I recently completed a multi-week acrylic painting class at the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) here in Boston led by artist/instructor Ria Brodell. It wasn't exactly what I wanted it to be, but I'm still glad I took it.
My reading of the course description was that we would be using inspiration from the museum's collection to create art in the expressionist style. The first day of class, we did poke around the museum and look at some expressionist work and pre-expressionism inspiration. But, we never did again. This was sad to me. Class was long enough (10:15 am – 3:15 pm) each Monday that I was able to leave for lunch and a look around the museum mid-class by myself. But, it just wasn't the same as having a knowledgeable artist guide you through historical art techniques and ideas.
Speaking of guiding…this class was very much an old school art class. That is to say, there is little to no instruction. Students are expected to create work and then the teacher circulates giving advice and offering suggestions. For most of the students I sensed that this was an ideal situation. They had space to work and a person who could tell them how to achieve the effect they were looking for.
For me…not so much.
Don't get me wrong, I still got a lot out of the class. Ria gave me some good suggestions along the way. And being forced to block off several hours a week to paint was good for me. That said, I wanted more. I wanted goals. I wanted techniques. I wanted ideas. I wanted to be pushed out of my comfort zone. I wanted more than space and time to create with some gentle guidance. Towards that end, I decided that I couldn't wait for an external force, so I set myself some goals. I tried some new techniques. I played with some new ideas and I pushed myself out of my comfort zone.
This is a total side note, but I think we all (myself included) spend way too much time waiting for someone else to give us the answer or the motivation or whatever else it is that we're seeking. In the end, I believe that it's important to become the kind of person who can do it for yourself. At least when you need to. It's like, I enjoy full serve gasoline stations, but I'm perfectly capable of pumping my own gas. But I know people who have to drive around until they find a full serve station because they can't (or won't) pump it themselves.
All of this said and done, how about if I show you some of the things I painted? The notion I am experimenting with is a painting looking unfinished but being resolved.
The paintings are roughly in the order that I painted them. I think you can see the evolution over time. I'm excited to keep exploring the tension between unfinished and resolved.
Thanks for stopping by!
May I just say these are amazing! I love your concept that the paintings look unfinished but are resolved. The first one stunned me, love the colors and background. Really beautiful work, very you.
May I just say these are amazing! I love your concept that the paintings look unfinished but are resolved. The first one stunned me, love the colors and background. Really beautiful work, very you.
May I just say these are amazing! I love your concept that the paintings look unfinished but are resolved. The first one stunned me, love the colors and background. Really beautiful work, very you.
May I just say these are amazing! I love your concept that the paintings look unfinished but are resolved. The first one stunned me, love the colors and background. Really beautiful work, very you.
May I just say these are amazing! I love your concept that the paintings look unfinished but are resolved. The first one stunned me, love the colors and background. Really beautiful work, very you.
May I just say these are amazing! I love your concept that the paintings look unfinished but are resolved. The first one stunned me, love the colors and background. Really beautiful work, very you.
Loved the first one!
Loved the first one!
Loved the first one!
Loved the first one!
Loved the first one!
Loved the first one!
I like your observations regarding your expectations versus the teacher’s methodology. I think I would have had the same reaction as you did. Your results are your own style, simply enlarged from the normal art journal style which is ultra complex. You own the style: it cannot be twisted to reflect some teacher’s favorite style.
I like your observations regarding your expectations versus the teacher’s methodology. I think I would have had the same reaction as you did. Your results are your own style, simply enlarged from the normal art journal style which is ultra complex. You own the style: it cannot be twisted to reflect some teacher’s favorite style.
I like your observations regarding your expectations versus the teacher’s methodology. I think I would have had the same reaction as you did. Your results are your own style, simply enlarged from the normal art journal style which is ultra complex. You own the style: it cannot be twisted to reflect some teacher’s favorite style.
I like your observations regarding your expectations versus the teacher’s methodology. I think I would have had the same reaction as you did. Your results are your own style, simply enlarged from the normal art journal style which is ultra complex. You own the style: it cannot be twisted to reflect some teacher’s favorite style.
I like your observations regarding your expectations versus the teacher’s methodology. I think I would have had the same reaction as you did. Your results are your own style, simply enlarged from the normal art journal style which is ultra complex. You own the style: it cannot be twisted to reflect some teacher’s favorite style.
I like your observations regarding your expectations versus the teacher’s methodology. I think I would have had the same reaction as you did. Your results are your own style, simply enlarged from the normal art journal style which is ultra complex. You own the style: it cannot be twisted to reflect some teacher’s favorite style.
Hi,
Where are you from?
I am outside of Boston.
This method if teaching was
The only style of teaching
That I received from the art
Department at Emmanuel college next to the art school and Clark University and the Worcester Art Museum my whole art education in the late 1970’s and early 80’s. Maybe it is a New England thing. Even years later, I took a painting class….same thing. I agree with you, sometimes you want to learn, to be educated, and then work through processes. For years I struggled with certain understandings of perception, of shadow, and have to admit, still do. I love and appreciate your first and your last paintings.
Hi,
Where are you from?
I am outside of Boston.
This method if teaching was
The only style of teaching
That I received from the art
Department at Emmanuel college next to the art school and Clark University and the Worcester Art Museum my whole art education in the late 1970’s and early 80’s. Maybe it is a New England thing. Even years later, I took a painting class….same thing. I agree with you, sometimes you want to learn, to be educated, and then work through processes. For years I struggled with certain understandings of perception, of shadow, and have to admit, still do. I love and appreciate your first and your last paintings.
Hi,
Where are you from?
I am outside of Boston.
This method if teaching was
The only style of teaching
That I received from the art
Department at Emmanuel college next to the art school and Clark University and the Worcester Art Museum my whole art education in the late 1970’s and early 80’s. Maybe it is a New England thing. Even years later, I took a painting class….same thing. I agree with you, sometimes you want to learn, to be educated, and then work through processes. For years I struggled with certain understandings of perception, of shadow, and have to admit, still do. I love and appreciate your first and your last paintings.
Hi,
Where are you from?
I am outside of Boston.
This method if teaching was
The only style of teaching
That I received from the art
Department at Emmanuel college next to the art school and Clark University and the Worcester Art Museum my whole art education in the late 1970’s and early 80’s. Maybe it is a New England thing. Even years later, I took a painting class….same thing. I agree with you, sometimes you want to learn, to be educated, and then work through processes. For years I struggled with certain understandings of perception, of shadow, and have to admit, still do. I love and appreciate your first and your last paintings.
Hi,
Where are you from?
I am outside of Boston.
This method if teaching was
The only style of teaching
That I received from the art
Department at Emmanuel college next to the art school and Clark University and the Worcester Art Museum my whole art education in the late 1970’s and early 80’s. Maybe it is a New England thing. Even years later, I took a painting class….same thing. I agree with you, sometimes you want to learn, to be educated, and then work through processes. For years I struggled with certain understandings of perception, of shadow, and have to admit, still do. I love and appreciate your first and your last paintings.
Hi,
Where are you from?
I am outside of Boston.
This method if teaching was
The only style of teaching
That I received from the art
Department at Emmanuel college next to the art school and Clark University and the Worcester Art Museum my whole art education in the late 1970’s and early 80’s. Maybe it is a New England thing. Even years later, I took a painting class….same thing. I agree with you, sometimes you want to learn, to be educated, and then work through processes. For years I struggled with certain understandings of perception, of shadow, and have to admit, still do. I love and appreciate your first and your last paintings.
I really like the first one the most!!
I really like the first one the most!!
I really like the first one the most!!
I really like the first one the most!!
I really like the first one the most!!
I really like the first one the most!!
I agree with other comments. I like the first and last paintings. I recognize them as you. Some of the others are in the style of Flora Bowley who I love but I really appreciate your style. I remember when you first began classes at MOMA and to see your progression is testament to practice and experimentation. I truly believe that at some point you should consider a gallery showing. I know it’s terribly expensive but you are certainly more than capable. Thank you so much for sharing.
I agree with other comments. I like the first and last paintings. I recognize them as you. Some of the others are in the style of Flora Bowley who I love but I really appreciate your style. I remember when you first began classes at MOMA and to see your progression is testament to practice and experimentation. I truly believe that at some point you should consider a gallery showing. I know it’s terribly expensive but you are certainly more than capable. Thank you so much for sharing.
I agree with other comments. I like the first and last paintings. I recognize them as you. Some of the others are in the style of Flora Bowley who I love but I really appreciate your style. I remember when you first began classes at MOMA and to see your progression is testament to practice and experimentation. I truly believe that at some point you should consider a gallery showing. I know it’s terribly expensive but you are certainly more than capable. Thank you so much for sharing.
I agree with other comments. I like the first and last paintings. I recognize them as you. Some of the others are in the style of Flora Bowley who I love but I really appreciate your style. I remember when you first began classes at MOMA and to see your progression is testament to practice and experimentation. I truly believe that at some point you should consider a gallery showing. I know it’s terribly expensive but you are certainly more than capable. Thank you so much for sharing.
I agree with other comments. I like the first and last paintings. I recognize them as you. Some of the others are in the style of Flora Bowley who I love but I really appreciate your style. I remember when you first began classes at MOMA and to see your progression is testament to practice and experimentation. I truly believe that at some point you should consider a gallery showing. I know it’s terribly expensive but you are certainly more than capable. Thank you so much for sharing.
I agree with other comments. I like the first and last paintings. I recognize them as you. Some of the others are in the style of Flora Bowley who I love but I really appreciate your style. I remember when you first began classes at MOMA and to see your progression is testament to practice and experimentation. I truly believe that at some point you should consider a gallery showing. I know it’s terribly expensive but you are certainly more than capable. Thank you so much for sharing.
Not only is your learning style and painting style loud and clear, this experience will make your teaching style richer, too. Please come back to Texas with in-person classes soon!
Not only is your learning style and painting style loud and clear, this experience will make your teaching style richer, too. Please come back to Texas with in-person classes soon!
Not only is your learning style and painting style loud and clear, this experience will make your teaching style richer, too. Please come back to Texas with in-person classes soon!
Not only is your learning style and painting style loud and clear, this experience will make your teaching style richer, too. Please come back to Texas with in-person classes soon!
Not only is your learning style and painting style loud and clear, this experience will make your teaching style richer, too. Please come back to Texas with in-person classes soon!
Not only is your learning style and painting style loud and clear, this experience will make your teaching style richer, too. Please come back to Texas with in-person classes soon!
The last is my favorite only because it seems so different compared to your other work.
On a separate note. If those people who need full service gas came to Texas, they would never have gas.
The last is my favorite only because it seems so different compared to your other work.
On a separate note. If those people who need full service gas came to Texas, they would never have gas.
The last is my favorite only because it seems so different compared to your other work.
On a separate note. If those people who need full service gas came to Texas, they would never have gas.
The last is my favorite only because it seems so different compared to your other work.
On a separate note. If those people who need full service gas came to Texas, they would never have gas.
The last is my favorite only because it seems so different compared to your other work.
On a separate note. If those people who need full service gas came to Texas, they would never have gas.
The last is my favorite only because it seems so different compared to your other work.
On a separate note. If those people who need full service gas came to Texas, they would never have gas.
While I cannot speak for the others, I can say that number one, I believe, is so striking because of the evidence of your AH-MAZING growth in painting the facial expression, the facial bone structure, and your color choices for the piece. Julie—I have followed you for quite sometime now. I have watched EVERY video on your youtube channel and any others I can find. Your stencils all scattered all around my studio. Your growth as an artist over the past several months (probably the same number of days you’ve been working on the faces project), though, Julie, is VERY clear. Your work in all of these pieces offer a depth that hasn’t been there before. Brava!!! You should be pleased with your self-guided goals and purposes while you create each one of these. Simply GOREGEOUS.
Love from Texas,
Melissa Norman
While I cannot speak for the others, I can say that number one, I believe, is so striking because of the evidence of your AH-MAZING growth in painting the facial expression, the facial bone structure, and your color choices for the piece. Julie—I have followed you for quite sometime now. I have watched EVERY video on your youtube channel and any others I can find. Your stencils all scattered all around my studio. Your growth as an artist over the past several months (probably the same number of days you’ve been working on the faces project), though, Julie, is VERY clear. Your work in all of these pieces offer a depth that hasn’t been there before. Brava!!! You should be pleased with your self-guided goals and purposes while you create each one of these. Simply GOREGEOUS.
Love from Texas,
Melissa Norman
While I cannot speak for the others, I can say that number one, I believe, is so striking because of the evidence of your AH-MAZING growth in painting the facial expression, the facial bone structure, and your color choices for the piece. Julie—I have followed you for quite sometime now. I have watched EVERY video on your youtube channel and any others I can find. Your stencils all scattered all around my studio. Your growth as an artist over the past several months (probably the same number of days you’ve been working on the faces project), though, Julie, is VERY clear. Your work in all of these pieces offer a depth that hasn’t been there before. Brava!!! You should be pleased with your self-guided goals and purposes while you create each one of these. Simply GOREGEOUS.
Love from Texas,
Melissa Norman
While I cannot speak for the others, I can say that number one, I believe, is so striking because of the evidence of your AH-MAZING growth in painting the facial expression, the facial bone structure, and your color choices for the piece. Julie—I have followed you for quite sometime now. I have watched EVERY video on your youtube channel and any others I can find. Your stencils all scattered all around my studio. Your growth as an artist over the past several months (probably the same number of days you’ve been working on the faces project), though, Julie, is VERY clear. Your work in all of these pieces offer a depth that hasn’t been there before. Brava!!! You should be pleased with your self-guided goals and purposes while you create each one of these. Simply GOREGEOUS.
Love from Texas,
Melissa Norman
While I cannot speak for the others, I can say that number one, I believe, is so striking because of the evidence of your AH-MAZING growth in painting the facial expression, the facial bone structure, and your color choices for the piece. Julie—I have followed you for quite sometime now. I have watched EVERY video on your youtube channel and any others I can find. Your stencils all scattered all around my studio. Your growth as an artist over the past several months (probably the same number of days you’ve been working on the faces project), though, Julie, is VERY clear. Your work in all of these pieces offer a depth that hasn’t been there before. Brava!!! You should be pleased with your self-guided goals and purposes while you create each one of these. Simply GOREGEOUS.
Love from Texas,
Melissa Norman
While I cannot speak for the others, I can say that number one, I believe, is so striking because of the evidence of your AH-MAZING growth in painting the facial expression, the facial bone structure, and your color choices for the piece. Julie—I have followed you for quite sometime now. I have watched EVERY video on your youtube channel and any others I can find. Your stencils all scattered all around my studio. Your growth as an artist over the past several months (probably the same number of days you’ve been working on the faces project), though, Julie, is VERY clear. Your work in all of these pieces offer a depth that hasn’t been there before. Brava!!! You should be pleased with your self-guided goals and purposes while you create each one of these. Simply GOREGEOUS.
Love from Texas,
Melissa Norman
I totally agree with your sentiments. 20 years ago, I pursued a dual major in college, arts and psychology. I too wanted to be directed, to have a plan to be taught more in depth about the art making process that goes beyond knowing the scientific compilations of the making of a brush and paints. The professors wee silent until the end, at which time their critiques of your paintings were often off putting and did not push me in a certain direction but shut down ideas I was considering. Yes, my art improved immensely because I was spending hours devoted to painting and creating. I quite frankly get more now from teachers like you and others whose classes I have enjoyed. Thanks for sharing that as I have not thought about my experience and frustrations which you aired in this post.
That being said…I really like the visual interest you are creating by combining your love of texture, mark making, pattern and faces while making it work visually. Very interesting pieces of work!!
I totally agree with your sentiments. 20 years ago, I pursued a dual major in college, arts and psychology. I too wanted to be directed, to have a plan to be taught more in depth about the art making process that goes beyond knowing the scientific compilations of the making of a brush and paints. The professors wee silent until the end, at which time their critiques of your paintings were often off putting and did not push me in a certain direction but shut down ideas I was considering. Yes, my art improved immensely because I was spending hours devoted to painting and creating. I quite frankly get more now from teachers like you and others whose classes I have enjoyed. Thanks for sharing that as I have not thought about my experience and frustrations which you aired in this post.
That being said…I really like the visual interest you are creating by combining your love of texture, mark making, pattern and faces while making it work visually. Very interesting pieces of work!!
I totally agree with your sentiments. 20 years ago, I pursued a dual major in college, arts and psychology. I too wanted to be directed, to have a plan to be taught more in depth about the art making process that goes beyond knowing the scientific compilations of the making of a brush and paints. The professors wee silent until the end, at which time their critiques of your paintings were often off putting and did not push me in a certain direction but shut down ideas I was considering. Yes, my art improved immensely because I was spending hours devoted to painting and creating. I quite frankly get more now from teachers like you and others whose classes I have enjoyed. Thanks for sharing that as I have not thought about my experience and frustrations which you aired in this post.
That being said…I really like the visual interest you are creating by combining your love of texture, mark making, pattern and faces while making it work visually. Very interesting pieces of work!!
I totally agree with your sentiments. 20 years ago, I pursued a dual major in college, arts and psychology. I too wanted to be directed, to have a plan to be taught more in depth about the art making process that goes beyond knowing the scientific compilations of the making of a brush and paints. The professors wee silent until the end, at which time their critiques of your paintings were often off putting and did not push me in a certain direction but shut down ideas I was considering. Yes, my art improved immensely because I was spending hours devoted to painting and creating. I quite frankly get more now from teachers like you and others whose classes I have enjoyed. Thanks for sharing that as I have not thought about my experience and frustrations which you aired in this post.
That being said…I really like the visual interest you are creating by combining your love of texture, mark making, pattern and faces while making it work visually. Very interesting pieces of work!!
I totally agree with your sentiments. 20 years ago, I pursued a dual major in college, arts and psychology. I too wanted to be directed, to have a plan to be taught more in depth about the art making process that goes beyond knowing the scientific compilations of the making of a brush and paints. The professors wee silent until the end, at which time their critiques of your paintings were often off putting and did not push me in a certain direction but shut down ideas I was considering. Yes, my art improved immensely because I was spending hours devoted to painting and creating. I quite frankly get more now from teachers like you and others whose classes I have enjoyed. Thanks for sharing that as I have not thought about my experience and frustrations which you aired in this post.
That being said…I really like the visual interest you are creating by combining your love of texture, mark making, pattern and faces while making it work visually. Very interesting pieces of work!!
I totally agree with your sentiments. 20 years ago, I pursued a dual major in college, arts and psychology. I too wanted to be directed, to have a plan to be taught more in depth about the art making process that goes beyond knowing the scientific compilations of the making of a brush and paints. The professors wee silent until the end, at which time their critiques of your paintings were often off putting and did not push me in a certain direction but shut down ideas I was considering. Yes, my art improved immensely because I was spending hours devoted to painting and creating. I quite frankly get more now from teachers like you and others whose classes I have enjoyed. Thanks for sharing that as I have not thought about my experience and frustrations which you aired in this post.
That being said…I really like the visual interest you are creating by combining your love of texture, mark making, pattern and faces while making it work visually. Very interesting pieces of work!!
I am in awe of your first painting. It’s vivid and dynamic and has great depth of textuality. You are indeed an amazing artist. Well done! 🙂
I am in awe of your first painting. It’s vivid and dynamic and has great depth of textuality. You are indeed an amazing artist. Well done! 🙂
I am in awe of your first painting. It’s vivid and dynamic and has great depth of textuality. You are indeed an amazing artist. Well done! 🙂
I am in awe of your first painting. It’s vivid and dynamic and has great depth of textuality. You are indeed an amazing artist. Well done! 🙂
I am in awe of your first painting. It’s vivid and dynamic and has great depth of textuality. You are indeed an amazing artist. Well done! 🙂
I am in awe of your first painting. It’s vivid and dynamic and has great depth of textuality. You are indeed an amazing artist. Well done! 🙂
The first painting touched me deeply, especially when you spoke about the tension between unfinished and resolved. It is how we go through each day of living and creating. It reveals much more character than a standard portrait. There is movement and experience combined.
The first painting touched me deeply, especially when you spoke about the tension between unfinished and resolved. It is how we go through each day of living and creating. It reveals much more character than a standard portrait. There is movement and experience combined.
The first painting touched me deeply, especially when you spoke about the tension between unfinished and resolved. It is how we go through each day of living and creating. It reveals much more character than a standard portrait. There is movement and experience combined.
The first painting touched me deeply, especially when you spoke about the tension between unfinished and resolved. It is how we go through each day of living and creating. It reveals much more character than a standard portrait. There is movement and experience combined.
The first painting touched me deeply, especially when you spoke about the tension between unfinished and resolved. It is how we go through each day of living and creating. It reveals much more character than a standard portrait. There is movement and experience combined.
The first painting touched me deeply, especially when you spoke about the tension between unfinished and resolved. It is how we go through each day of living and creating. It reveals much more character than a standard portrait. There is movement and experience combined.
Love the first and the last – beautiful!
Love the first and the last – beautiful!
Love the first and the last – beautiful!
Love the first and the last – beautiful!
Love the first and the last – beautiful!
Love the first and the last – beautiful!
I love this work! I think it’s some of my favorite of yours that I’ve seen! Great job!
I love this work! I think it’s some of my favorite of yours that I’ve seen! Great job!
I love this work! I think it’s some of my favorite of yours that I’ve seen! Great job!
I love this work! I think it’s some of my favorite of yours that I’ve seen! Great job!
I love this work! I think it’s some of my favorite of yours that I’ve seen! Great job!
I love this work! I think it’s some of my favorite of yours that I’ve seen! Great job!
I think you were given a very valuable lesson in this class, and I notice that you were smart enough to learn it!
I think you were given a very valuable lesson in this class, and I notice that you were smart enough to learn it!
I think you were given a very valuable lesson in this class, and I notice that you were smart enough to learn it!
I think you were given a very valuable lesson in this class, and I notice that you were smart enough to learn it!
I think you were given a very valuable lesson in this class, and I notice that you were smart enough to learn it!
I think you were given a very valuable lesson in this class, and I notice that you were smart enough to learn it!
I agree with most…love the 1st and last paintings. So different but striking, depth, makes a statement. Love your work.
I agree with most…love the 1st and last paintings. So different but striking, depth, makes a statement. Love your work.
I agree with most…love the 1st and last paintings. So different but striking, depth, makes a statement. Love your work.
I agree with most…love the 1st and last paintings. So different but striking, depth, makes a statement. Love your work.
I agree with most…love the 1st and last paintings. So different but striking, depth, makes a statement. Love your work.
I agree with most…love the 1st and last paintings. So different but striking, depth, makes a statement. Love your work.
Our local library has an art gallery where artists can display and sell their works. You certainly are ready for a similar showing. Have you interest in this type of exposure? Current works included watercolors,collage and prints.
Our local library has an art gallery where artists can display and sell their works. You certainly are ready for a similar showing. Have you interest in this type of exposure? Current works included watercolors,collage and prints.
Our local library has an art gallery where artists can display and sell their works. You certainly are ready for a similar showing. Have you interest in this type of exposure? Current works included watercolors,collage and prints.
Our local library has an art gallery where artists can display and sell their works. You certainly are ready for a similar showing. Have you interest in this type of exposure? Current works included watercolors,collage and prints.
Our local library has an art gallery where artists can display and sell their works. You certainly are ready for a similar showing. Have you interest in this type of exposure? Current works included watercolors,collage and prints.
Our local library has an art gallery where artists can display and sell their works. You certainly are ready for a similar showing. Have you interest in this type of exposure? Current works included watercolors,collage and prints.
Julie – your paintings are so cool – love them all! My favorite is the last one, the black and white. Are you selling these?
Julie – your paintings are so cool – love them all! My favorite is the last one, the black and white. Are you selling these?
Julie – your paintings are so cool – love them all! My favorite is the last one, the black and white. Are you selling these?
Julie – your paintings are so cool – love them all! My favorite is the last one, the black and white. Are you selling these?
Julie – your paintings are so cool – love them all! My favorite is the last one, the black and white. Are you selling these?
Julie – your paintings are so cool – love them all! My favorite is the last one, the black and white. Are you selling these?
Hello i love your work you are so creative and your paintings are fabulous.
Hello i love your work you are so creative and your paintings are fabulous.
Hello i love your work you are so creative and your paintings are fabulous.
Hello i love your work you are so creative and your paintings are fabulous.
Hello i love your work you are so creative and your paintings are fabulous.
Hello i love your work you are so creative and your paintings are fabulous.