Painting the Landscape in Watercolor or Gouache
Workshop | Available
This workshop will explore and develop students’ understanding of drawing, color, value and design, all important fundamentals needed to analyze the subject at hand and complete a successful painting. Spike will cover these principles in depth and discuss how they apply to objects seen in the landscape. Participants will explore the process of making a work of art instead of just copying nature. Students will bring their own reference material to work from and create two or more small paintings daily. Students can expect plenty of personal attention and demonstrations of the content are covered each day. Special attention will be given to: simple guidelines to a better composition; laying down a foundation quickly and confidently; simplifying shapes and understanding what is seen; and understanding the balance of warm and cool colors. www.spikeress.com
Spike Ress
Spike Ress was born in Long Island, New York but grew up in New Mexico where the landscape and culture influenced his artistic direction. Ress’ early years were spent as a designer and illustrator. In 1978 he left his commercial art career to pursue fine art full-time. Ress is a member of Plein Air Painters of Utah, Plein Air Painters of New Mexico and elected a member of the Plein Air Painters of America in 2021. Ress is also a signature member of several state, regional and national watercolor societies including the Western Federation of Watercolor Societies, Watercolor West and the Utah Watercolor Society. He exhibits extensively and has earned numerous awards. His paintings are in museums, corporate and private collections throughout the country.