Southern Vermont Arts Center
2021 Class Description:

PAINT THE BEAUTIFUL GRACE OF THE VERMONT BIRCH TREES
June 18 & 19, 2021
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Class will cover the basic principles of oil painting with regard to landscape painting. Painting out-of-doors, en plein-air will be a major focus of the study after the basics are covered. Whether just starting out or a seasoned painter, sound principles are a key foundation. Discussions and lectures on composition, massing, building form, light and shadow, developing atmospheric distance and depending on your own style, knowing when a work is finished (learning how to not overwork your painting). Students will work in their own style/technique so that the finished work is their own. Douglas will overview his palette and concepts his work entails.

Students will mix paints and learn to mix basic strings of color to help comprehend the preparation/set up to prepare to paint out-of-doors. Students will work on studies and the emphasis will be on capturing the time of day, atmosphere and geographical elements in a quick concise way based on the covered principles. We will meet at SVAC and overview Classic Principles of Painting and then set up our palette. Then we will head to the Bickford’s Birch Grove and start our paintings.

The second day we will return to our Birch Grove and work on various compositions and times of day to get a series of Vermont Birch Tree Paintings.

Depending on the skill level of each student, students are able to grow and develop at a rate that is to their comfort. Demos and individual discussions/instruction will help each student to begin to reach the preliminary goals they are striving to meet. Douglas will be able to assist students with mixing and will review individual students a few times during each session or set up. Plan to produce several studies and at least one or two larger more finished paintings, depending on skill level. Plan to bring notebook/sketchbook and enjoy some demos along with some great stories to help you remember these principles that are the foundation of Douglas’ teaching. Douglas will provide photos to paint from and we will have a studio to return to in case of weather related issues. Brown bag lunch is the best way to keep the momentum and flow going.

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:
(these are not absolute, just my way of getting to a good result)
French easel, or easel you like to use
liquin
mineral spirits
Mandatory: 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, Sap Green, Prussian Green, Burnt Sienna, Yellow Ochre, Unbleached Titanium, “Permalba” White
Optional: oils- Greenish Umber Mixture, Sap Green Cad. Orange, Cad. Red Medium, Cad. Yellow Light, Ivory Black, “Holbein” Ivory White, Optional- Jauane Brilliant No 1,2,3 and or 4.
Paper Towels
Backpack (or some form of a way to carry paint and supplies)
disposable palette pad
palette knife
brushes- filberts- #2,4,6
optional 8 or 10 rounds- in above sizes if you prefer round over filberts and rounds- in really small like #0,1,2 for a little detail
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 3-4 5"x7" for studies
3-4 8"x10" for studies
2-4 10"x20" or 12"x16" or 16"x20" (or whatever size desired for larger painting)
Rubber gloves
And anything else student needs to help them paint well and feel comfortable.

Please prime all canvas with a thin coat of thinned down Cad Red light and white to make a pink or light red tone on canvas (acrylic is fine to tone canvas).

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.

Douglas also will offer a “BASIC PAINT KIT” (while supplies last) 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. $150. Please reserve kits when making class registration.

Class Tentative Outline

Day 1
1st hour: Meet at SVAC for Welcome / Overview of Class.
2nd hour: Drive to Bickford’s Birch Grove and set up to paint.
3rd hour: Paint on location.
Lunch: Brown bag lunch.
Afternoon: On location. At your own pace, paint some quick studies based on demonstration.

Day 2
Morning: Meet at location from first day and plan to paint off and on through the day.
Lunch: Brown bag lunch.
Afternoon: On location.

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