Instructor: Charles Muench
Media: Oil Paint — Plein Air & Studio. Weather permitting. If we get inclemate weather, we will host the workshop indoors and paint from photos.
Dates: January 19–21, 2015
Class Size: Limited to 15 Students
Tuition: $425
Open to All Levels
Also: Charles Muench Demo Night — Jan 18, 2015 7-9p For only $25, come to Carmel Visual Arts and grab a cup of wine and watch Charles Muench work on an oil painting from a plein air field painting. Register here
“When I paint outdoors, I liken the experience to having a conversation with Nature. It is as if she throws out a topic and we discuss it on canvas. I am listening to the thoughts of Nature and, almost subconsciously, heightening some aspects of our conversation while eliminating others.”
The process of creating paintings requires an understanding of basic principles and diligent practice. It also requires a sensitivity to hear the quiet murmurs and revelations of Nature. In searching for paintings, grasping at the stream of experience will leave you with nothing but empty fists. Taking the time to use cupped hands to draw the water of true inspiration is the best method.
This workshop will cover aspects developing an outdoor painting from life as well as a final day in the studio developing paintings from our studies. The first two mornings will start with demonstrations. Each demonstration will emphasize a different approach to the challenge of painting outdoors. After the demonstration, we will set up and paint for the remainder of the day. I believe in making the most of each day. I anticipate a nice gathering of students and we will spend a lot of time painting together, exchanging ideas, and listening to the landscape. Teaching is not a one way road. Throughout the workshop, topics will include: drawing, composition, paint application, color, edge quality, types of light, planes, color temperature, and more.
It is highly recommend to read “Carlson’s Guide to Landscape Painting” by John F. Carlson before attending this class.
“I believe to create good paintings and develop as an artist it is essential that you listen to Nature. The result of this dialog is a distillation of everything that is before you into a statement of heightened reality. Through a contemplative interaction with your subject, you create something that is truly independent of yourself and Nature- art.” –Charles Muench
