Workshopping the Figure in Acrylics | Peter Griffen

Join dynamic artist Peter Griffen for a bold and imaginative weekend of figure-based abstraction.

About the Workshop

In this hands-on workshop, Peter will introduce students to different ways of abstracting figures with no restrictions! Students will discover new ways to express themselves, embrace their creativity, and transform their figure studies into powerful abstract expressions.

Work with the freedom to invent referencing your imagination, photos, sketches, pictures from magazines or anything else that you have on hand, with no concern for accuracy with only concern for originality and creativity.

What Will I Learn?

Students will begin by creating rapid sketches and studies of the figure, which will become the springboard for experimentation for the remainder of the workshop

Using these direct responses, students will go on a journey of exploration by relying on imagination and creativity to turn their sketches into abstracts.

You'll be encouraged to break free from literal representation and use your imagination to re-interpret the figure in abstract, unexpected ways.

Peter shares his passion for experimentation, guiding students through a variety of techniques and approaches that will inspire students to think outside the box. Students may look to artists Picasso, Matisse, and Francis Bacon for inspiration when creating their own works.

Who is this workshop suitable for?

Suitable for all levels.

What do I need to bring?

Students can bring any paints and brushes they wish! Below is a suggested material list:

Paint: Peter recommends the brand Derivan.
Acrylic White - 250ml to 500ml 
Black
Yellow - warm & cool
Red - warm & cool
Blue - warm & cool
Phthalo Green
Orange
Dioxazine Purple

Paper:
At least 20 sheets of cartridge or mixed media paper, at least 200gsm, approx. 60x40cm (Other painting surfaces, artist paper, canvasses are also welcomed, bring a few, but not too small!) 

Canvas:
Your choice, but around 60x40cm is good.  Bring as many as you'd like. You're welcome to bring something larger, bearing in mind that you may not finish a large painting.

Brushes:
A range of very fine to broad (approx. 6cms) brushes 

Other:
Derivan (or Matisse) Polymer Gloss Varnish 500ml 
Spatula 
Bucket 
Small plastic containers 
Rags and/or paper towels 
Scissos and/or Stanley knife 
Palette
4-8 Large bulldog clips
Masking tape
Gesso

Bring anything else you may want to use, such as: Found objects, old magazines (for collage), other acrylic paints, left over water based house paint, crayons, pastels pens and inks, pencils, other painting surfaces, charcoal, inks, support board and tape, small paint rollers, gesso, trowel, impasto medium, acrylic painting medium, spray bottle.

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

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

For Visitors FAQs

About the Tutor

Born in Adelaide in 1948, Peter Griffen has been painting for over fifty years. He lives in his warehouse studio in the inner west of Sydney and travels throughout Australia and overseas exhibiting and teaching. He enjoys painting outdoors but the bulk of his time is spent in the studio creating abstract images derived mainly from the landscape. Typical of his work is its playful, dynamic quality and strong use of colour.

He has had over fifty solo exhibitions in Australia, five exhibitions in London, three in Paris, two in St Tropez, one in Lyon, one in New York and one in New Zealand. His participation in group exhibitions is also widespread; art fairs in Canada, UK, Belgium, Singapore, Melbourne and Sydney, he has been a finalist in the Blake, Sulman, Dobell, Fleurieu, Eutick, Alice, Faber-Castell, Fishers Ghost, Biennale Internationale du Pastel (France) and has been invited to exhibit in the Tattersalls Landscape Exhibition and Messagers de la Terre (France).

Apart from continual studio explorations, central to his creativity is his love of en plein air studies of the world that he travels in. Central Australia and the coast, Paris, France, London and country, Italy, Portugal, USA and New Zealand.

Throughout the world he has tutored numerous workshop, he is the President of The Glebe Art Show and has judged many prizes.