Submitted by Barbara Nair, Spectrum Gallery
(August 20, 2024) — The following programs and workshops will be offered this Fall online or at Spectrum Gallery at 61 Main Street in Centerbrook. Register and pay at spectrumartgallery.org. Spectrum Membership starting at $45 per year provides 10% discounts on art instruction and select Artisans Store items.
In Gallery: Art Journaling Moves On
Learn to make unique art journal pages by altering pages with stamping, tissue paper and stencils using modeling and fiber paste. Create transparent imagery using mark making with black gesso, stencils, stamping onto tissue paper and staining pages with Distress ink pads. “Snippet Strips” will be created with small elements to enhance journal pages. Create dynamic eye appeal and unique “impressions of people.” Floral napkins are used as overlay on vintage script and documents. Sentimental creative “cut-out poetry” with embellished stenciled imagery can be added. All levels welcome. Material list available. Wednesdays. October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. $160, plus $25 material fee paid directly to the instructor. Members save $16.
On Zoom: Art Journaling Moves On
Same description as In Gallery Art Journaling Series. Tuesdays. October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29. 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. $140 per person. Members save $14.
In Gallery: Botanical Illustration with Watercolor Pencil
Create beautiful illustrations in watercolor pencil. Learn pencil techniques including color observation, color mixing and layering. Watercolor pencil will be combined with colored pencil to create detailed, vibrant drawings. Each week focus on a different color palette and botanical subject. Leave the four-week course with frameable art and the skills to create future masterpieces! Thursdays, October 3, 10, 17, 24. Make-up October 31, 2024. 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. $130, plus $15 fee paid directly to instructor who supplies flowers. Members save $13.
In Gallery: Watercolor Class–Beginner & Beyond
Get step-by-step instruction in the fundamentals of watercolor painting. For those with previous experience, individual continued development will be addressed as well as beginner attention such as emphasis on the principles of watercolor painting and techniques. There will be demos and structured exercises throughout the class sessions. Explore mixing colors, dark and light, basic color theory principles. Brush stroke techniques are addressed for specific effects such as wet on wet, dry stubble applications, and blotting. Still life set ups and/or photo references from home will be used. Ongoing homework assignments can be brought in for open critique session. Material list available upon registration. Fridays, October 4, 11, 18, 25; November 1, 8. Makeup November 15, 2024. 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. $195. Members save $19.50.
In Gallery: Acrylic Art Class for Beginners and Beyond
Everyone paints together from a provided landscape photo reference. Demos are performed periodically throughout the class, and individual as well as group instruction is given. Learn dry brushing technique using a mop brush and flat bristle brush. How to mask a horizon line will be covered to establish perspective. Scrunching technique is taught to block in areas of the canvas. Palette knife technique will be demoed to carve out areas as well as to blend. Layering and gradating colors will be explored to bring your painting to completion. All levels welcome, but those with previous experience with acrylics will get additional attention at their own level to advance their progress. Material list available upon registration. Saturdays, October 5, 12, 19, 26; November. 2. Makeup, if necessary, November 9, 2024. 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. $160. Members save $16.
In Gallery: “Say Yes! to Your Creative Self and Make Creativity Yours” Workshop
Using words and images, explore everyday ways of boosting personal creativity. Participants examine the contents of a pocket-size bag as a way of building awareness, enjoying imagination stretching exercises and looking at ways to use color, temperature and sound to enrich their best creative output. Use the American Indian Circle poem tradition of connecting everyday objects with nature and Japanese haiku poem of only seventeen syllables as simple practices that encourage self-expression. Use the Squiggle Game as artists of the Lyme Art Colony did to open the mind and free blocked thoughts. Leave with a greater understanding of everyday connections and possibilities of creativity. Bring a notebook, pencils/pen. Participants receive a signed copy of “Say Yes! to Your Creative Self.” Sunday, October 6, 2024. 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. $50. Members save $5.
In Gallery: Cartoon Animal Anatomy Workshop
Learn to draw basic cartoon animal anatomy from the land and sea. Explore basics of drawing details such as fur and scales. Participants learn from each other as well in this fun, interactive session. No previous experience is necessary. Participants bring pencils, pens and a sketchbook while instructor provides additional drawing implements, including colored pencils, paper and erasers. Sunday, October 13, 2024. 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. $60, with $10 material fee paid to instructor. Members save $6.
