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Painterly Techniques with Denis Brown
$100 PSC members
Saturday, May 15 & Sunday, May 16 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Hudson's Bay High School, Vancouver, WA
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
[download registration form PDF]
A modern painterly approach introduces new relationships of color, space and composition to calligraphy.We will alternate layers of calligraphy with painted layers applied in a variety of ways, to build compositions of richness and depth. Each student will work on two small calligraphic paintings. Denis will show photos and discuss techniques of his own work of this type, hoping to inspire students to experiment further after the workshop.
Tools and Materials: Calligraphy dip-pens with Brause, Mitchell, Speedball or similar nibs; Gouache paints AND also Pelican 'Plaka' paints, both in a range of colors including black and the primaries; Acrylic gesso primer- (I like Winsor & Newton Acrylic Gesso Primer white); A couple of Wooden Toothpicks or cocktail sticks.; Palettes and a few small jars with lids; A selection of paintbrushes including a flat 3/4" or 1" nylon brush for laying color washes, also pen loading brush and any other paintbrushes you may have. An old toothbrush is good for spatter techniques; Gum strip, i.e. gummed brown paper tape for use in stretching papers.. A rigid wooden board for stretching paper -- this should have a plain uncoated surface. Plywood or MDF (Medium-density fiberboard) is good. Size about A3 (11" x 17") and 10mm thick will be enough, (unless students want to work on larger paintings), PVA glue; practice/layout paper or pad; A full sheet of heavy weight hot- pressed watercolor paper- eg. 140lb saunders waterford hot press, 22"x30"; A sheet or two of colored papers-(I recommend Canson mi-tientes -- but not the most bright colors: slightly duller shades are usually preferable); Cutting knife, steel rule and Cutting board or scissors (less ideal but easier to carry), Finely powdered gum sandarac (essential for sharp writing on top of painted layers); Plastic wrap/ Cling-Film/ Saran wrap/ Glad wrap; old newspapers and cleaning rags; Needle and fine threads in various colors. Some quotations or short texts.
Optional: If you have tubes of Acrylic paint these will be useful also, (not essential to purchase if you do not have them already). If you have bronze powders or inks made from them, such as used in my experimental gilding class, bring these.
Denis Brown's work stems from ancient traditions of manuscript writing, and he has engaged with these since his early teens. Rigorous formal training in traditional calligraphy at London's Roehampton Institute has formed a strong foundation for later experimental work. His work explodes from and extends traditions of calligraphy in the form of innovative works of art.Widely traveled with his work, he has lectured on four continents, and is internationally recognized as a world leader in the field of Letter Arts. For a delightful adventure visit http://www.quillskill.com/