Thursday, April 18, 2013

FALL WORKSHOP

Want to learn about how to "lean your colors" when mixing the beautiful grays?  Do you have some simple compositional skills that include Baroque and sinister diagonals?  This October 14th through 18th, I will be teaching a five day workshop here in my own studio in Port Orange, Florida.   Spaces are still available.  Check out Workshop and Classes on my blog.



Working from direct observation will not only deepen your knowledge and understanding of your subject, but also how light effects objects surfaces when creating the luminous still life, portrait, or landscape.  Developing your powers of observation will not only lead you to an improved ability to see colors, but also to see more clearly color temperature changes enabling you to create airy, luminous colors, lifting you to your next level as an artist.

Become the painter you want to be; sign up today!

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Portrait Class

This week's class and demonstration for my students was how to paint eyes.  Now folks, there are eyes and then there are eyes.  And to add to my teaching frustration, there is more than one way to approach it.  My first concern and goal for any of my students is how can I make it understandable and doable.  The day before, I decided to do a couple of charcoal drawings of faces (from photographs).  I love drawing with charcoal and this was a labor of love.  First was a young lady that I had used as a model a few years back and David took hundreds of photos.  The second is a charming young Amish boy.  I forgot to take a photo of the young lady.

Drawing with charcoal on canvas helps me have a first run of examining the features and creating accurate placement.

For my demo, I focused just on the eyes for both drawings.  First I modeled how I mix the colors and lay them out in a simplified string(s).  The more I teach, the more I learn and hopefully, my students as well.  Here are the final products of this one hour demonstration.


After class, I finished both portraits just for the practiced.  Some pointers to remember when painting eyes.
     1.  Create the socket first by massing in with dark-Trans. Oxide Red and Ultramarine Blue
     2.  Brow line will me the upper portion of the socket.
     3.  If the lid crease is visible, lay in a warm red-burnt sienna with a touch of alizarin.
     4.  I then look for where the light is hitting the brow and eye lid. 
     5.  The eye lid/lashed is laid in dark.
     6.  Working down, I create the iris which usually is connected visually to the eye lid.
     7.  The bottom of the socket is curved and created just like you would any curved surface.
     8.  The white of the eye is NOT white.  Usually a cool bluish turning warm into the corners.

These directions are overly simplified.  If interested in getting better at eyes, look to the old masters.  There are numerous high res images on the net.  Use them as a model to make fantastic eyes.



Thursday, April 4, 2013

Painting Workshop

5 Day Workshop













I am pleased to announce a 5-day workshop to be held at my studio in Port Orange, Florida, October 14-18, 2013.  Mark your calendars and make your plans now!

Port Orange is a small community just a few miles south of Daytona Beach and about 5 miles from white, sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean.  The workshop opens with a meet-and-greet Sunday evening for early arrivals. Q&A's and open discussions scheduled workshop evenings for those wanting a little more info. Lunch is provided each workshop day, with coffee and tea available anytime during the workshop hours.

The focus of the workshop is painting the still life incorporating the indirect method and techniques of the old masters.  Demonstrations and lectures will be given each morning focusing on a skill(s) needed for each day's work.  My workshop features a small group setting of no more than six students so that I can give one-on-one instruction to better meet your individual needs.  Some painting experience is required.   More information on the curriculum is forthcoming.

Please join me for this great opportunity learning to paint in the indirect method and spend time in a unique and historic area of Florida.  One evening will be spent at Cracker Creek on a wine cruise down the waters of Spruce Creek.  Check out their website here.

Lodging is available within three miles of my studio, as well as, ample motels on the beach which is approximately five miles away. The Daytona International Airport is just ten mile from the studio.   Contact me for information at artist@dbelmquist.com .


Workshop Fee:  $495
A deposit of $100 holds your place; remainder of fee due 30 days before class (Sept. 14).  See  workshop policies.


Travel and Lodging:  Workshop participants are responsible for their own travel and lodging arrangements. Port Orange is located about 10 miles south of Daytona Beach, so the Daytona airport is the closest. Lots of lodging alternatives from B&Bs to reasonably priced chain hotels are available within the greater Halifax area and just a few miles from the studio. Lodging suggestions are provided in your registration packet. Limited transportation assistance is also available upon request; call the studio or e-mail me for details.
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