Art of the Moment: Contemporary Painting

Online classes

Dive into contemporary painting with artist Martha Johnson. Explore bold mark-making, redefine composition, and transform concepts into striking canvases. For painters ready to bridge technique with personal vision, this course unlocks the tools to craft authentically modern work.

Art of the Moment: Contemporary Painting invites you into the world of contemporary painting with Martha Johnson. This course offers an in-depth exploration of modern painting styles, focusing on mark-making techniques, compelling composition, and the creative process through the eyes and extensive experience of an artist.

Students will engage with fresh subject matter, providing a platform for both new and returning artists to strengthen their practice. Through a series of focused classes, students will examine the core principles of contemporary art, with an emphasis on personal expression. Each session is designed to help participants build a conceptual and technical foundation that can be integrated into their individual approach to painting.

This course provides the tools to confidently create a painting from inception to completion, allowing students to engage with contemporary painting in a meaningful way. The focus is on finding and cultivating your unique artistic voice, while honing the skills to execute your vision on canvas.

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.

*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.