Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Old Master Painting Design

I've been reviewing materials lists and stocking up as needed for the upcoming workshops. The first week is "Old Master Painting Design" and I really couldn't be more excited!

Quoting from the workshops descriptions:
"The old masters were masters of design. Despite their preference for realistic subject matter, their paintings are full of abstract visual principles. In this workshop, through study and discussion of paintings old and new, students will learn to recognize and incorporate within their own work over a dozen vital visual elements that are essential to good painting. Practical experience is gained through a score of hands-on exercises. A photography session will show you how to create visually strong reference photographs that already look like beautifully designed paintings. Students also are encouraged to bring work of their own for discussion and critique."
We are also requested to select images of paintings that we are attracted to. I am collecting a few from the web, mainly in the area of Dutch paintings. Soon to arrive is Dutch Painting, 1600-1800 by Prof. Seymour Slive. I've been especially fond of the work of Gerrit Dou. Depending on how well he is represented, I may spring for a copy of exclusively his work. Also needed is a trip to the MFA for viewing, inspiration, and possibly shopping for images in that wonderful book shop/gift store.

Gerrit Dou
from artnet.com
Mention in the workshop description is also made of sacred geometry. I naively assumed that to be Golden Ratio. Well, it is, but surely a whole lot more. A quick Google has brought up many intriguing references! More on all this soon.

2 comments:

  1. It sounds like you will really be in your element in this class; I have a feeling that this whole workshop experience will be life changing in many ways. To be totally immersed in your art and at the same time be surrounded by so many like minds and new friends will create an energy that you will feed off of for a long time to come; if you are lucky, it will last you the rest of your life. I am so happy for you!
    I have always loved this painting of the little dog; I haven't seen it in awhile and smiled when I saw it here in your post; thanks for including it.
    ~ gretchen

    ReplyDelete
  2. Gretchen, I think you are so right, and so very well said. Thank you.

    Isn't that a great painting? Amazing all the colors that are not there. Hmm... now just what was his palette?

    ReplyDelete