Art of the Moment: Contemporary Painting

What does it mean to be a painter today? This course explores the exciting world of contemporary art, helping you find your unique voice and create work that feels fresh and relevant.

Step into the virtual studio of experienced artist Martha Johnson in this nine-week virtual course. We’ll look at what’s happening in painting right now and explore how to incorporate modern approaches into your own work. The focus is on expressive mark-making, dynamic composition, and developing a creative process that is truly your own. Through guided projects and insightful discussions, Martha will provide the tools you need to build a painting from concept to completion and create art that speaks with confidence and passion.

Understand key contemporary painting styles and techniques used in modern artistic practice.

Refine mark-making and composition skills, creating impactful and expressive works of art.

Engage with a variety of subject matter to explore new approaches and inform artistic vision.

Develop a strong conceptual and technical foundation, integrating these elements into their practice.

Master the process of planning and executing a painting from start to finish.

Incorporate contemporary art principles into their personal artistic process, enhancing innovation and expression.

Open to all painterly media*. Colours should include: Ultramarine blue, Alizarin Crimson, Hansa Yellow, Yellow ochre, Titanium White, Mars or Lamp Black
8-ounce white Gesso
Small Matte medium
Paint markers
Pastels
One canvas (no smaller than 14”x18”)
Charcoal Pencils (medium) and Willow stick for drawing
Sketchbook (no smaller than 12 x14″)
five acrylic bristle brushes including one 1” Bright style brush, two medium sized brushes, one small and one Rigor style brush for detail
Printed landscape photocopy, one black and white, one colour, each 11” x 17”, if possible
A few sheets of Bond printer paper
Scissors
Masking tape
A couple of coloured pencils
Ruler or straight edge
Rags
Nitrile gloves
Water container
Students should have their work on an easel or in a stable vertical position during session time for visibility.
Over the weeks together other varied contemporary materials may be suggested.

Please Note: You are welcome to work with oil paints in this virtual course. However, please note that while Martha is a mixed media artist, her primary practice is not in oil paint, so technical assistance for this specific medium may be limited.’