Explorations in Art with Paula Gottlieb

"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.

WINTER CLASSES 2010

Painting with Water-Soluble Oil Paints

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 examine and feel the subtle differences between these paints and traditional oils. I will also introduce methods of painting with traditional oils that bypass and eliminate the usage of volatile solvents.
Class size limit of four.

No painting experience necessary
$100.

Basic Drawing

FEBRUARY 27    (snowdate Feb 28)

1-4pm

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.

$65.

"Your knowledge amazes me; your kindness and encouragement engage me." Your space delights the senses."

Beginning Watercolor

APRIL 10 10 am-4pm

This workshop is designed to teach you the basics of watercolor. You will learn and practice with exercises for paint application, brush handling, mixing paint with water and paint with paint. We will experiment with transparent layering of paint over paint, wet-in wet techniques and basic color theory. Watercolor has a reputation for being unforgiving and while this is partly true, this medium is also playful, yielding, spontaneous and easy to learn. The luminous glow of watercolor is unrivaled in other mediums.
No art experience required.
$100.

"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

Sunday March 28 10:30 am-4pm

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.
$75.

"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




Drawing From Nature
April 18        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.

No Fear Of Drawing

at:    Northampton Center for the Arts Thursdays      February 18, 25  March 4, 18     6:30-8:30pm

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.
$160.

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.""

"This class actually exceeded my expectations. Very comfortable atmosphere. Excellent, constructive help, lots of room for individual style."

Landscape Principles for Painters

TBA

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 on the Summit of Mt. Greylock

September 11     10am-4pm

raindate September 12

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.   We will paint outdoors unless rainy or too cold, then will meet in the Lodge.

$99.     Lunch available for purchase at the Lodge

to register contact: Paula Gottlieb

Watercolor Retreat for Women
August 17, 18, 19       2010          10am - 4pm

This workshop/retreat will provide time and space for you to relax into exploring the possibilities of painting. Instruction in technique, as well as demonstration, will alternate with time for rest, relaxation, walking, swimming and reflection. No art experience necessary. A wonderful opportunity for beginners. A great opportunity for those with experience to expand upon their skills. Maximum of 6.
$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)"

Individual Instruction

Classes take place in Paula's beautiful studio

237 Stage Road
Cummington, MA
413-634-0066
From Cummington Center, take Plainfiield Rd one mile to Stage Rd.   Turn left and go toto second drive on right.

TO REGISTER FOR A CLASS AT THE  STUDIO IN CUMMINGTON PLEASE CONTACT PAULA

Also:

at Greenfield Community College:

Beginning Watercolor March 25- May 6   Thursdays 6:30-9pm
www.gcc.mass.edu/

at Northampton Center for the Arts
413-584-7327      http://nohoarts.org/


at IS183 Art School of the Berkshires, Stockbridge:
413-298-5252     http://www.is183.org/

Watercolor StudioWednesdays 1:30-4:30pm

January 27-March 31   /   April 28- June 9

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain       April  24,25