Master Artist Workshop with Liz Wiltzen

The goal of the workshop:

• to accurately draw the shapes of light and shadow
• to choose what shapes belonged to the light and what shapes belonged to the dark
• to block in the darks (including midtones for simplification) with a colour such as Transparent Red Iron Oxide
• to block in the colour, shade and temperature of the shapes, maintaining the integral design of lights and darks

We did the above within 20 to 30 minutes per pose.

The result of this three day challenge was an improved ability to see and to design. We discovered that zooming in, showing less of the figure, worked well. We learned to better see the negative space as integral to the design, not just the form of the figure.

We began with one-minute blind gesture drawings using thinned, fluid paint.  Some of us used acrylics and some used oils. We held our brushes near to the end, and kept our movements loose and flowing. We stood while painting to allow the full movement of our arm.

Each drawing was wiped off before beginning the next. We followed the blind gestures with looking at our canvas as we drew, beginning with one minute drawings and eventually moving into the 20 plus minute sessions.

Liz Wiltzen was an amazing facilitator, shining a light on each individual’s work in a way that promoted progress.

As a side note, Liz suggests the book, ‘Creative Illustration’ by Andrew Loomis. During her attendance of a Kevin MacPherson workshop he made the comment of Loomis’s book being a must-have for painters. I have a copy of the book at the Mirja Vahala Art Studio; Loomis has fascinating design methods.

Following are a photo of Liz demonstrating, plus an example of my efforts: