Level: all

Sat & Sun

Jul 15 - Jul 16

10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Instructor: Douglas David

Fee: $298

This workshop will cover the basic principles of oil painting with regard to painting dynamic still lifes.  The emphasis will be on learning to design bold and interesting compositions as well as how to set up a palette to achieve maximum effectiveness. The workshop will include discussions on massing, building form, light and shadow: and depending on your own style, knowing when a work is finished (i.e. learning how to not overwork your painting). Douglas delivers sound principles that are an incredible foundation for every artist — whether a beginner or a seasoned professional.

Douglas will start the workshop with an overview of the palette and concepts that his work includes.  He’ll teach students how to mix value strings of color that will help simplify the painting process. Students will paint fruits, vegetables, fun things like donuts and whatever fresh flowers are available at this time of year in Connecticut.  All will be combined with various pitchers, bowls, vibrant fabrics and side lighting to create dramatic compositions.  The thought Douglas puts into these classic arrangements and timeless subjects is as important as the painting itself.  He will show students how he does it and why he makes the choices he does.

This incredible 2 day hands on painting experience will yield a good number of paintings and a logical thought process in a fun yet focused atmosphere to help guide your future study.

Day 1

1st hour: Welcome/Overview of Class/Discuss principles with demos to explain ideas and concepts

2nd hour: Mix Palette (Strings of colors)

Lunch: Brown Bag

Entire Afternoon: Paint in studio based on principles discussed in demo. Douglas moves through the group in a rotation so everyone gets equal time.

Day 2

1st hour: Overview/Review Specifics-Targeted to help folks at different levels- demos as needed

Most of second day: Paint in studio at your own pace on set ups Douglas arranges for you.

Lunch: Brown Bag
Last hour and half: Select and display 2-3 pieces accomplished over the 2 days / a small class show with discussions and summary.

Douglas’ Biography

Douglas David has painted his way across the country, capturing the beauty and spirit of the things he loves: tranquil country landscapes, sunrises and sunsets on his favorite beaches, a simple pitcher of spring lilacs or peonies, a lemon, lime or a slice of watermelon on a checked tablecloth. Paintings that reflect comfort, warmth meaning and simplicity: similar to everything important to him- his close knit family, life- long friendships, creatively fulfilling work and giving his best. A recipient of numerous regional and national awards and honors, Douglas’ teaching is a way of giving back and sharing some of his journey with those who choose to study with him. For more detailed information, visit http://www.douglasdavid.com/.

Class supply list:

Douglas offers a “BASIC PAINT KIT” which includes all the basic oils, brushes, palette knife, palette and canvas panels and medium for those who do not want to buy these supplies individually. You would need to bring some paper towels and rubber gloves. Kit $150.00, payable directly to Douglas David. Please reserve your kit when making your class registration (to do so email:  education@rowaytonarts.org)

Supply List: these are not absolute, just my way of getting to a good result)

  • Liquin
  • Mineral spirits
  • Oil Paints: Utrecht (or your favorite brand) Cad. Red Light, Aliz Crim, Ultram. Blue, Ultram. Violet, Lemon Yellow, Yellow Green, Green Earth Hue, Prussian Green, Yellow Ochre, Cad. Orange, Cad. Red Medium, Cad. Yellow Light, Ivory Black, Titanium or “Permalba” White (larger tube).
  • OPTIONAL Paints: Phthalo Blue, Phthalo Green, Greenish Umber Mixture, Sap Green Burnt Sienna, Holbein Jaune Brilliant No 2, Holbein Ivory White, Cad Red Dark
  • Brushes: filberts- #2,4,6 maybe 8 or 10 or rounds in these sizes if you prefer rounds over filberts.
a few throw away bristle brushes from hardware store in 1″ and 2-2.5″ sizes
a 1-2″ foam brush from hardware store
  • Palette Knife
  • Canvases: (2-3) 5″x7″, (2-3) 8″x10″, (2-3) 10″x20″ or 12″x16″ or 16″x20″ (or whatever size desired for larger painting)
And anything else student needs to help them paint well and feel comfortable. Please prime all canvas with a thin coat of thinned down Cad Red light and Permalba white to make a pink or light red tone on canvas.
  • Paper Towels
Backpack (or some form of a way to carry paint and supplies)
disposable palette pad

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER