Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Workshop with Deb Quinn-Munson

The Foxboro Art Association hosted a workshop with Deb Quinn-Munson Saturday, April 6, 2013 at Studio East, Walpole

Deb Quinn-Munson begins with an oil underpainting on
Wallis (or UART -- can't remember which) paper
Having attended last year's workshop, I was excited that Deb was invited back to lead a class focusing specifically on techniques for painting water.

Students in rapt attention

Assessing references

Deb had many wonderful tidbits about painting water. She shared this quote by Don Demers, " Study the water until you understand what it looks like, then paint how it feels." I personally love stuff like this!


Deb made two underpaintings, this photo shows watercolor on
watercolor paper. Another was in oil on Wallis paper.

Deb continues to develop her underpainting
Deb shared her 80/20 Guide with us, asking us to consider this ratio when making decisions regarding composition, shape, value, color, line, texture, and rhythm.


Karole Nicholson came up to see the painting in progress and make inquiries

We have so much to think of when making good paintings. Often this is done intuitively, but Deb's insight encourages artists to slow down and consider the options for deliberate choices -- a smart thing to do.



The painting with the introduction of pastel shows lovely sparkle.

Deb, again with the group in rapt attention, shows the two paintings and discusses their  attributes.

One tidbit Deb shared has sat in my head as a good default for making these decisions:
What will make someone walk across a room to see the painting? Of course you should choose the options that would do that!

Pastel painting by Deb Quinn-Munson -- what shimmer! 

Deb offers instruction
As important as composition is, Deb mentioned that composition doesn't get credit for its role in good paintings. No one really says, "Wow! What composition in that painting!"

Workshop attendees give each other guidance 


Diane Scotti with her pastel of waterlilies
Diane Scotti's work in progress

She encouraged us to be deliberate with our marks and to make bold, decisive paintings:
"You only get to hit it once -- maybe twice. That's it."

Workshop in full swing with everyone painting!

The start of my painting - Kim Morin Weineck 

Kathy Hutchinson's work-in-progress
(apologies for the crooked photo)


The day ended all too soon. Perhaps Deb will be invited yet again to instruct another aspect of pastel painting!

Deb Quinn-Munson and I at the end of a great day
Thanks for reading! ~kmw

2 comments:

Unknown said...

The worksop was wonderful. So much fun to paint with other artists. I could have stayed all day. They were a very supportive group and Deb was so pack full of new approches to using pastels. Loved that she demonstrated in both oils and watercolor. It was a very productive day. I love my piece so far and hope to complete it soon.Thanks to all that made the day possible. diane <3 <3 <3

joanne willoughby said...

great workshop with a great teacher and a super group of people! lots of info! hope to join in again in the future
joanne W