This is not a painting course.  It is a course about what makes a good painting.  We will study works such as Paul Klee’s abstract “Three Houses,” Arthur Dove’s “Me & the Moon,” and Jane Frielicher’s sweet still life “Roses & Chrysanthemums,” noting how they are all, abstract or representational, accessing the same visual tools.  We will find that most art that pleases in its presentation is drawing on a common set of principles and organizing a finite set of visual elements.  How an artist chooses to manipulate those elements is what is fascinating.

This is an art appreciation course that shifts to a little studio practice allowing participants to experience making decisions about marking making.  At the end of this course you will be able to study a painting and be pretty clear what conventions and principles are being used and how successfully.

We will explore the basic elements of line, shape, form, value, space, color, and texture and we will study how artists of differing schools organize those elements in their own work.  No art experience or training is needed for this course.

Each week will consist of a small amount of lecture and a great deal of discussion and experimentation.  Participants will be encouraged to spend 30 minutes a week exploring discussed elements.

Please note that the class will be taught in my Sudbury studio and is limited to six.