I demonstrate for my classes. Sometimes, a specific technique is shown or a tip on colour mixing. Small studies may be appropriate for one lesson and a more complete small painting for another. Yesterday, I created a small painting for each class (approx. 8 x 10″) with a 3/4″ angled/flat brush.
It was our last day of classes for the Fall term. We’ve been using the angled/flat brush for several weeks so I wasn’t just trying to demonstrate it’s handling. I wanted to develop relationships between the objects and the surrounding space but that wasn’t all.
There’s another side of demonstrating that I wanted to engage. My goal was to be brave and bold, even to a fault. I wanted to lead the charge into the cannons, waving my sword madly, in the hopes that some would follow. I’m not saying my students are timid. You’ve seen lots of their work. But this type of brush-handling is still quite new to most of them and I didn’t think a polite, wishy-washy (no pun intended) demo would leave a strong impression over the next month before our Winter term begins.
This fall has been a very busy but rewarding three months of my life. Classes start again on January 4. In the meantime, I’m looking forward to painting and getting caught up on seasonal demands. I’ll still be posting things such as my Winter calendar during December so I hope you’ll stay tuned.
Tuesday AM Critique
Tuesday PM Critique
Tags: Barry Coombs, Canada, eggplants in watercolour, former AGO instructor, still-life painting, Studio Classes, Toronto, watercolor, watercolor courses, watercolor demonstration, watercolor lesson, watercolor painting, watercolour, watercolour courses, watercolour demonstration, watercolour lesson
Barry Coombs Art Workshops 
09/12/2010 at 4:36 am |
You get such beautiful work out of your class – lovely to see. Well done. I love your demo pieces – they crackle with light and dark, white and colour – this is most inspiring. Thanks for your input my side too.
All the best
10/12/2010 at 6:57 am |
It is really interesting to see the difference in stroke and preferred color palette in your class. Really interesting demo and excellent work from your students. I hope you enjoy the opportunity to catch up on your own painting interests. I’m going to straighten up my studio today so I can start a couple of new paintings.
17/12/2010 at 12:20 pm |
It’s a typical holiday season so far. Errands and shopping are taking up too much time but I am getting some painting done.
25/05/2022 at 6:34 am |
Hi .. do you have any online classes or video tutorials. I would love to be part of this studio.