Combining opposites: exploring alternative painting techniques
Weekend-long practical course
28 October 2017 10.30am - 5.30pm29 October 2017 10.30am - 5.30pm
The Learning Studio, Burlington House, Royal Academy of Arts, Piccadilly
£420. Includes all materials, lunch and wine reception at the end of the second day.
Jasper Johns: ‘Something Resembling Truth’
Terms and conditions
Artist and Print Tutor at the Royal Academy Schools Leigh Clarke will lead a practical course inspired by the works of Jasper Johns. Taking influence from Johns's multi-media method of painting, participants will create works that cross-process printmaking, collage, stencilling and painting.
Jasper Johns's infamous painting Flag, 1954-1955, remains one of the most iconic Pop Art paintings of its time. During this period, Johns took influence from the Dada movement and began making paintings that included everyday objects and materials. This mixed media approach to painting allowed him to incorporate lithography, intaglio and relief on to the surface of his works.
Johns was also interested in symbols, and often made works using maps, targets, letters and numbers. These layered works would sometimes employ stencils and would evoke meaning from the simplest of forms. Johns was open to collaboration and worked alongside the artist Robert Rauschenberg, the choreographer Merce Cunningham, the playwright Samuel Becket and the composer John Cage. This openness to new ideas led Johns to become a major pioneer of contemporary art in America and was opposed to the isolated practices of the Abstract Expressionists. This multi-disciplinary practice and celebration of the avant-garde formed the foundations for the colourful, experimental and inventive works that can be found in the Jasper Johns: 'Something Resembling Truth' exhibition.
During this weekend-long course, artist Leigh Clarke will introduce participants to alternative methods of making paintings. In the spirit of Johns's work, Leigh will demonstrate how to create opposites and contradictions in making artworks by juxtaposing translucencies and opacities, flat colour plains alongside gestural marks, coarse against smooth surfaces, and readable symbols with abstract marks. Participants will work with a range of media, including canvas, paper, collage, print, acrylic paint and stencils.
About the course
During this weekend-long course, artist Leigh Clarke will introduce participants to alternative methods of making paintings. In the spirit of Johns' work, Leigh will demonstrate how to create opposites and contradictions in making artworks by juxtaposing translucencies and opacities, flat colour plains alongside gestural marks, coarse against smooth surfaces, and readable symbols with abstract marks. Participants will work with a range of media, including canvas, paper, collage, print, acrylic paint and stencils.
This course is set in the purpose-built Learning Studio at the Royal Academy in Burlington House.
This course is suitable for all levels, preferably with some prior experience of drawing, painting or creative practice in general.
This course is for you if:
• You have some prior knowledge of drawing and/or painting and would like to extend your skills in the practice of working from perception and direct observation
• You would like a new perspective in your approach to making artworks
• You would like to develop your knowledge and skills of working with different mediums
• You would like the opportunity to develop your skills and ideas in a small group setting and in the Royal Academy's practical Learning Studio
• You have no prior experience of painting, but an interest in the history, theory and practice of art more widely
Minimum age 18
The number of participants is strictly limited to enable detailed feedback from the course tutor.
£420
Saturday 2 – Sunday 29 October 2017
10.30am – 5.30pm on both days
Includes:
• An introduction to the Academy with particular reference to relevant works in the Collection
• An introduction to the Jasper Johns: Something Resembling Truth exhibition, as well as a complimentary ticket to the exhibition
• All specialist practical materials
• Lunch and refreshments served on both days
• A drinks reception at the end of the second day
• A certificate of participation upon course completion
About the tutor - Leigh Clarke
Leigh Clarke graduated from the Royal College of Art in 1998 after completing an MA in Printmaking. His work has been exhibited widely and has been included in the John Moores Painting Prize 2006, London Open 2012 at the Whitechapel Gallery and he has recently completed a commission for Create London. He has been included in two major printmaking residencies in New Zealand and China as well as exhibiting mainly in the UK, Belgium and the Netherlands. He and has been a Print Tutor at the Royal Academy Schools since 2012.
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Our programme of short courses and classes offers the opportunity to explore a range of subjects, led by expert tutors and practising artists.