Geologic Abstracts
Date: July 19, 20, 21
Total Workshop Time: 18 Hours
Medium: Mixed Media Acrylic
Skill Level: All Levels
Min Students: 6
Max Students: 18
Instructor:
Carol Nelson
Overview:
This workshop will show you, step by step, how Carol creates her popular geologic abstract paintings. Living in Colorado, Carol is inspired by the beauty of the Rocky Mountains, particularly the endless variety of rock formations.
Composition of your geologic abstract could be taken from rocky canyon photos taken in the mountains, but these are hard to break down into workable patterns. An easier way to get a great design for your rock formations is to LOOK DOWN! Carol realized that photos of sidewalk cracks make great patterns for artists. Print out some crack patterns and bring them to class, or use the ones Carol will provide.
Techniques:
These abstracts are very textural. You will learn how to prepare Tyvek and make interesting medallions using air dry clay. You will discover inexpensive substitutes for pricey modeling compounds from art stores.
Student Supply List:
Wood panel(s)
8x8, 8x10, 10x10, 9x12 ONLY. We will work on 9x11 paper and then mount it on our panel, so larger size panels will not fit. If you are a fast worker, bring 2 or 3 panels. If not, 1 or 2.
(Carol likes DaVinci birchwood panels from online retailers like Blick or Jerry’s Artarama and even Temu.)
Your favorite acrylic paints
Golden FLUID acrylics are Carol’s favorite and work very well with this type of painting. Heavy body acrylics ARE NOT recommended.
Golden fluid acrylics - the 1 oz size will be enough. Carol’s “must have” colors are:
Quinacridone Nickel Azo Gold
Quinacridone Magenta
Turquoise (Phthalo)
Titanium White
Carbon Black
Other colors are optional. Since Nickel Azo Gold is in short supply, Golden suggests a mixture of Transparent Red Oxide and Nickel Azo Yellow.
Brushes suitable for acrylics
3/4” flat synthetic brush
#6 round
a small detail brush that can hold a nice point.
Gel medium, regular
(for adhering our paper to the panel)
Gloss or matte medium – final finishing coat
Pencil
Ruler
Eraser
(a good one because you’ll need it)
1” palette knife
Spray water bottle
Paper towels
Scissors
Spray alcohol bottle
Brayer
Water container
Palette
Plus:
KIT FEE: $10 (to be paid to the instructor by cash or check at time of class) Includes use of materials listed below provided by instructor.
Supplies Provided by Instructor:
Alex Flex, Tyvek, Air dry clay, Pre-Mixed Stucco Patch, YES paste, crackle paste, granular gel, pebbles, shells, 98 lb mixed media paper, crack patterns, etc.