Figurative Painting: Creating Symbols and Narrative

In this introductory-level painting workshop for teens, students learn to approach painting through a variety of lenses from observational to stylized, and embark upon many exercises relating to color, line, and form. Students begin by focusing on painting from observation and learning to record what they see, then explore abstraction, pattern, and developing color fields. We take inspiration from paintings throughout history and gain a knowledge of historical works, as well as taking a look at contemporary imagery. Teens come away with a portfolio of paintings to continue to build upon in the future.

Create a dynamic sense of wall power by pushing two-dimensional painting onto three-dimensional surfaces. Incorporate physical elements, painting on a variety of substrates and collage to develop a sense of physicality, space, and texture. Painters and sculptors alike are invited to delve into the painterly world of stepping outside of the rectangular picture plane to incorporate found objects and alternative painting surfaces while maintaining painting as the primary medium. Lectures include an exploration of artists who make sculptural paintings, and discussion centers on how a painting changes when the focus shifts to painting as object.

Observe flowers with an exciting new perspective using abstraction interpreted in watercolor. Students capture not only what they see using watercolor, but also their personal responses as they paint form, line, shape, and work in color. One day of the workshop is focused on color theory and mixing. Daily demonstrations, one-on-one instruction, and sharing with other students provide the foundation for a dynamic exploration of this nuanced medium.