VIEW-Evelyn-Fog

Reference Painting

V.I.E.W. by Evelyn Dunphy:  “Painting Fog and Light” (Watercolor)

Level: High Beginner and Intermediate- Max 16 participants

Dates:  March 17, 18 & 19 (10am-1pm PST = 1p-4pm EST): Step by step demo and critique each day.

There are all kinds of fog. Fog that is light and misty and rises from the meadow and fields and skips over the water’s edge. There is fog that we wake up to, where the visibility is almost obliterated but as the time passes, it burns off and a bright blue sky appears.

Then there is this kind of fog. We call it “pea soup” fog because it is just so thick. On this particular morning in Newfoundland, I walked down to the shore with my camera and stood for a while. There wasn’t much to see. Just a fallen down shack on stilts perched at the edge of the bay. An old dory in the grass. It was still quite dark, but there was so much going on quietly in this scene.

I added the two fellows by the boat, imaging what their conversation might be. I knew it would be very important to let light shine through the fog, still maintaining what I loved about this scene.

Sample of Evelyn’ Work on Fog

In this workshop you will: 

– judge the ratio of pigment and water in order to create the look of thick, opaque atmosphere with subtle colors. 

– Paint edges that merge into the next, changing color and value with no blossoms or “run-backs”. 

– Builid texture in the hill and tree line, as well as a different kind of texture in the foreground. 

– Mix neutrals that create the mood, and use complements to make those neutrals come alive.

– Increase your facility to judge the amount of pigment and water in your brush, your mixture and on your paper so that the value that you put down, dries almost exactly the same value.

– Practice putting a full loaded brush stroke on your paper, and leaving it alone, thus avoiding over-working and “muddy” mixtures.

– Be able to distinguish between the effects of opaque pigments vs. transparent pigments, and the times it is appropriate to use each. 

You may work on stretched paper (as described below), or 140# or 300# cold press paper.

Sample of Evelyn’s Work on Fog

And, you will experience a new surface for your painting; stretching your paper on canvas stretchers just as you would stretch canvas. 

I am really thrilled to be teaching this 3 day workshop where I’ll be able to show you the benefits of the unique way in which I stretch my watercolor paper, and have you enjoy this wonderful surface. Very few artists do this; even Graeme Stevenson from the Australian art video company who films artists all around the world, was filled with questions when he saw my large prepared paper! You can see a little preview of it on the video link on my website: https://www.evelyndunphy.com.

“Our subject will give us several opportunities to appreciate the options that we have using this surface. However, you are welcome to use your usual watercolor paper for this workshop if you prefer not to stretch paper. All techniques that we will use will apply to 140# or 300# cold press paper. There will be some small changes made to our reference photo to make a stronger composition. These will be provided for you with a sketch”.

Here’s why I love this surface. (I’ll skip the preamble about how to do it, etc. as that will all be provided once you have registered for the class).

• The value of the pigment that you put on the paper will dry just about exactly the value you put down.
• Your loaded brush strokes go on the paper just like “cream”.
• With values of a mid tone and higher, you will be able to create beautiful texture. It’s going to work beautifully with our subject.
• Lifting is a cinch, (if you like to lift edges or secondary lights in your painting).
• No rippling or buckling of the paper during the painting. When the painting is done, you just remove it, trim the edges and you have a perfectly flat painting ready to frame.

The class is interactive so you will paint along with Evelyn, step by step with frequent times included for her to look at your painting (you will be able to show your work through your camera), and make suggestions before moving on. Personal attention is a very important part of our live classes. It’s almost as good as being together in person!

Rate:  US$ 249 for 3 sessions of 3 hours (At this time, since extra time is needed to order any supplies, we encourage you to sign up early).

The price includes:

• Personal feedback and critique during the class: Evelyn will give you time to paint and then look at each student work in progress and comment on it along the way. You will also receive a final critique at the end of the session.
• The recording of both sessions: you will be able to download the recordings to your own computer and keep them forever.
• Facebook feedback after the class: Evelyn is available between classes as well if you have questions or need help.
  If you post on your finished painting on  our V.I.E.W. facebook page, Evelyn will give you final suggestions for your painting.

After you have registered for the workshop:

A supply list of pigments and recommended paper will be sent as soon as you register.

A reference photo and a drawing will be sent to you well in advance of the class so that you can do a sketch on your watercolor paper to be ready for class. Of course you are welcome to do your own drawing. Please print the color copy of the photo to have it with you.

I am really pleased to share these comments from artists in an earlier workshops:

“TOTALLY enjoyed your class….I loved your methodical and organized way of approaching painting and learned so much!!!.Hoping to take another class with you soon!!!”. Sue Colgan-Borror 

“Evelyn, you are an extraordinary teacher — gifted with an ability to provide clear instruction, generous with your time and praise, clearly passionate about sharing your hard-earned expertise, and, even better, driven to ensure your students succeed. I’m also a teacher who works with adult learners and I know finding a teacher like you is akin to discovering gold. Thank you for sharing so patiently with us.”.  Sharon M.

Evelyn Dunphy’s Biography: