ANN PEMBER
WORKSHOPS
| My painting style
has evolved from realistic, careful rendering of objects to a
less photographic, softer and more selective statement. I am now
more concerned with expressing emotions and feelings; a sense of
spirit, person or place. Light and the patterns it forms have
become the most important elements in my work, followed closely
by dynamic design and clean luminous color. I often use a close
point of view as a means of getting the viewer’s attention.
Always looking for ways to simplify, I edit unnecessary details
when planning a painting. Although my paintings appear
realistic, a softened focus of some areas creates an
impressionistic look and allows the viewer to become more
involved. I love the look of juicy, mingling colors, and achieve
this by painting wet-in-wet, directly on the paper in sections.
I tilt the paper at a slant to encourage the paint to move and
do very little glazing. This way of painting produces luminous,
clean, beautiful color.
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In my
workshops, students of all levels are encouraged to develop a personal
style and strengthen their painting skills. I gauge the workshop to the
needs of the students. In a group of painters with mixed abilities, I
challenge more advanced students and give beginners direction during
one-on-one time. The 5-day workshops are the most instructive, since we
can build upon each day’s lesson. Much like my book, the emphasis is
on careful planning and basic painting elements; values, color, design,
techniques of painting and knowledge of materials. An ability to draw is
essential to good painting and I encourage that practice. Each day
begins with a lecture and painting demonstration. There are often
exercises presented to hone painting skills. Afternoons afford students
the opportunity to paint and have individual instruction. I am happy to
critique student work in private and also hold a group critique on the
last day of class. Additionally I teach the techniques of painting on
smooth surfaces featuring: Strathmore 500 series, 5 ply, High Plate
Illustration board, Yupo and gel, or gesso covered papers. Some
workshops are divided between this method and the methods I use on
traditional watercolor papers.
Each workshop
is special for me and I hope it is for my students as well. Let your
inner spirit loose and enjoy this never ending creative process!
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