The Figure Abstracted: Taking Inspiration from Picasso and Cubism with Mardi de Veuve Alexis

In this two-part workshop the instructor will guide each participant in the development of an abstract composition focused on the human form utilizing concepts of Cubism concentrating on shapes, patterns and angular flat surfaces by reducing objects to their essential attributes proffered by Picasso and the Cubist movement. We will work with with collage and mixed media using various techniques and materials.

Session 1 (Day 1): We will work with acrylic, ink, charcoal on large drawing paper using the principles of shape, line and patterns to create the human form in an abstract composition.

Session 1 – Part two: Each participant will create an abstract composition of the human form from the sketches. I will offer samples and instruction on developing shapes and forms in the creation of “Picasso-like” compositions. This will involve the use of color and collage elements, mark making and patterns.

Session 2: In this session, we will continue to work on participants’ original pieces from Session 1. In this session, we will integrate various mixed media techniques working with acrylic paint, cold wax & oil paint (optional), oil crayons and other mark-making tools; as well as collage elements to form a final composition (or compositions).

Participants will learn the basic expressive and intuitive techniques of mixed media collage that will guide them through the creation of a work of figurative art utilizing Cubist-inspired techniques and the compositional elements of shapes, line, layers and texture.

The Instructor will demonstrate various collage methods and textured applications:

• Exploring techniques using a variety of tools and processes (e.g., adhering miscellaneous materials, such as newspaper, fabric, burlap, used canvas and found objects.

• Participants will find inspiration from Picasso and Braque images working from sketches and/or photo references)

• Instructor will oversee and guide each participant through the overall process.

Suggested Materials:

1. PAINTING SURFACES:

12 x 14 (or larger recommended) canvas or wood panel (recommend back stapled canvas)

Heavy paper - e.g., watercolor paper (Arches 140 or 300 pound recommended)

Sketch Pad: Spiral-bound Aquabee or Canson mixed media sketchbook. This high-quality acid-free paper can be used with variety of media and can be painted on. Choose minimum size 11 x 14”

2. ACRYLIC PAINTS:

Use your own discretion as to your own needs:

I recommend Professional Grade Liquitex tubes, Nova acrylics and Golden products, including Golden fluids. Suggestions: Cadmium Yellow Light or Medium, Phthalocyanine Blue (green shade), Cadmium Orange, Phthalocyanine Green, Cadmium Red Light (warm red),Ivory Black,

Pyrrole Red (cool red, or your preference), Titanium White, Quinacridone Magenta, Ultramarine Blue.

Choose additional colors to add to your palette according to your preference: Yellow Oxide (Ochre), Quinacridone Red, Burnt Sienna, Acra Magenta, Burnt Umber, Paynes Gray, Sap Green or Green Gold, Brilliant Blue, Hookers Green, Dioxazine Purple.

3. ACRYLIC MEDIUMS:

Matte Medium

Matte gel (medium to heavy recommended)

4. BRUSHES (for acrylic application):

Choose a variety of sizes – Larger brushes are better. Minimum of 3 brushes

Suggested: #2 #3 (round), filbert #5 #6#7, flat #8 or #1; 2” inexpensive flat brush for gesso and varnish.

5. OIL PAINTS (optional):

Assorted tubes (suggest Windsor Newton or Lukas): cadmium red, cerulean blue, indigo, cadmium, yellow, cadmium orange, Naples yellow, magenta, blue green, turquoise, titanium white, ivory black, ochre. (Plus, your personal choice).

6. OIL MEDIUM (optional):

6 oz. Gamblin cold wax medium – use with oil paints. Available at Jerry’s Artarama, or Amazon

7. OTHER APPLICATION MATERIALS:

- R & F Pigment sticks – assorted colors of your choice (especially recommended are Titanium White and Ivory Black).Purchase at Jerry’s Artarama or on Amazon.

- Charcoal sticks: both vines and thick/heavy duty

8. TOOLS - Important:

Catalyst for cold wax/oil application (optional)

Recommended W-01, W-05, W-03 (available online at Jerrys Artarama

Plastic putty spatula (1 1/2-2" ok) One larger one for bigger application is also recommended. (Available at Home Depot, etc.)

Brayer (s) (2" - 3")

Palette knife (various shapes and sizes- plastic are fine)

Miscellaneous:

Scraping and mark-making tools such as old credit cards, chop sticks, 5” Squeegee

9. PALETTE:

Palette Paper in a pad or Freezer paper (comes in a roll, available at the market) is the least expensive and can be cut to size.

​10. COLLAGE MATERIALS:

Newsprint

Magazine tear outs

Burlap

Used canvas or other fabric

Old photographs

Metallic paper

String, yarn

Brown paper

Rice paper

Corrugated cardboard

Duralite

Acrylic "skins" (optional)

MISCELLANEOUS SUPPLIES:​ plastic gloves, spray bottle – (for water), water container

Baby oil – important for all oil paint cleanup

Pencils – soft; Paper Towels, Masking tape, Scissors

Host or Publisher Artists Council