In this workshop series, we will experiment with fine art media combinations and techniques and express our unique minds, concentrating on composition and innovation. The prompts, techniques, and materials will be new for each meeting. All high-quality art supplies will be provided.

Workshop Sessions

Prompts

For each session, we will have a unique prompt, a combination of art tools and materials to focus on and experiment with a variety of techniques they offer.

Here is an example of a mixed-media artwork: 

• Prompt for this work: Altered state of consciousness and clarity of perception.
• Materials: Watercolor stick, transparent watercolor, acrylics, and sand.

The themes for artistic expression in each session give us a united mood for exploration of ourselves and the world. The verbal hints should give us only the initial vector of thought to sparkle the creation of a unique piece for each. They will add relatable stories to the discussion and let us get to know each other better.

For example, the prompt for the first meeting "Temperament and Freedom" should inspire us to explore the innate qualities of our personality and the range of possibilities to be found between physical and social limitations.

Plan

1. Prompt: Temperament and Freedom - expressing your mind.
   Technique: Choosing quality art materials, secure layering in mixed media;
   Materials: Graphite, mineral pigments as a liquid transparent watercolor in a needle-tip applicator on heavy cotton.
2. Prompt: Perception and Fantasy - interpretation and creation of reality. 
   Technique: Softness of dry media, managing moisture in water media, application tools overview.
   Materials: Vine charcoal, gouache, glazing and dry brushing, acrylic, mica, and particles.
3. Prompt: Elements and System - composition from fragments;
   Technique: Color theory, color mixing, transitions, and combination, intuitive torn collage.
   Materials: Archival toned papers, pigment ink, polymers as artist-grade glue, acrylics.

Workflow

The workflow of each class will partially be defined by its prompt and materials. Despite the novelty of the subjects and tools, the workshops will have repeating segments, some of which can be repeated during the same workshop:

• Introductions and goals; 
• Technique explanation and demonstration, questions and answers;
• Individual work and personal consultations,
• A pause for free interaction;
• Presentation of artworks and evaluation;
• Group discussion and summary of knowledge.

Materials

We will follow the principle of minimum palette to explore each medium combination and color to the fullest. How quality art materials will correspond with the technique and the prompt and will be provided for the duration of each class. You are welcome to bring your favorite art materials to share with and demonstrate to the group.

Art Materials List

Suggested art materials for this session from a reputable online shop, carefully selected by value:

• Blick U Course Supply List

Please use the titles of the recommended items to find them in other stores or pick something similar from what you have.

Location

These art sessions will take place in Studio ACE, Oceanside, California.

See you there!

Art Instructor

Lena Nechet is a European fine art painter in California who makes primarily tangible artwork on the surface, with archival materials in environmentally friendly studio settings. Her preferred art genres are abstract portrait and zen-brush gesture, and her favorite media are watercolor and acrylics on cotton, using single-pigment artist-grade materials in a limited palette.

• Title: Mixed Media Mind Workshop with Lena Nechet
• Description: A fine art workshop series based on self-expression and experimentation with provided high-quality art materials.
• Goals: fun, communication, practice, creation, evaluation
• Properties: formal, recurrent
• What: We will make paintings on sturdy paper with carefully chosen lightfast materials to bind or frame the sheets later.
• Why: We want to explore ourselves, relieve stress, create beautiful things, systematize our skills, experience aesthetic pleasure together, and talk about our artwork.
• Reference Code: LN24MM
• Useful Links:
  • Studio ACE, a nonprofit organization, https://www.studioace.org/ (external link)
  • Instructor's site, https://lenanechet.com
  • Permalink to this workshop, https://lenanechet.com/mm
• Place: Oceanside, California