John Murray classes week of June 1, 2015

There will be a model on Monday, both morning and afternoon classes.
For Tuesday Figure Class, of course a model...
Wednesday, Supercharged Painting, both sessions and Teen Class, work with sticks as painting implements, instead of brushes..
See you next week, john

John Murray classes week of May 25, 2015

No classes Monday, the 25th, Memorial Day.

Tuesday and Wednesday classes will have a model.

Above is a piece (drawing?) made with branches by Ana Mendieta.

I would like all artists to collect branches and sticks to bring to class and try something like this

from the model. 

Either assemble a figure and paint it, or trace/print from the branches on to canvas or paper.

Mendieta was a brilliant artist tragically killed in a fall from a high rise in September 1985.

Many people feel she was murdered by her husband the Minimal sculptor, Carl Andre.

Her work is an amazing exposition of the female identity/icon in nature.

Please try this project... it could open your work to strange and fresh possibilities!

See you next week, John.

John Murray classes week of May 18, 2015

Thinking the human figure:

Markus Lupertz, The Bay Area Figurative Painters, Henri Matisse and John Murray will be 

conducting a figure workshop this weekend the 16-17th May at New Art Center.

Be there or be academic!!

Next week an emphasis on deconstruction and the terror of the non-representational in all my classes.

See you then, John

John Murray classes week of May 11, 2015

Last week some interesting poured acrylic painting was done.
Anyone who wants to try this glib/weird way of painting bring some gloss medium (any brand)or pouring
medium (Golden) and acrylic paint and canvas, and I will work with you.
If you're not interested in that process try developing a painting that involves circumstances beyond your control: trade your piece with your neighbor part way through; work with the canvas soaking wet; use your non-dominant hand; transfer wet paint from one canvas to another; work on the back of the canvas (stretcher bar side).
Work that changes your viewpoint even if it results in uncomfortable/bad? results is good for the artist and gets one away from the results pressure that limits us all!
See you next week, john