Monday, July 25, 2011

Nicholas Simmons' Workshop

Last week I was lucky to take Nicholas Simmons' "Watercolor Unleashed" workshop in Idyllwild, CA.  For 3 days we got to experiment with watercolors and acrylics used thinly as watercolor.  It's amazing how many different results you can get by combining the two.  Here is my first demo piece using only acrylics.
Nick gave us reference pages of chinese writing, the Geisha and bamboo leaves and we were to come up with a composition using all three.  He showed us several fun techniques and the day flew by.  And no, I don't know what the writing says - I hope it's nothing bad.  This group of lettering just fit my paper the best and I really liked the shape of that top letter.

Our other project was done by copying a picture of a photo that he had abstracted and we used both transparent watercolor and thinned acrylics.  By using the combination of both, we were able to employ different techniques and get very cool results.  Here's the painting:
Because we were all using the same reference photo, there are about 15 versions of this floating around California but each one has a different look as each artist put their own spin on it.

This was such an informative workshop and so much fun.  I can't wait to try these techniques some more.  I was not really successful with a couple of them so I'm anxious to try again.

I had watched Nick's video before and learned so much from it that I didn't think I needed to take the workshop but I'm so glad I did because I learned so much more by having hands on practice with Nick giving feedback and that is something you can't get from a video.  If you ever have the chance to take one of his workshops, I would highly recommend it.  If not, get his video.  He's an amazing artist, has a unique contemporary painting style and is very generous in sharing his techniques.  He's also a really nice guy and kept us entertained with lots of stories.  Check out his website and you'll see how crazy creative his paintings are.

14 comments:

  1. I'm envious! His work is fantastic. You have some great pieces from the workshop. I may have to buy his videos. Thanks so much for sharing:)

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  2. I really like the Geisha along with the bamboo & lettering. The whole image is in balance and the red really compliments it all. Nice work! Glad you enjoyed the workshop too. They are also a nice change & great for inspiration.

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  3. Nancy, these are just gorgeous pieces, especially the top piece. I love that I can see my friend Nancy in the top piece especially. I've never cared for Asian art much (it all looks too similar) but you've elevated it to a whole new level. Truly an exquisite piece of work. Love this post!

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  4. Both of these pieces have a great contemporary look, Nancy! I going to check out Nick's site.

    I looked over some of your fine blog...Good on you for doing so many media so well.

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  5. Interesting combinations, Nancy. your geisha could be painted on silk, or rice paper, it has the same surface qualities. Taking workshops from other teachers with different techniques is a good exercise, taking what you liked and making it your own is the end result. TY for sharing the info.

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  6. Carrie, you should get the video. It's very informative.

    Thanks Nancie. I don't think any other workshop has inspired me as much as Nick's.

    Hi Sherry, thank you so much. I've never liked asian art either but this was really fun to work on because it was SO not my usual style. Drawing this was homework after the first day so I did it in my tiny little motel room (cabin, Idyllwild is in the mountains), on the bed with bad lighting and I've never enjoyed drawing anything as much as I did this one.

    Thank you Dean. Definitely check out his website. He has a blog also.

    Hi Robin, yes this would look really good on silk or rice paper, wouldn't it?

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  7. Having been in one of Nick's workshop's myself, I've seen a lot of the geisha painting but your version is the best I've seen! It really works and has your own style - not just a copy of his style :)

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  8. Thank you Rhonda. That's a really nice complement.

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  9. This is fabulous, Nancy! It is so you--design, organic shapes, fluidity! Looking forward to more...

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  10. Both of these paintings are wonderful Nancy, but the first one is truly beautiful...so delicate and so full of color. Great workshop..looking forward to your next piece.

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  11. Thanks Hilda. I had so much fun in the workshop and I hope I can remember all that he taught us.

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  12. What fun. Love your art. Love your blog.

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