Sharon Knettell at Scottsdale Artists' School
 

Sharon's workshop on color and design was among most fun workshops I have ever attended.

The first day began with a lecture/background on color and design in art history, as well as their application for artists. Sharon set up 7 or so still life arrangements each showing a different color harmony example.

Below are my quick color studies, one of which is a blue orange complementary harmony, and other may have been called a triple-tetradic-split double helix - well, Sharon will know and tell you. Linda or Sharon may have other students' studies as well.

The objective was to observe and record color as accurately as possible.

Sharon brought some of her many gorgeous ballerina costumes and the school hired professional dancers to model for us this past week.

Sharon chose lighting that was mainly flat, accented with an uplight in order to emphasize color against color.

Here is Sharon being accurate in her measurments with model Nicole, and dressing up one of our other models, Katy. Katy was so tickled with getting to dress up like a pricess fairy (after many avant-garde black leotard perfomances dressing black on black) that she was a delight. These professional dancers are no strangers to pain, and all stood many hours without complaint - they can't take any pose -even at rest- that is not graceful.

Here are the reference photos I took of each of our three models, Nicole, Katy and Jessica.

Linda thinks it will be a good idea for all of us Forum moderators to wear princess corsets to the Portrait Society of America dinner. Steven and Mike, you'll probably need special fittings.

Here are a few photos of my canvases. I wish I had had the chance to shoot everyone's work on the last day as there were some really strong canvases coming out of this week.

..and another student's work.

What SUPER work! I am most impressed and inspired!!

Which one is yours, Chris (other the the great flowers!)? Could you post yours too, Sharon?

When I am freer (and richer) I would definitely love to do one of these workshops.

What a great teacher you must be, Sharon.

Here's one of my ballerina paintings, some roses, and Madame Knettell looking stern.

I want to add the following about the workshop:

If you think Sharon is tough on-line, you should see how picky she is in her workshop. She beat us mercilessly until we had the EXACT shade of warm pink for a sash on a tutu. She was meticulous about the color set up and was also meticulous about matching the exact colors on the canvas. When these things happen there is an incredible surge of beauty.

And Sharon pushed herself so hard during the week as well - shortly after a knee operation, she marched herself up to that model over and over and over again, matching her palette knife color to the model, until she was satisfied. Sharon, they don't make too many teachers - and artists, need I add - like you any more. You're a very impressive person all around. I learned so much by being around you, not only about color and artmaking, but about living the life of a true artist, with honesty and integrity and spirit. Thank you so much.

Need I add - these beautiful setups were the envy of the entire school last week!

Linda and Chris, thank you so much for posting these. I wish I could have been there!
Ilaria

Wow, looks like such a great workshop! Wish I could have been there. Sharon, would you consider doing one in Philadelphia?

Madrid is a good option also, don

Apologies, Linda et al , for just posting a big batch - I'll separate out the above -- here are Linda's paintings.

Oh good grief!
 

Egad!

I just saw this! I had GREAT students, needless to say! It was so much fun!

My piece disappointed me! My background was dark blue and not dry, even in 2% humidity, overnight with Galkyd, so I THE GREAT MASTER ;C had to BLOB the colors in. I would mix the perfect color of pink instead of painting I had to knife it in to get the correct color. It was quite a loose painting needless to say! I was also wardrobe mistress and could not mix the paints 'til I got the models into a corsetted costume which ain't easy! But thank God I had several exceptional students who got it so right. I am SO PROUD of them. The results were gorgeous!

The pastel demo turned out much better, but I left it at the school for an auction and I have no picture.

Aren't the results fabulous!

Alex, sure if you want an old Yankee crank.

Carlos, how much wine?

Sounds like a great class -- sorry I missed it!

Question: Sharon, do you use Galkyd often? How do you like it?

Sharon, if its any consolation, my demos in class are NEVER what I want them to be. I hardly get a chance to get into painting, frankly. My mind is always on something else, worrying about paying attention to the students, taking too much time, etc.

I think we can put up with you ;) Don't forget I'm used to Yankees.! I We can even get some wine though it won't compare to what you can get in Madrid.

Linda, that's a fabulous batch of work. Chris, too. In fact, all the student work looks inspired.

Michele,

I would not use it it except for demos. My friend Bill, an exceptional flower painter found it yellows. I only use it if I am in a hurry to put a ground on a canvas, as I was in this workshop. Michael Harding told me not to even do that as it threatens the paint bonding to the canvas.

It was quite a class with Chris on one side and Linda on another furiously painting away! Linda was doing yoga stretches with those long skinny legs of hers to loosen up!

Alex, Thanks!You are quite a great colorist yourself!

Yeah that too, plus having some exceptional painters in the class. I could not start painting until I had the model in the costume. The costume was complex as it was designed after Degas and was a real corset with iron stays, a busk etc.. The length of the cord in the back was yards long and had to be tied in a rather complex way. Then there was the final touches with the bows, flowers and rouging. The costumes cost a fortune and I did not want to touch them with paint on my hands.

The effect, I think was quite magical. The dancers looked like giant flowers. I was so jealous, I was not painting!

Linda and Chris's work were beautiful.

Michele, Ilaria, Alex, Carlos and Thomasin; it would have been indeed an historic class if you all were there

I must stop here :D and praise the efficiency, professionalism of the Scottsdale Artists School. It would not have happened without their dedicated effort and kindness.