We are often asked to run workshops for aspiring as well as experienced artists. There seem to be two special requests.
Breaking free as an artist
The first general request is for artists seeking a fresh approach that will help them break free from the constraints they sense are blocking their development as painters. For many aspiring artists, traditional art courses, especially those which often emphasise developing drawing skills in the first instance, seem to restrict the natural flow of the artist’s creativity.
Contemporary approaches
The second request is that artists and aspiring artists want to know more about painting in a contemporary environment using the range of paints and techniques that are now available for the innovative artist.
These workshops therefore aim to help you not only learn new skills and new knowledge about painting in the contemporary environment, but also will allow you to paint in ways that connect with who you are—your innermost being. That’s a challenge. That’s why we encourage you, if possible, to gather a group of people with whom you are familiar and feel secure to join you. Select the workshop that suits your need. Create your own weekend to meet your needs and those of your friends.
- organise 6-12 people who want to enjoy exploring painting in oils and/or acrylics
- paint without embarrassment or criticism in a positive atmosphere of encouragement
- beginners through to experts
- quality art materials recommended by the artist available on-site for purchase at retail cost
- fees according to specific requirements of the weekend.
Sample Art Workshops
Getting to know your own canvas
This workshop teaches you to make connection with your canvas–‘getting to know your canvas’. You will prepare your canvas for painting by priming, under-painting, and creating tooth for your acrylics and oils. While the preparatory paint on your canvas is drying, we will do some introductory exercises which will prepare you artistically, cognitively, emotionally, and spiritually for the task of painting.
Painting in acrylics
This workshop prepares you to paint your canvas using acrylics. This preparation seeks to connect you with your innermost question and to begin the quest through expressing this. We will call upon your favourite poetry and music, as well as visual images, and social commentaries so that you begin to realise your need to create through painting. During the workshop you will learn about and experience a range of acrylic products including paints and mediums. Your painting, which can be continued after the workshop is finished, can also be further developed in workshop 3 where you explore contemporary approaches to oil painting.
Painting in oils
This workshop prepares you to paint your canvas using oils. This preparation seeks to connect you with your innermost question and to begin the quest through expressing this. We will call upon your favourite poetry and music, as well as visual images, and social commentaries so that you begin to realise your need to create through painting. During the workshop you will learn about and experience a range of oil painting products including paints and mediums.
Contact Colin Gibbs
Contact Colin Gibbs if you are interested in our contemporary art workshops