What is gouache?
Gouache can be defined
in two ways, as a medium or as a technique. Gouache as a medium
is basically an opaque watercolor paint. The technique of gouache
painting is just applying watercolor paint thickly. In my workshops
we will use watercolor paint to make gouache paintings. Or if
a person wants to try gouache they are welcome to have a go.
I do not see much difference between the two paints. I use watercolors
most of the time because I can get transparent effects and there
is a larger range of colors.
Can I use Acrylics?
Acrylics would be
fine. I use them sometimes myself. They work about the same as
Watercolor except you can go over an area even more times than
with Watercolor. This can be an advantage, unless a person keeps
going over more and more times. With Watercolor you can redo
a limited number of times so I think you get a spontaneous look.
I have had people use oils, but you cannot layer color in the
same way. When I use acrylics I find the Masterson Stay Wet Pattette
useful.
Don't bring oils
Not a good idea,
most of the the ways that I work don't apply to oil paint. I
do work in oils sometimes but not in workshops. Also I am always
affraid that another workshopper will have an allergy to oils.
Why this palette
of colors?
Hansa yellow light,
cadmium yellow light, cadmium red light, quinacridone red rose
deep, ultramarine blue, phthlo blue, yellow ochre, burnt sienna
and white.
With this set of
colors I can get any color. I have two yellows, two reds, two
blues. One warm yellow and one cool, and the same with red and
blue. I use the earth colors as additions to the primary colors,but
they are not absolutely needed.
Why work on paper?
Paper is great to
work on, I like the feel and texture and since it is not too
expensive a person can take more chances. It stores more easily
than canvas, the problem is it does not look finished until it
is matted and framed. So together we will matte and frame one
of your paintings the last day of the week. This is included
in the workshop price.
Gallery Show
Friday night we will
have a farewell show at our gallery in Taos with your framed
piece. This is the final step in making a painting. If you want
to be in the show you must frame your own piece. I will supply
the materials. It will be a good learning project to do the framing
yourself.
Paintings from March
Still-Life Workshop.
left to right: Georgia Page, Eve Best, Susan Buchanan, Neatha
Stynes, and Carol Heitz.
The workshops are
open to all levels.
If you are a complete
beginner you can purchase the set I have put together, this will
give you a start in the right direction.
material set
Can I bring a friend,
wife or husband to the workshop?
Companions are welcome at the
Sunday night get together and at the opening Friday night. During
the workshop you will be too busy and at night you may be too
tired to do anything but sleep. Maybe better to have a companion
come after the workshop when you will have more time to enjoy
Taos.
Where to stay in
Taos?
We can recommend
these wonderful accommodations, and they will give you a deal
if you mention that you are taking a workshop.
American Artists Bed and Breakfast
A great Taos Bed
and Breakfast.
Casa de Los Abuelas
Great for a couple
or two people, in the center of Taos, and $750. for the week
( half price ) for workshoppers.
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