'Matisse in the Studio': the object as actor
Weekend-long practical course
23 September 2017 10.30am - 5.30pm24 September 2017 10.30am - 5.30pm
The Learning Studio, Burlington House, Royal Academy of Arts, Piccadilly
£480. Includes all materials, lunch and wine reception at the end of the second day.
Matisse in the Studio
Terms and conditions
Artist Gregory Ward leads a two-day oil painting course exploring the nature of the still life as seen within the context of the 'Matisse in the Studio' exhibition, studying the artist's unique method of working with his collection of objects.
"To copy objects in a still life is nothing; one must render the emotion they awaken in him."
Henri Matisse, Sarah Stein notes 1908
‘The object as actor’, is taken from a quote by Matisse and refers, in part, to the many roles that an object may inhabit within his work. In Matisse’s paintings and drawings, particular objects appear repeatedly and therefore evoke memories of previous work. The retained affection connected with the objects themselves resonate with past experiences of paintings, places and events. These "actors" hold an emotional value for the artist. It is this connection that Matisse valued; their familiarity allowed him to manipulate the shapes, colours, forms and spaces that the objects created, based on his still life set ups, exploring the various ‘personalities’ of the objects, allowing him to seek an equivalent energy by different means, to move from a hierarchical space to an afocal space, where all parts of the painting have an equal role.
This two-day course is an opportunity to explore the nature of the still life seen within the context of the exhibition Matisse in the Studio. Still-life painting as a genre has sometimes been less regarded as a subject matter, but it has proved to be an important vehicle for ideas by many artists in the past, and for many contemporary artists it is an important means of expression for those who work from direct observation.
During this intensive oil painting course, participants will work from direct observation from a specially constructed still life, initially exploring ideas about composition and simple structures within the painting. These will provide a platform to engage with various ideas about space and how we see it, how we think we see it and perhaps more importantly, how we want to paint about it. This will form the basis of the painting that participants will be making over the two days.
This course is set in the purpose-built Learning Studio at the Royal Academy in Burlington House.
About the course
Gregory Ward studied painting at Byam Shaw School of Art where he received a Leverhulme Scholarship, the Ernest Jackson Award and the Jubilee scholarship. He then went on to study at the Slade School of Fine Art. Upon leaving the Slade, he was awarded a Boise Travelling Scholarship which allowed him to travel to America to study the work of Paul Cezanne. The following year, he was given the Elizabeth Greenshield Foundation Award.
Gregory has taught painting and drawing at a number of universities and institutions, including Canterbury Christ Church University, where he was a senior lecturer, the Foundation course at The Byam Shaw, where he was an associate lecturer and at The Prince’s Drawing School. During this time he has maintained a studio and exhibited his work in various galleries and has recently begun to show work at The Tregony Gallery, Cornwall.
Gregory is a figurative painter and works mainly from direct observation, or from drawings made from direct observation.
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 painting
• You would like to develop your knowledge and skills of working with oil paint
• 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.
£480
Saturday 23 - Sunday 24 September 2017
10.30am – 5.30pm on both days
Includes:
• An introduction to the Academy with particular reference to relevant works in the Collection
• A complimentary ticket to the Matisse in the Studio 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
Our courses and classes programme
Our programme of short courses and classes offers the opportunity to explore a range of subjects, led by expert tutors and practising artists.