Brushstrokes of the Prairies Workshop

This workshop is open to people in the beginner to intermediate level, with some knowledge and familiarity with the acrylic medium. Students will draw inspiration from some of Saskatchewan's most endearing and iconic painters, including Dorothy Knowles, Rita Cowley, Wynona Mulcaster, Allen Sapp, and Ernest Lindner. We will start the day with discussions and exercises that work upon principles explored by all of these artists, such as compositional clarity, expressive brushstroke, and colour harmony. In the second half of the workshop, students will create a painting that responds to one or more of these artists' styles, but through their own unique lens. You can expect a day of learning and stepping out of your comfort zone in a highly supportive creative environment, where individual expression is strongly encouraged. 

Course Fee: $140 (supplies not included)

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Syllabus

• Thumbnail compositions 
• Value mapping to build compositional structure and form. 
• Brushstrokes and applying layers 
• Colour mixing and harmony 
• Revising for clarity and individual expression 

Supplies

• Acrylic Heavy body paint. Recommended Brands: Golden; Holbein; Tri-Art 

•  Recommended Pigments: 

  • Titanium White; Ultramarine Blue; Cobalt Blue; Primary Cyan; Cadmium Red Medium; Alizarin Crimson; Cadmium Yellow Light; Cadmium Yellow Medium; Yellow Ochre; Burnt Sienna, Raw Umber 

• Acrylic Brushes: square, round, fan, and flat angle in assorted sizes. Also, one larger square brush (1.5-inch width)

• Acrylic gel medium: small container of regular or soft gel

• 3 palette knives, either plastic or metal, I recommend finding different sizes of the trowel (diamond shaped) blade 

• Wet palette (12" x 16") You may buy one from a store or I will also teach you how to make your own wet palette. For this you will need a regular tray palette, paper towel, parchment paper, and bulldog clips 

• Cotton rags 

• Masking Tape 

• Supports: Pad of 9x12 or 11x14 Bristol board (vellum). You may use canvas or board if you prefer.

For a brief list of frequently used suppliers, please see Where can I purchase supplies? on our FAQ page.