Friday, November 28, 2014

2015 Workshop News

 
"Work-in-Progress", 16x12, oil on linen/panel

This unfinished painting of the lovely model, "Amanda",  was started from life at life painting session at my friend's studio and then worked on later in my studio, from photos. It's a long way from completion,  but I do like the unfinished state, too.  It's a lovely memory of the day.

The angle of the model's head - chin up and facing - proved to be a difficult angle in which to tackle a model.  At the time, from life, it was interesting and managable, even exciting, but when I went back to the painting much later and looked at the photos, there wasn't much to work from.  Particularly because the model was lit from several different angles; studio windows as well as a direct light set-up, which didn't translate as well from the photo.

Oh, but this is all part of the thrill of painting the model, whether it be from life or later, from a photo!  Always challenging, invigorating and there's nothing in the world quite as delightful. 

WORKSHOP NEWS:

I'm very excited about my new workshop schedule for 2015.

I think there is something for everyone - still-life/floral, figurative, portraiture - from life and a photo - something for the intermediate/advanced student to the absolute beginner.

I'm building on this schedule so you can look ahead to spring, which happily brings with it, plein air -urban street scenes, landscapes ... and possibly a model in the landscape?

As many of you know, I like to keep things SIMPLE ... and this is the theme of my workshops. 

Each subject, whether it be a flower or a nose, is merely an abstract vehicle in which to make brushstrokes and apply paint.  In this way, each of my workshops allows you to build on knowledge from a previous one. 

"A Painter paints objects; An Artist paints paint" - David A. Leffel

We're gonna paint paint!

I hope you'll visit my website for more information about my workshops.  Click this link  to read more about them.  I will be adding to them, so please check back often.

Click these links for registration at either Calgary School of Art or Cochrane Arts Central.







Tuesday, October 21, 2014

BOLDBRUSH PAINTING COMPETITION - "FAV15%", September, 2014

"Fleeting Gallop", oil on linen, 22x26
 
I'm happy to announce that my painting, "Fleeting Gallop", was recognized in the "FAV15%" of Boldbrush Painting Competition for the month of September, 2014.
 
 
My 1-Day workshop, "Painting the Figure from Life, Alla Prima", Saturday, October 18th,  was a huge success!  I was blessed with a super group of artists attending and what a pleasure it was for me.  Our lovely model, Brenda,  was one I'd worked with in the past and she made the day even more delightful.
 
The day was challenging, the participants were very pooped at the end of the day and rightfully very satisfied with their efforts.  The best kind of workshop - and day - in my estimation.
 
 
The students did so well and stretched themselves so happily, and eagerly, we've decided to do another one: "Painting the Portrait from Life".  This will be a 1-day workshop and I hope to co-ordinate it around the same model, "Brenda".  I'm really looking forward to working with this group again ... if you'd like to join in, please let me know or contact Calgary School of Art.  Workshop date coming soon.
 
Other workshops planned for 2015: TBA  Check this blog for announcements and on my website in Events and Workshops
 


Thursday, October 2, 2014

Step-By-Step

Massing in

Alla Prima - having fun

 
                                           
"A Studio Visit", Study - oil on  panel, 16x12
 
 
In recent months I've been going back to the old practice of doing studies before beginning larger works.  I find these paintings totally enjoyable for a number of reasons, the main one being that I am able to explore possibilities that I might not otherwise encounter, or risk taking, in a larger painting. The study allows the artist to solve potential problems and when I'm really fortunate, uncover something special. 
 
After a summer of plein air studies, I found myself pining to paint the figure. This study, "A Studio Visit", (16x12) was painted in preparation for my upcoming 1-Day Workshop, "Painting the Figure, From Life,  Alla Prima". 
 
I still have some workshop spaces open and I would love for you to join me for a challenging and fun day.
 
Saturday, October 18th 2014 - 10-4:00pm 
Cost: $100 + shared model fee
To read more about the workshop and to Register online at Calgary School of Art
 
OR  (New)  register for my Wednesday "Open-Studio" evening class - 6-9pm
month-to-month, ongoing registration.
Calgary School of Art
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Saturday, September 27, 2014

UPCOMING WORKSHOP REMINDER - DEMO



"
"Natasha", oil on linen, 16x12

There is still time to register for my 1-Day Workshop
"Painting the (clothed) Figure From Life, Alla Prima"
in oil (or acrylic)
Saturday, October 18th, 2014 10-4pm
Calgary School of Art

Please go to Calgary School of Art's website to register online. Or contact me to register for my class.

To read more about my workshop and classes click on the links below:


Note: The Fall Evening Class session has begun, however, if you'd like to join now, 
the classes will be pro-rated.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

INSTRUCTORS SHOWCASE & GALA EVENT


I would like to extend an invitation to each of you to the Instructors Showcase and Gala Event this Friday evening at Calgary School of Art/Cactus Art Supplies.  I would love to have a chance to meet you and tell you about my classes.

This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to come out to meet the fabulous instructors at this growing teaching facility.  Instructors will  be doing live painting demonstrations throughout the evening, and have a number of our own paintings on hand for you to see.

I hope you'll join us for a glass of wine and some lively conversation.  I look forward to meeting you!

Calgary School of Art
Cactus Art Supplies
531 Manitou Road S.E.
Calgary, AB
403-287-7448

PS ... I am still accepting students in my upcoming 1-day workshop, "Paint the (clothed)  Figure From Life, Alla Prima" October 18th, 2014. To register: Calgary School of Art - Bobbi's workshop


Tuesday, July 29, 2014

NEW!!!! CLASS AND WORKSHOP UPDATE!!


"Work-in-Progress", oil on linen, 14x18 by Bobbi Dunlop
SIMPLE SIMPLE SIMPLE!

In concert with my personal philosophy, “keeping-ideas-simple – while making bold statements", I will be teaching a 12-week course which will focus on all the fundamentals of painting (shape, value, edges and color) using a variety of subjects … and beginning with a visual concept.

Wednesdays - 12 weeks
Fall Session: September 10th - November 26th, 2014 - 6:00 - 9:00pm
531 Manitou Road S.E.
403-287-7448
To register: Contact Bobbi at bobbi at bobbidunlop dot com or Call CSA/Cactus Art Supplies

Also: Read about my New 1-Day Workshop - "Paint the Figure from Life, Alla Prima", Saturday, October 18th, 2014, 10:00am - 4:00pm
NEW Venue - Calgary School of Art

Read more .... about classes
Read More ... about workshop

I hope that you will join me!  Class sizes are limited, so register early.

***You can also register online at Calgary School of Art/Cactus Art Supplies




Monday, June 16, 2014

PLEIN AIR CLASSES - "Painting Sunnyside"

Demo: "Painting Sunnyside", oil on panel, 9x11
 
 
 
There is nothing quite like setting up the easel on a warm spring day to begin the  exhilarating process of painting en plein air.  (Plein Air: French, which means painting in the open air).
 
Much has been written about painting outdoors and the satisfaction of truly painting from life.
But you have to experience it first hand to truly appreciate it.
 
The painting above is the demo (9x11) which I did for my enthusiastic plein air students in Sunnyside/Kensington, behind the Sunnyside Art Supply Store.  
 
Picture this! Artists at their easels, strung out along this historical lane; inspiration sharpened by the aromas airing from nearby outdoor eateries. 
 
Come plein air paint with us on Saturday mornings! (10:00am - 1:30pm)
We're meeting at Sunnyside Art Supplies and setting out on foot to discover our own urban treasures to capture in paint.
 
To find out more about my class or to register, contact Sunnyside Art Supplies 403-475-0608 or email me at bobbi at bobbidunlop dot com.
 
Note: Sunnyside is offering a discount of 15% for the month of June for all students in my class. They've also got a great selection of Gorilla Easels for the plein air enthusiast! 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



Wednesday, May 14, 2014

"PAINTING THE FIGURE WORKSHOP ANNOUNCEMENT"

Detail, work-in-progress by Bobbi Dunlop
 
Bobbi Dunlop Workshop

 

“SIMPLE IDEAS: POWERFUL PAINTINGS”

 

“Painting the Clothed Figure From Life, Alla Prima” in oil

Saturday, October 18, 2014 - 10:00am - 4:30pm

Calgary School of Art

Cost: $100 + shared model fee (payable to model up to max $25)

 

If you have an interest in bringing life to your paintings by painting from life, this workshop is for you!

 In this 1-day-condensed, information packed, exciting and challenging milieu, you will be guided through the process of painting the clothed figure - and bringing it to life – in paint.

 
Read more ....

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

NEW WORKSHOP!

"Venice Afternoon"
oil on Belgian linen, 16x20
 
One-Day Oil Painting Workshop
 
“From the Study to The Studio Painting:
Paint a European Street Scene in Oil”
(from photos)

Note: we will be painting a scene from Rome - not the above image

Demos will be done in oil, however, Acrylic painters are welcome.

                                 Saturday, March 29th, 2014 9:30 - 4:30 pm
Atlantis Fine Framing and Art Studio
Cost: $150

 
FROM THE STUDY TO THE STUDIO PAINTING join Bobbi in developing a beautiful European street scene from a photo reference (supplied).

 Be prepared for the upcoming Plein Air Season! Imagine yourself standing at your easel on your favourite neighbourhood street corner. As you observe the scene before you, your senses are filled with the myriad smells, sights and sounds – all the while you’re recording them in paint. [read more]
 
Please register at Atlantis Fine Framing and Art Studio 403-258-0075





Friday, January 24, 2014

NEW WORKSHOP - MARCH 29, 2014

"Flourish of Limes", oil on linen, 18x24
 

One-Day Oil Painting Workshop
Saturday, March 29th, 2014 – 9:30am – 4:30pm
Atlantis Fine Framing
Cost: $150
 
"Paint Simple Ideas ...  Make Bold Statements."
 
In this workshop, you will learn to design and set up your own visual idea and then bring it to life, in paint.
Painting the still life from life, you will learn to look for 'beauty' while exploring possibilities through exciting brushwork and luscious paint quality.  To read more ....
 
There are still a few spots open in my upcoming February 1st workshop.  I'd love to see you there!
 
Call Atlantis Fine Framing to register - 403-258-0075


Friday, January 10, 2014

NEW WORKSHOP DATE!

"Oriental Vase with Orange", oil on linen panel, 8x7

Workshop: Oil Painting Workshop -  "Fast Starts"
Location: Atlantis Fine Framing, Calgary
When: Saturday, February 1st, 2014 - 9:30am - 4:30pm
Cost: $150 - all still life objects supplied
This fun and challenging workshop is terrific for the beginner, as well as advanced painters ... While this is an oil painting workshop, a few acrylic painters are welcome, too!
Contact:  Melanie at Atlantis Fine Framing 403-258-0075 or bobbi@bobbidunlop.com


MAKING "FAST STARTS"!
Let's 'start' this New Year on the right foot!  Click to read more about this intensive, fun, one-day workshop, as well as other teaching news.

I hope you'll join me!