Russell Black
Tin Pan Painter

I have just finished with the production on the new video of "Sandy Neck Lighthouse." We have been discussing this painting on the "Tips & Hints" page (click here), and I took the opportunity to film this painting while in the studio.

Since I have a workshop later this month on the "West Coast" pattern (see below), I thought that I would get in a little practice beforehand by using a patchwork wash. It is a fun way to express yourself with color and can be applied to any type of painting. There are any number of design possibilities with this type of wash and I used just a simple expression of pattern in this painting.

HVAA Workshop - the West Coast Pattern

This workshop will cover the basics of the "West Coast" or "checkerboard" value pattern. This particular method came out of the school of watercolor painting that was centered in California with painters like Rex Brandt and Robert E. Wood. Also known as the "all over" value pattern, this painting method produces what I like to call visual Boogie-Woogie.

Day 1 - Basics of the West Coast Pattern - will cover the ideas of creating the under painting using a variety of wash types and patterns (static, dynamic, and patchwork), and then the over painting silhouette (subject matter) that is independent of the under wash. Essentially it creates a split, two layered painting (wash & silhouette) plus calligraphy.

"Jenny Lake #4" is an example of the Patchwork wash and Silhouette.

Day 2 - Application of West Coast Pattern – will further explore the use of the under painting pattern in conjunction with the subject. This takes us into the Brush Line or Calligraphic painting types where line and symbology do the majority of the work within the transparent layers.

"Ouray Cabin" is an example of a Checkerboard Patchwork wash with Brush Line "Calligraphy" and additional shapes.

Skill Level - Beginner to more advanced students.

When: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (both days)

Where: Rainbow Canyon Community Center, 751 W 2300 S, Hurricane, UT

Cost: $80 for HVAA members / $90 for non-members

To register for the above workshop or for further information, please contact Carol Larson at      (435) 635-6966, or email musiccarol@msn.com.

February - Watercolor & Collage Workshop

This workshop will cover the methods for working with watercolor and collage (pasted papers). Using a variety of rice papers, acrylic gel medium, and transparent watercolor, students will create a unique painting.

"Upper Pools" is an example of a watercolor and collage painting.

Skill level - Beginning to more advanced students.

When: February 9th (Tuesday)

Where: Rainbow Canyon Community Center, 751 W 2300 S, Hurricane, UT.

Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Cost: $45.00 for HVAA members, $50.00 for non-members

To register for the above workshop or for further information, please contact Carol Larson at      (435) 635-6966, or email musiccarol@msn.com.

If you have a local event or something art related happening in or around the St. George area, please let me know and I'll be glad to post anything relevant. Send all notices to me at russellblack@live.com. Be sure to include all information including your contact info.