This fast-paced 3 day workshop invites students to explore the world of small, quick, alla prima paintings (under 1hr). Composition is paramount—we will focus on big relationships (shape, value, color). We will stress value structure and brushwork in monochrome, then dive into color theory with a split primary palette. Building confidence through decision-making is a primary goal of this workshop.
Intermediate oil painting and drawing experience required.
Day 1
AM: Intro, Brushwork exercises & Monochrome Demo
2 monochrome quick studies, 15 min each
PM: Monochrome Demo 2 and Value structure Discussion
2 monochrome quick studies, 30 min each
Choosing a reference (homework for Sunday)
Day 2
AM: Palette layout, pre-mixing, palette logic and keeping it organized
Demo full color quickstudy (15 min)
2 x 15min studies
PM: Demo: 30-45 min study
2 x 30 min studies
Help select personal references
Day 3
AM: 45 min study, 60 min study
Private critiques
PM: Demo: adding finishing pass to a 45-60 min study
Single 60 min study
Review work as a group and offer feedback, takeaways
Supplies:
Pigments
• Titanium white
• Cadmium yellow lemon/pale/light
• Indian yellow (I highly recommend Michael Harding)
• Cadmium red medium
• Alizarin crimson (I recommend the permanent version)
• Ultramarine Blue
• Viridian
• Ivory Black
Equipment
• palette
• Refined linseed oil in a small jar
• Gamsol odorless mineral spirits (in a can or jar with heavy lid and good seal, as we will keep it covered when not in use). I highly recommend a brush washer like this if you don’t already have one:
https://www.jerrysartarama.com/da-vinci-air-tight-brush-washer
• Shop towels, viva paper towels, or cotton rags
• Palette knife (no plastic please)
o The brand does not matter but please find this particular shape, : https://artmaterials.ca/product/sonnet-palette-knife-long-narrow-rounded-tip/
(Guiry’s has something similar. Jerry’s does not seem to have it but most art stores should).
• Optional: Jar of cheap vegetable oil (I use safflower oil from the grocery store) to dip/store brushes in overnight. We will talk more about brush care!
• Recommended: nitrile gloves
• Brushes (see below)
• Mahl stick
• Palette scraper
Supports
• Oil primed linen sheets will be provided (included in materials fee)
• 3 pieces of wood or Masonite or ACM (or similar) to tape your sheets of linen to (about 11 x 14 is great). No cardboard.
• Artist tape—white or black (no blue tape)
Other Stuff
• Sketchbook for notes and thumbnails (whatever you currently use is fine)
• Graphite Pencil
• Eraser (kneaded if you have one)
• Method for viewing reference photos on day 3. For this particular class, since we are simplying so much, the small image on a phone screen works fine! Please do not print giant photos.
BRUSHES
Quality brushes that make precise, predictable marks are so helpful. Please don’t bring ragged, old or splayed brushes (but save these for landscape paintings!!). You can purchase all brushes from Rosemary and Company where you'll find prices to be very affordable and the brush quality outstanding. This company is located in the UK so please allow time for international shipping if you buy from them. If you prefer not to purchase these, please ensure you have brushes that will readily obey your will and perform the same functions described below. Having duplicates of brushes is really nice when painting fast to cut down on rinsing time.
*** I recommend the long handle for all brushes. Also, as a disclaimer, if you put in the code "ROBINCOLE" at checkout I do get a small kickback, and I think you may as well. But this is not the reason I recommend great brushes. ;)
• Ivory long flats 1, 2, 3, 4 (x2), 6 (x2), one larger if you are planning on working large.
• Evergreen filbert #1 (x2)
• Everygreen long fiberts 2 (x2), 4 (optional: a larger size or two as well)
• Evergreen round #0 (browse their smaller and larger options as well if you like details or often use rounds for landscape)
• evergreen long flats #4, 6 (optional: a smaller size or two as well. Read the descriptions of each to see which suits you better for a second layer, wet-on-wet brush)
• Sable Series 81 (or red dot series if you prefer synthetic) #8 or 10 (more if you want, these are for blending but they are more expensive. You will probably enjoy these a great deal if you paint portraits!)
• Optional for wizarding edges: Eclipse comber 1/2" or similar size
