Showing posts with label painting workshop. Show all posts

Message from Founder: Pricing Change in 2019

Dear BDR Community,

Our goal at the Berlin Drawing Room is to offer you high quality workshops led by professional artists at an accessible price. We have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback, with the majority of our workshops in 2018 being completely SOLD OUT. This success has also led to some growing pains.

You might not have realized it, but the workshop prices have not included the usual 19% VAT (value added tax - sales tax), or in German MwSt. We have now grown to a size that we meet the requirement to add VAT.

Starting in 2019, all workshop prices will be subject to 19% VAT. Unfortunately we have no choice in the matter. This means a price increase for our students, with no additional income for us. Not fun, yet inevitable.

However, if you pay for a workshop that takes place in 2019 and the payment is received BEFORE December 31, 2018, you can skip the VAT. That's right! You have an entire month to sign up for workshops at the old prices!

I've made an extra effort to plan all our workshops as far in advance as possible, through March, so that you can take advantage of this loophole. Sign up now for 2019 workshop and pay no VAT.

We've got some incredible NEW workshops coming up, such as Color: Practice and Theory and Creative Drawing, as well as some classic favorites such as Drawing from Observation and Winter Botanical Drawing. See details below and on our website.

To sign up for any workshop, just follow the link to the workshop page and fill out the registration form. I'll be following up with more details and excitement regarding the new workshops in upcoming newsletters.

all the best,

Mira O'Brien
Founding Director
Berlin Drawing Room

Alisa Margolis: Painting Exploded

Upon first encountering Alisa Margolis’ paintings online I was unsure whether I was looking at paint. The American artist's work ranges from technically rendered explosions and carefully constructed rubble to the Baroque meets deep space and the Athenians at a rock concert.

“There’s something primal about painting, the materiality, the color- it produces endorphins,” I caught up with Margolis outside the Spati in Mitte, her home for the last ten years. When asked to explain her own work she shrugs, ever the nonchalant New Yorker, “It’s between technical formalism and ‘let it fly’”.

Throughout Margolis’ career, beginning in New York at Columbia University for her BA, then attending de Ateliers in Amsterdam and finally settling in Berlin, she has created spaces for art traditions, ranging from the Baroque to Dutch 17th century flower painting to american pop culture, to interact. Typically beginning in a dark space, layers of oil and resin produce milky color plumes; a wonder of technical skill and a clear joy in the process of painting. Flowers, abstract designs and body parts dissolve and perforate- the lights go up onstage and Axl Rose melts.

Margolis, I'm Your Boyfriend Now, 2018. Oil and Resin on Canvas.

Margolis most recently exhibited in a group show at Galerie Judin in Berlin, which she also organized. This exhibition was an opportunity for Margolis to add classical figures to her abstract landscapes. The saturated, colorful spaces were rendered in pastel sunset hues rather than her usual dark cosmic fields and the figures, spilling, twisting, and appearing in smoke and in satin, belonged to antiquity. Easily recognized as figures between gods and men, Margolis' formalism and “gooey feel” technique is on dactylic display. Her abstract expressionist foundation entangles the measured lines of the classical figures, the ancient icons, their roman brows and laurel wreaths severed from chiseled abs hidden in a bubbling pink enamel veil.

Margolis, Eleven Times with Hercules, 2018. Oil Alkyd resin and India Ink on canvas. Galerie Judin, Berlin

Margolis, Fieldwork, 2018. Oil and Alkyd resin on canvas. Galerie Judin, Berlin

In Margolis’ highly anticipated Berlin Drawing Room Workshop, students will focus on learning strategies for figuration and creating space. Exploring gestures which happen between the formal and impulse, flatness and depth. The workshop is an opportunity to learn from a master of marrying extreme opposites. Margolis’ interest in “using paint the wrong way” encourages a freedom to explore material, sources and color over the short course for students of every technical skill level. Review of color theory and a viewing of Dario Argento’s Suspiria is recommended before the first class.

Margolis, Galan, 2014. Oil and Resin on canvas. Galerie Judin Berlin

Painting Workshop with Maureen Jeram: August 7 - September 11

We are very excited to offer the Painting Workshop with internationally acclaimed painter Maureen Jeram. Maureen combines her training in Italian Renaissance painting with her studies under George Baselitz to give you an entirely fresh approach to traditional painting techniques.

Maureen Jeram finished her Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting at the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence Rhode Island in 1993, before moving to Italy to research Renaissance painting. In 1998, she received a Fulbright grant in Florence, Italy for a project on contemporary frescoes. She moved to Berlin in 2000 and studied with Georg Baselitz at the Universität der Kunst. Through the use of staging and found gestures, her painting focuses on revealing underlying tensions between figures and objects establishing a pictorial space where conflicting emotions begin to become tangible. Her paintings are exhibited in Berlin, Italy, USA and in the Netherlands. She lives and works in Berlin. Learn more about her work at her website: www.maureenjeram.com

Painting Workshop : August 7 - September 11

An introduction to the expressive and versatile medium of painting with a focus on traditional painting methods. Starting with basic color theory, learn how to mix colors and achieve a unified color world. Through exercises designed to show the difference between hue and value, or the relationship between complimentary colors, we sharpen our understanding of how colors interact and how to mix paint. Learn step by step how to craft a painting by exploring techniques for paint application, brushstrokes and composition to create form and space.

While the focus is on painting from direct observation, such as from a still-life, there are still opportunities to explore individual style and personal expression. We will look to examples from both art history and contemporary art for technical and conceptual insights. A field trip to contemporary art galleries is a great opportunity to learn about Berlin's art scene and current trends in painting.

Non-toxic acrylic paint will be supplied.

August 7 - September 11, 2018

6x on Wednesday in the studio from 6-9 pm

1 x Field trip on Saturday, September 1, 12-2pm

Cost: 160€ (including paint)

New Workshops in August 2018

I am very excited to announce our August workshop schedule! We have three new workshops with three new artist instructors.

Dive deep into the subject matter of water with artist and expert scuba diver Klara Hobza! The Drawing Water Workshop will explore the challenging task of drawing water in motion, using both traditional and experimental techniques. Klara is an internationally recognized artist and she will be sharing her technical tips and passion for water with the class.

Expand and hybridize your understanding of what paper can be! Artist Loren Britton has focused their own artistic practice around paper-making, reinventing this traditional medium in both conceptual and sculptural forms. The Paper-making Workshop with Loren promises to be stimulating and fun, in both expected and unexpected ways.

And finally the workshop that many of you have been waiting for.. We are very excited to offer the Painting Workshop with internationally acclaimed painter Maureen Jeram. Maureen combines her training in Italian Renaissance painting with her studies under George Baselitz to give you an entirely fresh approach to traditional painting techniques.

It is a great honor to introduce you to Klara, Loren and Maureen. Check our TEAM page to learn more about these incredible artists and find links to their homepages.

To sign up for a workshop, including Botanical Drawing Workshop and Colors from Nature in July, please visit the homepage for each workshop linked below. There you will find a registration form. Or just reply to this email, that works too!

all the best,

Mira O'Brien
Founding Director
Berlin Drawing Room

Drawing Water Workshop

with Klara Hobza, artist, drawing instructor and expert scuba diver.

Immerse yourself in deep observation and self-expression through the process of drawing water in motion. Explore how observational drawing can lead to abstract imagery by focusing on the unique qualities of water such as movement, rhythm and texture.

We will use the techniques of layered line drawing with liquid ink brush and charcoal. Out in the field we will practice both quick motion studies and multi layered long studies.

August 2 – 5, 2018
Thursday, August 2nd in the studio, 6 – 9 pm
Saturday, August 4th at the river Spree, 2 – 5 pm
Sunday, August 5th at the river Spree and at Karpfenteich, 2 – 5 pm

Cost: 80€ + 12€ Materials Fee*= 92€
*Materials Fee includes: A4 Drawing Paper Block, Portfolio Folder, Waterbrush, Chinese Ink, Willow Charcoal

Paper-making Workshop

with Loren Britton

Get your hands wet in paper pulp while exploring the process of papermaking! This workshop takes a fresh look at the everyday material of paper, using an approach that is tactile, colorful and playful. Take your paper scraps and transform them into a new ‘drawing’, ‘painting’ or hybrid sculpture.

Pulling from histories of collective making we will explore the materiality of paper together. Learning from artist, Loren Britton, who uses this process in their own work, we will process, pulp, practice, and produce pulp works that embed bits of our own and collective history into a new object.

August 9 - 12, 2018
Thursday, August 9th: 6 - 9 pm
Saturday, August 11th: 12 - 4pm
Sunday, August 12th: 12 - 4pm

Cost: 130€
Materials included: Participants will be encouraged but not required to bring their own paper pulp materials for conceptual reasons.

Painting Workshop

with Maureen Jeram

An introduction to the expressive and versatile medium of painting with a focus on traditional painting methods. Starting with basic color theory, learn how to mix colors and achieve a unified color world. Through exercises designed to show the difference between hue and value, or the relationship between complimentary colors, we sharpen our understanding of how colors interact and how to mix paint. Learn step by step how to craft a painting by exploring techniques for paint application, brushstrokes and composition to create form and space.

August 7 - September 11
6x on Wednesday in the studio from 6-9 pm
1 x Field trip on Saturday, September 1, 12-2pm

Cost: 160€ (includes non-toxic acrylic paint)

Painting Workshop: April 24 - May 30

http://www.berlindrawingroom.com/painting/

with Patrick J. Reed

This workshop is an introduction to the expressive and versatile medium of painting. Starting with basic color theory, learn how to mix colors and achieve a unified color world. Through exercises designed to show the difference between hue and value, or the relationship between complimentary colors, we sharpen our understanding of how colors interact and how to mix paint. Learn step by step how to approach making a painting, exploring techniques for layering and using brushstrokes to create form and space.

While the focus is on representational painting from direct observation, such as from a still-life, there are still opportunities to explore individual style and personal expression. For example, in one class we create painting collages incorporating the students own photographs. We will also look to examples from both art history and contemporary art for technical and conceptual insights. A field trip to contemporary art galleries is a great opportunity to learn about Berlin's art scene and current trends in painting.

Non-toxic acrylic paint will be supplied.

Course Schedule: April 25 - May 30, 2017
- 6x on Tuesdays in the studio from 6-9 pm
- 1 x Field trip on Saturday, May 13 from 12-2 pm
Cost: 150 Euros (including paint)
Sign up: contact@berlindrawingroom.com
Painting Supply List

Visit our website for full details http://www.berlindrawingroom.com/painting/

Fall Still Life from Painting Workshop 2016

Holiday Gift Certificates available

Give the gift of experience!

Looking for a creative holiday gift? Why not give a gift certificate for a workshop at the Berlin Drawing Room? Instead of accumulating more things, learn a new skill!

Gift Certificates are available from the Berlin Drawing Room!

option #1: Purchase a gift certificate for one of the workshops starting in January.
Click on the workshop for more details. Cost 140 Euro (normal workshop price)
- Drawing Workshop: starts January 5
- Mixed Media Workshop: starts January 6

option #2: transferable gift certificate
Purchase a gift certificate good for any Berlin Drawing Room Workshop in 2016.
Cost 160 Euro - guaranteed place in any workshop of choice!
Including: Drawing Workshop, Painting Workshop, Mixed Media Workshop, Botanical Drawing Workshop, Summer Watercolor Workshop.
* Workshops are offered year round and new dates are typically announced 1-2 months before the start date.

option #3: Book a private workshop for a group of friends or colleagues!
Prices start at 250 Euro for groups up 12 people.
This could be a life drawing workshop with a nude model, a painting workshop, or a "drawing with body movement" class. Get in touch for an individual quote and consultation.

Resources for Current Students in Painting Workshop

Here are some links to various resources we have discussed so far in the current Painting Workshop. Find links to artists we talked about in class, guides to buying art supplies and seeing art in Berlin, and details on specific concepts and assignments. If you see anything missing, please let me know!

Painting Collage: Amelie von Wulffen

http://berlindrawingroom.blogspot.de/2014/01/painting-collage-amelie-von-wulffen.html

Visiting Galleries with the Painting Workshop

http://berlindrawingroom.blogspot.de/2015/11/visiting-galleries-with-painting.html

Guides for Seeing Art in Berlin

http://berlindrawingroom.blogspot.de/2014/03/guides-for-seeing-art-in-berlin.html

Visiting Galleries with the Painting Workshop

Last weekend, on the Painting Workshop field-trip, we visited several contemporary art galleries in Berlin to look specifically at exhibitions featuring painting. We saw some excellent shows, and everyone had different favorites. We stuck to Potsdamer Strasse, the current center of the Berlin gallery scene.

First Stop: Alfredo Esquillo at Arndt Galerie, Potsdamer Str. 96, 10785 Berlin

Philippino artist Alfredo Esquillo has created a complex body of work that examines the relationship between one's personal interior life and society, focusing on the idea of transformation within both spheres. He draws on traditional Philippine religious and cultural ideas, as well as his own personal experience. The large scale paintings were technically very interesting to see in person, as many of the shapes has actually been carved out of the surface of the painting.

Second Stop: Tamina Amadyar at Galerie Guido W. Baudach, Potsdamer Straße 85, 10785 Berlin

The young Afghani/ German artist Tamina Amadyar makes abstract paintings that reference interior architecture, drawing on memories and her cultural heritage in Afghanistan. Oil paint is used in this washes, staining the canvas which has been treated with the traditional priming medium of rabid-skin-glue.

gallery architecture

Third Stop: Edouard Baribeaud at Galerie Judin, Potsdamer Straße 83, 10785 Berlin

Edouard Baribeaud was inspired by a recent research trip in India, and he used incorporated Hindu mythology and traditional Indian miniature painting history into this new body of work. The paintings use the old technique of egg tempera.

Fourth Stop: Serban Savu at Galeria Plan B, Potsdamer Strasse 77-87 Building G (Second Backyard)

Romanian artist Serban Savu depicts everyday scenes in his hometown, and beyond. In this exhibition he has a special focus on pictures within paintings.

Fall Drawing and Painting Workshops!

I'm really excited to announce two upcoming workshops, starting in September! The Drawing Workshop is a classic, and like I say, "Everyone should learn how to draw!"

The Painting Workshop will be a challenging yet rewarding exploration into the counterintuitive world of color! A great follow up to the Drawing Workshop.

Sign up now by contacting Mira HERE

* Mira will be away from the computer August 30 - September 6. If you don't here back right away regarding your registration in a workshop, that is the reason! But not to worry, there is usually enough space for everyone who wants to join the class, so just assume all is good unless you here otherwise. And I will be writing marathon emails on the 7th! *

Drawing Workshop: September 9 - October 14

the Berlin Drawing Room in action

This workshop introduces basic techniques in drawing, with a focus on drawing from observation. Exercises explore technique, medium and strategies in visual thinking. This class is a perfect introduction for beginners, with some new skills to be learned for the more experienced. You will see your skills improve, no matter what level you are starting at!

Each class is structured around a formal topic: contour lines, tonality, negative space, portraits, etc... with examples from art-history and contemporary art, followed by a brief discussion. We will build technique through guided exercises, followed by time for experimentation and longer drawings. We will draw from a live model and from still-life creations.

We will make an excursion to draw the ready-made still-lives of Berlin’s Natural History Museum, including dinosaur bones and exotic taxidermy. This class will take the form of a Drawing Scavenger Hunt!

Location: Berlin Drawing Room in Kreuzberg, directions HERE

Schedule: Tuesday 6-9 pm (September 9 - October 14, 2014))

- Field-Trip to the Natural History Museum on Saturday, October 4, 12-2 pm.

Cost: 140 Euro for the complete Workshop (7 classes: 6 regular plus 1 field-trip)
Sign-up: contact

- more about the instructor HERE
- limited to 10 students

Link to drawing supply list and suggestions where to purchase HERE

"I really recommend this classes to open minded people. Here you will learn basics or enhance your already established skills in a non academic way. You can alwais grab a book and learn about how you "should" draw lights and shadows, but this is different. This is about approaching reality, breaking through your "standards" and creating something that, sometimes surprisingly, is alwais definitely interesting. If you are not afraid of what can get out of your pencil when you let it go, just come to this workshop: it is the right place for you." - (Review by Simone Brizzi, participant of the Drawing Workshop)

Painting Workshop: September 10 - October 15

Painting Workshop

This workshop is an introduction into the expressive and versatile medium of painting.

We will start with basic color theory, learning how to mix colors and achieve a unified color world. Through exercises designed to show the difference between hue and value, or the relationship between complimentary colors, we will sharpen our understanding of how colors interact and how to mix paint.

We will learn step by step how to approach making a painting. We will explore techniques for layering and using brushstrokes to create form and space. Non-toxic acrylic paint will be supplied.

The focus of the workshop will be on representational painting from direct observation, such as from a still-life or a self portrait looking in the mirror. One exception will be the Painting Collage project, and there will be opportunities to explore individual style and personal expression.

Location: Berlin Drawing Room in Kreuzberg, directions HERE

Schedule: Wednesday 6-9 pm (September 10 - October 15, 2014)
- Field Trip: Saturday, October 11, 12-2pm to see a painting exhibition.

Cost: 150 Euro for the complete Workshop (7 classes) including paint.
Sign-up: contact

- more about the instructor HERE
- limited to 10 students

Supplies: Acrylic Paint will be supplied. Brushes and paper available for purchase.