Portrait Artist Forum - View Single Post - Open Studio - What Do I Bring? Where Do I Place Myself?

Debra Jones · 11-05-2002, 11:57 AM

Well, a few questions, but I am still laughing. What you need most is to take a deep breath and just dive in!

Traditionally in the venues I have visited, there are the nuts and bolts for the classes. That means easels or benches (maybe just chairs) and the model and stand. I don't think any one ever objects to you bringing your own portable easel, but portable is the key word. I just throw it all in my trunk. You might consider thinking ahead, knowing it is going to be alla prima and if you are a collector of paints, be sure to think hard about what palette you will be using, put them in a small single tackle box if you have a large collection, so you don't have much to haul. And ODORLESS turps, turpenoid only. They really frown on the smelly stuff.

If it is multiple poses, I would definitely suggest a few small stretched canvas unless you have a carrier because the bars are better handles wet, and if you work that way, be sure they are primed and underpainted before you arrive, it just lets you paint more while you are there.

As far as position in the room. I like the luck-of-the-draw effect. I have been going a long time and find the experience of painting among others is the big thrill. I have had the WORST places in the room and tend to use it as a challenge. Just last night someone was very upset because the light had been left in a high, overhead very Halloweeny and unflattering position. We have no moderator and that means the model is in charge. I have been the first one in the room, set up center ready and waiting and had her plunk down and face the wall. It is much easier if you consider it exercise and try hard not to worry about the model, just concentrate on the painting. They are definitely NOT all portraits. I consider it studying the shapes of the head and face and they just come out better that way. I don't know why.

It is not as threatening as it appears. My suggestion would be to bring drawing materials as in charcoals or pastels with a clip board to the first session and see what the space is like. You may need a TV tray or table for your supplies, depending on how you work, but keep it all lean. It is fun once you get started.

11-05-2002, 11:57 AM	#2
Debra Jones Juried Member Featured in Pastel Journal Joined: Jan 2002 Location: Arizona Posts: 457	This is a question that makes me laugh! Well, a few questions, but I am still laughing. What you need most is to take a deep breath and just dive in! Traditionally in the venues I have visited, there are the nuts and bolts for the classes. That means easels or benches (maybe just chairs) and the model and stand. I don't think any one ever objects to you bringing your own portable easel, but portable is the key word. I just throw it all in my trunk. You might consider thinking ahead, knowing it is going to be alla prima and if you are a collector of paints, be sure to think hard about what palette you will be using, put them in a small single tackle box if you have a large collection, so you don't have much to haul. And ODORLESS turps, turpenoid only. They really frown on the smelly stuff. If it is multiple poses, I would definitely suggest a few small stretched canvas unless you have a carrier because the bars are better handles wet, and if you work that way, be sure they are primed and underpainted before you arrive, it just lets you paint more while you are there. As far as position in the room. I like the luck-of-the-draw effect. I have been going a long time and find the experience of painting among others is the big thrill. I have had the WORST places in the room and tend to use it as a challenge. Just last night someone was very upset because the light had been left in a high, overhead very Halloweeny and unflattering position. We have no moderator and that means the model is in charge. I have been the first one in the room, set up center ready and waiting and had her plunk down and face the wall. It is much easier if you consider it exercise and try hard not to worry about the model, just concentrate on the painting. They are definitely NOT all portraits. I consider it studying the shapes of the head and face and they just come out better that way. I don't know why. It is not as threatening as it appears. My suggestion would be to bring drawing materials as in charcoals or pastels with a clip board to the first session and see what the space is like. You may need a TV tray or table for your supplies, depending on how you work, but keep it all lean. It is fun once you get started. __________________ http://dog-a-dayartblog.blogspot.com/ Because some people have four legs.