approach that is firmly based in realist oil painting traditions. He was a founding faculty member at College of the Atlantic where he taught visual arts for 42 years.