'For me, abstract painting and figurative painting are not opposites. A painting should be both abstract and figurative.’ Nicolas de Stael 1952
As you can see from the gallery above, an exceptional group of paintings emerged during the recent Aylesbury 2-day workshop, responding to the work of Nicholas de Stael. In advance the artists were asked to make studies of landscape, still life or the figure to bring to the workshop.
The workshop began with an introductory talk, loooking at de Stael's influences, stylistic changes and legacy. This was followed by group exercises and demonstrations, exploring mark-making in both drawing and painting (with a palette-knife!) and translating and simplifying the studies in felt-tip pen. Now we had a way in to painting...
Paintings by Antonia Glynne-Jones
The ambition was not simply to imitate the 'style of de Stael', but to follow his ideals of a fusion of inside and outside, past and present, doing justice to the subject and expressing the feelings triggered by the subject. It's a philosophy that carries through all the 'Freedom in Painting' workshops and courses: paintings rooted in reality, a perception of reality but hooked on to the senses and allowed to develop and evolve as they are made.
The studio at Queens Park Arts Centre, Aylesbury
The 2 days were filled with one-to-one tutorials and further demonstrations, finishing with an invaluable group critique. Curiosity, bravery, hard work and the sprit of Nicholas de Stael certainly paid off during the workshop with some very exciting and inventive paintings produced. Hats off to the artists!
ARTISTS COMMENTS
'The course showed me a very different way of working. Very useful and inspiring. Very enjoyable and relaxed. I learnt a lot from Ashley and found his demos particularly useful' GUY ROSE
'Challenged me to explore new ways of looking at art, preparing for painting and including how to get back on track. Ashley is a kind, helpful and thoughtful tutor - method of teaching and feedback all help me develop my practice' KATY GARROD
'A great two days and thank-you.' JENNY LAW
'Very helpful - always wonderful to follow a specific artist - their style and techniques. Ashley delivers and 'homes in' to these methods which helps up learn and develop. Love the challenge of oils and abstraction - a little out of my comfort-zone!' JUDITH HARPER
'Reminded me that a palette-knife can be great!' PIPPA GREENSMITH
'A great teacher with always something new to give' KAREN MARTIN