Classes
ONSITE: Composition in Painting
“The term composition means 'putting together'. It can be thought of as the organization of the elements of art according to the principles of art. Composition can apply to any work of art … that is arranged using conscious thought.” Wikipedia. In this new class we will be exploring how to create compelling compositions that promote a variety of eye travel paths and focal points in your work. Beginning with some simple cut paper collage work to quickly understand and manipulate different compositional models, we will quickly transition to painting our own desired subject matter. Students will also learn how existing compositional references can be manipulated to create new focal points and eye travel paths.
Special Notes
Students should be familiar with the painting medium of their choice and are welcome to transition between them each week if desired.
Due to a set of stairs, this classroom is not wheelchair accessible.
Classes are confirmed one week prior to the start date. In order to help us confirm classes, please register as early as possible.
This is an On-site course. Students must follow current Covid-19 protocols, as outlined on our website. On-site courses do not come with studio access outside of class time. Paid open studio access is available through our Studio Access Program. Please visit visarts.org for more information.
Materials List
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About the Instructor
Kathy Calhoun
Bio
RVA based painter Kathy Calhoun’s initial foray into art began in her mom’s studio (a.k.a the kitchen table) with that groovy 70s stand-by, tole painting. She then furthered her studies by breaking into her older brother’s room to hand copy his album covers. It was only after two art degrees (JMU and VCU), many solo exhibitions, stints in New York and Paris, and teaching on many different levels that Kathy discovered that this was following in a time honored master teaching technique. The copying that is, not the breaking and entering. Luckily her brother did not press charges.
Kathy’s work now gets awards, occasional press and can be found in private and corporate collections, scattered around the United States and in Europe. She has also expanded from the kitchen table (though it sometimes still comes in handy) to a “real” studio as well as teaching regional workshops (The Art League, Nimrod Hall), at art centers (Visual Arts Center) and on a university level (Longwood).
Philosophy
Her approach to teaching art is a lot like the method she used to get her children to drive…learn how to start the car before planning the road trip! A firm believer in the “You gotta know the rules before you can break them” mantra, Kathy loves using the classical atelier approach to introduce the foundational design techniques needed for realism. She then encourages her students to discover how they want to express themselves and find their voice with these newly developed skills
Website: KathyCalhoun.com
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