2 days, Level: Intermediate to Advanced
(a 4 to 5 day workshop can also be offered and this allows time to explore alkyd/oil painting- Contact me for more details)

A modern painterly approach introduces new relationships of color, space and composition to calligraphy. We will alternate layers of calligraphy with painted layers applied in a variety of ways, to build compositions of richness and depth. Each student will work on two small calligraphic paintings. Denis will show photos and discuss techniques of his own work of this type, hoping to inspire students to experiment further after the workshop.

Tools and Materials:
Calligraphy dip-pens with Brause, Mitchell, Speedball or similar nibs.
Gouache paints AND also Pelican 'Plaka' paints, both in a range of colors including black and the primaries.
Acrylic gesso primer- (I like Winsor & Newton Acrylic Gesso Primer for white- one large pot may be shared by many students or even a whole class).
A couple of Wooden Toothpicks or cocktail sticks.
Palettes and a few small jars with lids,
A selection of paintbrushes including a flat 3/4" or 1" nylon brush for laying color washes, also pen loading brush and any other paintbrushes you may have. An old toothbrush is good for spatter techniques.
Gum strip, i.e.. gummed brown paper tape for use in stretching papers.
A rigid wooden board for stretching paper- this should have a plain un-coated surface. Plywood or MDF (Medium-density fiberboard) is good. Size about A3 and 10mm thick will be enough, (unless students want to work on larger paintings)
PVA glue.
practice/layout paper or pad,
A full sheet of heavy weight hot-pressed watercolor paper- eg. 140lb saunders waterford hot press, 22"x30"
A sheet or two of colored papers-(I recommend Canson mi-tientes- but not the most bright colors- slightly duller shades are usually preferable),
Cutting knife, steel rule and Cutting board or scissors (less ideal but easier to carry),
Finely powdered gum sandarac- (essential for sharp writing on top of painted layers)
Plastic wrap/Cling-Film/ Saran wrap/ Glad wrap- this is the thin plastic film typically used for sealing food items, the name and brands vary from country to country.
old newspapers and cleaning rags,
Needle and fine threads in various colors
Some quotations or short texts you would like to use.

Optional: If you have tubes of Acrylic paint these will be useful also, (not essential to purchase if you do not have them already).
If you have bronze powders or inks made from them, such as used in my experimental gilding class, bring these also.

HOW TO GO ABOUT BOOKING A WORKSHOP