Miwokstudio122
Also known as the place where Chester Arnold's classes are held at the College of Marin, Miwok Bldg, rm 122. If you think you'd enjoy a guided tour through the wonderland of art history, art materials and techniques, from a terrific teacher, great camaraderie and learning with fellow students, this is the place you want to be.
The artworks on the page below are in various media as noted.
The artworks on the page below are in various media as noted.
Under the Influence continued...
(I admit that my Rothko-esque pieces were subsequently painted over, but the texture of my new abstract paintings were definitely influenced by what was underneath) We also made frescoes in the centuries-old tradition. We made feather quills and bamboo reed pens and inks from local natural materials. Those who had time even worked with gold leaf. We created molds of all kinds and poured plaster for carving. So glad I finally made time to take his classes - after years of being encouraged to by so many painting friends, former teachers, etc.
The "postcard" above clearly shows the influence, impact, or the spell I was under while studying with Mr Arnold: Left, the famous birds nest paintings; middle: a small painting using hand-made tempera on a panel primed with handmade marble dust gesso; right, a still life inspired by the actual surroundings in the back patio of the classrooms, done en plain air in the fantastic autumn weather we enjoyed last fall. I was charmed by this gorgeous velvet chair relegated to the weedy corner where all the painters would hang their painting rags, and I got to work painting before the elements did their dirty work to it.
(I admit that my Rothko-esque pieces were subsequently painted over, but the texture of my new abstract paintings were definitely influenced by what was underneath) We also made frescoes in the centuries-old tradition. We made feather quills and bamboo reed pens and inks from local natural materials. Those who had time even worked with gold leaf. We created molds of all kinds and poured plaster for carving. So glad I finally made time to take his classes - after years of being encouraged to by so many painting friends, former teachers, etc.
The "postcard" above clearly shows the influence, impact, or the spell I was under while studying with Mr Arnold: Left, the famous birds nest paintings; middle: a small painting using hand-made tempera on a panel primed with handmade marble dust gesso; right, a still life inspired by the actual surroundings in the back patio of the classrooms, done en plain air in the fantastic autumn weather we enjoyed last fall. I was charmed by this gorgeous velvet chair relegated to the weedy corner where all the painters would hang their painting rags, and I got to work painting before the elements did their dirty work to it.
Fall Semester 2015
Had to get the Chester Arnold treatment before he retires from the College of Marin. Took his fabulous Materials and Techniques class, where students* learn by doing, and make quill pens, natural inks, casein and watercolor paints, oil paints and egg tempera, using raw pigments and various traditional media, and ingredients. Also tackled silverpoint, fresco, stone painting, casting and carving Plaster of Paris, gold gilding. Not my usual style(s) or subjects, but very informative, fun and interesting. Great comraderie and teamwork among the many classmates.
* many of whom are well-established and accomplished artists wanting to deepen their hands-on experience with a wide range of media, and enjoy the shared experience with other artists, many of whom have been taking classes together for years - like summer camp for grown-up artists. That might be an oxymoron. And definitely a run-on sentence.
Had to get the Chester Arnold treatment before he retires from the College of Marin. Took his fabulous Materials and Techniques class, where students* learn by doing, and make quill pens, natural inks, casein and watercolor paints, oil paints and egg tempera, using raw pigments and various traditional media, and ingredients. Also tackled silverpoint, fresco, stone painting, casting and carving Plaster of Paris, gold gilding. Not my usual style(s) or subjects, but very informative, fun and interesting. Great comraderie and teamwork among the many classmates.
* many of whom are well-established and accomplished artists wanting to deepen their hands-on experience with a wide range of media, and enjoy the shared experience with other artists, many of whom have been taking classes together for years - like summer camp for grown-up artists. That might be an oxymoron. And definitely a run-on sentence.
Clouds with Chester
Birds' Nests
Left: always-a-favorite subject, this one, measuring 12" x 12" x 1". Bird nest paintings virtually fly off the wall at art shows, their modest size
and straight-forwardness make em affordable and approachable.
Materials: commercially made panel, handmade gesso, oil paint.
Framed with hand made floating frame with reveal of panel's painted sides.
and straight-forwardness make em affordable and approachable.
Materials: commercially made panel, handmade gesso, oil paint.
Framed with hand made floating frame with reveal of panel's painted sides.
Copying a Master
Copying - a very effective way to
learn. Select a small section from
a favorite masterpiece and try to
master those brushstrokes, get
those colors mixed... Good Luck!
learn. Select a small section from
a favorite masterpiece and try to
master those brushstrokes, get
those colors mixed... Good Luck!
Materials & Techniques - Egg Tempera on marble-dust gessoed wood panel
This photogenic cat allowed his daring mistress to put him into the hand knit sweater she was making.
More to come (under construction)