Construct a Composition in a Modernist Style
Overview
On this two-day course (a week apart) you will consider aspects of Modernist painting:
• The Modernist view of the canvas as object
• Ways of creating space and the flattening of the canvas
• The ‘Edge’ as a construct of composition
Together we will refer to and consider painting of the 20th century by artists who found ways to develop painting in pursuit of a flat picture plane, still an aim of many artists today. With these artists for inspiration, you will create your own composition and ‘build’ your abstracted landscape or interior painting.
The course includes an introduction with slides, demonstrations, a brief, to guide you through stages in building your composition and feedback.
There are ‘certain underlying principles that define modernist art: A rejection of history and conservative values (such as realistic depiction of subjects); innovation and experimentation with form (the shapes, colours and lines that make up the work) with a tendency to abstraction; and an emphasis on materials, techniques and processes.’
Ref.(https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/m/modernism)
Content
The aim for the two days is to look at ways you might abstract from ‘truth’ to capture an essence of a place without trying to depict a literal view. We are looking for shape, colour, feel, the atmosphere.
The idea is to make something that has integrity, not completely abstract but which bears a connection to the starting point. At the same time, it functions as a self-contained object in its own right, described as ‘existence justified by its own internal ‘visual poetry’.
See extract in Unquiet landscape on Ben Nicholson.
The subject matter will be provided by you and should be based on an interior setting or garden or any outdoor space you can get to easily. After booking, but well in advance, I will give you details of what and how to prepare.
Each session will include an introduction with slides illustrating that session’s brief, a demonstration and a group feedback session in which we discuss the work you email to me. These feedback sessions are highly valued by my students and you will have time to offer your own thoughts on the work as well as listening to me! I will use both still life and landscape examples in the sessions.
Throughout the course reference is made to both esteemed and less well-known artists’ work from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, particularly but not exclusively, abstract and abstracted images.
Practical Information.
How long will the courses be?
The course is spread over two days one week apart delivered by Zoom. A day will allow for a two hour lone working period in the middle. I will be available by phone or text during that time or for a short 1:1 on screen.
Numbers are limited to allow for group interaction and for 1:1 feedback, usually by email.
Who can enrol?
The course is suitable for anyone with experience of painting and an interest in developing degrees of abstraction in their personal practice. It is not suitable for beginners. (if you are a beginner get in touch. I could arrange a course for you!).
If you have worked with me before, you may find some of the content familiar although it won’t be the same. Recap is a useful tool!
Contact me for a chat if you are considering joining the group, but are unsure.
Do I need to know what my personal work will be about?
You will be expected to work from your own subject matter but you do not need a clear cut idea for a finished piece!
Before each course
I will publicise a materials list and suggestions to help with gathering your subject matter.
You should send me your images from the previous week’s efforts by the morning before the second day.
How will the sessions be planned?
Each session will run from 9.30am to 2.30pm GMT. This includes:
• Group feedback relating to your previous week’s work (second day).
• Introduction and demo by me for the session’s activity
• Time for you to get started on this, during which time I will be on WhatsApp and email to give support where needed
• Finishing up with a look at the results from the day, an overview for the following second day with Q&A for going forward.
The session content will be recorded and available to all who have enrolled along with pdf copies of the slides.
After the course, send me work you may do during the next couple of weeks. It would be great to see what you have done and to pass on the images as a set, to the group.
What happens if I miss a session?
The sessions will all be recorded and uploaded to You Tube. If you miss a session, you will be able to follow the live recording of the session, unabridged, including interaction with the group. It is not a pre-recorded lecture. You will also be given the handout and slides for the day which cover the session and the group’s work.
Dates
• Saturday 22nd February 2025
• Saturday 1st March 2025
Fees
• You will need to sign up for the 2 day course at least a month in advance of the start date. If you can’t manage to attend a session you will still receive the recording and other notes.
See booking terms.
Total payment for the two days = £180
Payment can be made by cheque or bank transfer. Details will be supplied.
Overseas participants have paid with Paypal in the past. This seems the easiest way to do it.
BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Bookings are made on payment of the full amount. 50% of that amount functions as a non-returnable deposit. No refunds are available for cancellations 21 days or later before the course begins.
Places are limited and allocated in the order I receive them. If the course is already full, I will return your payment but keep your name on a waiting list. In the unlikely event that I have to cancel a course, whether due to insufficient bookings or otherwise, I will let you know as soon as possible and refund 100% of the fee paid, with no further liability.
Participants attend these courses entirely at their own risk.
Online courses - numbers are capped for these courses so that there is opportunity for some 1:1 feedback and support. Therefore, the payment conditions remain the same.