Wednesdays, June 4 – 25, 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm - 4 Sessions

Dive into Color!

The use of color has challenged painters for centuries...Claude Monet referred to color as his "obsession, joy and torment". In this class we'll look for more joy and less torment! We'll explore the practical uses of color in your paintings, without losing sight of the other important elements such as shape and value. We'll explore how you can better understand your pigments and how you can use color as a design tool in your work (but we'll avoid any deep dives into color theory or the science of color).

We’ll start with brief comments by the instructor and a short demo, but plan to spend most of the class time working on your own art. This class is open to all levels, though a little bit of painting experience is helpful. If you’re looking for a first-time-ever oil painting class then there are probably some better choices out there. This is an oil painting class, and while many issues are the same in any medium, the instructor will be better able to help you if you're working in oils.

I like to keep the atmosphere in my classes relaxed, friendly and supportive, and normally do not do group critiques at the end of the session. You'll be working on your own painting ideas so bring whatever you are most jazzed up about painting!

LEVEL

All Levels

SUPPLIES THAT INSTRUCTOR WILL BRING

Students will bring their own supplies. I may have some extras on hand if needed.

SUPPLIES TO BRING

Please bring:

• small sketch book: 8" x 10" or smaller
• pencils of varying hardness. I use 2H, HB and 3B
• Photo references or other ideas to work from. Bring several!!
• 1 - 2 canvases. If in doubt bring small ones, like 8" x 10" or 11" x 14". But bring the size you like to work with.
• Brushes of various sizes. I mostly work with Brights #2, #4 and #6, but I also use a #0 round for small details and an old filbert for getting rid of edges. And a #8 or larger to slather in washes in large shapes. But again if you've got favorites, bring them!
• Oil Paints. Bring the colors you like to work with but not too many. If you're not sure, I think that a good limited palette is:

Titanium White, Cadmium Yellow Medium, Cadmium Red Light, Quinacridone Rose OR Permanent Alizarin, Cobalt Blue OR Ultramarine Blue, and a neutral such as Raw Umber or Burnt Umber.

• An easel (tabletop or standing)
• Paper towels or rags (I use Viva paper towels)

• Odorless mineral spirits like Gamsol (NO TURPENTINE PLEASE) and a small container to use them in (I use something called "SILICOIL") PLEASE NOTE: Students are required to bring a container for oil paint waste and will need to take it home to dispose of properly. It CANNOT be poured down the drains at our new location. Students are also encouraged to wipe brushes clean.
• Palette (I use a 12" x 16" plastic palette box with a thick glass surface inside the box)
• Palette knife or knive

Rodgers gets most of his supplies at Meininger's or Guiry's, but they're largely available online, too.

QUESTIONS

Email or call instructor at rnaylorstudio@gmail.com or 

303-562-7554 (text or call).

About the Instructor

Light and depth are woven throughout Rodgers Naylor's oil paintings, and are always foremost in his mind as he paints. His landscapes reflect his love of exploring the world's natural and cultural wonders. Rodgers studied drawing at The Atelier in Minneapolis and painting at The Art Students League of Denver. The Atelier provided a rigorous approach to accurate drawing while at the Art Students League he learned a loose and painterly style of painting. These influences remain strong, and he enjoys sharing his wealth of knowledge with his students. Rodgers exhibits his work in galleries, juried shows, art festivals and other venues. He teaches both workshops and classes, including teaching for several years at the Park Hill Art Club.