Jean-Francois Arnaud 4-Day Workshop
Paint the Light, not the Details.
Let the Artist Emerge!
June 23, 24, 25 & 26
9 am - 4 pm
Members $500, Non-Members $550
Registration opens on Tuesday, March 25 @ noon.
Join us for a four-day watercolor workshop with Jean-François Arnaud. He has developed a simplified and expressive approach to watercolor that is both effective and intuitive. His approach is based on a limited palette of four primary colors: royal blue, cadmium yellow, cadmium red, and indigo. This simplification of colors, inspired by his background in printing, helps to better understand color construction and achieve greater chromatic harmony. With just these four colors, you can paint almost anything.
However, a successful painting is not just about color—strong drawing skills are essential. Trained at the École des Beaux-Arts in Angoulême, he places great importance on the accuracy of lines and the structure of the subject. His teaching revolves around two main pillars: mastering a simplified yet effective technique and developing a keen eye for composition and expression.
Students will be painting from images provided by the instructor. Students can use printed out images or they can work from a tablet or phone if they prefer. There will be a one-hour lunch break each day. Lunch is on your own. For those traveling from out of town, please contact us if you need accommodation recommendations and we will be happy to help!
Daily Schedule:
Day 1: The Method and the Importance of Values
We will start by exploring my method: organizing the palette, breaking down colors, and structuring values. After a demonstration, you will create a small-format study to familiarize yourself with this approach. In the afternoon, we will work on a more developed composition, focusing on value perception—one of the foundations of Impressionist painting. Understanding values allows you to structure an image before even adding color.
Day 2: Simplification and Composition
In the morning, we will do a visual memory and gestural exercise to help loosen up your brushwork. Then, we will work on a subject in miniature before expanding it to a larger format. This exercise will introduce a key concept for plein air painting: simplification. Knowing how to refine a scene, prioritize elements, and decide what to emphasize is essential for painting with spontaneity. We will also cover how to compose a well-balanced and dynamic image, avoiding unnecessary details.
Day 3 and 4 : Letting Go and Artistic Expression
This final day will focus on finding your artistic voice and allowing your brushwork to flow freely, while still maintaining discipline in the process. I will guide you through this journey, helping you not just to become a painter, but to become an artist. Do you see the difference? This is precisely what the École des Beaux-Arts in France teaches: to develop individuality and artistic singularity
Supply list:
Support and Preparation Materials:
- An inclined board, easel, or drawing board.
- Masking tape, such as automotive or painter’s tape.
- A 2B pencil.
- A white eraser.
- A water sprayer.
- Absorbent paper or a cloth.
- 100% cotton paper from your preferred brand. A large sheet can be used and cut to smaller sizes on-site.
- Various brushes, some with natural bristles and others with synthetic bristles.
advisable to have a larger brush with natural bristles.
Recommended Colors:
- Royal blue from Sennelier (Highly recommended).
- Cadmium Yellow from Winsor & Newton.
-Cadmium Red from Winsor & Newton.
- Indigo Blue from Sennelier (Highly recommended).
- Neutral Tint from Sennelier.
-Turquoise Blue from Winsor & Newton.
- Cobalt Blue from Winsor & Newton.
- Cobalt Green from Winsor & Newton.
- Quinacridone Gold and Raw Sienna from Daniel Smith.
- Phthalo Blue Red Shade from Daniel Smith.
- Titanium White gouache (Highly recommended).
Notes:
These colors are recommendations; however, royal blue is crucial in my palette, so I strongly recommend students get it. Indigo blue and white are also important. The other colors have been carefully chosen to enhance the teaching experience, and it will be better if students can find these colors, but if not, we can manage just fine.
Let me know if any adjustments are needed!
Cancellation Policy for Major Workshops:
Refunds must be requested in writing at least 3 weeks prior to the start of Workshop. A $100 administrative fee will be charged and reduced from the refund amount. If a refund is requested in writing later than 3 weeks prior to the start of Workshop, no refund will be given. However, if the seat is filled with another enrollment, the late refund request may be considered for refund, less the $100 administrative fee.
