We all want to make pictures. To do this we must understand that painting and drawing are languages just like the spoken word. There is a vocabulary. There is structure. There are dialects, idioms, and common phrases. To make pictures we must develop the skills of communication specifically unique to line and paint. All come to a workshop hoping for that one thing that will solve all the problems. As that one thing is different for each of us, Lon will be throwing a bucket full of basic concepts your way to squirrel out the specific problems, and find workable solutions to make your pictures sing! This course is designed to expose the student to new ways of thinking about drawing and painting and how the two speak to the viewer. We will explore, through a variety of fun exercises, the language and vocabulary of mark-making as we strive to improve our visual skills. Day one is devoted to what drawing is and how mark-making in drawing leads to new paths for painting. Students will be working with dry and/or wet media to find fresh avenues for art making. Day two is open for students to work on pet projects. Anything goes, and Lon will be available to guide and critique as desired. ‘I have been teaching this method that strips away the visual baggage and opens the student up to a new-found freedom in the painting process. Your artwork will take on a dynamism and movement that only a painting can convey. I will show you ways to stretch your visual experience and then gain confidence with your image making thru intuitive choices.’ This is an in-studio workshop. Lon will describe his approach thru demos each day followed up with one-on-one instruction as students give it a go. The student will be exposed to the following: ·     The limited palette ·     color mixing and color theory ·     Exploring line as a primary tool ·     Paint application – what can a brush do ·     Converting a subject into shapes ·     Starting a painting…developing strategies ·     Color, value and line issues This workshop is suitable for experienced as well as beginner. Lon will be addressing oil paint, pastel, watercolor, and charcoal. Open to all mediums.