Announcements: May 26th – June 1st

Announcements:

Week of May 26^th – June 1^st

 

Underpainting

A couple weeks ago I was asked about why I did an underpainting on my current project. My canvas was a monochromatic sienna landscape that was very, very, rough. At first my answer was that it helps me plan out what I want to do, so that going into the final painting I had a better grasp of what I envision. But it does more than that; it gives me confidence about my work going forward.

What is an underpainting? An underpainting is when you take a color, water it down so it’s thin and light, and paint out your concept. This is your rough draft. You’re plotting out your shapes, dimensions, values, and shadows. How high should this hill be, is this concept balanced, where is your light source? Also, an underpainting gets rid of the blank white canvas- which makes starting far less daunting. Truthfully, taking the time to do an underpainting has helped me immensely in capturing depth. Paintings with reds, yellows, and greens feel warmer, ones with blues and purples are cooler, richer even.

Now if I’m painting something like the ocean with a lot of blues and purples, I’ll use a raw sienna, or even orange, as my underpainting color. If my painting is going to have a lot of reds and yellows, then I may go for a green or purple under painting. It’s worth noting that since began using this technique last year, I have seen a positive difference in my work. There is an added luminosity to it, a smoother effect of the paint, and I feel more confident about where the painting is going.

Do you have to do an underpainting? No. Can you use more than one color? Absolutely. Does this only apply to acrylic paintings? No, you can use this technique with oils and pastels as well. Underpainting is a totally optional tool for you to utilize. Try it out and let me know if it works for you.

-Morgan D.

 

• The LEC will be closed Monday, May 27^th for Memorial Day.

 

• What if someone asked you to develop a book on how to live out the second half of your life in the most creative and adventurous ways possible? 38 seniors came together and answered that question in our newest publication, Artfully Ageing. Our Artfully Aging Anthology is now available on Amazon for $12. However, you can order a copy(ies) through us for $6. A preorder sign up is on the resource table. Contributors will receive a complimentary copy.

 

• The LEC needs volunteers! Please call or drop us an email if you are interested in volunteering with us on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday afternoons for two hours.

 

• Beginning Abstract Painting with Sarah Hanson is on Tuesdays, 1:00 to 3:00pm. This class is both in person and on Zoom.

 

• We have two opportunities to learn and play Bridge. Bridge is on Mondays and Fridays from 1:00-3:00pm. No experience necessary, so come and join a fun group of people and play Bridge.

 

• Intro to Mah Jongg is starting June 17th with Alice Webb. Classes will be Mondays 1:00pm-3:15pm and will last for 8 weeks. This class is for those wanting to learn how to play. The signup sheet is on the resource table in the activity room or you can email us at [email protected]. You must sign up to attend.

 

• Potluck is June 5^th. We will be having a guest speaker, Jean Michel, here to talk about Medicare 101 and answer your questions.

 

• Photo Club is taking a field trip to the Tampa Bay Chinsegut Historic Site on June 8^th. They will meet there at 10am and take a guided tour at 11am.

 

• Are you Interested in a Games Day this summer? Games would include Mah Jongg, Bridge, various board and card games, Uno, Clue, Yahtzee, and Scrabble. Please let Morgan know if you are interested, (813) 932-0241 or [email protected]. Day and time TBA.

 

• Beginning Drawing with Arleen starts Wednesday, June 19^th and runs from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. The signup sheet is available on the resource table. This four-week course is designed for individuals who have an interest in learning how to draw or sketch, or simply want to improve their skills.

 

• Tim’s Matting and Framing workshop is Thursday morning, June 20^th 10:00am to noon. Bring your picture, a piece of matboard, and your choice of frame. Tim will be instructing you on how to cut it for your picture and frame it.

 

• Saturday, June 29^th we have a Paint-A-Long with Tim Gibbons. This class is from 10:00am to noon. This class is $20 for members and $30 for nonmembers; supplies included in the cost. You will be taking home a finished painting at the end. You must sign up to attend, seats are limited.

 

• Morgan is hosting a 4 week Beginning Acrylic Painting Class. It starts Wednesday, July 17^th and runs from 5:30-7:00pm. You will be learning the basics of acrylic painting.

 

• We have two HP Laser Jet printers for sale at $100 each or best offer. If you are interested in either one, please let Morgan or Arleen know.