This course offers an introduction to a variety of ways of simplifying and selecting from source material and suggests approaches for developing these in non-naturalistic ways. Starting with observation from a variety of subjects we will explore the nature of representation while moving towards abstraction. We will draw inspiration from the work of the European and American Expressionist painters from van Gogh to Deibenkorn as well as Klee, Mondrian, Vuillard and Fedden among others. This way of working is really about distilling the essence of your subject and translating what you discover into a coherent and expressive whole. Come prepared to experiment, be surprised and have fun.

The main mediums will be oils, acrylics and gouache. Pastels, both oils and soft are also very ‘immediate’ and convenient to use out of doors and work well with more expressive techniques – so if you like to use either or both of these media bring a small selection with you as well.

What to bring

Use the list as a guide only– apart from the basic palette you don’t have to bring all of these items!

The following is a list of recommended colours. Getting the exact colours of the limited palette is important if you wish to follow basic colour instruction on the course – it is the same for oils acrylics and gouache; for pastels follow the list as near as you can. If you like them also bring watersoluble crayons or pencils.

Paint colours

Basic palette:

• Lemon Yellow
• Cadmium Yellow
• Cadmium Red
• Alizarin crimson
• Cerulean blue
• Ultramarine
• Yellow ochre and/or Raw sienna
• Burnt sienna
• Burnt umber
• Viridian or Phthalo green
• Titanium white
• Black

Optional extra colours

• Magenta
• Prussian blue
• Naples yellow

Mediums

For oils, bring Windsor and Newton Liquin Original, and/or Impasto. This speeds drying, you need the impasto if you like to work with thicker paint. For acrylics, no special mediums are needed unless you already use and like them but you will need retarder, a tube or pot of any make of gel retarder will be fine.

Other materials:

Pads: A3 or larger oil or acrylic pad; for Gouache/Watercolour (min 300gsm, Langton pad or similar) A4 or A3 and one A5 or postcard size-ish

Brushes: for oils, acrylics and gouache – Range of bristle and nylon, l small and l large round and flat. For gouache/watercolour – range of sable and/or soft nylon, at least one large round (14 -16) & half inch flat. If liked for watercolour/gouache l round and l flat (Hake) Chinese style brush. > Drawing materials 2B pencils, watersoluble graphite pencil; watersoluble fine line pen and pentel waterbrush; OR black Indian or Chinese ink & dipping pen if you like them; plastic and putty rubbers, – plus any other favourite drawing media.

Other materials/tools: ruler, knife, small sponge

Palettes: for oils/acrylics A3 tear off palette; for acrylics a stay wet palette is also a good idea; for gouache or watercolour a large plastic or ceramic palette with mixing wells.

Pencils and basic drawing pads and masking tape may be purchased locally in the village and there is a range of sheet paper available at the Centro but it is best to bring your own pads.

If you have any queries do ring Bella Ol387 373212

AT THE CENTRE

We have a small shop where we stock a limited range of paints, several types of cartridge, tinted and watercolour paper, hardboard, canvas, stretchers, primer and fixative.

In the village you can buy turps, white spirit, linseed oil, Kitchen paper etc.

We are equipped with easels, drawing boards, some sketching stools and portable easels. We provide light weight drawing paper, chalk and charcoal.

There are art shops in the neighbouring towns of Colle Val d'Elsa, S.Gimignano and Siena so it is often possible to replenish your supplies during the course.