The Venice Art Center Special Workshop Classes

#801 Painting on Silk Workshop
Instructor: Jamie Kirkell

Painting on silk is a wonderful way to explore color. In this class you will (1) create your own painted silk scarves, (2) have a basic introduction to textile design and color for silk painting (3) learn how to design on silk, and (4) finish two scarves. The class is designed for first timers as well as artists interested in learning a new art form. Instruction will be step-by-step and geared to the level of the student. Classes will be taught in a relaxed and enjoyable manner. You will come away with hand painted scarves that you will enjoy wearing for many years. You can sign up for 1 or 2 days. Classes meet from 9:00am to 4:30pm both days. Materials fee is $75.00 includes silk kit, frame and two silks for painting. Biography: Kirkell’s large silk floral paintings bring a freshness and lightness to the exploration of both the orchid and the iris.

His paintings are a direct result of his time spent in Java, Indonesia where he studied batik and textile design under Master Batik Artist, Bambang Oetoro at the Batik Research Institute of Indonesia. While in the United States Peace Corps, he spent time in the Philippines and Southeast Asia furthering his interest in orchid collecting and floral design. Kirkell’s studies have also taken him to Ohio State University and The Art Students League in New York. Kirkell’s works embody the spirit of botanical art, showing the complete and accurate depiction of flower, leaf and stem. His technique and interpretive modes reflect the integration of classical and modern influences, characteristic in contemporary botanical painting. Jamie Kirkell has exhibited his works across the US, including galleries and botanic gardens in New York City, San Diego, Miami and Cleveland. Internationally his works have been exhibited in Israel and Aruba. Kirkell’s pieces are also in collections at the Chrysler Building in New York, the Aish Hatorah Library in Jerusalem, Devi Sri Hotels in Aruba and the Turnberry Isle Resort in Miami.

Dates: Two-day workshop, Friday & Saturday, 9:30am-3:30pm
#801B: March 1 & 2
Fee: $185/Members $235/Nonmembers (A $75 material fee is paid directly to the instructor.)

#802A Expressive Flowers in Watercolor
Instructor: Janet Rogers

Fresh flowers in the studio will be the inspiration for the beginning of this workshop. Janet will demonstrate various “fun” exercises geared to interpret flowers in a loose and expressive manner. Discovering the unique “nature” of individual flowers and “finding” new colors will be highlighted.

Demonstrations and individual help will weave throughout these three days, with an emphasis on letting the medium of watercolor lead the students to new adventures in watercolor. Some goals include “keeping the whites”, avoiding “mud”, intuitive color and composition. We will also cover “finding flowers” in landscape.

Dates: Three-day workshop, 9:30am-3:30pm
#802A: February 26, 27 & 28 Fee: $290/Members $340/Nonmembers

#802B Watercolor Rhythms with Figures
Instructor: Janet Rogers, AWS

This dynamic workshop is designed to enable participants of all levels to quickly gain confidence in approaching the figure in a more spontaneous, intuitive and expressive way. Although most of Janet’s workshops focus on heads, this one will gear more to the expression of the figure and movement. Demonstrations, class instruction, individual assistance, “show and tell”, and a series of “fun” exercises, (which will include drawing, color and paint application) will weave into class painting time. Special emphasis will be on achieving a fresh look of translucent flesh tones in the figure with unique color changes, which will add to the excitement of capturing the essence of the subject. Students will have an opportunity to work from their photographs or Janet’s and also from the live model. Janet will focus on achieving quick gesture paintings from photos and the model – having fun with letting the watercolor form the gestures in a fun and fluid manner. Our goals will be to “see” in new ways -- bringing “life” and interpretation to the figure, and to discover intuitive color and design. The cost of the model is included in the price of this class.

Dates: Two day workshop, 8:30am-3:30pm
#802B: March 1 & 2
Fee: $185/Members $235/Nonmembers

Biography: A signature member of American Watercolor Society, Janet Rogers is an award-winning artist for both her floral and portrait paintings. Janet is also a signature member of Florida Watercolor Society, and South Carolina Watercolor Society. She is also a popular instructor and has taught extensively throughout the United States and also in Europe. Janet has had four DVD’s produced by Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff, Boone, NC – “Expressive Watercolor Portraits” ,“Expressive Watercolor Florals”, “Watercolor Rhythms – With Figures” and “Expressing the Bouquet in Watercolor”. She has also been featured in the book “The One-Hour Watercolorist” by Patrick Seslar (North Light). The July/August 2009 issue of American Artist Magazine featured Janet in an article on her painting process titled “3 Exercises & 20 Steps to Painting Rhythmic Figures in Watercolor.” Artist Statement: “I love the qualities of watercolor – its fluid nature. To me, the interaction of artist with the medium is like a dance – full of motion, feeling and expression. I love to watch the painting develop and to discover new color and composition.” As a teacher, I would like to enable students to find their connections with watercolor in new and expressive ways.”

#803 Design Abstracts With Zing
Instructor: Pat Dews

Learn to think and paint in more abstract ways in this exciting, intense workshop. Discover new techniques and be exposed to new ideas. Focus is on the elements of texture, shape, value, color, line and the principles of design. Use unexpected materials to create a textured painting. Create rich painting surfaces, using acrylic paint techniques, to transform a failed painting. Make an abstract design understructure as a basis for a painting. Learn to plan/paint an abstract painting using a grid design and a strata format. Use collage to learn composition and as a means of change. Learn to crop for good designs. Daily demonstrations and positive critiques help take the “fear out of painting.” Stressing the importance of content in one’s work, students learn to think and stretch their imagination. All painters, working in abstraction or realism, will benefit.

Former students can bring starts to finish or receive new projects to explore. Biography: Pat Dews is a signature member of the American Watercolor Society, the National Watercolor Society, the National Collage Society and the National Association of Women Artists. Dews authored Creative Composition & Design and Creative Discoveries in Watermedia. Dews’ has two DVDs, “Designing Great Starts with Texture & Form” and “Lets Get Started Finishing.” Her paintings have also been featured in numerous books and magazines. She teaches both nationally and internationally. Dews’ has served as juror for many National competitions, including the National Watercolor Society Annual Exhibition. www.patdews.com

Dates: Five day workshop, 9:30am-3:30pm
#803A: January 14-18 Fee: $490/Members $590/Nonmembers

804 Watercolor Workshop With Tom Jones
Instructor: Tom Jones

Learn a wide array of specialty techniques in this exciting watercolor workshop. Paint more dynamic skies; learn unique approaches to add textures to your landscapes and learn to layer paint to give you more depth. Experience how placement of color can make your paintings more exciting. Focus on how and where to paint the center of interest in your composition. Tom says, “It is not my goal to change one's painting style, but rather to give them as many new ideas to enhance their current painting style as possible. Holding nothing back. I believe in going the extra mile so students say, WOW! That was great!” Tom’s workshop will include painting demonstrations. Students will enjoy individual hands-on instruction with emphasis on developing first wash, values, textures, variety of color, edges and shapes, as well as creating the illusion of light.

Tom seeks to make his workshops fun and entertaining as well as helping students leave with fresh ideas for painting in watercolor. At the end of the workshop, all students’ works will receive a positive critiqued and a signed limited edition print by Tom. Biography: A resident of Central Florida, Tom has been commissioned by government agencies, corporations, environmental groups, clubs, and private collectors. In answer to popular demand, he typically produces his watercolor landscapes in a series of three or five paintings around a specific theme.

His art can be found internationally in many private and corporate collections, including commissioned paintings displayed in the Florida State Capital Building, Walt Disney World Corporation, Marriott Corporation, Omni Corporation, and Museums. Tom's work has been featured in many books and on magazine covers as well as posters and brochures. Tom shares his passion for art and love of nature with students of varying skill levels through international workshops, demonstrations, and instructional dvds.

Dates: Three day workshop, 9:30am-3:30pm
#804A: March 6, 7 & 8
Fee: $290/Members $340/Nonmembers

#805 Color Harmonies
Instructor: Rose Edin

In this workshop you will learn to use color to achieve a lively, glowing effect in your paintings. By keeping palette mixing to a minimum and applying other simple but effective tricks, you will create sparkling passages of color that attract the viewers eye, encourages imagination and makes your paintings sing.

Biography: Edin is a popular instructor in the United States and abroad. She has led close to 50 workshops outside the country. The fun and colorful style is her trademark. A new book has been published by North Light entitled: Color Hamonies by Rose Edin and Dee Jepsen.

Other books by her have been published byWalter Foster. Rose’s studies include: North Park University, Colorado State University and Minneapolis Art Institute. She is a signature member of The National Watercolor Society and the Transparent Watercolor Society of America where she holds a Master Status. Edin has won numerous awards statewide and nationally, including the Best of Show Award at the Venice Art Center’s annual art showing. The painting: Beauty and the Beast has been chosen to be in the 2011 American Watercolor Society show. This is the second painting to be accepted to enable her to receive her letters – A.W.S.

Dates: Three day workshop, 9:30am-3:30pm
#805A: February 11, 12 & 13
Fee: $290/Members $340/Nonmembers

#806 Addicted to Texture and Bold Color
Instructor: Libit Jones

Having no preconceived idea of what you will eventually paint is kind of scary but this technique is so fun you forget your fears. Using transparent fluid acrylics on treated hot press paper, Libit will show you how to use bold strokes, running paint, several texturing tools and alcohol to create a colorful sheet of paper. Once the paint is dry you will utilize negative and/or positive painting and glazing to use your underpainting to your advantage. A process with endless possibilities for realistic, impressionistic and abstract painters.

Biography: This Texas native has called St Petersburg home since 1996. She is a well-known artist in the Tampa Bay area and a popular instructor. Although she works in multiple media her passion is watercolor. She is a Signature member of the Florida Watercolor Society. She has been accepted into many prestigious shows and won numerous awards. Her paintings are owned by private collectors across the United States and England. “Libit paints with pure color and a strong sense of space, simplicity and composition. Her style is what she calls casual reality. Her subject matter is whatever catches her eye or heart.” Artist Statement: My first creative efforts were cooking and sewing. I loved following the steps and having a finished product. As I became familiar with both creative efforts I began experimenting, adding and subtracting to suit myself. My paintings reflect my past creative efforts. I have many varying interests and a constant yearning to explore new subjects, styles and media.

Dates: Two day workshop, 9:30am-3:30pm
#806A: March 15 & 16
Fee: $190/Members $240/Nonmembers