Sample Lessons

Sample Lesson: From Brushstrokes to Energy Waves

The following is a sample lesson which would take place over the course of a 3 hour session. As always, I will do the lesson alongside the student.

Lesson Title: From Brushwork to Energy Waves

Introduction:

  • Recap the importance of authenticity and surface energy in paintings, as discussed in the previous video. Look at a variety of different paintings that are diverse examples of surface energy in painting.
  • Speak about how students can create a painting that reflects their unique voice and energy.
  • Use my “Music Album/Movie/Book” Method to determine what the student is interested in. Basically, ask them what their favorite musician, or author, and get them to speak about what they like in the work. Then use this information and apply it visually.

Materials Needed:

  • Canvas or painting surface
  • Acrylic or oil paints
  • Assorted brushes
  • Palette or mixing surface
  • Palette knife (optional)
  • Water or solvent for cleaning brushes
  • Paper towels or rags for wiping brushes

Lesson Steps:

  1. Setting the Intention
    • Encourage students to take a moment to reflect on the emotions, ideas, or stories they want to convey through their painting. Basically, what’s the idea behind the work.
    • Explain that by setting a clear intention, they can guide their artistic choices and infuse their work with authenticity and surface energy.
  2. Preparing the Canvas
    • Demonstrate how to prepare the canvas or painting surface by applying a base layer of paint or primer.
    • Explain that this base layer will provide a foundation for the subsequent layers and help set the tone for the overall surface energy.
    • Explain that different types of canvas surface preparation can steer the results in certain directions.
  3. Exploring Brushwork and Texture
    • Show different brush techniques, such as dry brushing, stippling, or palette knife application, and explain how each technique can create distinct surface energies.
    • Encourage students to experiment with these techniques, applying them to different areas of the canvas to evoke different emotions or energies.
    • Remind them to consider the pressure, speed, and direction of their brushstrokes to enhance the desired surface energy.
  4. Color Palette and Mood
    • Discuss the impact of colors on mood and energy in a painting.
    • Encourage students to select a color palette that aligns with their intention and desired surface energy. Get them to link their idea, with a color.
    • Guide them to experiment with variations of hue, value, and saturation to create contrasts and harmonies that enhance the overall energy of their painting.
  5. Composition and Focal Points
    • Explain the importance of composition in creating a visually appealing and energetically balanced artwork.
    • Demonstrate different compositional techniques, such as rule of thirds, leading lines, or focal points, and how they can affect the surface energy.
    • Encourage students to experiment with different arrangements of elements on their canvas, considering the placement of focal points and negative spaces to convey their desired energy.
  6. Reflecting and Refining
    • Encourage students to step back and reflect on what they’ve learned about both looking at painting, but also making it.
    • Ask them to assess whether their painting aligns with their initial intention and desired surface energy.
    • Provide guidance on refining their work by adding additional layers, adjusting colors, textures, or composition to enhance surface energy.