Itinerary of Workshop

This is a workshop designed for the beginner and experienced artist. We will be learning how to paint with the limited palette of the four earth tones…white, black, burnt sienna and yellow ochre. This painting technique known as “Tetrachromy”, is a process used thousands of years ago in Greece by artists from the 6th century BC up to the 1st century AD. We also will be using other mediums depending on the artist’s personal choice. A 2b pencil, soft vine charcoal, and white chalk is required.

This workshop will be held from 9am to 1pm. We will travel to various areas of the island for inspiration and fun!

DAY ONE- I will give a brief tutorial on the history of art from ancient Greece. I will supply books which will be illustrated in the art of portraiture in the 4 earth tones, to give you a clear understanding and reference. We will stain our canvas in a burnt sienna wash, to provide a warm background, and we will have it dry in the Greek sunshine . While our painting (quickly dries) , I will review the essentials of drawing…..perspective, proportion, position etc. We will do some sketching exercises which will stimulate the brain and lubricate the hand, (every day). We will begin our painting. Later that evening, we will all join together at Kavos Bay Hotel and have our welcome to Greece Dinner!

DAY TWO – On Day two we will continue to work on our painting. If you would like to bring a photo of someone that is ok. We will incorporate background and environment in the paintings. I will, teach you how to manipulate these 4 colors, so you can express texture and tonal value, in order to givea professional feel to your painting. A sense of place will be paramount in our creative vision and experience, since Greece is the most beautiful place on earth, you will be completely inspired!

DAY THREE – I will critique and we will discuss the progress of your paintings. Depending on your experience you maybe on your 2nd painting, and that is wonderful. Everyone will have some sketches, and at least one painting . On this day, or any day we decide, we will have a change of scenery and travel by bus or walk to another beautiful area of magical Aegina. We may change subject, mediums, and paint whatever the muses inspire us to do! Or you can take your painting with you. On this day we may also go to a museum or gallery as part of our learning experience.

DAY FOUR - I will be training your eyes to see shapes and spaces. By recognizing the positive side of negative space, you will become more aware of the contours of form . As your teacher I will not be so concerned with replicating exact images but more importantly , harmony, proportion, shape and color no matter what medium you have used, thereby producing an interesting piece of art. Again we will be working on your painting. If we choose we can travel to another lovely area and have lunch!

DAY FIVE – We will discuss your portfolio of work that you have acquired while on the workshop. If you need any assistance on a certain passage of your painting or any piece of work you have created, I will help you, we will work together. You will have learned to see, with the discriminating eye of the artist, and paint in the unique style of Tetrachromy . You will have learned an art form in the country it originated, made new friends and experienced the rich history and culture of Greece!

E-mail me for more information on materials. See you in Aegina!