Workshops and Retreats
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Harbour Life in Mixed Media
Northumberland, United Kingdom
with Gillian Lee Smith
September 20 – September 24, 2020
Space is limited. Register today!
I am very much inspired by the spaces between land and sea – these coastal communities, the heritage of the area and the way humans have made their marks on the landscape. Harbour walls with the line of the tide crossed with ropes and ladders. The jumble of the fishing boats, machinery and lobster pots. It is a visual and sensory treat. There are big shapes and small details that we can draw from to create wonderful imagery that represents our own response to these inspiring scenes.
In this workshop we will be first creating an accordion sketchbook which will allow us to capture scenes in the landscape without worrying about ‘making pictures’. We will use mixed media to capture the textures, colours and layers of details that are to be seen in these harbour environments. Building up exciting imagery that we can then use to inspire works back in the studio space.
Whether you are new to landscapes or a seasoned painter, drawn to abstraction or inspired to create more representational works, you are sure to find something to spark a personal and expressive response to the landscape.
Class Schedule – The workshop
- Day 1 – We will begin in the workshop space going through some of my sketchbooks and images, going through the possibilities for gathering information and inspiration. We will then create our own accordion sketchbook pages which will be used in an afternoon sketching at one of the local harbours using simple techniques and media to begin to build up layers of imagery.
- Day 2 – We will begin the day in the studio with demonstrations of more ideas for working in mixed media out in the landscape before venturing out for a morning of sketching at another local harbour. The day will be finished by creating a cover for our accordion sketchbook to finish it off.
- Days 3 and 4 – On our two remaining full workshop days we will be working in mixed media using our sketchbooks for inspiration. Layers of shape, line, texture, colour will be built up to create exciting imagery. Each student will be encouraged to find their own visual language to create works based on a personal response to the places we have experienced.
This workshop includes
- Watercolour paper to create our sketchbook pages
- Tape to attach pages together
- Indian ink
- PVA glue
- Scissors
- A selection of acrylic paints
- Carbon paper
- Gesso
- Water containers
- Grey board for sketchbook cover
- Brown paper if you wish to use this to cover your book.
- Paper for mixed media paintings
- Gel medium
Student Supply List:
- Weather appropriate clothing and footwear!
- Camera or phone camera
- 2 or 3 boards for mixed media paintings – these can be cradled boards or linen or cotton covered boards. Please prime before the workshop. I would suggest a maximum size of around 20 inches. Square or rectangle – it is up to you!
- Paper of your choice to cover your book covers with. Handmade paper for example. One piece of paper measuring around 20 x 28 inches or 2 sheets around 10 x 14 inches.
- 12 inch metal ruler
- A small watercolour set with attached palette. Either pans or tubes. I like Windsor and Newton or Daniel Smith.
- Water brush pens (you can find these in many art stores – a brush pen with an attached container of water)
- Graphite/lead pencils in various densities eg. 4b, 6b, 8b
- Black fine liner pens like Faber Castel Pitt pen
- Acrylic inks in burnt umber and red oxide
- Dip pen with nib
- A few oil pastels in a small range of colours (colours like greens, blues, browns, grey, yellows)
- Palette knife
- Small spray bottle for water
- Embossing tool – you can find these on Amazon or card making supplies
- A couple of 1+ inch paint brushes
- A selection of paint brushes for acrylics
- Palette papers
- A couple of cloth rags
- Backpack for your sketching supplies
We will finish the week with a sketchbook and pages of studies and sketches and practice book samples as well as completed several unique artist books.
There are a limited number of spaces in this workshop. If you would like to join us then please go to Springhill Farm’s website for more information and registration: https://www.springhill-farm.co.uk/art-holidays/Ladders-and-Lines-Harbour-life-in-mixed-media
Register now to secure your space!
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