Negative Painting

This involves painting around shapes and objects rather than painting the object itself. Very beautiful layered effects can be made in this way inspired by subjects like trees in a forest and overlapping cascades of leaves. Starting with simple shapes we will also discover ways of painting more abstract compositions in a similar way, or by using found and made masks. Watercolour is excellent for this but acrylic used as fluid washes also works well and there is no danger of lower layers lifting. Details of materials are outlined below.

Please bring your own materials and equipment: paints, brushes, palette, water pots, and suitable paper support (watercolour paper for watercolour or gouache, mixed media paper for acrylic), drawing board and wood block or table easel, paper towel. A sketchbook would be good for planning compositions and colour notes. Reference will be supplied for the first week and you will be encouraged to bring your own for later sessions. Some papers will be available at cost from the tutor.