Inspired By The Garden: Developing Studies Into Paintings

Saturday 22 August, 11am-4pm

Immerse yourself in the magical Forgan Arts Centre garden with this workshop lead by artist Nicola Wiltshire.

This relaxed workshop will focus on combining different drawing materials with water-based paint, including watercolour paint pans, gouache tubes and acrylic.

Nicola aims to create an environment that balances playfulness, relaxation and challenge. It’s not about creating a drawing or painting that is ‘perfect’, but one that captures the experience. By the end of the day you should feel more confident with a range of materials and techniques, but also learn a bit about yourself as an artist.

This workshop is suitable for a range of people: from absolute beginners, to experienced artists seeking new perspectives. Nicola also has experience teaching disabled people and people living with long-term health conditions, so can adapt the workshop to suit different physical needs*.

Morning session: 11am – 1.30pm

We will begin the workshop with a short guided walk through the gardens, using our senses to enrich the experience of seeing. There will be opportunities to paint along the way, filling our sketchbooks with sketches, colour studies and quick paintings that capture the essence of the gardens. This will help us slow down, connect with nature and build confidence with different materials and techniques.

During the walk, Nicola will share different ways of using materials to create quick studies that contain enough ‘information’ to be used later for more finished paintings.

After spending time outside (weather permitting), we will return to the studio to develop a few ideas into collages, using hand-painted coloured paper.

(break 1.30 – 2pm)

Afternoon session: 2pm – 4pm

The afternoon session is all about developing the morning’s research into a painting on canvas. Working from our sketchbooks and collages, we will create a composition, think about colour combinations and ways to begin the painting. By the end you should have a finished painting, or the first few layers, with advice on how to continue the process at home.

Materials

Basic materials will be provided, but it would be useful to bring: a sketchbook, a canvas of your prefered size and an apron/overall. Other materials include: watercolours, watercolour pencils, coloured pencils, soft pastels, oil pastels, charcoal, white/coloured paper, acrylic paint, brushes and a palette knife. We will be flexible with materials to accomodate what you have. We will also be spending time outside (weather-dependent), so please bring appropriate clothing/sun protection.

About your Tutor

Nicola Wiltshire is a painter and art tutor born in Bedfordshire, living in Dundee with a BA Hons in Fine Art (University of Westminster) and MFA Art and Humanities (DJCAD). Nicola has previously worked with Forgan Arts Centre, Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust, McManus Museum and Art Gallery, Royal Scottish Academy, DCA, plus in collaboration with different schools and community groups.

Nicola works primarily in oil paint on patterned fabric, but also makes acrylic paintings and mixed media drawings. She is interested in transforming mundane, everyday places and objects into bold paintings that are infused with colour, energy and memory.

We offer a 10% discount on weekly classes for students, people with disabilities, unemployed people and arts workers. Use code FAC175 at check out.