Workshops

Grisaille Summer Workshop with John Borowicz

Date: To be determined

Location: At the studio of John Borowicz in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts.
One hour from Boston. 45 minutes from Providence. Minutes from excellent plein air painting locations and beautiful beaches.

Atmosphere: Friendly, supportive, fun, and informative. I have a very strong belief that the best environment to learn in is one where people respect and support each other, have a willingness to take risks, and to simply play.

Focus: The focus of this workshop is the technique of grisaille especially as it pertains to the portrait and the figure. Grisaille can take on several different forms, but generally speaking we will be exploring what is known as closed grisaille or dead coloring. Painters in this workshop will use one color and white to create work that is meant to stand as a finished piece in its own right - not an underpainting to layer color over.

Instructor: I have thirty years of experience as a working artist and educator. I have taught at all levels, from college to Kindergarten and have given private lessons to artists of all ages, including professional artists and beginners.

Size: minimum 3, maximum 7 participants

Time: The workshop will run from 9:00AM till 4:00PM for three consecutive days - Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Lunch is from noon to 1:00 daily.

Program: The workshop will include daily information sessions and discussions on the history and usage of grisaille followed by specific demonstrations. We will work on specific exercises as well as on a small finished painting. Each day is capped off with a group critique.

Materials: Students will supply their own materials from a small list. Materials will include, but not be limited to: 1 tube of raw umber paint, one tube of white paint, (oil paint is strongly suggested) range of brushes, solvent (Gamsol or equivalent), paper towels, painting supports ( canvas, panels, canvas paper etc.), sketchbook, drawing utensils, one 8” x 10” photo of your choosing to act as source material for the finished painting.

The benefits of working “en grisaille”: A developed understanding of this method is extremely beneficial for anyone’s painting practice. It can be used to create complete, stand alone works that display an enhanced sense of form, volume, and depth, giving the painted subject the palpable impression of turning in space. Basically, these paintings can become highly illusionistic. Pedagogically, grisaille can be thought of as a bridge between drawing and full color painting. With only one color to think about, the artist freed up to develop a heightened awareness of the most nuanced value shifts, an essential tool for realist or representational painting.

Cost: $500

Classes
I offer once a week classes to individuals of all experience levels. $75 for one hour.