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Practical Perspective (Online)
with Kate Samworth
Thursdays, 3 – 5 p.m.
Understanding the principles of one- and two-point perspective is essential to drawing and painting convincing forms in space. Master the fundamentals of this geometric system that was developed during the Renaissance and is used to this day. Instruction will break down sometimes-intimidating principles into basic concepts to provide practical methods for creating interior spaces, landscapes, and cityscapes, including elements of repeated patterns, arches, stairways, and more. Limited class size will allow time for one-on-one assistance. Great for illustrators and artists of any media requiring a strong drawing framework.
Image: John Notman, Sketch of the Interior of the North Gallery, Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia, n.d. Ink and wash on paper, 7 1/16 x 9 1/2 in. Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia, Gift of Charles Coleman Sellers, 1973.26.2
Register by: January 6
Alla Prima Landscape Painting (Online)
with Al Gury
Sundays, 3 - 4 p.m.
Al Gury, Chair of PAFA’s Painting Department and noted author of Color for Painters: A Guide to Traditions and Practice, presents this in-depth approach to the skills, materials, colors, history, and techniques of direct landscape painting. Working from photographs, masterworks, or available on-site images, learn concepts that will not only improve your landscape painting but also grow your confidence in your artistic practice. Video demonstrations, images, and written instructions on Canvas will be supplemented by critiques and weekly Zoom discussions. Oil painting will be the primary focus, but all media are welcome.
This course does not meet during Spring Break, March 6 – 12.
NOTE: This course is available for 1.0 undergraduate credit for $575.
Register by: January 6
CE Policy Guide Winter/Spring 2023
Image: Al Gury.
Color for Painters (Online)
with Al Gury
Sundays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
An in-depth approach to understanding and mixing color for oil painting from the Chair of PAFA’s Painting Department and noted author of Color for Painters: A Guide to Traditions and Practice. Explore history, palettes, mixing and application for still life, portrait, interior spaces and landscape through a series of studio paintings. Includes videos, lectures and assignments with regular instructor feedback, and weekly Zoom meetings.
Learning Objectives
- Students will gain an understanding of the history and evolution of color in painting
- Students will gain an understanding of theoretical and critical approaches to color
- Students will gain an understanding of the practical applications of color mixing, gradations, temperature and palettes
- Students will learn color application through studio projects using the major aesthetics of color
- Students will learn to understand the use of color in a variety of masterworks
This course does not meet during Spring Break, March 6 – 12.
NOTE: This course is available for 1.0 undergraduate credit for $575.
Register by: January 6
CE Policy Guide Winter/Spring 2023
Image: Al Gury.
In-Depth Design for Contemporary Artists (Online)
with Charles Muldowney
Tuesdays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
This course is a continuation of Classical Design for Contemporary Artists but open to any artist seeking a deep dive into the design principles! Strengthen your work through a thorough working knowledge of the elements of composition, color, line, light, value, space, perspective, balance, contrast, proportion, movement, gesture, emphasis, harmony, rhythm, pattern and texture. Instruction will include presentations on the historical and contemporary use of these design principles. Explore the applications of these principles through in-class projects, weekly assignments, and critiques.
Learning Objectives:
- Students will gain the ability to recognize and define the elements of design.
- Students will become familiar with important art historical figures and their influence on design.
- Students will experiment with a variety of techniques and materials to understand how their application influences design.
- Students will develop and discuss concepts and image development in the form of structured critique.
- Students will gain confidence in interesting and informed applications of design concepts within their own artwork.
Register by: January 13
CE Policy Guide Winter/Spring 2023
Image: Charles Muldowney, The Diagonal in the Golden Section.
The Pennsylvania Landscape Tradition (Online)
with Joseph Sweeney
Tuesdays, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Keep your plein air skills warm during the colder months by joining Joe Sweeney, online inside his studio, to hone your landscape painting practice indoors! Work from instructor-provided reference photographs of the New Hope countryside, the area made famous by Daniel Garber, Edward Redfield, Fern Coppedge, and other masters of Pennsylvania Impressionism. Topics will include creating a strong composition, identifying what to leave in and what to leave out, color mixing, capturing the effects of light, painting techniques, and learning how to use photographs effectively to prepare for or supplement outdoor work. Instruction is geared toward oil/acrylic painting, but experienced watercolorists are welcome. Ideal for all levels, including beginning painters.
Optional: This course is available for 1.0 undergraduate credit for $575. Select credit option when registering.
Image: Joseph Sweeney, Farm on New Road, Pastel.
Register by: January 13
CE Policy Guide Winter/Spring 2023
Zoom Technical Requirements - SUBMISSION REQUIRED AT TIME OF REGISTRATION
The Painter's Palate: Food Painting in Oil and Acrylic (Online)
with Susan Sullivan
Tuesdays, 6 – 8 p.m.
Whet your appetite for painting by whipping up small food studies in oil or acrylic! Transform garden bounty, bakery confections, or lunchtime leftovers into masterpieces worthy of hanging in a kitchen or gallery. Alla prima still life painting is an excellent way to hone your color mixing and paint handling skills, and food is the perfect subject to capture form, light, color, and texture rapidly and expressively. Discussion and demonstration will cover tactics for setting up your composition, mixing color, and exploring paint application techniques for oil and acrylic; conversation is free to include food memories, recipes, and recommendations. Examine food paintings from historical and contemporary artists for inspiration and admiration. Combine palette and palate to create compositional concoctions that are personal, whimsical, or visually delectable. Instruction is geared toward oil or acrylic painting, but students may work in their drawing/painting media of choice. All levels are welcome.
Image: Allison Syvertsen, Ruins (detail), 2021, oil on paper mounted on panel, 8 x 8 in.
Register by: January 24
Mastering Acrylics (Online)
with Frederic Kaplan
Wednesdays, 10 – 11:30 am
Master the fundamental materials and techniques of acrylic painting in just six weeks! Through a combination of online videos, illustrated lessons, and live Zoom sessions, learn to paint in the alla prima style, apply paint both opaquely and transparently, blend color and value, and employ various layering techniques. Color mixing and theory are also addressed, and a rich resource of information about the wide array of acrylic painting materials is provided. This course is appropriate for students at all levels, including beginners, but drawing experience is recommended. Weekly Zoom meetings will supplement asynchronous instruction.
NOTE: This condensed course is available for 1.0 undergraduate credit for $575
Register by: January 13
CE Policy Guide Winter/Spring 2023
Image: Frederic Kaplan
Painting Over the Line (Online)
with Kassem Amoudi
Wednesdays, 1 – 4 p.m.
Take your work to the next level under the guidance of artist/critic/mentor Kassem Amoudi in this live Zoom class. Expert instruction and advice will push you to explore new possibilities and work more intuitively, allowing unplanned marks and passages to become artistic breakthroughs. Paint from personal subject matter to find your own visual language, informed by examples from contemporary and modern art. Painting experience recommended. Kassem will begin each class with a slide presentation/lecture focusing on how master artists through history have addressed color, harmony, focal points, space, mark making, paint application, and more, and how to apply these concepts to your own work.
Image: Kassem Amoudi
Register by: January 13