Archives for posts with tag: Paint

Welcome back to the “How To Paint A…” series! After a long hiatus, I am making/documenting/writing short tutorials on how to paint different things.

random marks

This week, I offer an example of “How To” break through Painter’s Block.

I started with a random blobbing of black paint of varying thicknesses, then saw a floral shape. I painted it in loosely in white.

The best way to cure a fear of flying is to fly. The best way to break through Painter’s Block is to paint. If you just start with something, you can turn it into anything.

I didn’t like the strong black line anymore, so I scuzzled over it with white.

I enjoy painting random things, just patterns and flowers and stripes and stuff. There is nothing wrong with this: painting itself is steeped in concept. You don’t have to have a Big Grande Overriding IDEA to start. Don’t be afraid.

I used the white paint to dash in some vertical stripes. I had watered it down and used the brush lightly to obtain both transparency and texture.

If you do like to make Big Idea Art… you can think of these random little paintings as studies, or as imagination-sessions. This is a good exercise for your mind, heart, hands and eyes.

sorting out a bit more of the composition with some “doodles”. Even though I don’t particularly like these “doodles”, I know I can always paint them over afterwards…

As I mention in the photo above, it is important to feel free and empowered as you paint. If you do something you don’t like, just paint it over. The end result will be richer and more interesting anyhow.

Painting in some black over those goofy-doodles…

I like to work back-and-forth as I go. From one tone to the next, from one colour to the next… back and forth…

I finished up when I worked in a bit of white again. I decided to let this dry. I could paint in some more detail, or colour, or not. I think it is done as it is. Maybe I will just sign it now…

Natasha Henderson, Montreal

Advertisement

nothing says “opportunity” like the hope of a blank canvas

Have you always wanted to paint? Whether you have your own supplies or not, here is an opportunity to paint in a welcoming, open, and fresh space.

Your instructor, Natasha Henderson, is an equally fresh and funny artist with loads of experience in teaching painting to all levels of learner.

Natasha with a few of her own works-in-progress

This summer, we have set up a casual and fun schedule so that you can opt to “Drop-In” to paint, with a rotating schedule of different focuses for each class.

Perhaps due to our love of yoga, we are always flexible at Fleurbain.

To encourage you to paint more often, there is a discount on the purchase of six tickets, good for any six of the summertime classes that you choose. Tickets are entirely transferable, so if you want to treat a friend to a class, you can! Perfect for out-of-town guests to make their own souvenir of Montreal.

If you have your own paints, or want an excuse to buy them, there is an option to bring your own supplies. Enquire if this interests you… nhen@videotron.ca

Cost for one class with everything supplied is $35. Cost for six summertime classes, with everything supplied, is $180 (savings of $30). For a special-special-special trial offer, this Tuesday July 3, we are offering the drop-in class for only $25, all inclusive!

Click to see the schedules (and zoom on in) to see what’s happening:

July’s Schedule

August’s Schedule

About the painting experience, Natasha says: “I am here to facilitate, get you painting, and have fun! Learning skills and techniques are important facets to enjoying your craft… however…. Expression and simple joy in making are equally important.”

Fleurbain is located at 460 St Catherine Street West, Unit 917, in downtown Montreal.

Drop-In Painting is Tuesday and Wednesdays 7-9pm, Saturday 1-3pm and Sunday either 11am-1pm or 1-3pm.

Sun July 1: 11-1 glazing and thickness, 1-3 colour

Tues July 3: 7-9 open painting fun (discount day! $25)

Wed July 4: 7-9 abstraction

Sat July 7: 1-3 brushwork skills

Sun July 8: 11-1 chiaroscuro and form, 1-3 glazing and thickness

Sat July 28: 1-3 colour

Sun July 29: 11-1 open painting fun, 1-3 abstraction

Tues July 31: 7-9 brushwork skills

Wed August 1: 7-9 chiaroscuro and form

Sat August 4: 1-3 glazing and thickness

Sun August 5: 11-1 colour, 1-3 open painting fun

Wed August 8: 7-9 abstraction

Sat August 11: 1-3 brushwork skills

Sun August 12: 11-1 chiaroscuro and form, 1-3 glazing and thickness

Tues August 14: 7-9 colour

Wed August 15: 7-9 open painting fun (special deal… BRING A FRIEND FOR FREE!)

Sat August 18: 1-3 abstraction

Sun August 19: 11-1 brushwork skills, 1-3 chiaroscuro and form

Tues August 21: 7-9 glazing and thickness

Wed August 22: 7-9 colour

Sat August 25: 1-3 open painting fun

Sun August 26: 11-1 abstraction, 1-3 brushwork skills

Tues August 28: 7-9 chiaroscuro and form

Wed August 29: (last class!) 7-9 glazing and thickness

Life Lines. 38″x38″ Oil on canvas. Darlene St Georges

Opening with an evening vernissage next Saturday June 16 at 7pm, please join us and Darlene St Georges for her solo exhibition, From Left to Right.

Darlene’s work is incredible, intricate, thought-provoking and enveloping. As with all excellent painting, it should be experienced rather than just seen.  Washes, glazes, and layers of oil paint create a sublime surface of incredible depths for the viewer.

Of her work, Darlene says:

“I call this selected collection “From Left to Right”. These works explore the form, movement, light and energy of the organic in nature – releasing me into an aesthetic of the epiphany. The intention of these written works are to offer the viewer a point of entry for reflection.

My aim in creating these works was not to represent what I think but rather to explore what I know – somewhere inside me about the essence of things. It has been a process of connecting with my intuition and responding to those moments of epiphany – experiences I have had throughout my life where everything seems to simply connect in a fleeting spark, which alleviates and elevates me. In this position and I am released from the left side that orchestrates the list, schedules and plans that shape my life from day to day, month to month, year after year.

While painting I enter through the right into an alternative space-time dimension; seeing through and beyond into the essence of things. Here, I connect with and develop my intuitive, metacognative and metaphorical knowledge, which activates my imagination and ignites an energy that engages my whole being. For me this is an aesthetic of the epiphany that I can conjure up that affords me with a broader vision of what is possible, which I carry back into the world.”

Flora. 12″x12″ Oil on canvas. Darlene St Georges

Exhibited alongside the paintings will be some of Darlene’s poetry; work that further transports you to another time, thought, and place. This one, in particular, speaks to me about painting, creativity, and being connected to our natural world:

Immutable schedule of something imprecise.
I vanish;
transfixed and motionless, without restraint.
I recapture enchantment and dreams of splendor;
labyrinths of memories wash over my body;
remote cusps and oxygen.

From Left to Right continues to July 7


***
See the online version of the show here.*** Work is all available for purchase, in person or online.

Vernissage June 16, 7-9pm at Fleurbain, 460 St Catherine St West Unit 917

Hours Thursdays 3-6pm, Saturdays and Sundays 12-6pm

See Darlene’s catalogue of the show here.

A McGill student takes a study break… and Drops In to Paint!

Drop-In Painting classes are a fun way to explore and learn about painting without a huge commitment.

a student opts to work from a combination of memory and a photograph

Drop-In Painting is a way to express yourself while painting under the guidance of an experienced artist.

classes held in Fleurbain, at 460 St Catherine West. Unit 917. Fabulous view of St James United Church, and always an interesting art exhibit on!

Relax. Create. Enjoy a cup of tea.

painting is good for you

Drop-in painting is now being offered MORE often…

SUNDAY: 11am-1pm

SUNDAY: 1pm-3pm

TUESDAY: 7pm-9pm

WEDNESDAY: 7pm-9pm

SATURDAY: 1pm-3pm

All you need to bring to drop-in painting is your self!

*Classes are limited to eight people max, so if you are anticipating bringing a large group, please book ahead. Custom workshops and travelling art lessons are available. Just talk to me: fleurbain@gmail.com

*Drop-In Painting price, all-inclusive, is $35 per two hours session. (For a private, booked session, it is $70 per two-hour session.)

Natasha Henderson, Montreal

The Mona Lisa.

The Mona Lisa. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Remember the good ole days when Bob Ross would guide you, step-by-step, through the process of making a painting? Isn’t it time to revisit such a fun yet methodically satisfying approach to making a beautiful painting?

Painting Create Night is the newest format of *FUN* one-shot, evening workshop where you eat, drink, make merry, and create a stunning painting (no matter what your skill level.)

HOW IT WORKS: You (and a friend or two, highly recommended!) bring yourselves, something tasty you would like to nibble on, perhaps a bottle of wine to enjoy. (We have glasses and a corkscrew!) Over a couple of hours, and your wine and nibbles, Natasha Henderson guides you through the process of making a professionally designed painting. Indeed, you will go home at the end of the night with a finished piece of art.

Theme: FRENCH IMPRESSIONS Date: Friday April 20, 7-9pm
Theme: TUSCANY SUN Date: Saturday May 5, 7-9pm
Theme: BIRDS OF A FEATHER Date: Saturday May 26, 7-9pm
Special Mother’s Day Mom+Me Whimsical Portrait Session on Mother’s Day, Sunday May 13 at 1pm-3pm (perfect after brunch!) Paint you and Mom together. These will be whimsical and light-hearted portraits.

Cost per Painting Create Night is $40 + taxes (works out to $46) per participant. Please note you must be over 18, and anyone who drinks must have a reliable form of transportation home.

Please email fleurbain@gmail.com to register.

It is the middle of winter.

Energy is a little low, “sigh…”

The weather is a little intimidating with all the snow and ice and icy cold mountains of slush.  It’s not just the ubiquitous boots, but the whole experience of walking down the street makes people scream, “Ugg!”

We see this and so, we thought we would make it a little easier to do something good for you!

All courses starting in February are half-price, even if they span into March.

Yup, half-price!  🙂  We knew this would add a little warmth to your winter!

Here is a list of what is going on in the next couple weeks.

Tammy Schmidt, CHT

A fleurbain mid-winter Cleanse

You may want to shed a few of the post-holiday pounds or you may want to improve your energy by eating better.  Find supportive and positive approaches to nourishing yourself and renewing for Spring.

Includes anti-inflammatory recipes, menus and plenty of helpful information.

Tammy Schmidt will be facilitating this support group. She is trained as a clinical herbal therapist. She also provides consultations and education on herbal remedies.

Monday February 6th – March 12th; 7:30pm – 9:00pm, $120 for the session.  Half price discount is $60, plus tax, for the six sessions.

Intro To Painting: Old masters Basics

In this eight-week course, students will learn about techniques used in both oil and acrylic painting. Students can choose to paint in oil or acrylics. Natasha will provide you with a list of supplies you will need, and advise on your choice of paints upon registration.

Instructor Natasha Henderson has taught art for several years, and has exhibited her paintings for over a decade. Her classes are supportive, fun, and informative. Please check out her website to see more of her work.

Play, colour theory, illusion… perspective, perception, and more will be covered in this class. The final day will be spent out of the studio, on a field trip to the Musee des Beaux Arts to look at, and talk about, painting. Great painting that will further inspire our hearts, minds, and souls… and art. We will learn by doing and making, and then revel in what we now know.

The class is held in Fleurbain, at 460 St Catherine Street West, Unit 917 H3B 1A7, close to McGill and Place des Arts metros, ts of nearby parking too. Class is scheduled for either Saturdays (February 11 to March 31) or Sundays (February 12 to April 1) 12-3pm. Cost is $320.  Half-price discount, the price is now $160, plus tax for 8 sessions! (If you join late in the session, class prices will be pro-rated.)

Four Weeks of Felt (aka “I ♥ Felt”)  

In I ♥ Felt, students will learn how to make felt in the wet-felting process.  Instructor Natasha Henderson is experienced in feltmaking, puppet-making, painting, and cartooning. Over the last several years, she has been inspired by seeing her students take felt-making to new levels.  This will be a fun, informative, and relaxed workshop.

We will make: *a flat project (the ever-popular scarf!)
* a simple form that can be crafted into a cell-phone case or small purse or other nifty little object
* a larger, more complex form using a resist technique (either a larger purse or a vase)
* jewelry, forms and decorative shapes

Classes will be held in Fleurbain Tuesday nights, February 14th to March 6th, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Cost of the four weeks of supplies and fun, is $160, plus tax. The half-price discount price which includes supplies and instruction is $80, plus tax.

Are you looking for affordable one-on-one instruction from a skilled painter?  Come explore your creative side at the Wednesday Night Drop-in Painting from 6:30pm-8:30pm, $35, plus tax, per drop-in.  For the month of February, Half-price discount is $17.50, plus tax. All supplies are included!

All classes are held in Fleurbain, 460 St Catherine West Unit #917. Please email us at fleurbain@gmail.com to register or for more information.

The other day I made a three-minute walk-about film of my exhibition “Poetry”. I had wanted to share the experience of walking through the exhibit, as well as the photos of individual works, online. Here it is:

The show is on until March 1st. Keep your eyes open for an announcement about an upcoming poetry-reading, as well as a simple book-binding workshop… and indeed, the rumours are true. Iggy (my cat) will publish a chap-book of his Catku that will soon be available! –Natasha Henderson

Fleurbain is located in downtown Montreal, at 460 St Catherine West, unit #917. Gallery hours are 3pm-6pm, Tuesday through Sunday, or by appointment.

"Cantata" by Natasha Henderson

Intro to Painting: Old Masters Basics:

In this eight-week course, students will learn techniques used in both oil and acrylic painting. Students can choose to paint in either oil or acrylics. (For absolute first-time painters, acrylic is recommended.) Natasha will provide you with a list of supplies you will need to bring, upon registration.

Play, colour theory, illusionperspective, perception, and more will be practiced. The final day will be spent on a field trip to the Musee des Beaux Arts to look at, and talk about, painting. Great painting that will further inspire our hearts, minds, souls, and art.

We will learn by doing and making… and then revel in what we now know. This class will also increase a student’s art-appreciation and knowledge of how painting is created.

The class is held in Fleurbain, at 460 St Catherine Street West, Unit 917. Class is scheduled for Saturday February 4 – Saturday March 24, from 12pm to 3pm. Cost is $316, taxes inclusive. Second Option Announced: Sundays from February 5 until March 25, 12pm -3pm.

Please note class size is limited, so reserve your spot today by emailing fleurbain@gmail.com or drop by the space during Gallery hours, Tuesday-Sunday, 3pm to 6pm.  A non-refundable deposit of $100 is required to reserve a space in the class, with payment of remainder due on the first day. If you would like to pay a deposit via PayPal, check out this page on Natasha’s website.

Looking forward to painting with you!

Natasha Henderson, Montreal

Ever held an urge to pick up a brush and put your thoughts and feelings into paint? Want to try out acrylic painting, but haven’t had the means nor the time for it? For an inspiring and creative Sunday afternoon or Wednesday evening, invest $35 and two hours of your time and see what you can come up with under the guidance and support of artist Natasha Henderson.

Natasha is offering a drop-in painting class every Sunday from 1-3 pm, and every Wednesday from 6:30-8:30 pm. All acrylic paints and supports are provided, all you need to do is show up and be ready to give it a try!

Natasha has taught creative courses in painting, cartooning, puppetry, feltmaking, and more to preschoolers through to the elderly. Everyone is creative, and everyone can make stuff. It’s just a matter of finding your own means of expression…

Classes are held in Fleurbain, at 460 St Catherine Street West, Unit #917. Please email Natasha to indicate your interest at nhen@videotron.ca. Tea’s on, paint brushes are ready, and creative freedom awaits!

Now offered in Fleurbain… painting workshops that are tailored to you. Whether you want to try painting just once, or would like to paint over several days, we can accommodate you.

Private or semi-private painting lessons for any level, in oil or acrylic, for any number of people from one to eight… let’s paint together! Instructor Natasha Henderson has years of experience with painting in acrylic and oil. She has exhibited her works widely across Canada. Her workshops provide a supportive and creative environment, where the needs and wishes of the participants come first.

One suggestion: The perfect activity for a corporate retreat; painting together on a canvas is a team-building activity that provides a tangible result! At the end of the day, take the painting back to the office as an artifact of your team’s creative journey. Natasha will guide you through this creative process, to ensure your painting is not only uniquely your own, but retains its innate creative beauty.

Another suggestion: during a family reunion, some of the family would like to participate in an activity together. Why not all work on paintings? We can delve into imagery that is important to the family, imagery based on communal memories and events… or just simply paint and have fun.

Rates for private lessons are based on the number of students:

1 person, 2 hours: $70 including all materials
2-4 people, 2 hours: $50 each, including all materials
5-8 people, 2 hours: $45 each, including all materials.
+ GST

Various times are available during the day and on weekends. Just ask.

Tea is on…

Ready, set, paint!

Contact Natasha either through Fleurbain’s email: fleurbain@gmail.com or her email: nhen@videotron.ca

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