High-Definition Painting in Oils w/ Anthony Waichulis

We are honored to welcome Anthony Waichulis to Blair Center for the Arts! As a master of trompe-l'œil and one of the most influential realist painters of our time, Anthony’s expertise and passion for teaching have elevated the art world. His renowned Waichulis Curriculum has shaped countless artists, making this class an exceptional opportunity for our students. It’s a true privilege to host Anthony and share in his extraordinary knowledge and talent. Don’t miss this rare chance to learn from a modern master!

 

PROGRAM

Day one focus and activities

1. Introduction to Basic Materials
2. Substrate, Ground, Paint, Palette, and Brush Considerations
3. Small to Big---An "untraditional" approach to painting.
4. Cartoon/Survey Establishment
5. Students: First Layer High-res Painting Attempt #1
6. Instructor: First Layer High-res Painting Demonstration

After a walkthrough of the basic materials and early fundamental considerations, attending artists are asked to attempt a single grid cell from a supplied reference material (with a window-shading dynamic.) Anthony will supply the reference materials.  Artists can (and often should) use their own approach to establish, as they best see fit, an initial layer. Anthony will then demonstrate his approach to the same cell, focusing on concepts like SNAG (survey, notan, anchors, gradations), palette calibration, color strategies, etc.    

Information is delivered in this way as it is often far more impactful and valued when it is provided after an initial attempt because it "connects" more effectively with the prior knowledge activated in the attempt. This connection can result in a more meaningful comprehension of the information and can better illuminate the different paths to success available to the practitioner.

Day two focus and activities:

1. Introduction to Primary Paint Surface Considerations
2. Sinking, Seams, Aggregate Issues, Voodoo Darkening, and other Indirect Painting  Considerations.
3. First Layer Evaluation and Second Layer Initiation (Instructor: Demonstration, as students are often limited in second layer attempts here because "drying" may have been slow the previous day).
4. Connecting the Alla Prima to High-Definition painting.

Whereas the focus of painting on day one is on content/image information—day two works to maintain or refine said information with an additional focus on surface/finish considerations. Students then engage in additional grid cells of the supplied reference material and add in anticipatory surface development considerations. In the afternoon, students engage in one short alla prima painting to experience the perceived similarities and differences to the earlier experiences of high-definition painting. Anthony will then connect the two conceptually and physically to further show how experience with, and concepts of, either can impact the other.   

Day three focus and activities:

1. Layer Two Analysis and Further Strategies for Potential Development.
2. Additional Considerations of Finish.
3. Practical Exercises to Improve Deliberateness in this Context.

During the last day of the workshop, Anthony aims to offer all attendees several practice activities that can improve the practitioner's control. Attendees can begin engaging in these or continue with the high-definition project started on day one. Anthony will continue to assist and demonstrate as needed, answering any remaining questions that may arise.   

General Materials (bring your own):

A White Melamine Palette

A set of Winsor&Newton Oil Colors: Titanium White, Naples Yellow, Cadmium Yellow Light, Cadmium Red Light, Cadmium Red Medium, Permanent Alizarin Crimson, Ultramarine Blue, Phthalo Blue,  Permanent Green Light, Burnt Umber, Raw Umber, Lamp Black.

A tube of Maroger Venetian (formerly Italian) Wax Medium

Varied sizes of Bristle Filbert brushes, A varied collection of Dynasty and Black Silver Dynasty Rounds brushes, a number of Winsor&Newton Sceptre Gold II series 101 Brushes size 000 and 0000 (Anthony's go-to small-scale brushes), and several other types of synthetic rounds.  

A Pin-Vise metal Stylus

Several Pre-prepared (Acrylic Gesso (Dispersion Primer)) primed ¼" Masonite.

Several Canvas boards for practice and Alla Prima use.

A Palette Knife

Graphite Pencils (soft to medium hardness.)

A Bar of Ivory Soap and a spool of Cotton Thread (for end-of-day Brush Cleanup.)

 A closed container for Drying Brushes and Palette.

Paper Towels

Mahl Stick

2.5x Clip-on Magnifying Glass

The workshop will be conducted at The Blair Center for the Arts, 1125 Bowman Road, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

The closest international Airport is the Charleston Airport. Try to arrive the evening before the workshop begins. We offer a free shuttle that will depart the Charleston airport at 7:30 pm on , May 21st. We will also provide a shuttle to the airport Sunday Afternoon to arrive at the airport at 5:pm.

Lodging

Our facilities in Mt Pleasant do not have lodging, however, there is a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel just a 10-minute walk from the school.

Students will be responsible for their own meals, and there are a number of restaurants nearby.