There was lots of personal attention in this instructional and spirited three day workshop! Students learned what it takes to make a painting that looks fresh and painterly. Observing directly from life they learned how to capture the light and apply paint boldly. Each day Carol started out with a demo and exercises. Students were guided through gestural oil sketches for composition and flow, value tonal sketches to establish the lights and darks, and color mixing exercises. Everyone had fun with Carol in this dymanic workshop!

Each morning Keys demonstrated while discussing the skills necessary to create beautiful still life paintings using Alla Prima methods. Day one Daniel and his student painted still life. Day two and three was portrait in the interior environment and Day 4 painting roses. Following each morning’s demo, student painted from life, still life and portrait, while receiving individual one-on-one instruction. During this intensive course, the student received insight into learning to see correctly and develop adeptness in the following areas: composition, drawing, color, value and edges.

Studio & Plein Air Landscapes in Watercolor"There seems to be a never-endinq quest to loosen up in watercolor.  I hear it from my students all the time. It’s easy to fall into the trap of putting too much into your paintings, especially when working from photographic reference.  Painting loosely doesn't just 'happen', it comes from gaining a comfort level with your skills and materials over time.  However, there are techniques that can speed up this process. In my workshop, we’ll discuss ways to simplify a scene into larger shapes that will help you paint more boldly. Value studies are emphasized from the outset.  I will complete at least one demonstration painting each day, covering topics such as drawing, skies, trees, buildings, water, and figures.  By the end of the class, each student should have enough information to help them on their path to painting impressionistic watercolors."

At the heart of each of Demers daily demonstrations the medium of watercolor is explored as an ends unto itself as well as a sketching and study medium. This worksop emphazised all of the fundamentals of good draftsmanship, design, composition, color, value and brush technique as Don and students tacled the plein air landscape. The technical range of the watercolor from wet to dry brush was demonstrated and discussed daily. He showed how to transform field sketches into successful studio paintings. Those taking the workshop were encouraged to learn and grow with Don's fun approach to instructing and painting. This workshop was desgined for the intermediate to advanced painter.

We are so happy Mary Whyte has been instructing watercolor workshops at the Creative Arts Center since 2001. Mary Whyte instructs her students in fundamental and advanced approaches to watercolor painting. Demonstrating each day for her class Mary talks about how color mixing, edges and good composition play into all of her works. The first day of the workshop students focused on capturing light on the still life and the next two days on capturing light on the figure.

Working from a live model, Paul demonstrated his approach to creating a convincing figure painting. Discussing composition, focal point, color temperature, edges and capturing the subtleties of the mood, Paul instructed students in the workshop in ways to better achieve successful results. He helped students understand ways to mix color, use painting mediums and understand drying times, and to use these elements to their advantage.

In this two day Oil workshop, Bill helped students find the subject and enhance the view for a winning composition. Students learned how to control tonality, improve their paint application technique, find the light source and modify their images to create a mood. Bill demonstrated each day helping students to take their paintings to the next level in the studio setting.

Each day John Clayton will demonstrate using a palette knife. He will simplify the scene to flat masses and develop values and exciting color notes. Students will learn how to mix key colors, in an expressive creative way.