Class Description
Paul Klee described his art work as “taking a line for a walk.” Discover how to walk and run with line, shape, and color. The space “Between Speech and Silence” is the place of your inner knowing that expresses your creative voice. We will strive to access that special place and trust the creative impulses we find there.
Projects include step-by-step methods that will build skills, starting with line and collage and moving into acrylic paints. We will create three drawings, one large collage and two paintings using paper and wood boards. These four lessons are simple and complex at the same time, and the concepts can be used again and again in your creative path.
Class Itinerary
Lesson 1: “Taking a Line for a Walk”
Create three line drawings on craft/colored paper, adding color with colored pencils and finishing touches.
Lesson 2: Line & Collage
Create a collage with the first layer placed together like a puzzle on cardboard and a thick black line and covering spaces with gesso.
Lesson 3: Acrylic Paint & Collage — Start Two Paintings
Begin two paintings with a foundational color field on two boards approx. 9″x 12″ laying out the composition with mixing cool colors and warm colors. Using the image of a tree, we will mix colors for the trunk and add collage papers for the leaves.
Lesson 4: Finish Your Paintings
Finish two paintings started in Lesson 3. Add and mix layers of color, looking at value. Explore line with a script brush, adding details and figures to complete the visual story.
– Markers: Sharpies (Ultra Fine, Fine, and King size)
– Colored Pencils (Diane likes Prismacolors)
– Brown paper/craft paper or brown paper bags
– Colored card stock paper 8.5″x11″ – optional
– Magazines to cut up
– Scissors
– Glue stick
– Gesso
– Cardboard 15″x21″
– Assortment of brushes, including a Script #1 and fan brushes
– Gel Medium: Gloss or Matte
– Acrylic Paints: Red, Yellow, Blue, any primary colors are good. Diane demonstrates with Quinacridone Crimson, Cadmium Yellow Medium Hue, Cobalt Blue Hue, Titanium White, and Prussian Blue Hue. Paynes Grey or Diox Purple are also great options for the dark colors.
– Container for water
– 2 wood panels about 9″x12″ (or whatever size you are comfortable with)
Diane Culhane
Diane Culhane is a professional artist and art educator who lives in West Seattle in a 1910 home, and works out of her studio in Ballard, Building C.
She received her BFA from the University of Utah and Master’s Degree from Seattle University. Diane has taught for The Bellevue School District, Seattle Pacific University, Kirkland Arts Center, Bellevue Arts Museum and currently directs and owns Kelsey Creek Fine Art Camp, ‘Go Go with Van Gogh,’ for children in the summer.
When Diane is not in the studio painting you can find her on her bicycle or hiking. Learn more about her at http://www.dianeculhane.com.
Check out Diane’s first book, released by Quarry Books, If You Can Doodle, You Can Paint.
Nuts & Bolts
- This class is now available as a self-study class.
- Immediately upon class signup, you will receive access to the class videos and corresponding materials.
- A private Facebook group will be available for you to (optionally) share your artwork and enjoy and learn from the artwork of others. You may also email your teacher directly with questions or feedback.
- You will have indefinite access to this class.