Saturday, June 04, 2011

Have you always wanted to paint but don't know where to start?

Oh Deer, Look What's Become of Me!   detail
In August I am teaching one of my favorite classes Painting Imagery for Art Quilts at the Create Retreat in Lisle, Illinois, just outside Chicago.

I love to teach this class not only because I love to paint, but also because I love seeing peoples amazement when they are able to do things they never thought they could. People are hesitant to try painting, because they have this misguided notion that certain people have an "artistic gift" that they themselves do not possess, so they don't even try.

Learn to use freezer paper masks and painting backgrounds
Well I am here to tell you that is baloney, painting is a skill, consisting of various techniques that with practice you can perfect, the more you practice the more natural it will become. The reason some people are so good at painting is because they do it a lot and you need to keep in mind it's never too late to start.

Learn to paint smooth gradations
Painting on fabric is unlike painting on canvas though, with canvas the paint sits on the surface and you can push it around and manipulate it. On fabric the paint sinks in and stays, so there are different techniques you need to learn to cover large areas smoothly, avoiding blotchiness and keep the paint from bleeding.

Learn what tools and techniques to use to control the paint more effectively.
The consistency of the paint is one of the first things we talk about in class, it is such a simple thing that can make the act of painting so frustrating for people. Too thick and the paint is hard to spread on the surface evenly, too thin and it bleeds in places you don't want it to go.

Learn to paint smooth gradations, work with transparent glazes and paint fine details.
Besides learning different painting techniques for creating gradations, glazing paint to create more visual depth and painting smooth lines, you'll also learn about different types of paint, how each affects the hand of the fabric, increasing value contrast in your work to create more dynamic imagery, basting a painted surface for quilting and non traditional binding methods.

This is an information packed class geared to help you feel more confident working with paint on your next textile project.

I would love to see you at Create this August, last year was a blast.

8 comments:

  1. So when is the book coming out? :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I was just thinking that, the other day;)
    I know I need to sit down and play with paints and sketches, I am out of practice. I got some artist ink markers and they work great on fabric for small projects. I also got a new fabric medium to try. What I like about acrylics is, they are affordable and I can blend and shade with them.

    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  3. LOL Karoda, believe me you aren't the first to ask! I have a hard time translating what I see best done in person or by demonstration to the 2D static page and there is the huge amount of work involved to do a book, right now I am still trying to squeeze in time for sleep, lol.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Debbie,

    If you are going to paint on fabric I suggest you switch to textile paints. Acrylics make fabric stiff and plasticy, textile paints are basically acrylics except they are formulated to keep fabric more pliable. They may cost a little more than acrylics, but it's worth it.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Your trees are especially lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Your class sounds wonderful! I wish I could be there!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Very well said! I taught art for a few years...until the art shop I was teaching at closed its doors :-( I loved to see my student's faces when they discovered they could paint and that practice, practice, practice makes a huge difference in the end result. And yes, we are never to old to learn! I prove that everyday..LOL!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi...
    you truly inspire me! Your works make me gasp in amazement and joy.

    ReplyDelete

This is my old blog, please visit my new website at www.judycoatesperez.com

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails