Textured Seascapes with Soraya French
Course Description
Soraya French is a successful contemporary artist with an international reputation and the author of several acclaimed art books. Soraya has previously held the role of president of the Society of Women Artists.
The hugely talented Soraya is back with us for this mixed media course designed for anyone who wishes to explore the versatility of working with acrylics and mark-making media.
The theme of this workshop is seascapes as the subject allows the students to experience working on interesting textured surfaces using acrylic-based texture materials. There will be examples of possible techniques through demonstrations as well as plenty of individual tuition throughout the day.
Colour, composition, elements and principles of design will be touched upon during the course of the workshop. A fun and informative day .
The course will start with a comprehensive talk about materials and technique, especially the use of texture using Golden products, throughout a demonstration of a seascape. The students will learn how to utilize collage, gesso and texture products effectively to create an interesting ground to paint on. Various consistencies of acrylics will be discussed and how and why we use a specific consistency at a certain point in the painting.
Throughout the demo topics such as composition, colour mixing, the importance of light and all the principles and elements of design will be touched upon in order for the students to progress with their painting. This is followed by everyone choosing their own subject with plenty of individual tuition throughout the day. At a point in the day when most have reached a stage in their first painting, there will be another demo in the afternoon, once again followed by everyone painting with plenty of help.
Around 3.45, we clear up space to showcase the works produced during the course of the day and although everyone will have plenty of individual appraisal throughout the day, certain paintings will be talked about if there are points that are of benefit to the group for learning purposes. This is on a voluntary basis and those who do not wish to show any of their work at the end of the day do not have to do this, they will have had their personal critique during the day, but this is a beneficial exercise for all. By the time the students leave this workshop they should be well versed in the versatility of acrylics and its related products and how to incorporate it into a mixed media painting. Finally, there will be an opportunity for a Q & A session before the end of the workshop.
Course Information
Ability level
All abilities welcome
Medium
Useful Links
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Important: Please bring a selection of photos or sketches of favourite seascapes, as Soraya is keen for students to produce really original paintings with maximum input from themselves. Soraya works from images on her ipad so it is imperative to bring your own references as she will not be providing these.
Acrylic paints in tubes in the following colours (preferably artist quality): Ultramarine blue, Phthalo blue or Prussian blue, Lemon yellow or Benzimidazolone light, Cadmium yellow medium Or dark, Cadmium red light, Quinacridone magenta, Burnt sienna, Yellow ochre, Titanium white. Phthalo green if you have got any.
This is a very basic palette and can give you all the other colours you need, however, please feel free to bring any additional colours you wish or you feel may suit your chosen subject matter which are not listed above.
A sketch pad and pencils for making thumbnail sketches.
Acrylic inks, Magenta or Crimson, scarlet or Flame red – Brilliant yellow, Lemon yellow, Prussian blue or Indigo and white. If you prefer watercolours to inks then please bring them with you
Soft or chalk pastels , A range of nice colours related to your work-
Oil pastels if you have already got some
Brushes – a good selection of both watercolour and acrylic brushes
Palette knife – very important for making texture
Support: Watercolour paper or mount board, or MDF board or canvas, you don’t need all of them it is either or. Inks work better on an absorbent surface such as watercolour paper rather than canvas boards. Please bring a couple of surfaces as some students will work quicker than others.
Stay-wet palette (or a makeshift one) or a tear-off palette or similar
Collage materials such as tissue paper, handmade paper and other interesting items that can be added to make interesting surfaces. Just a few pieces are required for one or two paintings.
Watercolour palette if you are using inks
PVA glue for sticking down collage
Apron, masking tape
Gesso / acrylic primer – if you have texture pastes bring that too please
All art materials are available to purchase in the Truro Arts shop, 26 River Street Truro TR1 2SJ, and you will receive a 10% discount on all supplies for the course.
Soraya French
International Artist and Author, Soraya works in watercolours, oils, pastels, acrylics and mixed media with a variety of subject matters such as musicians, café scenes and African market scenes amongst others. Many of her subjects are travel based including people in everyday life situations. Soraya has received a number of prestigious art awards for her paintings in recent years and many of her paintings can be found in private and public collections both at home and abroad.
Find Out MoreOur courses usually begin at 10am and end at 4:30pm, with a half an hour lunch break at around 1pm. There will also be brief morning and afternoon breaks, with free tea and coffee available in the kitchen area. At Lunch time you can make things nice and easy by pre-ordering a freshly prepared Coach House Lunch. Alternatively, you’re very welcome to bring along a packed lunch and any other refreshments you like.
On sunny days students and tutors are invited to enjoy breaktimes outside in the leafy courtyard or gardens surrounded by birdsong.
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Cancellations must be made in writing/email more than 4 weeks prior to the course start date to guarantee a refund. Read our full policy on the Course Terms & Conditions page.
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