The focus of this workshop will be on how to paint an entire painting in oils with a palette knife creating interesting marks and textures while capturing the light and shadow of the scene. Through demonstration and individual attention, students will learn how to distill the important information from the landscape and translate it onto the canvas. Melanie will address the importance of sketching/composition, how to create depth & light in a painting, color mixing, energetic mark making, and how to choose a stain color for your scene. All this will be taught in an understandable step by step process which will lead students to improve their ability to simplify the landscape and create a dynamic painting in a short time.
This class is suitable for the beginner or the intermediate student who want to loosen up and learn how to paint with a palette knife. We will meet at Bryan Memorial Gallery and then we will head outdoors. Painting locations TBD. In case of inclement weather, we will paint at the gallery. Artists at any stage of their development are welcome. Students are responsible for bringing their own supplies.
Suggested Supply List
-Sketchbook & Drawing Pencils or black Sharpie
-Two to Three panels (around 12x16”): I use Ampersand Archival board but you can use any smooth surface board. You need a hard surface to push the palette knife against. Recommended size 12x16” and don’t go to small. You can also bring a panels sized slightly smaller or larger
-Oil Paints: Limited Palette of a Warm & Cool of each primary color
(I use Gamblin brand oil paints)
Suggested Colors:
Titanium white
Ultramarine Blue
Pthalo Blue or colbalt blue
Cad yellow Light or Lemon yellow
Cad Yellow Medium
Cad Orange
Cad Red Light
Alizarin Crimson
Optional: Transparent Red Oxide, Yellow Ochre or any other colors you like to use
-Brushes for sketching (I use flats/brights size 4,6,8)
Bring what you have and what you like to sketch with
-Palette Knife - I use a 2.5” palette knife with bent neck and pointed tip.
-Color Shaper Tools-(clay sculpting tools)
These pick up paint, I will bring a few to class
-Brush washer and odorless turpentine (Gamasol only please)
-Palette to mix on
-Paper towels or a box of tissues
-Plastic bag for trash
-Studio Easel with side table or plein air easel. (Melanie has some French plein air easels for rent for $35 for two days if needed. Please email in advance at
melanie@jacksonartnh.com if interested
-Umbrella to block sun
-Water & lunch
Upon receiving your registration, a materials list, a daily schedule and recommendations for accommodations and restaurants will be sent to you via email.
Participants are responsible for their own art materials and their own meals and accommodations.
USE "BMGMEMBER" TO RECEIVE DISCOUNTED MEMBER PRICING, IF YOU ARE A CURRENT BMG MEMBER
