Description
Plein Air Painting on Cape Cod with Ben Hamburger
Thursday- Saturday, July 6-8, 2023, 10am – 3pm, (1hr lunch break)
Price: Member $375 / Non-member $450
Course Description:During this workshop, we will gather in scenic locations on Cape Cod, Massachusetts to paint while immersed in our surroundings. Students will practice distilling complex visual information into strong compositions of shapes and colors that speak the essence of the place. Short demos will be followed by guidance and feedback by the instructor. Among other things, we will discuss composition, value, color mixing, massing, and mark making. Beginner and experienced plein air painters are welcome, however, this class is a class for people with some general painting experience. While demos will be provided in oil paint, both oils and acrylic painters are welcome. Workshops will take place in locations surrounding Eastham, Mass. Specific painting locations will be provided closer to the date. Students should plan on bringing lunch as well as all of their materials.
Suggested Materials:
The following material list is a great place to start but there are lots of options out there. Feel free to try out different things and reach out with any questions.
- Field Easel: I still use a good old French easel, but also have a tripod with pochade box. There are a bunch of different kinds of easels available at various price points, but a French easel is a great and relatively affordable way to start.
- Palette (often comes with French easel)
- Brushes: #2, 4, 8 and 12 Filbert, flats, and/or rounds (and any others you may like) I like Princeton Aspen Synthetic Brushes. Feel free to get a set.
- Paint (It is up to the student to choose whether to use acrylic or oil paints. I recommend Gamblin oil paints, but there are many good brands and ones to suit any budget. Feel free to choose):
- 37ml: ultramarine blue, cobalt blue, cadmium yellow medium, lemon yellow, alizarin crimson, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, burnt umber and any other extra colors you may want.
- 150 ml: titanium white
- Solvent:
- 16oz gamsol solvent (if using oils)
- Silicoil brush washing jar (or other jar with a screen to clean brushes)
- Painting accessories:
- Small bottle of refined linseed oil
- 1oz dropper bottle for linseed oil (if using oils)
- mid-sized palette knife
- backpack or tote bag to carry everything
- Latex gloves
- rags and/or paper towel roll
- Paint scraper for cleaning palette
- Sketchbook/drawing paper of your choice
- Drawing pencil(s) of your choice
- Painting surfaces: Usually painting panels are preferred over stretched canvas for plein air painting because the light does not shine through. I happen to like a more rigid surface anyways. I recommend DaVinci Pro Medium Textured Panels. You can also use canvas panels or make your own. I get mine from Jerrys Artarama, but they have them at local stores as well.
- Sizes: Around 8x10in, 9x12in, or 11x14in, one for each day
- Other supplies:
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- A hat with a brim
- Plenty of water
- Umbrella that can be attached to your easel
- Snacks/lunch
Bio: Ben Hamburger is an artist and educator based in New Orleans, LA. Hamburger holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Arts from Eckerd College and a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Community Arts from Maryland Institute College of Art. Hamburger has led workshops and taught courses in schools, universities, art centers, museums, correctional facilities, and nonprofit organizations around the United States, as well as Bolivia, Thailand, and India. Hamburger has attended artist residencies at Sustainable Bolivia in Cochabamba, Bolivia, and Joshua Tree Highlands Residency in Joshua Tree, CA. His work has been exhibited in group and solo exhibitions around the country at locations including the Maryhill Museum of Art, The San Bernardino County Museum, Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh, and the Western Carolina University Art Museum. Hamburger’s work has been covered by Indy Week, The News and Observer, Voice of America, Tampa Bay Times, and The Baltimore Sun. Hamburger is currently an Adjunct Instructor in the School of Art and Design at Western Carolina University and teaches painting at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Art. He can frequently be found painting around New Orleans and in his space at Mid City Artist Studios.
