This workshop is an exploration of expressive abstract techniques that may be applied to silk
in a contemporary approach to batik.
“Abstract Expressionism” is the name of a modern art movement after the second World War originating in New York in the forties, fifties and sixties. Some of the renowned artists of this era included Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothco, Franz Kline, Hans Hoffman, and William Baziotes. Well recognized women artists of this era included Helen Frankenthaler, Lee Krasner, Elaine de Kooning, Joan Mitchel, Grace Hartigan and Judith Godwin among many others. This workshop takes inspiration from the radical approach to art taken in this era. Some also refer to this work as “action painting” because of the physical movement one may feel in viewing some of these works.
Students will work on a frame to allow for stretched silk from approximately 24” x 30” for completed artwork to be displayed in a standard 22”x 28” frame. This size specification may be modified depending in available studio table space. In this fun approach to silk painting. We will be influenced by many of the twentieth century abstract expressionist painters to free yourself up to create intuitive, expressive and emotional art on silk. Students will combine soy wax layering and thickened dye to create whimsical and abstracted painterly compositions.
The transparent quality of dyes will facilitate layering of values to create depth and textures. This is an opportunity for students let go of control and allow for a spontaneous and unexpected result in their finished silk painting.
Brushy layers of soy wax and dye applications are applied to retain progressive layers of color
working from light to dark and with textures and values in repeated steps to add dimension.
Wax will be ironed out from the artwork with layers of plain newsprint while the silk is still suspended and stretched on the frame. The small amount of residual wax on the silk leaves a sizing type coating that allows for additional direct application of deep dye without bleed in for detail and additional mark making.
Materials: All materials and tools are provided in this class. All for the one price. However, you may want to and welcome to bring any of the following.
- Extra silk for painting. You will receive two pieces to complete 2 paintings and are welcome to purchase more in the class.
- Any paint brushes you like to use, any type of watercolor or textile painting brushes will do.
- Any wax printing tools. These need to be metal. I Potatoe masher makes a great wax impression, cookie cutters etc.
- A hair dryer with a cool shot.
Any Questions call Karen 405.315.5347
Price: $260 Class Limit: 12
