Ref: S2D13432
The aim of this course is to explore the different ways you can use traditional gesso in mixed media painting by creating textured paintings.
Gesso is traditionally used for egg tempera painting but, on this course, you will explore the versatility and joys of this ancient material that has long been lost.
You will start by making traditional gesso using the ancient techniques of glue and chalk, following a recipe that was used by early renaissance artists. You will explore how the gesso can create a superb, porcelain like surface by sanding with different grades of sandpaper.
You will explore how to change the ‘tooth' of different surfaces and experiment with the effects that this offers. You wil use wooden boards and create various surface textures by using different materials and tools. You will explore building up and taking away from the surface and imprint different objects onto the gesso to produce interesting textures. Each stage will be demonstrated by the tutor.
You will have several boards ready to paint on using mixed media. You will discover how materials behave on the surfaces that you have created. Some of the mixed media you will explore are inks, acrylic inks, watercolours, chalk pastels and pigments. You will also try adding gold leaf to certain areas of the painting to give highlights, extra texture and interest.
You will leave the course with several mixed media experimental paintings. Intermediate and advanced learners will have several samples to take home that will act as an ‘encyclopedia’ of reference for future paintings.
Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above
Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.
Daily timetable
Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.
From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).
Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Last day
Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.
Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.
(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)
Merna Liddawi is an award winning international artists who exhibited in Portugal, London, Venice, Florence and Malta. She finished her MFA with distinction from West Dean College specialising in early painting techniques. She has more than 10 years teaching experience and her work is sought after and been written about by different curators.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
with materials box (SCW11116): Places available - Contact us
course only (SCW11111): Places available - Book now
Places available - Book now
with materials box (SCW11116): Places available - Contact us
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.