Please Note!  This is a special four day class with a maximum of 15 students, to be held in the days leading up to the 2012 Retreat. 

Tutor: DJ Pettitt

Class description:

In this 4-day course, we’ll build a book using personal images and a variety of artistic techniques to make your vision come alive.

The first day, we’ll venture out for a photo shoot, at the amazing Montsalvat Artists Centre, wandering around the established gardens, amidst the geese and peacocks, past mud brick cottages and 1930's french provincial architecture capturing images with our digital cameras.  We’ll chat as we wander and snap the shutter about seeing things differently, about how to use the photos, sights, and memories of the day as inspiration, and how to incorporate them into our art. You don’t need a fancy camera to produce fabulous images… we’ll accomplish that with paint!

Back in class, we’ll focus on innovative and unique ways to preserve these treasured memories, as we work with acrylic paints, pencils, mediums, textiles and trims to alter the photographs and give them a painterly charm.

You may use a photograph you have taken, or use an image I’ll provide a print of one of my images for you to use and we’ll create textured book covers, signature wraps around Stonehenge pages, and I’ll share how I put the book together, and stitch up my books using a simple binding. 

We'll experiment, play, and learn a wealth of techniques in this class that can be incorporated into future works after you return home:

Join me on a creative adventure, and capture your vision!

No drawing or painting skills required. Class is open to all skill levels and each will receive personalized one-on-one attention from DJ

Supply list (No kit fee): (6" X 9" book with 6 signatures)

I'll provide a handout, one of my images, waxed linen, template for binding.

• 300 pound watercolour paper for the covers. Precut or tear 2 pieces that are about 6" x 9"
• 2 pieces of upholstery fabric or other heavy fabric a bit larger than 6"x9" for lining the book covers
• Small container Modeling or Molding Paste. Can be found at most art supply stores and online. I purchase it here Any brand will work, but if you plan to sew on your covers, Liquitex flexible modeling paste dries flexible and is easier to stitch (Do not get Light Modeling Paste)
• Small container of white gesso
• Small container Gel Medium Matte, any brand. Here's the one I use
• Small amount of Matte Medium (not the same as gel medium), any brand. I use Liquitex:
• 3/4" – 1" wide flat brush. This doesn't need to be expensive
• 1/4" and 1/2" flat brush. Doesn't have to be exact, just close
• #6 round brush, or close to it
• Palette knife. This must be offset. I use an Ateco offset cake knife # 1385. Overall length is 8 1/4". Trowel shaped palette knives will work as long as they aren't tiny
• Flat Palette. This can be a palette paper pad or a piece of cardboard covered with foil
• Paper for book pages. I like Stonehenge but you can use your favourite paper as long as it's suitable for water-based media. Stonehenge is available here
   
• Sample book includes 6 pieces in each of the 6 signatures (groups of pages). Feel free to cut or tear 36 pages, 9" X 12" before class if desired
• A selection of acrylic paint for painting book pages and images. Include your favorite colors, plus brown and black.for painting book pages and images. I prefer Golden Fluid Paints/ but craft paint will work. I don't care for heavy body paint for this, but it will work
• Fabric, lace, and trims to embellish your book and use as signature wraps
• 18 beads or buttons for binding your book. These should be about 1/4" diameter. 2 hole or shank buttons work best. Vintage Shoe buttons are also wonderful used on book spines. Beads need to have a large enough hole to accommodate a 1mm needle
• Aquarella Stabilo Marks All black pencil, available at most craft stores and online here
• General Supplies: Scissors, pencil, ruler, paper towels
• Japanese screw punch with a 1/16" tip, OR a 1/16" punch and hammer
• Small cutting mat to lay signatures on as you punch holes
• OPTIONAL: Sewing machine and thread.

Location: Day One: Montsalvat, Days Two to Four West Waters Hotel

Date and Time: Saturday April 7th 9.30am to 3pm

                           Sunday 8th April to Tuesday April 10th 2012 10am to 4pm

Total cost of 4 day class: ($990)

Included in your class fee is entry to Montsalvat, 4 days tuition in a smaller, more personal class, morning tea and lunch for all four days

Fully Booked, wait list only

Like to add your name a be notified in case of cancellation?  please

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Special Pre-Retreat4 Day DJ Class