The Elements Of Painting ...Artists tend to be creatures of solitude. We work away in silence in our studios and the decisions we make regarding our process are mostly intuitive, certainly unspoken and occasionally unconscious.
I've been a professional artist for over 40 years. Much of that time spent teaching and mentoring students. Having to explain my process has help me develop a vocabulary for the unspoken and intuitive. Using that vocabulary I've gradually compiled a list I call "The Elements of Painting." There are now 66+ Elements that, once understood and mastered, become the tools at your disposal to achieve the expression you're hoping for. Using slide show examples and discussion, we will work through each Element to understand it's use in the painting process. There are many variables to keep in mind as you execute a painting, all on top of paying attention to what you're doing with the brush. It's a lot to keep in mind. These variables, or Elements, also occur at different points in the process. I've tried to arrange these Elements as they occur IE: The Element of "Composition" comes early in the presentation, where "Framing" comes toward the end. In that way we can concentrate on the Elements that are relevant, depending on the stage of your painting. Having these variables listed in written form means not having to juggle the 66 Elements in your mind as you paint. Previewing the List of Elements before you put brush to canvas, will help you visualize the finished painting and help you map the steps required to get there. |