Catherine Kehoe: Throwing Light on the Figure

AUGUST 7 – 21, 2011
Catherine Kehoe
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays: 2:30-6:30 PM
Thursday, August 11: Excursion to Assisi & Perugia
Thursday, August 18: Excursion to Rome
REGISTER HERE
Recommended Materials List – Catherine Kehoe

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Throwing Light on the Figure

This workshop will focus on the figure in relation to the space it inhabits. The model will assume everyday poses, clothed or not, in various settings. Several different lighting conditions will be explored. What happens when the figure is silhouetted against a window or door? What colors can be found when the figure is in a dark corner with dim light? How does a strong spotlight affect the figure and its relationship to space? How does this relationship change when the figure is placed in the Certosa gardens and loggia?

We will begin with a series of one-session paintings, being as accurate as possible about the large notes of color and value, and their relationships. This type of accuracy is the opposite of detail. The emphasis will be on seeing what is before our eyes and finding a truthful yet surprising equivalent in paint. Fierce looking will be favored over “what the painting needs.” We will work in the spirit of visual research rather than making a finished painting.

We will break down the steps to this approach:

1. Selection — what do we want to include in the rectangle and strategies for getting it there.
2. Shape, angle, proportion — intuitive, simple and quick ways to get these relationships correct without laboring over measurement or perspective.
3. Value relationships —relative value is the underlying structure of the motif, and the single most important aspect of translating what is seen into a painting. We will explore a full range of value structures, from extreme high contrast to extreme low contrast.
4. Color — using a specific palette that includes no earth colors, we will explore ways to knock down intense cadmiums, etc., to find rich chromatic grays and other nameless colors. Organization of the palette and color mixing methods will be taught.
5. Correction — Painting the visible is often 90% correction. It can take time, trial and error, plus distance, to see that our initial take was not accurate, and to correct.

After a few sessions of quick, alla prima paintings, we will take more time on subsequent paintings to analyze and refine. We will slow down our movement through the steps outlined above.

Although working with the same motif and goals, the diverse results will show the personal voice each painter brings to the process. Stepping back to appreciate each other’s efforts and approaches will be part of the conversation.

Mornings will be free for independent work, either landscape painting or optional studio assignments. Additional individual attention is available by appointment for a morning meeting to discuss student work, goals and progress.

Click here for the Recommended Materials List – Catherine Kehoe

PRICES:
Prices are for the basic university guest rooms (click here for info) and include three meals a day (except on Thursday trip days), and one group excursion weekly. Flight is not included.

Double room (per person)
$1300 – 1 week
$2500 – 2 weeks

Single room
$1500 – 1 week
$2900 – 2 weeks

Deluxe rooms in the Villa (click here for info) are also available with full board and excursions, depending on availability, at the following prices:

$2000 – 1 week, single occupancy
$3000 – 1 week, couple occupancy

$4000 – 2 weeks, single occupancy
$5000 – 2 weeks, couple occupancy

REGISTER HERE