Teaching / Art Lessons

Workshop Descriptions

Chris teaches a series of workshops that builds upon skills to bring even an absolute beginner to being able to paint and draw. This list is a basic guide to what he teaches, as lessons are adapted to the time available for the workshop and the needs of the students.

Drawing Fundamentals (graphite on paper)

improvement of drawing skills, proportions, negative space, right brain exercises, blind contour, rapid drawing, sight sizing, drawing through, cross contour, media studies, enveloping, line variation, drawing curves with straight lines, simplification and squinting, checking accuracy, reverse sight sizing, linear perspective

Value (charcoal on paper)

value scales, simultaneous contrast, lost and found edges, value structure, media studies, building form, illusion of depth, dominant values, geometric solids, blending techniques, negative drawing

Composition (charcoal and ballpoint pen on paper)

division of space, elements of design, principles of design, planning a composition, simplifying design, asymmetry, picture plane formats, cropping

Color Theory (pastel on paper or any color media)

language of color, lightfastness, color wheel, color notation, color mapping, color strings, double primary system, palette selection, color schemes, atmospheric perspective, lowering chroma, color temperature, separating color from value, limited palettes, creating chromatic neutrals, maintaining color harmony, color coronas, subsurface scattering, light source colors, optical mixing, isolation techniques

Pastel Painting (pastel on paper)

how pastel is made, pastel selection, color mixing, swatch matching, application techniques, types of pastels

Advanced Pastel Painting (pastel on panel)

custom pastel surfaces, underpainting, sequencing, edge control, glazing, framing pastels

Watercolor Painting (watercolor on paper)

palette and brush selection, watercolor papers, brushwork, glaze/wash/drybrush technique, advanced techniques, using transparent effects

Acrylic Painting (acrylic on panel or canvas)

history of acrylic, advantages of acrylic paint, surface preparation, brushwork, mixing colors, grisaille underpainting

Plein Air Painting (any medium)

equipment tips, setting up, selecting a composition, planning for changing conditions, capturing the essence, enhancing atmosphere and depth, binocular disparity

Portraiture (any medium)

basic facial anatomy, form first, seeing skin colors, portrait composition, lighting styles, color harmony, limited palettes, mixing flesh colors