Course Description

Cy Twombly has long been one of my very favorite abstract artists. I have been fascinated by his mark making language, his use of color (and sometimes complete lack thereof) and that he was diverse on canvas, paper and assemblage.

Recently, as I stood in front of many of his original works a friend turned to me and said, “When I see a Twombly it just makes me want to create”. I agreed with her. Seeing his works invites you to play, explore, experiment. You want to look closer and figure out what he used, why he used a staple or where he brought in plaster.

Growing up I wanted to be an archeologist when I grew up. Funny that is what we become as artists but with storytelling, layers, texture and paint.

Techniques Taught

• Short history of Cy Twombly
• Create a chalkboard effect on paper or canvas
• Working with white chalk and white china marker
• Monochromatic works
• Twombly’s mark making language
• Creating layers and texture on canvas
• Works on paper and layering like Twombly
• Exploration of Twombly’s assemblage