Modern Impressionism in Action | Colley Whisson

Join internationally-recognised impressionist artist Colley Whisson, as he shares with you the fundamentals of producing paintings with powerful light effects, loose brushwork and sensitivity to the subject.

In this three-day workshop, Colley will be focusing his attention on tonal values, composition, brushwork and colour saturation, with special attention on the importance of edges.
Colley’s workshops are a positive and uplifting experience – and they sell out quickly, so book early to secure your place.

What will I learn?

Colley uses a step-by-step process to give you the best opportunity to see and understand the way a painting is constructed.

Each student will be provided with a reference photograph per studio day - the order of these days will be determined at the start of the workshop.

Day 1 – Seascape (10” x 12”, 25cms x 30cms)
After a brief talk by Colley on his approach to impressionist painting, including paints, brushes, boards etc, you will start the journey on day one with a seascape, employing touches of loose brushwork and abstractionism while still maintaining a realistic image.

Day 2 – Marine (12” x 16”. 30cms x 40cms)

This will be a great opportunity to learn and test yourself on balancing tight brushwork with broad simplification.

Day 3 - Landscape (10”x12”, 25cms x 30cms)

"It is not what we paint but how we paint it". On day three, you will take a mundane subject and turn it into a work of art - with special attention on the importance of focal points.  

Who is this workshop suitable for?

Students from some basic experience to advanced are welcome.

What do I need to bring?

Colley is happy for you to paint in either Oils or Acrylics, so both are included below.
Please ensure to only use artist quality (archival) oil or acrylic colours.

For Oils

Oil Colours
• Titanium White • French Ultramarine Blue • Phthalo Green • Yellow Ochre • Light Red Ochre • Cadmium Yellow Medium • Cadmium Orange • Cadmium Red Light (Scarlet) • Permanent Alizarin

Medium
Archival Odourless Lean Medium for mixing oil colours (Fastest Drying)

Solvent
Archival Odourless Solvent for cleaning brushes at the end of the day.

Brushes
Art Spectrum 
1 x 1000F, size 12 Long Flat Bristle Hog Hair Not Synthetic/Bright (Approx. 1''wide) 
1 x size 6 Filbert Hog Hair (Approx. ¼ inch wide) 

Synthetic 
1 x size 12 synthetic long flat brush ¾ -1'' wide 
1 x size 6 synthetic long flat brush. ¼ inch wide 
2 x size 2 liner/rigger synthetic with long bristle  

Boards
Smooth Canvas or Hardboard (MDF)
1 x 12"x16" (30x40cm)
2 x 10"x12" (25x30cm)

Other
Flat non-porous palette (Laminex/Glass/Perspex) approx. 16”x12” (40x30cm)
Metal palette knife
Tissues, paper towels & cotton rags

For Acrylics

Acrylic Colours
• Titanium White • French Ultramarine Blue • Pthalo Green • Yellow Ochre • Light Red Ochre • Cadmium Yellow Medium • Cadmium Orange • Cadmium Red Light (Scarlet) • Permanent Alizarin

Medium
Slow drying medium of your choice

Brushes
1 x size 12 stiff synthetic 1'' wide 
1 x size 6 Filbert stiff synthetic 1/4" wide 
1 x size 10/ 12 synthetic long bristle 3/4" or 1" long
2 x size 2 liner/ rigger synthetic long bristle 1" long  

Boards
Smooth Canvas or Hardboard (MDF)
1 x 12"x16" (30x40cm)
2 x 10"x12" (25x30cm)

Follow this link to see how to prepare the boards or canvas the Colley way.

Other
Watercolour palette of your choice
Tissues, paper towels & cotton rags
Water containers

• Please bring your lunch and snacks or you can purchase from cafes close by.

We have available standup easels and table easels for your convenience.

What others say about Colley

"Colley Whisson's workshop is an experience totally worth repeating... many many times! He is an amazing instructor and Artist all wrapped up in one." Waverley Art Group (North Carolina, USA)
"My paintings have come alive since doing Colley's workshop. I feel I have advanced way beyond any other workshop experience." Ruth M

What is provided?

• tea and coffee (please bring your own cup)
• a friendly, supportive and encouraging learning environment
• connection to the Bienarté art community

Useful Information

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