ABOUT FACE! Understanding Portraiture
We rely on our digital cameras to document the various stages in our lives. But for centuries, artists fulfilled this role. In this fascinating three-day program, (a must for all budding painters) we’ll explore the radical simplification of painting in the striking portraits by Modigliani, to the distorted chaos of Francis Bacon. WOW!
We’ll look at self-portraits and its many faces -- self-satisfaction (Peter Paul Rubens) self-exaltation (Albrecht Dürer) self-doubt (van Gogh) ... need we go on? We’ll explore poses, (direct, melancholy, action, display of beauty), the use of setting (‘Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his Wife’) always a favorite. And of course, we’ll oooh and ahhhhh over one of the most famous group portraits of all time...the divine ‘Las Meninas’ by Velazquez. Oh yes, and we’ll paint. And paint, (drink a little hot chocolate) and paint.
We rely on our digital cameras to document the various stages in our lives. But for centuries, artists fulfilled this role. In this fascinating three-day program, (a must for all budding painters) we’ll explore the radical simplification of painting in the striking portraits by Modigliani, to the distorted chaos of Francis Bacon. WOW!
We’ll look at self-portraits and its many faces -- self-satisfaction (Peter Paul Rubens) self-exaltation (Albrecht Dürer) self-doubt (van Gogh) ... need we go on? We’ll explore poses, (direct, melancholy, action, display of beauty), the use of setting (‘Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his Wife’) always a favorite. And of course, we’ll oooh and ahhhhh over one of the most famous group portraits of all time...the divine ‘Las Meninas’ by Velazquez. Oh yes, and we’ll paint. And paint, (drink a little hot chocolate) and paint.
ICE AGE! FAMOUS WINTER PAINTINGS
Severe winters have always affected us in ways both large and small. This fun and frosty workshop focuses on some of the most famous winter scenes in history. Bruegel’s “Winter Landscape with a Bird Trap,” Monet’s wintery ‘Haystack’, The staggering beauty of Jasper Park by Canadian, Lawren Harris--van Gogh, and even Diego Rivera. Lots of painting in this class, and of course we’ll be listening to Vivaldi’s ‘Winter Overture’ from his ‘Four Seasons’ (oh they’ll know it well by the end of class) and other winter classics to get us in the mood..and a little hot chocolate with marshmallows to keep us warm.
Severe winters have always affected us in ways both large and small. This fun and frosty workshop focuses on some of the most famous winter scenes in history. Bruegel’s “Winter Landscape with a Bird Trap,” Monet’s wintery ‘Haystack’, The staggering beauty of Jasper Park by Canadian, Lawren Harris--van Gogh, and even Diego Rivera. Lots of painting in this class, and of course we’ll be listening to Vivaldi’s ‘Winter Overture’ from his ‘Four Seasons’ (oh they’ll know it well by the end of class) and other winter classics to get us in the mood..and a little hot chocolate with marshmallows to keep us warm.
STORYTELLERS!
Jacob Lawrence and Romare Bearden knew how to tell stories without saying a word. These great African-American artists lived in Harlem and were probably two of its most astute cultural observers. The subjects they explored had incredible range, from the historical, such as Lawrence’s “The Great Migration”, to a celebration of the rituals of everyday life, such as Bearden’s “The Block”. We’ll paint, experiment with collage, and explore the power of stories to discover what’s different and the same about ourselves.
Jacob Lawrence and Romare Bearden knew how to tell stories without saying a word. These great African-American artists lived in Harlem and were probably two of its most astute cultural observers. The subjects they explored had incredible range, from the historical, such as Lawrence’s “The Great Migration”, to a celebration of the rituals of everyday life, such as Bearden’s “The Block”. We’ll paint, experiment with collage, and explore the power of stories to discover what’s different and the same about ourselves.
ANIMALS IN ART
Artists have been captivated with painting furry beasts for quite a long time -- about 35,000 years in fact. The prehistoric cave art found in France and Spain shows even ancient man to be a remarkable artist. When Pablo Picasso visited the newly-discovered Lascaux caves, he emerged from them saying of modern art, "We have discovered nothing!” Okay, so he WAS a little dramatic, but looking at the skill it took to create the horse in question--(such spontaneity! such energy!) one can easily understand why he said it. Animals, both real and fantastic, hold great importance throughout the history of art. We’ll look at their awesome powers and symbolic significance that have captivated us for centuries. Kids will discover Zeus sitting on a panther, Gauguin’s Puppies, Rousseau’s imaginary jungles, Picasso’s doves, Leo’s ermine, and Rodrigue’s faithful blue dog to name a few.
Artists have been captivated with painting furry beasts for quite a long time -- about 35,000 years in fact. The prehistoric cave art found in France and Spain shows even ancient man to be a remarkable artist. When Pablo Picasso visited the newly-discovered Lascaux caves, he emerged from them saying of modern art, "We have discovered nothing!” Okay, so he WAS a little dramatic, but looking at the skill it took to create the horse in question--(such spontaneity! such energy!) one can easily understand why he said it. Animals, both real and fantastic, hold great importance throughout the history of art. We’ll look at their awesome powers and symbolic significance that have captivated us for centuries. Kids will discover Zeus sitting on a panther, Gauguin’s Puppies, Rousseau’s imaginary jungles, Picasso’s doves, Leo’s ermine, and Rodrigue’s faithful blue dog to name a few.
THE INCREDIBLE WORLD OF ALEXANDER CALDER
Your child’s first encounter with fine art was probably that annoying black and white mobile hanging just out of reach over the crib. Who’s to blame? The remarkable Alexander Calder. He invented the mobile in 1931 and rocked the concept of sculpture. By bending and twisting wire, he developed art that was playful, delicate, and inventive. Whether it was a large scale ‘stabile’, a necklace, or a witty circus animal, he changed the way we looked at modern sculpture. We’ll create our own wire-based mobiles and stabiles while discovering crazy concepts like geometry and probability-- math + art = WOW!!
Your child’s first encounter with fine art was probably that annoying black and white mobile hanging just out of reach over the crib. Who’s to blame? The remarkable Alexander Calder. He invented the mobile in 1931 and rocked the concept of sculpture. By bending and twisting wire, he developed art that was playful, delicate, and inventive. Whether it was a large scale ‘stabile’, a necklace, or a witty circus animal, he changed the way we looked at modern sculpture. We’ll create our own wire-based mobiles and stabiles while discovering crazy concepts like geometry and probability-- math + art = WOW!!
EARLY MASTERS PRESIDENTIAL PORTRAIT / INNAUGURATION PARTY
Hey kids...no tickets for the parties in Washington? Come to Maple Leaf and celebrate in an all day workshop. Create your own official portrait of Barack Obama for the White House! (who knows-we may send them to him!!) And because our new President just may be the COOLEST president we’ve ever had, we’re not going to do the USUAL kind of presidential portrait--we’ll do it POP art style! Andy Warhol in the morning and Lichtenstein in the afternoon. We’ll watch a slide show of other amazing Obama artwork and the A & E Obama Biography movie at lunch and celebrate with cake at the end of the day!!
Hey kids...no tickets for the parties in Washington? Come to Maple Leaf and celebrate in an all day workshop. Create your own official portrait of Barack Obama for the White House! (who knows-we may send them to him!!) And because our new President just may be the COOLEST president we’ve ever had, we’re not going to do the USUAL kind of presidential portrait--we’ll do it POP art style! Andy Warhol in the morning and Lichtenstein in the afternoon. We’ll watch a slide show of other amazing Obama artwork and the A & E Obama Biography movie at lunch and celebrate with cake at the end of the day!!
LEO: 'KING OF THE WORLD'
Calling all sculptors, painters, architects, engineers, musicians, and budding scientists. Leonardo da Vinci was a Renaissance rock star who blew the world away with his curiosity and genius for well, everything. Curious artists will be amazed by his plans and inventions that would change the world, his love of nature and animals, and his passion for painting. We’ll paint our own Leo style masterpieces and create inventions in our Renaissance notebooks. We’ll create our own frescoes like The Last Supper and learn everything you ever wanted to know about the woman with the mysterious smile who lives at The Louvre.
Calling all sculptors, painters, architects, engineers, musicians, and budding scientists. Leonardo da Vinci was a Renaissance rock star who blew the world away with his curiosity and genius for well, everything. Curious artists will be amazed by his plans and inventions that would change the world, his love of nature and animals, and his passion for painting. We’ll paint our own Leo style masterpieces and create inventions in our Renaissance notebooks. We’ll create our own frescoes like The Last Supper and learn everything you ever wanted to know about the woman with the mysterious smile who lives at The Louvre.
FRIDA & DIEGO: SPECIAL ‘DAY OF THE DEAD’ WORKSHOP!!!!
Although it occurs around the same time of the year as Halloween, Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, celebrated in Latin American countries, is a very different holiday, with a different focus. To ‘celebrate’ this time of year, we’ll take a look at the exciting Mexican culture and art through the eyes of its most famous couple, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera!
It’s a super festive workshop not to be missed!!!
Although it occurs around the same time of the year as Halloween, Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, celebrated in Latin American countries, is a very different holiday, with a different focus. To ‘celebrate’ this time of year, we’ll take a look at the exciting Mexican culture and art through the eyes of its most famous couple, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera!
It’s a super festive workshop not to be missed!!!
LET’S GO TO THE MET!!!
Can’t go to NYC this winter? Next best thing is right here in Seattle---at the Early Masters studio. We’ll eat bagels and black and white cookies and spend the afternoons walking through one of the most amazing museums in the world--The Metropolitan Museum of Art. At four city blocks long and over 2 million feet of floor space, there is art for everyone. From Egyptian temples to modern day wonders we’ll paint, sculpt, and explore the many fascinating corners of this extraordinary museum. A truly rich experience, and you’ll save your parents a bundle on airfare!
Can’t go to NYC this winter? Next best thing is right here in Seattle---at the Early Masters studio. We’ll eat bagels and black and white cookies and spend the afternoons walking through one of the most amazing museums in the world--The Metropolitan Museum of Art. At four city blocks long and over 2 million feet of floor space, there is art for everyone. From Egyptian temples to modern day wonders we’ll paint, sculpt, and explore the many fascinating corners of this extraordinary museum. A truly rich experience, and you’ll save your parents a bundle on airfare!
HOW THE GRINCH STOLE THE MONA LISA! ART THIEVES FAVORITES!
Get out those art detective notebooks and magnifying glasses, it’s time to play the sleuth! We’re going to take a look at some of the world’s greatest masterpieces ... that have been stolen!!! Some have been found and some...still out there, somewhere. Who has the nerve to steal “The Scream” or a van Gogh for that matter?? And just how did those guys walk out of The Louvre...with the Mona Lisa? We’ll solve the clues to complete the case. We’ll learn about some of the world’s greatest artists and examine their paintings very closely. We’ll create our own masterpieces (now THAT’S a holiday gift) and hang them safely on living room walls...we hope.
Get out those art detective notebooks and magnifying glasses, it’s time to play the sleuth! We’re going to take a look at some of the world’s greatest masterpieces ... that have been stolen!!! Some have been found and some...still out there, somewhere. Who has the nerve to steal “The Scream” or a van Gogh for that matter?? And just how did those guys walk out of The Louvre...with the Mona Lisa? We’ll solve the clues to complete the case. We’ll learn about some of the world’s greatest artists and examine their paintings very closely. We’ll create our own masterpieces (now THAT’S a holiday gift) and hang them safely on living room walls...we hope.
AMERICAN IDOLS! AMERICAN ARTISTS AND THEIR GREATEST HITS.
They rocked the art world and left a string of greatest hits that we will enjoy for years to come. Whistler, Edward Hopper, Romare Bearden, Jackson Pollock, and Georgia O’Keeffe (to name a few).
The United States has been a non-stop hit factory for a long time. Interesting lives, yup! Interesting art? Definitely.
And how will we celebrate our greatest? We’ll paint cities and flowers like Georgia, collage like Romare Bearden, paint our own American slice of life like Mr. Hopper, and listen to jazz while creating Pollock-style masterpieces. (and that’s just getting started).
Move over Simon. When it comes to American art ...YOU’LL be the judge.
HAVE YOUR CAKE AND PAINT IT TOO!
Food and Art: A Hearty Relationship
Artists have always had an appetite for bringing food to life. And often, beyond its artistic beauty, there is a symbolic language waiting to be discovered.
Whether it’s Brueghel’s peasants eating meat and potatoes, Warhol’s iconic can of soup, or Thiebaud’s fluffy pink cupcakes, artists have been painting food for centuries.
We’ll devour works by Acrimbaldo, Cézanne, Warhol, Thiebaud, Kahlo, and da Vinci to name a few.
Food and Art: A Hearty Relationship
Artists have always had an appetite for bringing food to life. And often, beyond its artistic beauty, there is a symbolic language waiting to be discovered.
Whether it’s Brueghel’s peasants eating meat and potatoes, Warhol’s iconic can of soup, or Thiebaud’s fluffy pink cupcakes, artists have been painting food for centuries.
We’ll devour works by Acrimbaldo, Cézanne, Warhol, Thiebaud, Kahlo, and da Vinci to name a few.
GREEK WEEK:
A Five Day Odyssey
The Glory That Was Greece...oh those were the days! Gods ruled from mountaintops and superhuman heros fought mythic monsters.
We’ll fly like Pegasus through the glorious history - from the Minoans and their pottery to the great warriors and their hoplite shields. Sculptures, iconic painting, collage...we’ll tear through the traditions, art, and mythology of Greece and its vast empire.
We'll discover remarkable civilizations that have come and gone and yet still have an impact on our everyday lives. Democracy...art...the Olympic Games!!!
A Five Day Odyssey
The Glory That Was Greece...oh those were the days! Gods ruled from mountaintops and superhuman heros fought mythic monsters.
We’ll fly like Pegasus through the glorious history - from the Minoans and their pottery to the great warriors and their hoplite shields. Sculptures, iconic painting, collage...we’ll tear through the traditions, art, and mythology of Greece and its vast empire.
We'll discover remarkable civilizations that have come and gone and yet still have an impact on our everyday lives. Democracy...art...the Olympic Games!!!
MAKE A MASTERPIECE FOR MOM:
You know you couldn't get anything this holiday season that you'd love more than a masterpiece signed with love from your little artist. Your child will learn a lot in this jam-packed mini workshop, (top secret subject) and will be inspired to create a very special painting you'll treasure forever.
You know you couldn't get anything this holiday season that you'd love more than a masterpiece signed with love from your little artist. Your child will learn a lot in this jam-packed mini workshop, (top secret subject) and will be inspired to create a very special painting you'll treasure forever.
Here are some of the topics we have covered in the past:
MARTIN LUTHER KING Jr. DAY WORKSHOP!
ART + MUSIC = CHANGE IN AMERICA.
Starring African American Art Icons, Romare Bearden and Jacob Lawrence.
They didn’t come any cooler than Bearden or Lawrence. They created powerful art with pride and passion, and challenged us to examine black culture in America. Their unique visions contributed to the civil rights movement with art that represented the African American identity.
Art does change lives!
Learn about these two remarkable men:
Jacob Lawrence in the morning, Bearden in the afternoon.
ART + MUSIC = CHANGE IN AMERICA.
Starring African American Art Icons, Romare Bearden and Jacob Lawrence.
They didn’t come any cooler than Bearden or Lawrence. They created powerful art with pride and passion, and challenged us to examine black culture in America. Their unique visions contributed to the civil rights movement with art that represented the African American identity.
Art does change lives!
Learn about these two remarkable men:
Jacob Lawrence in the morning, Bearden in the afternoon.
FOLK ART WITH
GRANDMA MOSES AND HOWARD FINSTER
Folk Art, Naive Art, or Outsider Art ... no matter what you call it, it’s always interesting and original. We’ll look at the styles of some of the greats in the 20th century and then focus on ‘The Farmer’s Wife’ and ‘The Man of Visions’. After sufficient inspiration (Grandma Moses started painting in her 70’s -now that’s inspiration) we’ll head downstairs and paint up a storm. The naive artists often chose to paint their favorite subjects...and that’s just what we’ll do.
“If I didn’t start painting, I would have raised chickens.” Grandma Moses
GRANDMA MOSES AND HOWARD FINSTER
Folk Art, Naive Art, or Outsider Art ... no matter what you call it, it’s always interesting and original. We’ll look at the styles of some of the greats in the 20th century and then focus on ‘The Farmer’s Wife’ and ‘The Man of Visions’. After sufficient inspiration (Grandma Moses started painting in her 70’s -now that’s inspiration) we’ll head downstairs and paint up a storm. The naive artists often chose to paint their favorite subjects...and that’s just what we’ll do.
“If I didn’t start painting, I would have raised chickens.” Grandma Moses
THE FABULOUS WORLD OF PEGGY GUGGENHEIM:
Picasso, Miro, Kandinsky, and Moore!
Picasso, Miro, Kandinsky, and Moore!
She shopped for modern art like some women shop for shoes. Peggy Guggenheim was a lady who liked the finer things in life...like world class paintings and sculpture. So when your dad goes down with the Titanic, what’s a girl to do? You go to Paris and befriend avant-garde writers and artists and start a life that spans the most exciting and volatile years of the 20th century. She lived life to the fullest and acquired works by Giacometti, Chagall, de Chirico, Picasso, Kandinsky, Miro, and Mondrian ... to name a few. She was also hugely influential in assisting the beginnings of the new American abstract expressionist movement with Mr. Action Jackson himself, Jackson Pollock. We’ll create masterpieces in the style of some of her favorites and learn to love the modern world like the fabulous Ms. G.
