WED AM - Tall Order: Level 3 with Kristen Guest

Learn how to paint on tall and skinny wood panels...AKA totems, art sticks, planks, sentinels, or columns. They're fun and easy to make!
About this Event

Step outside the rectangle and explore the creative possibilities of long, narrow formats in this mixed-media painting workshop that bridges the gap between painting and sculpture.

Using oversized “Art Sticks” as your surface, you’ll learn how to create dynamic compositions that travel vertically, build visual rhythm and movement, and make every inch of the canvas work harder.

Students will explore:

• how other artists around the world are using this unique format
• composition strategies for unconventional formats
• creating progressional rhythm and cadence in art
• color relationships
• incorporating dimensional elements to give a sculptural quality that enhances the surface
• how to use negative space, repetition, pattern, and focal points to your advantage

By the end of class, you’ll leave with at least three finished art sticks ready to hang individually or as a grouping, along with new approaches to composition, mixed media layering, and creating artwork in an unusual format.

We will talk about different ideas you can use to make your art sticks sing together:

• Story Sticks — visual narrative from bottom to top
• Garden Sticks — botanical abstraction
• Pattern Sticks — inspired by textiles and decorative arts
• Rhythm Sticks — music-inspired marks and repetition
• Coastal Sticks — atmosphere, tide lines, horizons, and water

Recommended Surfaces (purchase before class):

• 36” x 4” x 1.5” deep
• 48” x 4” x 2.5” deep
• 60” x 6” x 2.5” deep

Students are encouraged to order their preferred art sticks from Giant Canvas and bring them to class along with their usual painting and mixed media supplies. You can order other sizes as well, just keep it very tall and slender in proportion to achieve a fun affect.

A limited number of art sticks will be available for purchase from the Giant Canvas locker for students who register closer to the class start date.

Supply List for Students to Bring:

This is a studio class and students will be using their supplies on the first week.

• 3 art sticks (wood panels)
• all of your acrylic painting gear
• mark making materials
• palette knife
• palette paper
• rags or quality paper towels like Viva or Blue Shop

Class Info:

• Next session: August 5 - September 2
• Instructor: Kristen Guest
• Wednesdays, 10:30am-1:30pm
• Cost $199 (5 classes)
• Max 16 students
• Level: 3 (proficient)
• Age level: adult (18 & up)