How can one tell a story through objects? This painting course will explore creating personal still lifes in order to expand students’ painting repertoire and construct narrative. Still life painting is often an important observational exercise; in this course we will be looking at the narrative aspects of still life as a way to convey a story. These aspects are: lighting, composition, paint application and the objects that are depicted. Using observational painting and students’ chosen compositions we will work on shorter studies, exploring these formal aspects. Then the majority of the course will be executing 2 paintings of students’ own compositions. Some traditional symbolism will be discussed to aid constructing narrative, as well as film stills. Historic and contemporary still life painters will also be shown for reference in creating one’s own work.
Students will create narratives through the use of personal objects that are evocative and meaningful to them. Thinking through formal aspects: the choice of objects, composition and lighting will help develop a story to engage with and depict in paintings. These stories will be advanced through the development of paint handling. Students will explore the use of basic observational techniques, and the link between what is being represented, and how one represents it. Constructive feedback and the fundamentals for critiques will be engaged so students can think about their work, as well as others’ analytically and thoughtfully.
Paint: Acrylic and/or Oil if solvent free or water based
Note: Blocking in acrylic is recommended to keep drying times down
* This will mostly likely be a limited but complementary palette and set of materials to what you already have. If you can only get some please get the first one of two of each colour category.
Reds:
Yellows:
Blues:
Neutrals: -a rich black can be mixed easily with this palette
Palette: approx. 12x18 inches, smooth surface with wax paper covering OR a palette pad OR white enamel surface
Palette Knife or knives: metal with a straight edge, to be discussed
Brushes: a variety of acrylic/oil brushes including brights, flats and Filberts of various sizes (~6-12), one at least 2” wide
Supports: we will discuss painting supports and you will use your choice of 3-4 supports during the course. Approx.18x24”-24x36” or similar. These are to be prepared before classes
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