Vero Beach Museum of Art / Museum Art School
2022 Class Workshop Description:

PAINTING FLORIDA WADING BIRDS
February 4-6, 2022
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Brand new Workshop! This exciting and fun class will cover the basic principles of oil painting specifically with regard to painting Florida wading birds. After the basics are covered, we will start by painting some single birds, then some groups, birds standing, and birds in flight throughout the next couple of days. Great profiles of these very beautiful birds, their reflections and light and shadow, are all some of the things that we will study and paint. For those who have studied with Douglas before, this overview of principles is always a good review, and no matter what the subject, these principles are key, and new discussions and tips are added each season. Each day’s demo will include simple discussions on composition, massing, building form, light and shadow, near and far, capturing and 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.

After a brief morning intro and adequate time to mix and set up the palette, Douglas will demo a simple mangrove and let the class follow along. Much time will be allowed for individual discussion and review in a systematic rotation.

Various wading birds will be painted over the 3 day workshop and some incredible paintings will be accomplished. 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. Plan to produce several paintings. 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’ 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)
liquin
mineral spirits
Oils - Utrecht (order from Dick Blick) Cad. Red Light, Aliz Crim., Phthalo Blue, Phthalo Green, Ultram. Blue, Ultram. Violet, Lemon Yellow, Yellow Green, Green Earth Hue, Sap Green, Prussian Green, Yellow Ochre, Ivory Black, large tube of “Permalba” White
OPTIONAL Oils - Greenish Umber Mixture, Burnt Sienna, Jaune Brilliant No 2. Holbein Ivory White, Cad Medium and 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, or 2- to be able to put in some detail and sign
a few throw away bristle brushes from hardware store in 1" and 2-2.5" sizes
Canvases - Quantity: 1-2 5"x7", 1-2 8"x10", 1-2 10"x20", 12"x12" or 12"x16" or 16"x20" or 15"x30" (or whatever size desired for larger painting- returning students, be fearless, go larger!)
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. Price approximately $150., while supplies last. Please reserve your kit when registering.

Class Tentative Outline

Day 1
1st hour: Welcome/Overview of Class.
2nd hour: Discuss principles with demos to explain ideas and concepts.
3rd hour: Mix Palette (Strings of color/organize your palette).
Lunch: Brown bag or lunch at the cafe.
Afternoon: Demo in classroom.

Day 2
Morning: Demo in classroom.
Lunch: Brown bag or lunch at the cafe.
Afternoon: Paint in studio.
Last hour: Group work from past 2 days and positive constructive critique with the focus on future and how to apply materials learned in workshop.

Day 3 1st hour: Overview/Review Specifics.
Morning: In studio.
Lunch: Brown bag as the cafe is not open on Sunday.
Afternoon: In studio.
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.

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