Wild Birds in the Abstract w/Zoë Evamy

Description

Wild Birds in the Abstract

In this workshop we will explore the interface between gestural mark making and controlled use of structure and definition. In my wild bird paintings I aim to communicate a sense of discovery and revelation where the bird is partially hidden in the background – the figure and ground are an integral part of each other. This approach gives us plenty of scope to satisfy different moods in our creative practice; time to play v time to slow down, adding just enough definition to make a coherent visual statement and a unique artistic expression.

European Starling

Before we start: Ideation + intention – Studying the bird shape, proportions and features, hierarchy of shapes, guidelines for abstract mixed media backgrounds – eg collage, intuitive mark making, directional lines, palettes, collecting reference etc

OBJECTIVES

Day 1

• Establish figure to ground composition (subject – background)
• Draw on multiple reference photos – Pinterest library

Demo: Combining wash + impasto with spontaneity + energy

• Practice expressive painting + mark making using memory, association, imagination
• Work on multiples on paper
• Practice using big brushes, bold shapes
• Build a colour palette, establish hierarchy, play music!
• Experiment with layering

Demo: Creating a strong silhouette with craft paper, explore scale + compositions

• Block in Silhouette of bird, create authentic, recognizable shapes in broad strokes – preparation for detailed work in

Day 2

• Structure + balance – define + refine

Demo: Painting beaks, eyes and feather details

• Balance foreground to background – standing back
• Group review
• One on one guidance

Demo: Framing + Mounting

• Finishing touches

Special Instructions

Parking: day passes are available for the seniors' centre parking lot for those participating in programs over 4 hours. The SAC front desk will administer parking passes that allow you to park beyond the limit. Return them to the desk at the end of the day.

Cafeteria: There is a cafeteria in the building that should be open on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-2pm. We also welcome you to bring goodies to share if you are so inclined--no obligation. We strive to have a friendly, inclusive, and sharing environment at our workshops!

To Register

If you are a NSAG member please login prior to registering for this workshop to pay the member rate  Non-members select the non-member rate.

Note for non-members:  If you live between Deep Cove and Bowen Island, consider becoming a member for discounted rates on our workshops, monthly free demonstrations, and the opportunity to sell your work at our shows. Check us out further at https://nsartists.ca/aboutjoin

Registration Confirmation

Payment confirms your registration and participation in the workshop. If you do not receive an email confirmation within an hour of paying please check your junk mail/spam folder, and if you do not see a confirmation email contact the guild immediately at contact@nsartists.ca.

 Cancellation Policy

 If you are unable to attend a workshop, refunds are not issued, but you may find another person to take your place. 

If the workshop is full and there is a willing replacement on the waitlist, you can cancel through Kolina Logan (kolinalogan@shaw.ca) in which case a refund will be issued.  

No refunds will be issued within 24 hours of the workshop start time.  NSAG reserves the right to cancel the course.

Registration Details

https://nsartists.ca/courses/view/id/2539

Fee: $240 (members); $300.00 (non-members)

Suppy List

• Gather 2 or 3 reference photos for the European Starling, find a nice distinct pose, a close up of feather details, beak, eyes etc and one for colour inspiration.
• Cheap sketching paper or sketchbook + pencil
• Paper - mixed media 14x18 (includes room for cropping)
• Brushes - Ranging from hair,  bristles + synthetic, sizes from 1" Flat and/or tapered oval to size 5 Princeton  (see photo) 
• Mark making implements - whatever you have + like to use (see photo for my preferences)  
• Yoghurt pot for water
• Small scissors
• Roll of Paper towel
• A cover to protect the table
• Optional: an easel or a desktop easel
• Birch panel 11x14 - optional for mounting, or you can matte + frame the piece later

Paint

• Golden or Liquitex Fluid acrylic or soft bodied acrylic.

We will need the equivalent of the following colours:

• Pthalo Turquoise/ cerulean blue deep Quinacridone
• Magenta
• Pyrrole Red Light/ Cadmium Red Light / Scarlet Lake
• Dioxazine purple
• Viridian Green
• Green gold
• Hansa Yellow
• Titanium white
• Posca bullet tip acrylic marker - white, ivory or yellow - 1.8-2.5 mil
• Stabilo Stubby water soluble pencils - black, dark blue or purple
• Your choice of acrylic medium for thinning + glazing ie Golden, Liquitex or Kroma in your choice of finish - matte, satin or gloss
• Paper palette