The more we understand about our subject, the more we know what to look for when drawing and painting from nature. Join me in looking carefully at the anatomy and structure of a variety of trees. We will discuss branching patterns, foreshortening, shadow patterns, how to represent bark and leaves, and how to represent trees both individually and in groups. You will learn to see the overall gesture of a tree from root to crown and discover the advantages of simplification with judicious use of detail.

Get ready to paint outdoors! In this workshop, we will start off by properly preparing a painting panel. While our panels are drying, we will go over some basic considerations for painting en plein air such as preparing various painting grounds, what supplies you need and how to carry them, traveling with art supplies & wet paintings, and how to paint in public places. Then you will practice setting up what you may already have and get valuable tips for modifying your kit to be more efficient. If you don’t have a plein air kit of any kind, don’t worry! You will be able to use a studio easel! Once set up, you will tone your panel and block in a simple painting. There! You’re ready to paint en plein air!

More than just “black and white” or “light and dark” the concept of “notan” leads us to look more closely at how we structure a painting or drawing. In this one-day workshop you will learn just what “notan” is and develop a feel for what makes a strong composition. Through several hands-on exercises you will learn to sense the dynamics of your composition and thereby gain control of that important foundation of your painting.

Have you ever thought “I’d like to draw, but ….” or “I used to draw, but it’s been years (or maybe decades!).” This class offers a no-stress environment for you to relax and enjoy drawing. Learn how to handle charcoal, pencil and pen while working with composition, value and form. You may discover that you already know a lot about drawing and find your confidence growing as you build more skill. A little art history and a lot of fun included!

What is a notan?

It is a fantastic tool for improving the composition and impact of your drawings and paintings.

In this 4 hour workshop students will experience the power of simplification and value-massing.

You’re invited!

Meet the Studio Tour Artists!

During the August 16 Art Walk Edmonds, the Edmonds Art Studio Tour Artists will be holding their preview party in the Arts Festival Gallery at the Frances Anderson Center, 700 Main Street, Edmonds, WA - be sure to stop in and say "hi" - I'll be there!

The Studio Tour Preview Show will hang in the Arts Festival Gallery from August 8 to Sept 18.

Join Kathleen in a stress-free creative environment that allows you to sit back, relax and enjoy drawing! Learn how to handle charcoal, pencil, and pen while working with composition, value, and form. We’ll help you grow your confidence as you hone your skill. A little art history and a lot of fun included!

Learn to accurately paint a variety of tree forms while expressing the unique qualities of individual trees. Working en plein air, students will learn the basic skills of interpreting light and shadow to render volumes in space. Gain an understanding of the dynamic structure of tree forms, paint the texture of foliage, and see the landscape in perspective. Classes will take place offsite, working with oil or acrylic paints.

The beauty of nature stirs the emotions and inspires the spirit. Develop an intimate understanding of plant structure while conveying an emotional, aesthetic response to what you see. Each week, you will evaluate the compositional possibilities of the location with quick notan (a Japanese word meaning “light-dark balance”) sketches, then settle in for a sustained drawing period focusing on both distant and close-up plant forms within the stunning Washington Park Arboretum.

Head out on a plein air painting expedition to the lavender fields on Whidbey Island! Join Kathleen Moore in the fragrant fields to paint the unique shapes and colors of Lavender Wind Farm. You will focus on finding a suitable painting location, developing a pleasing composition, simplifying the complexity of nature, using linear and aerial perspective and developing your color-mixing skills in oil or acrylic while enjoying the lovely fragrance. You will receive individual instruction throughout the workshop and at the end of the day everyone will come together to share their painting experience.

What secrets are those wide-eyed Byzantine figures keeping from us? Come with Kathleen on a journey into the ancient world to find out!

Instructor: Kathleen Moore

Location: Seattle Art Museum

Experience the surprising beauty surrounding you in the city. Using acrylic, you will develop your understanding of composition, linear perspective, value, color-mixing, brushwork and the differences in various mediums artists use to paint the landscape.

For Seattle Art Museum docents only.