Richmond Art Museum
2015 Class Workshop Description:

BASICS OF PAINTING
Getting you comfortable . . .
October 7-9, 2015
10am - 4pm

This really fun and informative workshop will cover the basic principles of oil painting and get you painting simple and easy to understand objects in a short time. The idea of this workshop is to get you comfortable with the process of painting. The class includes interesting and memorable discussions on all the basic elements of painting including, composition, massing, building form, light and shadow: and depending on your own style, knowing when a work is finished (learning how to not overwork your painting). Douglas really delivers sound principles of painting that are an incredible foundation for your painting, and whether a beginner or a person who has never ever picked up a brush, it will make sense.

After the brief morning intro, a very hands-on approach to the class, gets students organized and preparing to paint. Students will learn how to set up their palette with the basic colors and understand why this is helpful. Douglas will overview his palette and concepts that his work entails and do a subsequent demonstration painting throughout the next few days for each subject that the class paints. Sometimes the demo is a step by step and sometimes the demo is done first and remains as an example you can follow and reference. There is nothing to be afraid of or self conscious of and Douglas will get you through all the tricky parts and you will have fun.

Students will work in their own style/technique so that the finished work is their own. Students will paint simple still lifes which include apples, watermelon, eggs and really common fun things. You will also paint from a photo so you get the idea of what painting “en plein air/out of doors” is like. Depending on the skill level of each student, students are able to grow and develop at a rate that is to their comfort. Plan to produce a few small paintings and possibly one larger painting. Plan to bring notebook/sketchbook and enjoy all the demos along with some great stories to help you remember these principles that are the foundation of Douglas’ teaching.

Douglas’ Biography

Douglas David has painted his way across the country, capturing the beauty and spirit of the things he loves - tranquil country landscapes, sunrises and sunsets on his favorite beaches, a simple pitcher of spring lilacs or peonies, a lemon, lime or a slice of watermelon on a checked tablecloth. Paintings that reflect comfort, warmth meaning and simplicity: similar to everything important to him - his close knit family, life-long friendships, creatively fulfilling work and giving his best. A recipient of numerous regional and national awards and honors, Douglas’ teaching is a way of giving back and sharing some of his journey with those who choose to study with him. For more detailed information, visit www.douglasdavid.com.

Class supply list:
Douglas will offer “BASIC PAINT KIT” which includes all the basic oils, brushes, palette knife, palette and canvas panels and medium for those who do not want to buy these supplies individually. You would need to bring some paper towels and rubber gloves. Call the venue for pricing of this kit.
Or you can bring these supplies...
(these are not absolute, just my way of getting to a good result)
liquin
mineral spirits

Oils - Utrecht (or your favorite brand) Cad. Red Light, Aliz Crim., Phthalo Blue, Phthalo Green, Ultram. Blue, Ultram. Violet, Lemon Yellow, Yellow Green, Green Earth Hue, Prussian Green, Yellow Ochre, Cad. Orange, Cad. Red Medium, Cad. Yellow Light, Ivory Black, “Permalba” White
OPTIONAL Oils - Greenish Umber Mixture, Sap Green Burnt Sienna, Jaune Brilliant No 1,2,3 and or 4. Holbein Ivory White, Cad Red Dark

Paper Towels
disposable palette pad
palette knife
brushes- filberts- #2,4,6 maybe 8 or 10
rounds- in above sizes if you prefer round over filberts.
rounds- in really small like #0,1,2
a few throw away bristle brushes from hardware store in 1" and 2-2.5" sizes
a 1-2" foam brush from hardware store
Canvases- Quantity: 2-3 5"X7", 2-3 8"X10", 1-2 10"X20" or 12"X16" or 16"X20" (or whatever size desired for larger painting)
And anything else student needs to help them paint well and feel comfortable.

Douglas has a “suitcase of supplies” he brings along, it includes some recommended books, and some supplies in case a few students need a few items that are forgotten.

Class/Tentative Outline:

Day 1 “Simple steps”
1st hour: Welcome/Overview of Class & Terms
2nd hour: Review Supplies and how to set up and get organized to paint, setting up the palette, and how to get started
Lunch: Brown bag or run to market close by to pick up a sandwich
Entire Afternoon: Paint in studio

Day 2 “Review terms”
1st hour: Overview/Review Specifics
All of second day: Paint in studio at your own pace on set ups Douglas arranges for you
Lunch: Brown bag or run to market close by to pick up a sandwich

Day 3 “Putting it all together”
1st hour: Overview/Review Specifics
Most of third day: Paint in studio at your own pace on set ups Douglas arranges for you
Lunch: Brown bag or run to market close by to pick up a sandwich
Last hour and half: Select and display various paintings accomplished / a small class show with discussions and summary by Douglas ends workshop on a very high note.

Site Map