Dear Reader,
Greetings. Earlier this month, I held a private workshop in my studio for a small group of tattoo artists from Wisconsin. I taught workshops in my previous studios (Palo Alto, Judkins Park, Ballard) and it was awesome to finally teach in my current Olympia, WA studio. After years of settling in and rearranging, I feel like I now have great layout for teaching. Here is a clip of my studio right before the recent workshop. I provided everything (easels, paints, medium, tools, panels, snacks, drinks, etc) so that the group was able to travel light. I think this is a good protocol for the future. Reduces clutter and is easy for everyone.
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In many ways, I'm starting to feel like teaching out of my home is ideal. It's a different experience. Because I don't have to travel or share revenue with a host venue, I can have a very small class size (3-5 students) and still maintain a reasonable workshop price. The small class size gives it a more personal feel, and I have more time to spend with each student. Typically in a workshop, either it's time for me to paint (demonstrations) or it's time for the students to paint. During this recent workshop, there were moments when we were all painting at the same time as peers, and it was fantastic. There also happens to be a really nice Airbnb just two doors down the street, which this group ended up taking advantage of (there is also a good hotel just a short drive away). On the last day, the group joined my family for dinner in the backyard. Homemade cookies for dessert provided by my 11y/o daughter, that was a sweet surprise :).
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I plan to do more home studio workshops. If you have a small group and are interested in scheduling a private workshop, or if you are an individual and would like to stay informed about future workshops in my studio, please fill out this online form. Thank you! |
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Upcoming Studio Sale Mid-October
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Next month I'm having a studio sale. The exact start date is TBD. This will only be for newsletter subscribers, at least at first. I may open it up to the public after a certain time period. It will include some recent work (and brand new work!). If you'd like to make sure that you stay informed and receive early access to the sale, please fill out this online form (I'm all about forms today, weeeee....). Thank you! |
Still life from imagination. First stage. Starting totally abstract, with no preconceived ideas. Using color, value, and scale to build a sense of focus. |
Next stage. Yellowy-green notes are positioned for interest... secondary elements that act as a transition between the blue focus and the warmer background/environment. Entering the representational phase. Starting to define the focal blob as a vessel and cup. I decide on the position of a light source and I assign cast shadows accordingly. |
Next stage. Defining supporting objects while maintaining the composition and character of the initial abstract painting. I'm also playing with levels of realism here. This is fun. |
Next stage. The focus receives the most attention and refinement. I experiment and dig into memory and experience to invent the realism of the vessel and cup. And the finished painting: |
"Cool Specter"
9x12in oil on aluminum Artefex panel This painting will be included in the Studio Sale! |
Please examine the high-resolution image HERE! :) Framed shots: |
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December 9-11 2024
The Raven & The Wolves
Still Life Composition & Painting (3-Day) Mon-Wed: 10am-5pm
Long Beach, CA |
Also, for fans of The Scottsdale Artists' School, I'll be returning in the Fall of 2025 (I was last there in 2019). And targeting a return to Tuscany with ArtEscape Italy in 2026! Details and registration for those future workshops will be available sometime next year. |
Before I go, here is this. Do you remember the beginning of this larger painting? Almost 7 months later, I'm excited by where this is going. Much work left to do. We'll talk about it soon. |
Thank you for reading!
Until next time, Best Wishes -David |
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