Still Life painting weekend course

Description

Artist Suzanne Kemplay graduated in Painting and Drawing from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, Dundee. She works from her studio in Edinburgh, and has exhibited at a number of Scottish Galleries. Suzanne is predominantly known for her still life work and photorealist flower paintings. 

This weekend course is designed to encourage, and give confidence to, beginners, while also helping those who want to develop their painting skills further or are new to working with acrylic paints.

Still Life/Flowers: creating a finished still life composition

The course takes place over two consecutive days giving you the chance to really develop your work with Suzanne's assistance to guide you through the process.

The class will begin with considering the art of composition. Our inspiration as a starting point may be: the way that light falls and touches an object; the drama created by shadows; or a colour combination that excites us. Suzanne will show examples from some of the masters alongside more contemporary artists and discuss the elements that make up the paintings.

You will then work together to arrange your still life before going onto creating thumbnail sketches to work out your individual compositions. You will then draw your still life onto your canvas, and create tonal washes to fill the canvas.

Suzanne will share drawing techniques to show you how shapes and flowers can be quickly developed and how to judge size and create tone.  She will get you to do some quick colour studies.

On Day 2, you will start to build up your paint while considering shape and form, colour and tone. Over the period of the two day workshop, Suzanne will provide you with hands-on help and guidance to enable you to complete a still life composition on canvas.

This workshop will also benefit people with some experience of painting who want to refresh their skills, or learn more about creating a still life and developing their style.

What to bring

Please bring brushes, a palette knife and a paint palette (plastic) with you. Please note that we will be working with acrylic paints. If you don't have your own, we can supply these initially and recommend what to buy for future classes. All other materials are provided. 

More information 

The Arienas Collective workshops, courses and events are run from a supportive and welcoming home-based environment within a Georgian mews home in Edinburgh’s City Centre New Town. We invite you to join us, leave any day-to-day worries behind, and immerse yourself in being creative.

Spaces on our workshops and courses are limited so that our creative team of artists and makers can offer you the hands-on help and support you need to make the most of your time with us. 

All the equipment and materials you will need are included in the price, unless stated otherwise, plus light refreshments (a selection of Shibui teas, coffee, hot chocolate, and sweet or savoury snacks). On full day workshops you are welcome to bring your own lunch to eat inside or out; or there are a wide range of independent sit-in or takeaway delis, cafés, and restaurants, plus supermarkets, within a 5-10 minute walk.

PLEASE NOTE: Our workshop space is on the first-floor of a Georgian mews building and unfortunately we do not have lift access. The workshop space is in our home which is not nut free. Please let us know of any skin or food allergies before booking.

Private workshop bookings

Most of our workshops are also available to book for small private get-togethers; themed wedding and birthday celebrations; corporate team building and well-being purposes; and as in-store retail events. For larger groups, many of our workshops can be brought to a location of your choice. Please email Lynn or phone 07732 901150 for more information.

Age restrictions

Our workshops are planned with adults in mind. Many are suitable for teenagers, but some may require under 16s to be accompanied for insurance purposes. Please check with us before booking.