New Class Session This Week

Sketch on gray Pastelmat, charcoal, white and sienna pastels

Class 1— Mar. 17 – Rocks Under Water

Find a photo that shows rocks under the water, including large and small, wet and dry rocks. It’s nice if it also has some shadows caused by interesting light, and features some reflections on the water to indicate its movement, if possible.

In this class, which launches our next eight week session, we'll take a nice, long look at some of the special characteristics of rocks under and out of the water. I don't want you to think of it as a painting of a stream, or even as a painting of rocks, but as a study of the habits of light and shadow, value and color,  texture and detail, that creates the illusion of wet and dry rocks.

Find a photo something like these (found in the  WetCanvasReference Image Library The images posted below are free for you to use, per the agreement at  WC RIL.)

by tonyjazz

by Stalksthedawn

by Kathryn Wilson

by a friend

In this class we'll begin with a drawing demo, to explore how a simple pencil sketch can express the needed elements. Print out your photo and bring it along so that you can examine the details. Bring a sketch pad and pencils, or whatever you would like to use for the drawing. 

In addition, I'll also demonstrate a study painting on Pastelmat (available for sale in class by the sheet) using PanPastels, charcoal and two or three stick pastels, much like you see at the top of the blog today. I'd like this to remain a good study, rather than trying to complete it as a painting, and may use several photographs for various sketches to show you how to approach this study and teach the rules about rocks and water.

Oh, and if you want to join our class this week, we're in the same place as always, at Paradise Methodist church on the west side of Albuquerque. We meet at 11:00 to set up and the demo starts at 11:30. Class goes until 2:30. The cost is only $25.00 per class.

See you  on Thursday!

Deborah