There were 14 of us in the class, all skill levels. Andy demonstrated at least 6 paintings and we had a chance to do dozens of practice blurbs, as well as paint 3 or 4 pieces like these to take home.
Andy was prepared, dynamic, funny, open, kind, and happy to be there. It was one of the best workshops I've ever attended.
Here is some of the work I did during the class. These first two pieces below were first demo-ed by Andy, then we went back and tried them ourselves.
Our focus was on really understanding and practicing the use of value studies as we prepare to do a piece. The object of these activities was to do a value study first, then paint the color study on the same page.
This barn scene was a reference photo of Andy's.
This Puerto Rico street scene was one of Andy's reference photos, too. We spent a lot of time practicing cars, people and wires.
I'm loving that line of cars.
Finally, we worked on one of our own reference photos. It was a totally different experience to have to choose the shapes, do the value study, then add the color on our own.
One of the things I liked best about the workshop was the very realistic and kind mindset Andy brought to the group.
We were there to experiment and learn, not produce masterpieces. There was no pressure to do something fabulous and no public critique. Andy was there to answer questions and to offer suggestions.
This was really one of the best learning experiences I've ever had.
