Use Color to Conjure Mood One-Day Workshop

Wednesday, August 20th from 10AM-5PM. Part of the Plein Air Art Festival.

Learn how to utilize color harmonies to create mood in your plein air paintings with artist Catherine Bickford.

Mystery is one of the most important aspects of any painting and color is often the easiest way to create it. Color can translate your areas of interest to the viewer directly. It is common to make the mistake of painting right over the best color compositions in an effort to "finish" the painting. In this class we will slow down, stay loose, and use color with intention and to create dramatic results.

Color mixing is an enjoyable process and a skill that requires practice. In this class we will learn how to use six basic colors (Cadmium Red, Quinacidrone Magenta, Cadmium Yellow Medium, Cadmium Yellow Light, Phthalo Blue, Ultramarine Blue and Titanium White) to create almost any color.

The focus will be on learning complementary and harmonious color schemes. Mystery is the most important aspect of any painting and color is often the easiest waya to create it. Color can translate your areas of interest to the viewer directly and we often paint right over the best color compositions. In this class we will slow down and use color with more intention and to more dramatic result.

Please bring your materials, as well as your easel set up for painting outside. If you do not have the materials listed below, just bring what you have. If you prefer to work with oil, that is fine, too. I personally work with an acrylic ground and oil on top.

Meet at Artascope Studios in Yarmouth at 9:45AM

There will be a lunch break from 1pm-2pm. You can bring your own lunch or check out one of the local restaurants in Yarmouth.

Heavy Body Acrylic Paint Tubes ("Basics" Brand by Liquitex)

Titanium White

Ultramarine Blue

Cadmium Yellow Medium

Cadmium Red Medium

Cadmium Yellow Light

Quinacridone Magenta

Phthalocyanine “Phthalo” Blue

You will need a medium to large jar of Acrylic Paint Medium in a Matte Finish

Gray Scale & Value Finder (The Color Wheel Company)

Color Wheel

Paper Towels

Canvases 9 x 12 or larger is the best for this class.

Vine Charcoal for drawing on canvas. It’s VERY important that you purchase VINE CHARCOAL, it’s softer and easier to erase than regular charcoal.

Metal Palette knife

Strathmore Palette Paper Pad to mix paint on 12"x16” (Big size is better for color mixing)

Brushes (2 or 3 of each size)

Flat Brush 1/2" or larger (for Acrylic Paint)

Bright 1/2" or larger (for Acrylic Paint)

Flat Brush 1/4" (for Acrylic Paint)

Small Round Size 4 or Smaller (for Acrylic Paint)

Here are a few physical stores in our area (Ask for Student Discount 10% off):

Artist & Craftsmen: 540 Deering Avenue, Ptld, ME

Art Mart: 517 Congress Street, Portland, ME

Michaels: 490 Payne Road, Scarborough, ME

Online Stores include:

Dick Blick www.dickblick.com

Cheap Joes www.cheapjoes.com

About the instructor: Catherine Bickford

Host or Publisher Artascope Studios