Getting Prepared for My Workshops

"Butterfinger"
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I have mentioned many times that one of my most favorite things to do is to teach artists how to paint with a palette knife. This year I am teaching six abstract and six traditional palette knife classes. Since it's the beginning of a new year it is time to overhaul my workshop daily schedules, my handouts and the master demo list for my workshops! Just a few things to do this month ...

I have two palette knife abstract painting workshops in February. One is in the Carriage House in South Pasadena (February 17 - 19) and the other one is at our Beach House in Ventura (February 29 - March 2). I love painting abstracts (you probably already figured that out this month) and can't wait for my workshops. Why? Because this year I am also teaching my students how to paint abstract commissions.

How am I going to do that? It's a bit of role playing. On the final day of the workshop each artist will be presented with a design board from a "fictitious client" featuring details and photos of an interior room. The design board will include pictures, colors and fabric samples. Each artist will then learn how to paint "prototypes" of abstracts and put together a presentation of their ideas to the class (as if they are presenting to a client). That means I need to create 15 - 20 boards that include photos of a room, paint chips and fabric samples. (So if you have any great upholstery fabric samples please send my way. And I am not kidding!)

I think it will be a very fun project. And while I am doing that I will also work on revising my workshop daily plans and handouts. Oh goodie.