Week of April 6 Exercises

Wash Approach

This week we are going to examine an approach to painting that I’m sure I’ve mentioned in the past but I don’t think we’ve done it formally yet.  The approach to painting that I refer to as the “wash approach” gives some of the best opportunities for interesting color and surface of any approach that I know.  It’s often my “go to” painting approach that I utilize when I’m painting on my own.  The video links below take you through the process pretty extensively.  Watch them all before you start painting, and then watch each stage again in turn as you are building your own painting.

My example painting is a self portrait, and you are welcome to make a self portrait.  However, if you can convince someone close to you to pose that’s okay too (what else do they have to do these days?).  Be sure to set up lighting dramatic enough for rich lights and deep shadows.  It’s up to you to do this.  Be creative.  Your lighting might be as simple as grabbing a lamp from the other room and setting it temporarily near the person (or yourself) posing.  Whoever is posing should wear interesting clothes with plenty of color.  Have fun with it, maybe even using interesting props!  Take cues from great works from Art History.  Maybe even make a painting that references some of them.  Have fun and good luck!

Example Videos

Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-fpVwVsXBw&t=7s

Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8PpiN891Hg&t=5s

Part 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqpwe80VTW4

Part 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3P6Y_i2Q_c

Part 5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvN6un7oT98

Part 6: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_1g_tC10Ks&t=6s

Part 7: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SihwYoc4hEM