Understanding Surface, Structure and Colour
Two-day Practical Workshop
20 February 2016 10.30am - 5.30pm21 February 2016 10.30am - 5.30pm
Learning Studio, Burlington House, Royal Academy of Arts
£440. Includes all materials, lunch and refreshments.
Terms and conditions
During this creative two-day practical class and intensive workshop, artist Emyr Williams will lead an introduction into the making of abstract art and collage with an emphasis on structure, colour and its relationship to surface.
Colour is a powerful element in painting, and how we perceive it depends upon its structure and the surface. Subtle shifts in transparency, lustre or viscosity can provide, through their tactility, significantly different visual experiences. Understanding the differences between surface, the way light is reflected and how colour is seen has pre-occupied artists for centuries. From the Renaissance to today, artists have been concerned with how the surface on which they work affects both their mediums and perceptions. Interesting innovations in modern paint manufacturing have introduced new challenges, and afford contemporary artists an unprecedented array of colours and consistencies to work with.
Combining traditional painting techniques with more contemporary collage is a great way to explore and learn about the nature of colour in painting, also to see the effect that surface has on structures when considering colour. The great French painter Henri Matisse often employed collage as a way of testing colour and its relationships. He went on to use it almost exclusively as an autonomous medium to produce murals, stained-glass windows, book designs and easel based works.
Through a direct and forthright use of different materials incorporated into painting surface, it is possible to gain an insight into the role and nature of colour as structure in painting.
As well as producing art works under the guidance of the tutor, this workshop will consider some historical developments in the use of colour from around the world. In particular there will be special insights into the use of colour and paint through the wonderful archive collection at the RA – with unique access and expert-led tour of some of the Royal Academy's greatest treasures.
About the course
Through mixing and preparing coloured surfaces, participants will explore systematic and expressive approaches to the use of colour, the importance of structure and surface, colour theory and the potential of abstract collage. Practical approaches are complemented by an informative look at how colours have been developed and employed within wider historical and cultural contexts. The course includes a fascinating visit to the Academy’s Archive, where participants will be able to view relevant works from the Collection with a guided tour from a member of the archive team.
Day one will explore:
• Mixing colour and preparing coloured surfaces
• Considering the structure and nature of surfaces and how they affect mediums
• Colour theory: primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary colour; earths; tints and tones
• An historical look at colour from different times and cultures
Day two will explore:
• Painting and the making of collages.
• The importance of modification, being ambitious and taking risks. Looking at scale and contrast.
• A look at key works of art with fresh eyes
This course is set in the purpose built Learning Studio at the Royal Academy in Burlington House.
This class is suitable for all levels of experience, including beginners and intermediates with prior experience of drawing, painting or collage.
The number of participants is strictly limited to 16 participants in order to enable detailed feedback from the course Tutor for each participant and the work that they create.
£440
10.30am – 5.30pm each day
Includes:
• An introduction to the Academy and the historic way in which the Academy, its Graduates and Academicians approach surface, structure and colour
• A special tour with guided access to unique reference works in the Academy Library and archives
• All practical art materials
• Lunch and refreshments
The course is followed by a wine reception at the end of the second day.
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 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, and is a regular contributor of essays and reviews online for Abstract Critical and Abcrit.
Emyr Williams has recently contributed to the Debate column in the RA Magazine – commenting on the contested issue of Is it essential to see a painting in the flesh? Read Emyr’s response.
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.