Modern Painting: The Monet to Matisse Era

Modern Painting: The Monet to Matisse Era provides an expressive and technical exploration of the century-long transition from naturalism to abstraction, framed by the masterworks featured in the AGO’s upcoming exhibition. Led by Martha Johnson, this four-week virtual course examines the technical beginnings of Impressionism to Modern art with studies on Claude Monet’s use of light to Henri Matisse’s use of bold pigments and structural form. Students will engage in focused painting exercises that deconstruct the signature brushwork and compositional strategies of the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist circles. By synthesizing these historical innovations with contemporary studio practice, participants will gain an understanding of how the avant-garde redefined the boundaries of the canvas.

Define and apply contemporary painting styles and expressive mark-making techniques.

Cultivate skills in creating compelling compositions for contemporary artwork.

Explore the creative process from inception to completion within a contemporary context.

Develop a strong conceptual and technical foundation for individual painting practices.

Construct paintings that reflect a unique artistic voice and personal 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.

*Martha’s practice is as a sculptor, drawer, acrylic painter, mixed media artist. You are welcome to work in oil in this virtual session, however Martha is not primarily an oil painter.