Working with paint
Four-week practical evening course
3 October 2017 6.30 - 9.30pm10 October 2017 6.30 - 9.30pm17 October 2017 6.30 - 9.30pm24 October 2017 6.30 - 9.30pm
Learning Studio, Burlington House, Royal Academy of Arts, Piccadilly
£420. Includes all materials and a drinks reception at the end of the final session.
Terms and conditions
Abstract artist Emyr Williams leads a course experimenting with the qualities of acrylic paint. Using "open" acrylics, a slow-drying paint, participants will explore the range of creative possibilities associated with this medium in relation to colour theory.
A painting can be made in so many different ways, yet one thing is constant and that’s the paint. Modern acrylic paint manufacture affords contemporary artists an unprecedented array of colours and consistencies to work with. Painting is unique as an art form as we apprehend it at light speed; this outcome though, has often been hard-wrought and carefully crafted over time. Extending and improving the handling of materials will ensure that the emotional resonance of colour can be magnified and given greater significance and meaning in one’s practice.
Through a direct and forthright use of a range of “open” acrylic paints, which behave similarly to oil paint, we will explore working spontaneously. We will explore strategies to facilitate a greater understanding of what colour can do through paint handling to produce thought-provoking results. The ambition is to make works which will not just look exciting in their own right, but can inform future decision making when dealing with colour in painting.
We will be making paintings from a number of different starting points including: primary and secondary source materials, abstraction and memory. Each of these subjects will afford a wide range of possibilities for being expressive, experimental and demanding in the use of paint.
Tuesday 3 October
Session one will explore:
- Working from postcards, looking at tonal contrast through colour
- Colour theory: primary, secondary, tertiary colour; earths; tints and tones
- A historical look at colour from different times and cultures
Tuesday 10 October
Session two will explore:
- Working from still-life exploring layering and the implementation of complements and harmonies
- Edges, instances, direction and pace
- A historical look at colour from different times and cultures
Tuesday 17 October
Session three will explore:
- Memory exercises - selecting the essentials
- Working with contrast and exploring modification
- A historical look at colour from different times and cultures
Tuesday 24 October
Session four will explore:
- Making abstract paintings
- Being ambitious and taking risks
- Comparisons and connections
About the course
Through mixing colour and working in direct ways, participants will explore systematic and expressive approaches to the use of colour; the importance of surface, colour theory and the potential of colour layering, complemented by an informative look at how colours have been developed and employed within wider historical and cultural contexts. Also there will be an investigation into the physical properties of “open” acrylic paints, which will explore their workability.
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 with colour and colour theory.
• You would like a new perspective in your approach to painting.
• You would like the opportunity to experiment with 'open' acrylic paints.
• You have no prior experience of colour theory but an interest in the history, theory and practice of painting more widely.
Minimum age 18
The number of participants is strictly limited to enable detailed feedback from the course tutor.
Price: £420
6.30-9.30pm for each session (four sessions in total)
Includes:
• An introduction to the Academy with particular reference to relevant works in the Collection
• All practical materials
• A drinks reception at the end of the final session
• A certificate of participation upon course completion
About the tutor
Emyr Williams
Emyr Williams is an abstract painter who has exhibited in the UK, Europe and North America. His work has won awards and his work is held in many public, corporate and private collections worldwide. He has taught and lectured in schools, colleges and universities in the UK, France and the USA, including many courses and classes at The Royal Academy. Emyr also writes about art through reviews and essays and was a regular contributor of essays and reviews online for Abstract Critical and is currently for Abcrit. He has a new book about abstract painting featuring his work over thirty years, coming out in November. For more information about Emyr and his work, visit his website here.
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.