Pat Dews AWS, NWS Five Day Plan

This is a fairly accurate description of what we will do each day in the workshop.  Some variations may occur.  There are no clones in my class.  All will work on individual designs and all work will be unique.  Students who have access to my books or video will have a better understanding of what to expect.

I begin the workshop by showing my paintings in progress.  The student sees what we will be doing in class and what my work looks like in different stages.

Day 1

The first start is a texture practice sheet. This is done, in such a way, that it is actually a painting start.  Leftover paint /additional paint are used to make small, medium and large texture papers to use for collage.  After my demo, students begin work on their texture pieces. I circulate to give individual attention.

Lunch

I do a demo using collage pieces. This demo will begin to show how to start composing good designs. I also do a horizontal design format start that will become a strata piece.  Students continue to work on a collage and horizontal piece.  I circulate to give individual attention.

Day 2

Using torn pieces of paper, I arrange (cruciform design format) and tape them to a blank sheet of paper for my next painting start.  I paint and spray over these taped pieces, used as a mask, to reserve white shapes.  After I demonstrate, students will tear their paper pieces ( from failed painting they bring to class) into large, medium and small shapes to place on their paper in a cruciform design format and begin painting their next start. I circulate and give individual attention.

Lunch

The next start is created using a grid format. I demo and then students paint.

I circulate and give individual attention.

Day 3

I will give a slide presentation of my finished paintings. I will discuss color, design, form and content.  I will be discussing design and the possibilities waiting to happen. There is a 10 minute break.  I give a short demo on how to approach finishing the reserved white spaces. We quickly review 1 student start per student and I discuss what they look for before starting to finish. This takes time, but students tell me they find it invaluable. Students begin working or eat lunch early.

Lunch

Because of the long morning demos, students usually eat early and then immediately start painting. I do an afternoon demo an hour before class ends. I do a demo that is a start as well as a finish. I will completely alter the surface of one of my painting starts (it will be one that I bring with me) using acrylic paint and acrylic paint techniques.  Students will use one of their failed paintings they bring. If I decide it is not a failed painting, a painting start will be prepared.

Day 4

I demonstrate more techniques for the next stages in the painting process.  The students paint on her/his starts until lunch. I circulate and talk to each student individually.

LUNCH

I demo more next step finishing techniques.  Students are broken up into groups of five for critiques. Students can watch all critiques or continue to work and listen to only their group. 

Day 5

I will do a last demo on what I feel will best benefit the class.  Students continue to paint.  Critiques continue if we haven’t finished.

LUNCH

Students continue to work with me circulating and helping.  If there is room on the floor or wall we will have a final critique at the end of the day.  I will use a laser light to comment.  If not, each student will bring his/her painting that is nearest completion to my table for a private critique.

Many paintings will be started and in different stages of completion.  In a workshop it is important to try new techniques and get a lot of work going. Finishing pieces and finishing touches can come later, in the studio, as the student works quietly on his/her own.  Students leave with many new ideas and new excitement.  Most write later saying how their work has grown and that they will never work the same way again.