About this summer course
The landscape is a universal language in art. Paintings of landscapes have a powerful effect on the viewer, often opening up access to memories and emotions. In this class of 4 days we will explore how our own painting expression can become more powerful through thoughtful design, simplified shapes, abstraction of forms, and meaningful mark making. We will focus on the importance of observation and connection with our subject matter. We will also practice ways to simplify design, implement more abstraction, and seek our own voice in our work. We will discuss many aspects of painting, including color mixing, basic principles of design, and various techniques in drawing and mark making. I will present exercises that we will do together as well as offer demonstrations of my own painting process. There will be a lot of time for individual painting with personal feedback as well as group critique and discussion. This class is suitable for intermediate artists all the way to professional artists seeking further education.
For who
Geared toward intermediate to professional painters. The confident and experienced beginner could also feel comfortable in the class.
About Erin Spencer
Erin Spencer is a landscape oil painter, living and working in Rhode Island in the US. She has been painting the landscape for almost 20 years, learning early on that plain-air painting would be her greatest teacher. Erin has explored the landscape across America as well as around Europe, looking for meaning and story wherever she goes. Today her work tends toward contemporary realism mingled with tonalism. Her process begins with observation which is fi ltered through her own lens, revealing simplicity of design and expression of feeling. She fi nds that painting is like making a poem, distilling visual information into a unique interpretation that gives new perspective. Erin looks for a balance between representation, abstract mark making, and emotional gesture. She hopes her paintings feel timeless and personal, like accessing a memory.
Erin has been teaching studio and plein air painting for 10 years and has been exhibiting her work since 2009. She has shown in galleries around the USA as well as in France and the UK. She is currently a member of the Oil Painters of America, The American Impressionist Society, and The American Tonalist Society. She is married to Peter and they are raising three spectacular children!
