Mattelson Workshop

Grace DeVito · 06-03-2003, 08:12 AM

I recently attended a 4 day workshop by Marvin Mattelson in Greenwich, CT. It was an enjoyable and very informative experience.

Marvin really explains everything very thoroughly. He demonstrates how he works from begining to end. The class would watch his demos then go back to their own easels while Marvin gave individual attention to each of us. Break times were filled with informative lectures on everything from technique to mini art history lessons.

Marvin is a wealth of information! Personally, Marvin was able to fill in some missing gaps in my art education. He has a real understanding of painting the human form. I would recommend his classes and workshops to artist of all levels; even the seasoned professional will gain much. I look forward to doing so again myself. I've posted the study done during the workshop, approximate painting time 10 hrs.

Timothy C. Tyler · 06-03-2003, 11:04 AM

That is one very nice painting.

Grace DeVito · 06-03-2003, 06:47 PM

Thank you very much for your comment Timothy!

Mari DeRuntz · 06-04-2003, 12:21 PM

What a beautiful head, Grace. I keep coming back to study the transitions in the flesh, and the warm, quiet shadows. I look forward to seeing more!

Chris Saper · 06-04-2003, 07:33 PM

Dear Grace,

Lovely painting, beautiful color and temperature transitions. Your new web site looks wonderful, too.

Elizabeth Schott · 06-05-2003, 12:29 AM

Thanks Grace... I can't wait! But first, Tim!

Linda Brandon · 06-05-2003, 12:54 AM

Dear Grace,

I'm very impressed with this painting, your virtuoso technique and your ability to portray drama. I'm particularly impressed with the fact you did this under the pressure of a workshop situation. Marvin couldn't possibly wish for a better advertisement for his classes. I hope you'll continue to post on this Forum.

By the way, what did you use for a medium (if any) for this painting?

Best regards,
Linda

Grace DeVito · 06-05-2003, 08:19 AM

Thank you both for your kind words. It is very gratifing to have professionals say such nice things about my work.

Grace DeVito · 06-05-2003, 08:27 AM

Dear Linda,

For this painting the medium used was just plain old linseed oil. I typically would use a 50/50 mix of linseed and distilled turpentine, but Marvin recommended using just the linseed oil so the paint film would not be weakened.

I thought it would be very oily, but by not using too much it was just fine. He also uses no turp to clean brushes during painting but rather uses a different brush for each different value of paint. This way the paint dosen't get muddy. Odorless mineral spirits are used to clean brushes when painting is done for the day.

Hope this helps.

Renee Price · 06-05-2003, 11:39 AM

Hi Grace,

Lovely painting! The skin tones are so clean. I know that Marvin uses a limited palette for skin tones. Did you use Marvin's palette?

If it was possible, you've made me look forward to his workshop even more!

Two more weeks!
Renee