"I'd never picked up a paint brush in 57 years so I had no idea where to start. A year of patient, considerate, thoughtful, expert artistic mentoring and several of my paintings are in a holiday art show at a local gallery. Better than that, painting brings me such joy, contentment and a great sense of freedom." Jeannie Clarke
All Classes, except when noted, take place at Paula's beautiful studio
Please click class titles for detailed class descriptions.
"Your knowledge amazes me; your kindness and encouragement engage me. Your space delights the senses."
2012
Video of Paula talking about painting:
by Elizabth Lambert with Patty Kimura
Watercolor
Wednesdays January 25 - Febtuary 15 1-3pm $160.
The basics of watercolor painting. Paint application, brush handling, mixing paint with water and paint with paint, transparent layering of paint over paint, wet-in wet techniques and basic color theory.
For total beginners and those who wish to improve upon their skills.
Meet at the Cummington studio
"Paula, Thank you! I had the most wonderful experience of my life today (10/29) at the workshop.....I am not kidding you. I have difficulty relaxing and today was the most relaxed I have ever been. ...and you are right, it is magical. Thanks"
"This class actually exceeded my expectations. Very comfortable atmosphere. Excellent, constructive help, lots of room for individual style."
Imagine washing out a brush filled with oil paint in a container of water. That is only part of what you will learn you can do with these amazing new paints, which have been formulated to avoid the toxicity of turpentine, and are therefore excellent for people who are chemically sensitive.
While the finished painting displays the same beauty, surface and vibrancy of color as a traditional oil painting, the process of making the painting can contain some stumbling blocks. We will work with technical exercises to explore the subtle differences between these paints and traditional oils.
No painting experience necessary. Materials list provided. $85.
at: Northampton Center for the Arts March 15- April 12
Thursdays 7-9pm
Have you always wanted to draw but don't know where to begin? Are you afraid you can't be taught? Paula can teach absolutely everyone to draw. You will learn the fundamentals of drawing and you will gain confidence in your ability, in an atmosphere of encouragement and support.
Register for this class at Northampton Center for the Arts 413-584-7327 www.nohoarts.org
"Paula really created a safe space , very comfortable atmosphere, encouraging in a really positive way but fair and honestly. I learned a lot."
" The class was very helpful in understanding the basic concepts of drawing. Paula's style is positive and she has a wonderful calm tone that is conducive to learning."
"This was a great workshop - Paula covered a lot of material in a really constructive way- and did it with lightness and humor."
Basic Drawing
A workshop for beginners or those who want to refresh or improve upon their drawing skills. This workshop will focus primarily on how negative space can be observed and used in drawing objects and areas of space in perspective. The content of the class will also include paying attention to proportion, shape, line and dark values.
"This class actually exceeded my expectations. Very comfortable atmosphere. Excellent, constructive help, lots of room for individual style."
"This workshop was very good for me- half a dozen very different ways of beginning to see and represent what I see on paper."
Drawing From Nature 1-4 pm
Learn how to draw tracks, twigs, weeds, fungi, etc. for purposes of recording and note-taking in the wild. We will go outside of the studio to observe and then bring pieces of nature back into the studio to draw. Open to any level of drawing experience, including none. This workshop will happen periodically through the seasons. Great for naturalists, nature lovers and anyone who wants to sharpen their observation skills. $65
"I wanted to thank you for these past 10 weeks. It's been a gift to me. Your candid sharing and answers to all my crazy questions about life as an artist were so appreciated. Your ability to share your gift and knowledge in a non judgemental way made for such a great intro to watercolor. It's been a long time since I did something for me, and this couldn't have been better." Teresa Waybrew
Womens' Creativity Group
Come play! This group, which meets approximately every other month, opens with time to talk about the role of creativity in your life...the rest of the day we play with materials (provided). Renew, relax, restore.
"I learned in the creativity group that the end result isn't as important as the process. I also learned in creativity to take risks gracefully and not expect to "win" all the time. I learned how to enjoy myself and found that I got into the "flow" of the artistic process which I enjoy so much -- time stands still and I see things in new ways. I have only one of my "creations" left at my house; all the rest have been taken by friends and family who asked for them. Sometimes they enjoy the pieces for a short while, sometimes for a longer time, and that too is O.K. My time with them was exciting enough to share and that's what matters to me." ...... from a longtime participant in the womens creativity group
On the first day of this 2-part intensive workshop we will work with drawing skills related to composition, perspective, positive-negative space and light and dark value. Bring one or more photographs for reference. We will talk about the factors involved in choosing a photo or a specific landscape to paint. You will create compositional and value studies which will be the basis for the following Saturday's painting workshop. Several method of transferring drawings to painting surface will be discussed.
On the second Saturday you will work on the paintings. Or continue to draw. You may work with watercolor, water soluble oils, cray pas, colored pencils, or oil paints without using volatile solvents, such as turpentine, turpenoid or citrus based thinners. Technical info will be provided. You may want to bring in any problem paintings for feedback critique.
Space limited to six. Possibility of signing up for only one day, but most benefit will be derived from the series. If weather is pleasant, we will go outdoors to reference the inspiring landscape.
PAINTING THE LANDSCAPE IN WATERCOLOR
a workshop/retreat for women
August 21, 22 23, 2012.
This workshop/retreat will provide time and space for you to relax into exploring the possibilities of painting. Demonstrations and instruction in observation of the landscape and watercolor technique plus time for painting, relaxing, walking, swimming, reflection. We will paint and draw directly from the landscape and work in the studio from photos when appropriate. No art experience necessary. A wonderful opportunity for beginners. A great opportunity for those with experience to expand upon their skills. These three days will be fun and fruitful.
Maximum of 6.
Held at Paula’s studio in Cummington and the surrounding area.
10:30am - 4:00pm
$325.
A participant in a watercolor weekend had this to say: "You are a wonderful teacher, and I will certainly refer anyone to you who's looking for a great initial experience with painting. I've been a training specialist for 15 years, so I'm always sensitive to the way classes...are designed and how teachers...present themselves. I cannot think of any way that I would change your workshop, or the way you relate to your students. ( and I rarely feel that way)"
Painting the Landscape on the Summit of Mt. Greylock
September 2013 10am-4pm
This workshop will take place on the peak of glorious Mt. Greylock at the newly renovated Bascom Lodge. Included will be information on how to perceive the landscape for purposes of painting; methods of creating compositions; principles of perspective and basic watercolor techniques: such as washes, gradations, color mixing, transparent layering and the sequence of making a watercolor painting. Individual guidance offered and individual expression encouraged.
$99. Lunch available for purchase at the Lodge
to register contact: Paula Gottlieb
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sponsored by The Bascom Lodge www.bascomlodge.net
