ABSTRACT COMPOSITION & PAINTING TECHNIQUES

TUESDAYS: March 18 & 25, April 1
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
3 Sessions – Two Hour Sessions; once per week for 3 consecutive weeks

INSTRUCTOR: Bettina Dickson Rusher

MEDIUM: Oil and/or Acrylic

LEVEL: Beginning & Intermediate

COST: $ 125 GVA Members / $145 Non-members

Students will learn about 6 basic composition formats (handouts); we will explore the basics of mark making and tools to use (demos); we will discuss paint types and corresponding mediums used to create texture and transparency layers (demos). We will learn the difference between an “action painting” a “shape relationship painting” and a “gesture painting”. (handouts). One the last day I will share slides of known abstract painters and examples of their work. At each session students will have the opportunity to practice theory, techniques and use the tools, that I will provide. Students should bring their own brushes, palette knife, acrylic or water color paints (red, yellow, blue, black and white) and acrylic or water color paper of at least 9” x 12”, plus any mark-making tools they may want to try.

Questions we will address-

1. How do I begin when looking at a blank canvas or piece of paper? (5 ways to begin an abstract piece)

2. What do I do when I feel stuck and / or frustrated and WHAT IF?

3. The importance of editing and how to?

4. When is a piece finished?

————-

Optional Additional Class: April 8th, 6- 8 pm:
More information to come.

Building on what students learned previously, they will have the opportunity to bring in a 16 x 20 maximum size canvas, their paints, brushes, and tools to begin an abstract painting. I will work with each student and advise them as they move through the creative process. I will also discuss briefly finish / protectant products they can use to seal their painting when finished.

Supply List:

1. One canvas, stretched and primed, max size 18 x 24”

2. Acrylic paints and mediums of their choice (recommend only 3 colors and a black and a white)

3. Color mixing surface of your choice

3. Paint brushes, a palette knife, and other tools of their choice

4. Spray bottle filled with water

5. Paper towels or a rag

The instructor is Bettina Dickson Rusher. Bettina has been painting abstractly for 30 years and her website can be found here: Bettina Dickson Rusher Fine Art