Fantasy Landscape Workshop

I took a workshop with Chris Cozen at A Work of Heart in San Jose last weekend with my art buddies Z and S.  it was a long drive - but it was TOTALLY worth it! 

We spent the day in the art filled store and studio space creating two fantasy mixed media collages.

We were asked to bring two images to use as inspiration.  I printed the pic above - showing the famous Faraglioni rocks off the coast of Capri in Italy's Amalfi coast.

We started by identifying the horizon line and copying it to our wrapped canvas with a pencil.  Then add a few key features.  the intent was to be inspired by our image - not to necessarily copy it exactly.

Here is Chris demonstrating how to create a light wash of colour for the background - starting with the earth. She uses all Golden brand paints - which have the intensity to handle being watered down with glazes and mediums and still maintain the vibrant colours.

Here is the little "kit" of Golden paints we were given as part of the class.  Of course we could use any other of the dozens of other paints and supplies to create our artwork.

Here is my first layer of paint - the water around Capri. I mixed assorted blues and aquas with glazing liquid.

Here is after I added some greens and ochres for the islands.

 

then comes the fun part!  we each brought a ziplock bag of paper scraps and ephemera - plus Chris had more to share.  We tore or cut pieces of papers to add colour, texture and interest to the painting.

Here is Chris demonstrating adding collage to one of her dark canvases.

 

Here it mine with more playing around and experimenting with bits of collage. Next step - glue it all down with matte medium.

Here is my second fantasy landscape - a misty image of a Tuscan hill town.

First step, transfer the horizon line and the hills to the canvas with a pencil.

Second step add some paint wet on wet to create a background.

 

 

Then fill in with a little more definition.

 

 

Next comes the scraps and bits of collage.

 

Here is the final outcome!  after all the collage was glued down I added more colour with glazes and finished the sky.
Here are some of my fellow students work - so varied and SOOOO beautiful:

This ethereal tree is by my friend Z.  She wants to add more layers and colour to add depth to the leaves and branches.

this colourful seascape is by my friend S.

and here is S's second landscape - still very much a work in progress - but looking pretty good!
What a fun and creative day we had.  Chris was an excellent teacher who gave us lots of personal attention.