Acadia Workshop Center
Please check back often as we add more artists to the schedule...
Workshops run 5 days, M-F, unless noted otherwise.
Julie Houck
Painting the Dynamic Landscape; Creating Light-Filled Color
Oil / Pastel
August 23 - 27, 2010
Capturing the beauty of a landscape lies primarily in the ability to portray the light relationships one sees. This workshop will cover the basic principles of light, how to determine the color of light, and how to create the movement of light on the canvas. Emphasis is placed on developing each participant's individual artistic style as well as by learning to fine-tune one's powers of observation based on an understanding of fundamental principles.
This course will begin with an introduction to analogous and tertiary color color mixing, how to apply color and value to light relationships using split complements and tertiary colors,
and how to develop form and perspective in the landscape through the use of light and color. The components of composition, developing depth,
aerial perspective, light and shade, and form in the landscape will also be covered as well as discussions of tools of the trade.
“In my work, I aspire to capture that “something else” about a place, and to recreate the feeling of “being there.” Atmosphere, emotion and the transmission of light fascinate me. It goes beyond mere rendering into seeing beyond the outline into a scene’s essence. It is not enough to merely paint the literal view. One needs to bring out the spirit that lies within. It is this emotionality that I am after. The painting must connect you to the place in the way words cannot. If I can make you feel this emotionality, then I have succeeded.”
Julie was recently featured in International Artist and Southwest Art Magazines. Her work is found in galleries in Hawaii, the US mainland and in collections worldwide.
This workshop limited to 12 students.
$650 per student
All levels - plein air - other media welcome
Artist website: www.juliehouck.com
Suggested Supply List:
Oil paints are preferred—Suggested good quality paints from reliable manufacturers are, Rembrandt, Sennelier, LeFranc, Old Holland, Mameiri. Gamblin and Daniel Smith paints are less expensive brands but of satisfactory quality. DO NOT BUY STUDENT GRADE PAINTS like Winton or Talens or Grumbacher. Their pigments are weak and their paints are mostly fillers.
If you are working in Acrylic or watercolor, plan the same palette.
If you decide to work in pastel, bring a range of pigments as well as a drawing board (a 1/2’ thick piece of pre-cut foam core will do) to attach your paper. Pre-cut your paper into standard sizes before you go. Also bring blue painter’s tape or clamps to attach your work to the board.
DO NOT USE PAINTS MARKED “HUE.” HUES ARE MERELY TINTS AND ARE NOT OF GOOD QUALITY.
Limited Palette for Traveling. Bring other colors if you like. This is what I will be using. Please note a few colors are mandatory!!
Ultramarine Blue* / Cobalt Blue / Cadmium Green / Viridian / Cadmium Yellow Light* / Cadmium Yellow Dark / Burnt Sienna / Alizarin Crimson (permanent) / Yellow Ochre /
Cadmium Red Light* / Titanium White* / Ivory black,/
Cadmium Red Dark / Sap Green *= mandatory
A warning on alkyd paints. Some artists mix alkyds into their paint when traveling to speed drying. Alkyds can cause the paint to crack due to the quick drying time. Use for quick studies only, not for permanent work.
Recommended Brushes
A good range of bristle or acrylic brushes in the following sizes: Filberts-sizes 2, 4, 6, 8;
Flats or Brights 2, 4, 6, 8 / One or Two #10 or 12
Filberts/Flats for laying in large areas
Rounds: Bring a size 2 or 4 for small areas.
Also good for signing your name!
Recommended Painting Supports
You will need panels and/or pre-cut canvas (I use the New Traditions Panels. They are lightweight and are of good quality) in a selection of sizes 6 x 8 up to 12 x 16.(5-10) 5 x 7 or 6 x 8 or canvas covered boards or canvas for quick painting studies
**Remember you may use oil paint on acrylic or oil primed canvas, however, you can only use acrylic on acrylic primed surfaces.
Additional Supplies
Portable box easel for painting outdoors
Portable metal canister for solvent with a sealable lid
Palette for mixing paints / Palette knife for mixing (optional)
Hat for the Sun, sun block, insect repellent / Comfy shoes suitable for walking!
Umbrella for easel (optional but highly recommended)
(Patrick Korch makes a good one)
Rain coat or poncho, good walking shoes, pack/traveling cart to hold gear
Drying box for wet panels. (Raymar makes a lightweight inexpensive carrier)
A camera to take reference photos or people shots for further study (optional)
A portable stool if you need to sit when you paint.
Solvent of your choice. Gamsol odorless mineral spirits are highly preferred
Medium of your choice. I use Galkyd Light. It also speeds drying.
Pastelists: Bring a portfolio to protect your work and glassine sheets to protect them.
