Course Description

If you ever struggle with creating dimension and depth to your art in a way that feels intentional and integrated, this course offers solutions that are much more accessible than you may have thought.

In this workshop, you will learn new ways of seeing and modifying elements to become textural interest in your art all while using the magic of intentional constraint. You will learn how to effectively create a few simple parameters within which to work so that your creativity is kicked into overdrive as to how to use those elements free from the distraction of all the other available materials you could work with. Using plaster, natural and found materials, and a bit of paint, you’ll create a heap of textural studies which you will then learn to enhance with paint and thoughtful compositions. You’ll discover another source of creative freedom within constraint and a minimalist approach that will surprisingly also translate into helpful direction finding when you are working with an abundance of materials as well. You’ll discover that with a little guidance, less (to choose from) really can be more (creative flow)!

Techniques Taught in this Course

• Creating intentional constraints for expanded creativity
• How to think about creative momentum to stay in flow
• Building dimension from found objects
• Color washes and faux watercolor
• Taming texture for simplification
• Mixing your own textural medium
• Unifying elements with paint
• Honing plaster for controlled interest
• How to simplify complicated composition
• Creating depth and interest with mark making
• Converting discard into beautiful substrates
• Three dimensional composition
• Casting dimension with plaster and clay
• Repurposing and bringing new life to older art
• Creating rich, textural finished pieces of art using individual elements