Registration ENDS September 25!
Mary Beth Shaw is Coming ~ October 22 and 23
Mary Beth Shaw worked in the insurance industry for 18 years before she went crazy one day and quit her job. While exploring her creativity, she re-ignited a childhood love of art. She is now ecstatic to support herself as a full time painter, participating in fine art fairs and teaching workshops nationwide. Her mixed media process utilizes pastel, ink, marker and acrylics layered with various collage materials; she welcomes so-called “mistakes” because they lead to wonderful opportunities and discoveries. She works in series and has several bodies of work that employ her own symbolism of embedded meaning. She is the author of Flavor for Mixed Media, published by North Light Books. Living in St. Louis with her husband and 2 cats, Mary Beth is passionate about every moment of life.
Journey From Spontaneity to Intent
Exploring Abstraction on Claybord
OCTOBER 22 and 23
Sat and Sun 9-4
2 day Worshop - $275
1 day (Sat Only) - $140
Kit Fee -$20
(includes use of paints, inks, pastels, texture mediums, alcohol inks, carving tools, pens, pencils, markers, glues, erasers and stencils. I will also provide each student with a packet of collage items to use in their work.]
If you’re like me, playing with art supplies – whether trying new ones or learning about old ones – is the best artistic venture! During this class we will use Claybord as our substrate and will explore its strengths, its quirks and especially its forgiving nature. Claybord offers flexibility in painting like no other surface.
The mystery of abstraction becomes approachable when explored through a guided process of experimentation and play. To begin, we carve a textured background on claybord and then learn how to build layers of multiple media such as ink, pastel, acrylic and collage materials. We will consider important elements like value contrast, composition and line through examination of both geometric, organic and landscape-based styles. And along the way we will learn little tricks with claybord such as erasing, distressing and carving back into previously completed layers. Additional techniques include foil, use of stencils, and Wood Icing. Bring an apron cause the paint is gonna be flyin' as we play with abandon!!
Over the course of 2 days, we will explore:
• Color - it's not all about paint ya know - we will explore soft pastels, inks, fluid and heavy body acrylics, colored pencils and paint markers. I will provide palette options that help you to avoid 'mud' in your pieces so you quickly build your color confidence.
• Texture - learn the ins and outs of texture including carving into the claybord as well as layering on top of it with acrylic mediums, Wood Icing, tissue and clay.
• Collage - how imagery, text and 3D elements can enhance abstract work
• Composition - how to paint loose yet also maintain the ability to step back and critically assess your own work. How to strenghten value contrast and line in order to move your paintings to the next level. How the Golden Mean applies to your paintings.
• The art of multi-task, working across multiple pieces, moving seamlessly from one technique to the next, using 'drying' time productively.
• Presentation of your work - options on how to hang your pieces.
This class is suitable for any level of painter and beginners are welcome!
Supply List
1. Ampersand Claybord - For one day, bring 3-4 smallish claybords (flat, not cradled) no larger than 8x8. For two days, bring 5-8. You may pick a variety of sizes or stick with one size, whatever you prefer.
2. If you have specific paints you know you want to use, bring them. Otherwise I will bring plenty to share. We will also use alcohol inks, again if you have favorite colors, you can bring them, otherwise I will have plenty.
3. Brushes - bring a few of various sizes, I like inexpensive brushes such as the Robert Simmons ones that are suitable for Acrylics. I usually like a Shader and Angle Shader - 3/4 to an inch wide.
4. Water container, apron, gloves, pencil, scissors.
5. Small cutting mat.
Let me do most of the schlepping. Your Kit fee of $10 includes use of paints, inks, pastels, texture mediums, alcohol inks, carving tools, pens, pencils, markers, glues, erasers and stencils. I will also provide each student with a packet of collage items to use in their work.
I have often joked that I work in Mixed Media because I can't pick from among all the wonderful supplies! In this class we will explore tons of new techniques as well as re-visiting old ideas. Working on the very forgiving substrate of Claybord, we will create multiple pieces that can function together as a small body of work. Bring an apron cause the paint is gonna be flyin' as we play with abandon!!
visit her website for more info here
SPACES ARE VERY LIMITED
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