In-Between Realism and Abstraction in the Landscape with Chris Groves – June 7th – 9th, 2024 (3 days)

Artist Statement

Chris Groves’ love of art grew from his early experiences with nature: exploring the woods, swimming in the bayou, boating, fishing, playing with snakes and other wild animals, countless hikes, mountain climbs and camping trips. He would spend countless hours copying the drawings from a nature book and enhancing them with his own interpretation. His parents, recognizing their sons’ talent and appreciation of art, hired a private tutor to instruct him in basic techniques. He drew detailed portraits of his friends’ faces. In high school, Groves met sculptor Glenna Goodacre, who inspired his own artistic aspirations.

After graduating from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a B.F.A. in Environmental Design, Groves spent the next ten years as an art director for two large companies, all the while continuing to study and hone his fine art skills. Groves has studied at the Florence Academy of Art in Italy, the Colorado Academy of Art, the Loveland Art Academy, the Cottonwood Art Academy and the Denver Arts Students League. He also enjoyed a private, two- year mentorship with artist Jay Moore, which he considers a turning point in his artistic career. Grove’s paintings hang in numerous private and corporate collections and he is the recipient of multiple awards and recognitions listed on his website: https://www.cgroves.com/

The Workshop

This workshop will cover two main topics:

1. Pushing one’s landscape artwork with a variety of mediums and tools as a way of loosening up, as well as extensive discussion on changing design and composition to push outside the obvious.
2. Experimenting with Cold Wax Medium and Galkyd as an addition to oil paint will be covered as a way to add texture, layering and mark making.

This workshop will encourage you to explore new directions in your artwork.

Chris will teach in oils, but all mediums (Acrylic) are welcome.  The workshop is suitable for artists at all levels.

Please bring your own photos to use as reference.

ON DAY 1:

Materials/Structure of the Landscape/Concept and Themes/Values – Shapes – Focal Point Composition/

Small Preliminary Sketches (mono and colour) Initial Wash-in (Monochromatic)

ON DAY 2:

Colour Mixing/limited palette/Application of colour/Brush handling/Getting your values and colours to work together/Gradations and Transitions/Light

ON DAY 3:

Pushing your painting with respect to the focal point/Edges, Accents and Highlights/Finishing Up

Chris will give a demonstration of glazing techniques

Supply List

Dates: June 7 – 9, 2024

Time: 9:30-4:30 each day

Fees: KAC Members – $660, Non-members – $695

Venue: KAC Studio

Terms & Conditions

The Kanata Art Club reserves the right to cancel a workshop where there is insufficient registration.  You will be notified and issued a refund or e-transfer for the full amount.

To withdraw prior to the start date, please contact: treasurer@kanataartclub.com.  A full refund (or e-transfer) less an administrative fee of $25.00 will be issued if a written request is received on or before April 1st, 2024. There will be no refunds issued beyond April 1st, 2024 unless we can fill your spot from a waitlist.