Boonah studio classes

Regular Studio Classes in Boonah:

My studio classes are run from my studio in Boonah. My work could be described as representational and realistic, and that is what I will teach you. I usually draw using graphite and charcoal, and I paint in oils and occasionally watercolours, which are the mediums with which I teach.

What I will teach you:

I teach my students how to draw accurately, which I believe is the basis of all good representational painting. As a student your first few sessions will be spent exploring how to measure, and how to draw using tone, form, and One and Two point perspective. Later sessions move on to colour mixing, composition, and the technicalities of oil painting. As you progress with your work you will find yourself drawing from the cast and a variety of objects of your choosing. Don’t forget, there is a lot of landscape out there too.

The sessions are themed and are tailored to your unique needs and ability. Your drawings will be completed in graphite and charcoal, and paintings will usually be completed in oils. Check below for a list of the materials you will need to bring with you.

Weeks 1-5

Learn how to draw. You will learn how to observe and measure from still-life objects, to understand the importance of tone and form in your drawing, and how to deal with 1 and 2 point perspective. Your materials will be provided for you for this block of classes. Cost $300.00 for five classes.

During weeks 6-10

you will learn how to use oil paints safely using Titanium White and Raw Umber. You will learn how to mix paint and maintain your brushes and other equipment as you prepare to learn how to paint in colour. You will need to provide the materials listed below for this block of five classes. Cost $300.00 for five classes.

Weeks 10-15

Learn how to compose a group of still life objects, mix and apply colours to match the ones you see. You will need to provide the materials listed below for this block of five classes. Cost $300.00 for five classes

Week16 and beyond

Expand upon the real skills that you have learned over the previous weeks. Working at your own pace you might practice your drawing skills by drawing from the plastercast. Work from reference and from your imagination. Practice your painting skills from your own still life compositions. Learn fundamental anatomy, The choice -with as much guidance as you require, is yours. You will need to provide the materials listed below for these classes. Cost $60.00 per class ongoing.

Materials list - Studio

Paints

For your first few paintings you will be using titanium white and raw umber only. You needn’t purchase any other colours until you have completed a few ‘Grisaille’ paintings.

You will then need the following colours: Titanium White*, Cadmium Yellow, Cadmium Red, Alizarin Crimson*, Burnt Sienna*, French Ultramarine*, Raw Umber*, Ivory Black*. Avoid buying ‘Hues’ of any colour. For example, they are cheaper than the cadmium colours, but a very poor and weak substitute.

Langridge, Michael Harding, Gamblin or Winsor and Newton* are brands that I would suggest you purchase. Where marked with an asterisk*, Winton - a student quality paint- is a good and cheaper substitute.

Brushes

A selection of round and filbert bristle brushes. Mont Martre brushes or other brands of a similar quality are acceptable for a beginner. For more advanced students Rosemary and Neef make excellent brushes

Other materials

You will also need a cheap wooden palette, ($5-10 from Artshed in West End), rags and paper towels, a palette knife (Art Spectrum No.2 is ideal). An A3 (40x30) canvas board and gesso, A jam jar with a lid, gloves if required, 500ml Odourless solvent - relatively expensive, but unavoidable in a shared studio.

Equipment hire

A complete set of oil paints, brushes, and all of the other materials you will need for your class is available for hire at $25.00 per session if you wish to ‘Try before you buy’.

Safety considerations

My studio is an enclosed environment. Some materials used in the studio can be harmful to yourself and others if used improperly. For the health, safety, and comfort of yourself and others the only solvent that I allow the use of is odourless solvent.

All types of paint use fundamentally the same pigments. Some of these pigments are poisonous and should be handled with care. Use gloves if you are concerned about contact with solvents or paints.

If you have any concerns about your ongoing contact with the materials commonly used in an Art Studio it would be worth your while making a firm decision about your using them. These materials will continue to be used in my studio because there are no suitable alternatives available.