Exhibition: Earth, Petal, Wing / Tierra Pétalo Ala
When: Spring 2011.
Where: Texas Discovery Gardens Dallas, TX.
View Exhibition Online: http://earthpetalwing.blogspot.com/
'Butterfly on Orchid'--painting of C.Padilla
Upcoming exhibits, demos, workshop/retreats: http://fruitflowerinsect.blogspot.com/p/workshopsdemosexhibitions-2011.html
Annual Workshop: Guatemala
Painting/Sketching/Journaling en Plein Air
Slideshow photos of Antigua - Lake Atitlan contribution of international pool of generous photographers w/ a shared passion for the culture & color, people & places, flora & fauna and traditions of Guatemala, 'Land of Eternal Spring.' Thank you.
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION: Join like-minded art and nature enthusiasts documenting both the natural beauty and cultivated grounds and gardens of Antigua, Guatemala. Join international arts instructor Cynthia Padilla painting in ancient structures, tropical landscapes, colorful markets, and private courtyard gardens. Spend unhurried time building a journal collection of rough sketches, tiny vignettes, notes & notations, finished paintings, measurements and personal musings. All the while lulled by splashing fountains and gentle breezes of working ‘en plein air.’(translation: Out doors).
Suggested transportable mediums: Pencil, pen & ink, colored pencil, pastel, (includng the new Pan Pastels) and/or acrylic (incuding the new 'open' acrylics), watercolor, watercolor pencil, watercolor crayon.
All levels. Complete beginners without previous art experience to advanced and returning artists will find a unique art and cultural adventure awaits beyond Antigua’s ancient color-washed walls.
ANTIGUA: Our home base is a delightful cobblestoned, bougainvillea-draped town with an international ambiance. Internet coffee shops, funky outdoor cafes, art galleries, open-air markets, artisan crafts and warm-hearted, welcoming people: http://www.flickr.com/groups/391329@N20/pool/ and view some of our previous sketch sites, field trips and workshop participants: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cynthiapadilla/sets/72157602588307547/ I am still adding images and gathering up assignments to scan in, so check back regularly and subscribe to the blog for automated updates.
LAKE ATITLAN: (3) nights. See photos http://www.slide.com/r/rrYO49lR3T_RrHDgVvMmfAJsYSvmxFgd?previous_view=lt_embedded_url
REGISTRATION CLOSING: Art Workshops in Guatemala offering 10-day educational travel programs that are off the beaten track and at a very reasonable price. Total package price, including tuition, lodging in lovely colonial style hotels, hearty breakfasts; ground transportation and field trips. $1845 approx. USD
Contact Liza Fourré, Director. (612) 825-0747 Web: http://www.artguat.org/ Email: fourre@artguat.org For workshop content questions contact instructor Cynthia Padilla, here or via email: padillapost@gmail.com
Past Guatemala Workshops:
2011 Oct 27-Nov 5
2010 July 22-30
2009 July 19-27
2008 Mar 6-15
2007 Feb 18-27
Slideshow photos of Antigua - Lake Atitlan contribution of international pool of generous photographers w/ a shared passion for the culture & color, people & places, flora & fauna and traditions of Guatemala, 'Land of Eternal Spring.' Thank you.
2012 Dates Added. Reserve your slot now !!! OCT 27 - NOV 5
Nature Sketching/Travel Journaling/Botanical Art: http://artguat.org/docsclasses/classpadilla.html with Cynthia Padilla.
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION: Join like-minded art and nature enthusiasts documenting both the natural beauty and cultivated grounds and gardens of Antigua, Guatemala. Join international arts instructor Cynthia Padilla painting in ancient structures, tropical landscapes, colorful markets, and private courtyard gardens. Spend unhurried time building a journal collection of rough sketches, tiny vignettes, notes & notations, finished paintings, measurements and personal musings. All the while lulled by splashing fountains and gentle breezes of working ‘en plein air.’(translation: Out doors).
Suggested transportable mediums: Pencil, pen & ink, colored pencil, pastel, (includng the new Pan Pastels) and/or acrylic (incuding the new 'open' acrylics), watercolor, watercolor pencil, watercolor crayon.
All levels. Complete beginners without previous art experience to advanced and returning artists will find a unique art and cultural adventure awaits beyond Antigua’s ancient color-washed walls.
ANTIGUA: Our home base is a delightful cobblestoned, bougainvillea-draped town with an international ambiance. Internet coffee shops, funky outdoor cafes, art galleries, open-air markets, artisan crafts and warm-hearted, welcoming people: http://www.flickr.com/groups/391329@N20/pool/ and view some of our previous sketch sites, field trips and workshop participants: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cynthiapadilla/sets/72157602588307547/ I am still adding images and gathering up assignments to scan in, so check back regularly and subscribe to the blog for automated updates.
LAKE ATITLAN: (3) nights. See photos http://www.slide.com/r/rrYO49lR3T_RrHDgVvMmfAJsYSvmxFgd?previous_view=lt_embedded_url
REGISTRATION CLOSING: Art Workshops in Guatemala offering 10-day educational travel programs that are off the beaten track and at a very reasonable price. Total package price, including tuition, lodging in lovely colonial style hotels, hearty breakfasts; ground transportation and field trips. $1845 approx. USD
Contact Liza Fourré, Director. (612) 825-0747 Web: http://www.artguat.org/ Email: fourre@artguat.org For workshop content questions contact instructor Cynthia Padilla, here or via email: padillapost@gmail.com
Past Guatemala Workshops:
2011 Oct 27-Nov 5
2010 July 22-30
2009 July 19-27
2008 Mar 6-15
2007 Feb 18-27
Cynthia Padilla, Demonstration Artist
Demos and presentations customized to your audience/event/venue/ area of the country/technique/genre/medium etc.
Am I Coming To Your Town? Request Me.
Comment here or e request: padillapost2@gmail.com
Dallas Arboretum, Dallas, TX. ArtScape: http://www.dallasarboretum.org/artscape/index.htm
ARTIST DEMOS 2010:
Visual Artist of Cedar Hill, TX.
Texas Outdoors Woman Network, Dallas, TX.
ARTIST DEMOS 2009:
Jr. League Dallas, Garden Club, Dallas, TX.
Trinity River Audubon Center, Dallas, TX.
ARTIST DEMOS 2008:
Designers & Diggers, Dallas, TX.
Creative Arts Center of Dallas, Dallas, TX.
Dallas Area Fiber Artists, Dallas, TX.
Society of Watercolor Artists Fort Worth, TX.
North East Texas Fine Art Association, Terrell, TX
Ellis County Art Association, Waxahacie,TX
Lancaster Art Club, Lancaster, TX.
Dallas Museum of Art, TX.
Plano Art Association, Plano,TX
ARTIST DEMOS 2007:
Amarillo Art Institute, Amarillo, TX.
ARTIST DEMOS 2006:
Art Club, Dallas, TX.
ARTIST DEMOS 2003:
Meadows Museum, Dallas, TX.
ARTIST DEMOS 2002:
Dallas Museum of Art
Crow Collection of Asian Art, Dallas, TX.
Austin Bookworkers, Austin, TX.
Texas Native Plant Society, Dallas, TX.
Upcoming exhibits, demos, workshop/retreats: http://fruitflowerinsect.blogspot.com/p/workshopsdemosexhibitions-2011.html
Tips: Drawing From Live Specimens
Stance
Determine the specimen’s best ‘side.’ Stare. Begin a rough sketch. Muse. Does this angle tell the story? If not, toss the sketch and begin again. It’s just a sketch after all.
Specimen Boss
Work up the sketch and then stick with it. When drawing from a live specimen, it will turn, droop, unfurl, etc. If you continue to erase and begin again under the whims of the specimen, you will learn a lot about the specimen [a good thing] but not get far along on your project [NOT a good thing].
Upcoming related exhibits, demos, workshop/retreats: http://fruitflowerinsect.blogspot.com/p/workshopsdemosexhibitions-2011.html
Determine the specimen’s best ‘side.’ Stare. Begin a rough sketch. Muse. Does this angle tell the story? If not, toss the sketch and begin again. It’s just a sketch after all.
Specimen Boss
Work up the sketch and then stick with it. When drawing from a live specimen, it will turn, droop, unfurl, etc. If you continue to erase and begin again under the whims of the specimen, you will learn a lot about the specimen [a good thing] but not get far along on your project [NOT a good thing].
Upcoming related exhibits, demos, workshop/retreats: http://fruitflowerinsect.blogspot.com/p/workshopsdemosexhibitions-2011.html
Technique: Pastel over Graphite Pencil
--Cynthia Padilla
Cynthia Padilla, leading 'Pastel Over Pen/Pencil' Workshops Internationally.
Am I Coming To Your Town? Request Me!
See all upcoming exhibits, demos, workshop/retreats: http://fruitflowerinsect.blogspot.com/p/workshopsdemosexhibitions-2011.html
Technique: Watercolor [Prang] over India Ink
---Sketchbook entries of Cynthia PadillaSee all upcoming exhibits, demos, workshop/retreats: http://fruitflowerinsect.blogspot.com/p/workshopsdemosexhibitions-2011.html
Technique: Watercolor [Pocket Box] over Pen
--Sketchbook entries of Cynthia Padilla
See all upcoming exhibits, demos, workshop/retreats: http://fruitflowerinsect.blogspot.com/p/workshopsdemosexhibitions-2011.html
Technique: Watercolor [Wheel] over Pen
--Sketchbook entries of Cynthia Padilla
See all upcoming exhibits, demos, workshop/retreats: http://fruitflowerinsect.blogspot.com/p/workshopsdemosexhibitions-2011.html
Gouache
GOUACHE PAINTING TIPS & TECHNIQUES
by Cynthia Padilla
by Cynthia Padilla
Gouache, applied opaquely or transparently, is an easy medium to learn and can adapt to many styles of painting in studio or out. For the beginner just trying to add color to their repertoire, gouache might have all of the qualities to satisfy all your 'intro to color' needs.
Remember back to your childhood…painting with poster paint? Gouache is that beloved poster paint memory, all grown up!
Lay the color on thick and creamy and cover huge surfaces without a hint of brush stroke. There is no panic to paint fast and furious, as beginning watercolorists tend to do. You can even paint your entire background in first, and then put the details on top. It does not matter if the details on top will be lighter in color...gouache is an opaque medium.
Opaque
Unlike painting in transparent watercolors, gouache lies on the surface. This means that on colored grounds (even black paper) the paint color remains true and (if applied heavy enough, of course) unaffected by the ground color below.
Gouache dries to a smooth matte finish and the finished painting has a flawless sophisticated suede-like quality. Indeed gouache is frequently used in the design and illustration industry. Although mostly thought of as a studio medium gouache can be an ideal medium for working outdoors on location.
Transparent
Gouache is basically opaque watercolor and just like watercolor, you can achieve loose juicy washes. Gouache is made by grinding pigments together in the same medium as is used for watercolor and can be applied to paper in the same manner, remaining workable even after it dries on the painting surface.
Tips
When mixing to match, always test the color on the side and wait for it to dry. Darker colors appear lighter when dry, and the light color you were aiming for suddenly looks darker when it dries.
Get Portable
Instead of hauling paint tubes out on location, squeeze dollaps of color into the wells of a small covered palette, allow gouache to dry, close lid and head out to paint.
Ready? Set? Paint!
Once on location add ½ to equal amount of water to the paint. Stir with the stick end of your brush. For opaque coverage the consistency should be creamy. For tranparent subjects just add more and more water. Paint!
Back in the studio the gouache remaining in your palette will last until your next foray out of doors. Even after dried to hard bits. Simply spritz or re wet and you are back in business. So dedicate a palette for gouache and don’t wash it out.
Pronunciation
'Gwash' or 'goo-wash.'
Examples
These paintings showcase gouaches special properties. Click links to view:
1. Opaque Coverage
[ Gouache painted on black mat board http://earthpetalwing.blogspot.com/2011/01/egg.html ]
2. Translucency
[I didnt want 'transparent'...just a hint of 'sheer' to signify the fragility of the butterfly's wing: http://earthpetalwing.blogspot.com/2011/01/butterfly-pipevine-swallowtail.html ]
3. On Location
[Applied opaque and sheer: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cynthiapadilla/132459868/in/set-72157602587789015
# # #
Copyright & Usage Information
Copyrighted material. This content in any form, cannot be reused, reprinted, or copied in any manner without the express written permission of Cynthia Padilla. Request at padillapost@gmail.comSee all upcoming exhibits, demos, workshop/retreats: http://fruitflowerinsect.blogspot.com/p/workshopsdemosexhibitions-2011.html
Workshops: On Location
PLEIN AIR/ ON - LOCATION WORKSHOPS
Relaxed workshops in beautiful settings worldwide guides complete beginner as well as studio artist into this beloved tradition.
The sketchbook will be introduced for its unique suitability to house works ranging from the loose intuitive sketch with margin notes & notations---to small format works ready to frame.
Demos, handouts, lively discussions, individual critiques and one-on-one instruction in the mediums brought into class. We work in and/or out of doors (en plein air), on location, so weather does not cancel. Dress prepared for all conditions.
Past Plein Air Workshops: Alphabetical
Arkansas
Mountain View @Ozark Folk School
Arizona
Tucson @Tohono Chul Park
Colorado
Pagosa Springs @PSAC Art Association
Connecticut
Brookfield @Brookfield Craft Center
New London @Connecticut College Arboretum
Redding @New Pond Farm
Guatemala, Central America
Antigua @Art Workshops in Guatemala
Kansas
Lake Quivira @Lake Quivira Garden Club
Stilwell @Red Cedar Garden
Massachusetts
Jamaica Plain @Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
Martha's Vineyard @Polly Hill Arboretum
Missouri
Columbia @Columbia Art League
Joplin @Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center
Kansas City @Powell Gardens
St Louis @ Missouri Botanic Garden
New Mexico
Abiquiu @Ghost Ranch Education & Retreat Center
Albuquerque @New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science; Rio Grande Botanic Garden
Santa Fe @Ghost Ranch Education & Retreat Center
Ontario, Canada
Southampton @Southampton Art School
Texas
Austin @Lake Austin Spa Resort
Dallas Arboretum - for Southern Methodist University
Farmers Branch, TX- Historical Park, Dallas Zoo, North Park Mall - for SAIL
Fort Worth - for Texas Christian U @The Kimbell, Amon Carter and Modern museums.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden -for Texas Christian University
Plano - for SAIL
Workshops: Field Sketching
--Ernest Thompson Seton, naturalist. 1860-1946.
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION Field sketches are simple but identifiable drawings executed out of doors from direct observation. Observe and record plants, flowers and their growth habits. Along the way, international instructor of botanical arts/natural science illustration Cynthia Padilla demos technique. Emerge with a sketchbook of careful studies, quick scribbles, convincing renderings, diminutive landscape vignettes, notes & notations, measurements & musings and the confidence to continue this beloved tradition, pairing art and science, on your own.
We work out of doors, en plein air, so dress for all conditions.
Welcome art and nature enthusiasts, the curious, and educators desiring to integrate these activities.
'Workshop Techniques: Pencil' photos: http://www.flickr.com/groups/fldsktpencil/pool/
Supplies & Materials tips, techniques, details: http://fruitflowerinsect.blogspot.com/2008/05/supplies-overview.html
2011 WORKSHOPS:
Fort Worth, TX for TCU @ Fort Worth Botanic Garden http://www.fwbg.org/
'Field Sketching: A Fort Worth Botanical Garden Late Summer'
(3) Sat, Sept 17, 24, Oct 1, 2011. 10:15am-3pm
Antigua, Guatemala
'Nature / Botanical Sketching' http://artinstructor.blogspot.com/2010/01/art-workshop-guatemala.html
(10 days) Oct 27- Nov 5, 2011.
FIELD SKETCHING WORKSHOP CLIENTS:
Arkansas
Mountain View, AR @Ozark Folk School
Arizona
Tucson, AZ @Tohono Chul Park
Colorado
Pagosa Springs, CO @PSAC Art Association
Connecticut
Brookfield, CT @Brookfield Craft Center
New London, CT @Connecticut College Arboretum
Redding, CT @New Pond Farm
Guatemala, Central America
Antigua, Art Workshops in Guatemala
Kansas
Lake Quivera, KS @Lake Quivira Garden Club
Stilwell, KS @Red Cedar Garden
Massachusetts
Jamaica Plain, MA @Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
Martha's Vineyard, MA @Polly Hill Arboretum
Missouri
Columbia, MO @Columbia Art League
Joplin, MO @Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center
Kansas City, MO @Powell Gardens
St Louis, MO @Missouri Botanic Garden
New Mexico
Abiquiu, NM @ Ghost Ranch Education & Retreat Center
Albuquerque, NM@ New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, Rio Grande Botanic Garden
Santa Fe, NM@ Ghost Ranch Education & Retreat Center
Ontario, Canada
Southampton @Southampton Art School
Texas
Austin, TX @ Lake Austin Spa
Dallas, TX. Southern Methodist University @ Dallas Arboretum
Fort Worth,TX. Texas Christian University @ Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Cynthia Padilla, leading Field Sketching Workshops Internationally. Am I Coming To Your Town? Request Me!
See all upcoming exhibits, demos, workshop/retreats: http://fruitflowerinsect.blogspot.com/p/workshopsdemosexhibitions-2011.html
Workshop: Botanical Arts Sampler Series
Pencil Sampler: Graphite Pencil/Colored Pencil
A unique opportunity to learn the basics of of rendering accurate depictions of plants and flowers in dry mediums. Leave the class with the basic knowledge of each and enough experience to continue any or all on your own.
Painting Sampler: Acrylic/Gouache/Watercolor
A unique opportunity to learn the basics of painting in 3 different mediums in one workshop. Leave the class with the basic knowledge of each and enough experience to continue any or all on your own. No previous painting experience needed.
Portable Mediums Sampler: Watersoluble Graphite Pencil/Watercolor Pencil/Watercolor Crayon
A unique opportunity to learn the basics of painting in three different mediums in one workshop. You will leave the class with the basic knowledge of each and enough experience to continue any or all on your own. No previous painting experience needed.
A unique opportunity to learn the basics of of rendering accurate depictions of plants and flowers in dry mediums. Leave the class with the basic knowledge of each and enough experience to continue any or all on your own.
Painting Sampler: Acrylic/Gouache/Watercolor
A unique opportunity to learn the basics of painting in 3 different mediums in one workshop. Leave the class with the basic knowledge of each and enough experience to continue any or all on your own. No previous painting experience needed.
Portable Mediums Sampler: Watersoluble Graphite Pencil/Watercolor Pencil/Watercolor Crayon
A unique opportunity to learn the basics of painting in three different mediums in one workshop. You will leave the class with the basic knowledge of each and enough experience to continue any or all on your own. No previous painting experience needed.
Workshop: Natura Morte
--Balthasar Van Der Ast
Still Life Painting from the Masters: Natura Morte
Workshop (all media)/Demo/and or Trunk Show
Learn how to draw and paint beautifully via the genre of still life with a realistic portrayal of your areas seasonal bounty of fruit, flower, vegetable.
Workshop: Botanical Portraits
Complete a frameable piece of art in these specialty workshops:
--C.Padilla
Orchids Workshop -Learn the basics of drawing and painting stunning orchids.
--C.Padilla
Tropicals Workshop- Learn the basics of drawing and painting dramatic tropical plants and flowers.
Wildflowers Workshop
Cacti Workshop
--C.PadillaOrchids Workshop -Learn the basics of drawing and painting stunning orchids.
--C.PadillaTropicals Workshop- Learn the basics of drawing and painting dramatic tropical plants and flowers.
Wildflowers Workshop
Cacti Workshop
Workshop: Field Sketching (Fort Worth Botanical Garden)
Field Sketching: A Fort Worth Botanical Garden Early Autumn
(3) Sat.10:15 - 3pm Sept -Oct.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden http://www.fwbg.org/
Texas Christian University www.lifelong.tcu.edu
Learn how to draw while filling a sketchbook journal with quick studies, detailed renderings, measurements, and musings.
Cynthia Padilla lectures internationally as a professional botanical artist/natural science illustrator for universities, art and science museums, and arboreta world-wide and travels the world documenting nature in a sketchbook journal. http://earthpetalwing.blogspot.com/
Workshop: Houston Museum of Natural Science. Houston, TX
Houston Museum of Natural Science http://www.hmns.org/
FIELD SKETCHING: Drawn to Nature
(3) Days. 10am-3pm. TBA
Shifting clouds against blue skies, a dancing butterfly and a bird on the wing, fall is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and capture nature in Houston. After initial instruction in the classroom, the group will move outdoors amongst dozens of species of plants, herbs and flowers on the Museum’s grounds and in the gardens of the Houston Garden Center. Early naturalists exploring the countryside recorded their observations in field journals. We will learn to do the same.
International botanical artist/naturalist illustrator Cynthia Padilla premiers this special 3-day workshop to Houston with The Houston Museum of Natural Science. Learn how to sketch quickly, draw what you see accurately, and paint beautifully outdoors in nature. This workshop is not limited to artists but designed for nature lovers, the curious, and educators desiring to integrate these activities into art/science/writing
CREDITS:
Teachers earn 12 hours of CPU credits.Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, etc inquire through your organization regarding recogniton as professional development/practical knowledge/personal enrichment credits.
INSTRUCTORS NOTE:
Supply list will be sent prior to course date. We work out of doors, or sheltered as conditions dictates, but weather does not cancel. There are no refunds. Dress in layers for all conditions. The workshop will proceed rain or shine.
REGISTER :
FIELD SKETCHING: Drawn to Nature
(3) Days. 10am-3pm. TBA
Shifting clouds against blue skies, a dancing butterfly and a bird on the wing, fall is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and capture nature in Houston. After initial instruction in the classroom, the group will move outdoors amongst dozens of species of plants, herbs and flowers on the Museum’s grounds and in the gardens of the Houston Garden Center. Early naturalists exploring the countryside recorded their observations in field journals. We will learn to do the same.
International botanical artist/naturalist illustrator Cynthia Padilla premiers this special 3-day workshop to Houston with The Houston Museum of Natural Science. Learn how to sketch quickly, draw what you see accurately, and paint beautifully outdoors in nature. This workshop is not limited to artists but designed for nature lovers, the curious, and educators desiring to integrate these activities into art/science/writing
CREDITS:
Teachers earn 12 hours of CPU credits.Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, etc inquire through your organization regarding recogniton as professional development/practical knowledge/personal enrichment credits.
INSTRUCTORS NOTE:
Supply list will be sent prior to course date. We work out of doors, or sheltered as conditions dictates, but weather does not cancel. There are no refunds. Dress in layers for all conditions. The workshop will proceed rain or shine.
REGISTER :
Because this is a special Visiting Artist Workshop, payment must accompany registration. There are a limited number of spaces and they will be reserved on a first-come first served basis. Ph: (713) 639-4629 Address: One Hermann Circle Dr, Houston, TX 77030 Email: adulted@hmns.org
Upcoming exhibits, demos, workshop/retreats: http://fruitflowerinsect.blogspot.com/p/workshopsdemosexhibitions-2011.html
Artist in Residence: North Haven Gardens. Dallas, TX
Cynthia Padilla, 'Artist in Residence' 2005 - present. 7700 Northaven Road, Dallas, TX.
Artists in the Garden Workshop Series - A unique opportunity to learn basic floral painting & drawing mediums and techniques with other beginners. The instruction is warm and encouraging, the atmosphere relaxed:
Botanical Art: Drawing for the Complete Beginner-Discover hidden artistic drawing talent.
Botanical Art: Painting for the Complete Beginner-Discover hidden artistic painting talent.
Botanical Art: Sketching & Painting Wildflowers - Wonderful wildflowers from North Haven Gardens collection will be on display for your artistic inspiration.
Botanical Art: Sketching & Painting Herbs - Fragrant herbs from North Haven Gardens collection will be on display for your artistic inspiration.
Botanical Arts: Orchids - Colorful orchids from North Haven Gardens collection will be on display for your artistic inspiration.
Artists in the Garden Workshop Series - A unique opportunity to learn basic floral painting & drawing mediums and techniques with other beginners. The instruction is warm and encouraging, the atmosphere relaxed:
Botanical Art: Drawing for the Complete Beginner-Discover hidden artistic drawing talent.
Botanical Art: Painting for the Complete Beginner-Discover hidden artistic painting talent.
Botanical Art: Sketching & Painting Wildflowers - Wonderful wildflowers from North Haven Gardens collection will be on display for your artistic inspiration.
Botanical Art: Sketching & Painting Herbs - Fragrant herbs from North Haven Gardens collection will be on display for your artistic inspiration.
Botanical Arts: Orchids - Colorful orchids from North Haven Gardens collection will be on display for your artistic inspiration.
Upcoming exhibits, demos, workshop/retreats: http://fruitflowerinsect.blogspot.com/p/workshopsdemosexhibitions-2011.html
Workshop: Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Garden. Humble, TX
Cynthia Padilla, 'Visiting Artist' http://www.hcp4.net/mercer
Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Garden, Humble, TX.
Botanical Arts Workshop Series
Fall 2006
'Painting Botanical Miniatures-Gouache' - Sun Nov
Spring 2006
'Botanical Drawing for the Complete Beginner '- Fri May 19
'Botanical Painting for the Complete Beginner' - Sat May 20
'Painting Botanical Miniatures-Colored Pencil' - Sun May 21
2005
'Intro to Botanical Drawing' - May 20
'Intro to Botanical Painting'- May 22
Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Garden, Humble, TX.
Botanical Arts Workshop Series
Fall 2006
'Painting Botanical Miniatures-Gouache' - Sun Nov
Spring 2006
'Botanical Drawing for the Complete Beginner '- Fri May 19
'Botanical Painting for the Complete Beginner' - Sat May 20
'Painting Botanical Miniatures-Colored Pencil' - Sun May 21
2005
'Intro to Botanical Drawing' - May 20
'Intro to Botanical Painting'- May 22
Supplies & Materials Overview - Field Sketching/On Location
Of the many considerations for choosing art supplies & materials for ‘on location’ work, portability is key. The following checklist of my favorites are presented with consideration of absolute necessity and ease of working in wildly varied conditions.
WORKSHOP TECHNIQUE: SKETCHING & DRAWING
___ Pencil Range from a dizzying array of numbers and brands. Range from a dizzying array of numbers and brands. For working on location, narrow the options by choosing something in the mid range---such as an HB or an F. 
___Sharpener Small hand held canister style.___Emery Board Small, free, portable and functions to
'brighten' the pencil tip.
___Eraser The soft and pulley kneaded leaves no crumbs to sweep away and can be 'kneaded' into specific shape for erasure precision. A white vinyl eraser, erases marks cleaner. Avoid colored erasers and any eraser sitting atop a pencil
___Sketch Books/Pads Spiral bound suggested for all mediums/techniques below. The dimensions remain the same when opened, whereas a bound sketchbook, doubles in size. Look for standard sizes like 9 x 12, 8 ½ x11’ish. Get a book that fits in your backpack.
Papers labeled 'drawing' are a heavier weight than 'sketching'.
___Hand Lens Reveals the glorious details you would miss with just the naked eye.___Bulldog Clamps Secures pages shut in the wind.
WORKSHOP TECHNIQUE: PEN / INK/ JOURNALING
If working in pen, add to the above BASICS list, the following:
___Pen or Pen Set Black, waterproof, fade resistant, archival i.e. Micron, Pilot, Zig, Sakura, Staedleter, Pitt, etc. Quality ball point pens are acceptable
___Sketch Books/Pads For optimum pen movement across the paper without skips or drags, look for descriptive words like 'hot press' or 'vellum surface.'
WORKSHOP TECHNIQUE: WATER SOLUBLE GRAPHITE PENCIL
If working in water soluble graphite pencil, add them to the above BASICS and PEN lists.
WORKSHOP TECHNIQUE: WATERCOLOR (abbreviated as w/c)
Pan set only. Not w/c in tubes. Tube are heavy, cumbersome, messy and the process of opening and closing wee caps, all day long, defeats the purpose of easy, quick sketching.
If working in wc, add to the above BASICS list, the following:
___Watercolors Look for the compact pan watercolors described as a field box, pocket box or travel set, etc. The lid doubles as the mixing palette, a tiny retractable paintbrush will be included and the more expensive…the more cool extras you’ll discover. That entire set, fully opened, should fit in your palm. A very affordable option is a child’s ‘ Prang’ set. Limited color selection, but these pan colors are rich and creamy and quite serviceable for beginners to advanved http://fruitflowerinsect.blogspot.com/2009/01/technique.html___Sketch Books/Pads Paper weight hefty enough and/ or indicated as ‘suitable for water media.’ Avoid rough surface paper. Hot press or ‘grain fin’ is a perfect surface for detailed drawing PLUS wet media. Available via online art suppliers but hard to find in retail stores.
___Brush (1) small and/or (1) medium watercolor round. Must come to a fine tip. Or look for the new ‘waterbrush,’ its handle contains and dispenses the water.
___Palette Small metal or plastic palettes are susceptible to flipping over outdoors and making a mess of your page. Ceramic or porcelain palettes are sturdier and easy to clean.
Looked for the hard plastic version w a lid. [extra space for color mixing]. ___Water Container Anything lightweight, portable. Tight fitted lid suggested if you will need to carry water from place to place. [A plastic mayonnaise jar is ideal shape/size for all -day workshops...a simple plastic drinking water bottle should suffice for half days]. Many options online marketed to plein air painters ie the collapsible containers.
___Spritzer A wee sized mister/atomizer to keep paints moist and workable out doors. Or a
___ Medicine Dropper Free at many Target, WalMart, TomThumb, Kroeger and similar pharmacists counters.
WORKSHOP TECHNIQUE: WATERCOLOR PENCIL OR W/C CRAYON
If working in the new Watercolor Pencils or Watercolor Crayons, add to the above BASICS list and WATERCOLOR list the following:
___Pad Compare brands and decide on the wc pad with the smoothest [ie hot press-like] surface. Not easy to find. But a rough surface paper will trap and scuff the wc pencil strokes, resulting in a child-like painting and you will abandon this fun and portable wc medium. A pad labeled bristol vellum is not a wc pad and not marketed to watercolorists but one you should give a try.
___Water Container Hauling around a water source is not an issue with these wet/dry mediums. Simply color [dry] on location and paint [add water to the coloring] later.
WORKSHOP TECHNIQUE: ACRYLIC
Ideal for building subtle glazes of color layers. New ‘open’ acrylics are formulated to stay wet and workable long enough for on location work. As a ‘teaching artist’ for Chroma’s Interactive professional acrylics, it is the brand I demo in, teach with, and use in my own work.
If you want to give acrylics a try, bring in acrylics, all the supplies listed in WATERCOLOR and:
___Miscellaneous Coffee stirrers; Lidded palette dedicated only for your time acrylic painting on location. Look for the Tupperware - type rubber one w the very tight fitted lid. My local JoAnne store has this item.
WORKSHOP TECHNIQUE: PASTEL [Soft pastel/ often referred to as chalk pastel].
In stick, pencil, crayon form and the new ‘pan’ pastels. Few think of pastel as a 'field sketching/on location. I'll teach you all the tricks:
If giving pastels a try, add to the ‘BASICS’ above, the following:
___Pastels A set with the smallest sticks equals more colors for the money and less to carry.
___Pan Pastels I'm loving these.
___Pastel Pad or other suitable for dry media. [ie 9 x 12 Strathmore charcoal pad, assorted tints]. Pads interwoven with protective glassine pages recommended if you can find them.
___Glassine or Waxed paper. Or simply slip sheets of translucent protective glassine paper between each page of any pastel pad yourself. Do this at home before workshop.
___Drafting Tape Preplaced on papers edges help
keep fingers clean.
___ Rag Kept damp inside a ziplock bag to keep finger tips clean.
WORKSHOP TECHNIQUE: COLORED PENCIL (abbreviated as cp)
In addition to the ‘BASICS’ above, include the supplies under ‘PEN.’
___Colored Pencils Avoid kiddie quality sets. Professional or Artist grade cps will be soft and creamy with uniform color and texture.
___Sketch Book For advanced artists seeking the optimum in blendability and layering, look for descriptive words like hot press or bristol vellum or just a vellum surface. Likely only at online sources…not at local art & craft retailers.
INSTRUCTOR MUSINGS & SAGE ADVICE
___Weather There's nothing to compare to breaking free from the confines of a studio to work outdoors, on location. Check weather forecast before depart and then re - pack. Wide brimmed hat or cozy cap; Cotton bandana or wool muff; Gloves or sunglasses; Sturdy broken-in footwear, boot warmers; Rain gear – poncho/slicker, wee umbrella; etc. Embrace the swings of all outdoor conditions...changing temps, quick downpours, howling winds, dust in eyes. Yes!
___Dress We do lots of standing/sitting/stooping. Think baggy clothes, loose waists, pockets, thick jacket tied at waist to sit on. And outfits you can dust off and wear again next day. Please... no purse!
___Backpack ALL supplies must fit inside, so that we move about hands free. NOTE: An option to the backpack is the..
___Fishing Vest/Photographer’s Vest Lots of zippered pockets, mesh, snaps etc hold all your art gear
___Seating
REQUIRED. For all - day sketching from locale to locale comfort tuck some small seating option in your backpack: ie foam stadium pad, or gardeners kneeling pad, etc. The compact three-leg sketch stool that folds up like a wee umbrella is great if you are driving or have room in a suitcase. But DO NOT plan to simply sketch for the duration of the workshop standing, squatting or kneeling. Some form of seating is MANDATORY___Miscellaneous Insect repellent; Personal 1st aids/meds/'scripts; Extra eye glasses; Whistle; Dry socks; Cell phone; Bandana.
___Lunch Some workshop formats don’t break for an official lunch so pack a snacks, thermos and always sufficient bottled water.
ITINERARY
Tentative and subject to change each session...hourly...and/or minute by minute. Sketching on location entails varying plans according to opportunities, weather, luck, and serendipity. Please be an agreeable team player!
See all upcoming exhibits, demos, workshop/retreats: http://fruitflowerinsect.blogspot.com/p/workshopsdemosexhibitions-2011.html
Workshops 2010
Texas
Fort Worth
Texas Christian U. http://www.lifelong.tcu.edu/ 'Sketchbook: Fort Worth' (3) Sat. Oct.
Plano
SAIL @ Collin College 'Sketch Crawl' (3) Mon. Oct
Central America
Guatemala - Antigua
Art Workshops in Guatemala http://www.artguat.org/ 'Botanical Arts' (10) Days. July
New Mexico
Albuquerque
NM Museum of Nat History & Science http://www.nmnaturalhistory.org/ 'Drawn from the Collection' (2) Days; 'Field Sketching: Watercolor' (2) Days, Sept.
Santa Fe
Ghost Ranch http://www.ghostranch.org/ 'Sketch Crawl Santa Fe!' (5) Days. Sept.
Fort Worth
Texas Christian U. http://www.lifelong.tcu.edu/ 'Sketchbook: Fort Worth' (3) Sat. Oct.
Plano
SAIL @ Collin College 'Sketch Crawl' (3) Mon. Oct
Central America
Guatemala - Antigua
Art Workshops in Guatemala http://www.artguat.org/ 'Botanical Arts' (10) Days. July
New Mexico
Albuquerque
NM Museum of Nat History & Science http://www.nmnaturalhistory.org/ 'Drawn from the Collection' (2) Days; 'Field Sketching: Watercolor' (2) Days, Sept.
Santa Fe
Ghost Ranch http://www.ghostranch.org/ 'Sketch Crawl Santa Fe!' (5) Days. Sept.
Request for Testimonials
To have your experience in my workshop included in the testimonial 'Page,' http://fruitflowerinsect.blogspot.com/p/testimonials.html above, scroll down and leave comment here in the 'Post A Comment.' or email it to me at padillapost@gmail.com. Feel free to specify workshop name/topic/and or town held in.
Workshop: Kansas City, MO
Individual one-on-one instruction. Powell Gardens workshop.--Photo by Jill Cambell.
Botanical Drawing for the Complete Beginner
A foundation workshop for beginners who want to draw plants and flowers, but feel they lack the skill.
Exhibition: Powell Gardens, Kansas City, MO
"Paphiopedilum" Cynthia Padilla
ORCHIDS & HYDRANGEAS EXHIBITION http://orchidsandhydrangeas.blogspot.com/
Powell Gardens, http://www.powellgardens.org/ Kansas City, MO
March - April, 2007
In conjunction with the conservatory exhibit, visiting artist Cynthia Padilla's curated exhibition on the theme includes: Greg Allikas, Rita Bowen, Beth Brooks, Barbara Brown, Jill Campbell, Karen Harding, Janet Haefner, Hilary Hitchcock, Julie Jennings, Sandra Kay Johnson, Barbara Reser, Jennifer Schaudt, Karen Sistek, Merridee Joan Smith, Malinda Welte, Carol Wickenhiser Schaudt.
Upcoming exhibits, demos, workshop/retreats: http://fruitflowerinsect.blogspot.com/p/workshopsdemosexhibitions-2011.html
Exhibition: Firehouse Gallery. Ft Worth, TX
Firehouse Art Studios & Gallery http://www.firehouseart.net/
Botanical Arts Workshop,Lecture,Reception and Trunk Show.
WORKSHOP
'The Art of the Botanical'
Learn the art of painting flowers beautifully and accurately.
EXHIBITION
'The Image of Nature Revealed'
Featuring: Cynthia Padilla and other guest artists.
LECTURE
'Art & Science: A Botanist’s Eye. Redouté and the Art of Floral Illustration'- Presented by Barney Lipscomb,Leonhardt Chair of Texas Botany and Co-author, Illustrated Flora of North Central TX. BRIT http://www.brit.org/
Botanical Arts Workshop,Lecture,Reception and Trunk Show.
WORKSHOP
'The Art of the Botanical'
Learn the art of painting flowers beautifully and accurately.
EXHIBITION
'The Image of Nature Revealed'
Featuring: Cynthia Padilla and other guest artists.
LECTURE
'Art & Science: A Botanist’s Eye. Redouté and the Art of Floral Illustration'- Presented by Barney Lipscomb,Leonhardt Chair of Texas Botany and Co-author, Illustrated Flora of North Central TX. BRIT http://www.brit.org/
Exhibition: North Lake College, Irving, TX
--Curator and gallery director Steven A. Benezue and botanical artist Cynthia Padilla.
Exhibit: 'Fruit, Flower, Insect: Drawings & Paintings from Nature'
Where: North Lake College Gallery http://www.northlakecollege.edu/academics/vparts/Art/GallerySchedule.htm
When: July - August 2007.
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