This workshop is full.
Workshop Coordinator
David Gary, dgary@redstick.com, 225-252-8384
Suzie Baker
Suzie Baker’s paintings are regularly on display in magazines, prestigious national shows and the top plein air events in the country. She has served on the board of Oil Painters of America since 2014, including presiding as president from 2020-22. Suzie holds signature status in that distinguished organization as well as the American Impressionist Society, American Women Artists, and others. In addition to being a still life and portrait artist, Suzie has been painting en plein air since she was a teenager. A sought-after instructor, for her humorous and informative style, Suzie teaches through videos, virtual classes, and workshops around the US, Europe and close to her home in the Houston, Texas area.
To learn more about Suzie and see her award winning artwork, visit her website at www.suziebaker.com.
Description
Come study with Suzie Baker, the Immediate Past President of Oil Painters of America (OPA). Participants will experience a fun-filled, guided, hands-on learning experience. This workshop will focus on techniques for creating compelling compositions.
Suzie will demo using oil paints en Plein Air but the valuable instruction and insight students gain will apply to any media and to plein air or studio work. Every day, you will apply what is being taught. You will see demos and receive one-on-one instruction at your easel throughout the workshop.
We will paint at various locations, to be discussed, around Baton Rouge, as weather permits. Studio painting will be conducted at the AGL Studio in the Park in the event of poor weather.
Testimonials
Wow! I learned so much and am ready to go to the next level by way of improved value in my paintings. Suzie was well organized, presented the material in a clear manner and was patient with all the questions I’m sure she’s answered hundreds of times. I definitely recommend her to others! – Elyse Taylor
Suzie’s work ethic and artistic eye was fascinating and informative. I’m still jotting down notes as I remember our conversations and have a long list of techniques to integrate and creative business strategies to employ. – Sally Anne Fische
Supply List
PAINTS
Do not buy student grade paint! It is cheaper at first, but you pay for it in the quality of your finished product. I use a lot of Michael Harding paints, other brands I’ve used include, Gamblin, Rembrandt, Sennelier and etc. Looking to limit your palette for travel? Consider those colors in bold. Listed below are a warm and cool of each color family most commonly on my palette.
Blues: Phthalo Blue, Ultramarine Blue
Yellows: Cadmium Yellow Lemon, Yellow Ochre, Indian Yellow
Reds: Cadmium Red Light, Alizarin Crimson, Quinacridone Red
White: Titanium White
Other Colors: Ivory Black. Transparent Red Oxide
SOLVENT
Gamblin Gamsol & lidded container
MEDIUMS I LIKE
Gamblin Solvent-Free Gel (non-toxic – increases flow)
Maroger Medium (contains lead – increases flow, speeds dry time, increases gloss of dry painting)
PALETTE
Your choice – my plein air palette is a piece of plexiglass in the base of my travel easel. Those gray paper palettes work well for easy clean-up.
BRUSHES
Various shapes/sizes – new and old filberts/flats/egberts
paint eraser tool, palette knives (clean and unbent)
Here are a few more brands I like: Rosemary and Co., Winsor Newton Monarch, Robert Simmons Signet Bristle
Rosemary has a Suzie Baker Professional Set of brushes: I’ve selected eight brushes to help students learn how various brush choices and techniques can be applied as you progress through a painting. Wind River Arts carries Rosemary Brushes stateside.
CANVASES
I recommend Centurion Deluxe Linen panels in various sizes – available through Jerry’s Artarama. I like its smooth surface which resists the paint nicely without soaking in. Please bring a pile of small canvases 6×6”, 6×8” etc. plus larger size panels i.e., 8×10”, 9×12”, 11×14” or 12×16”. During the workshop, you can paint multiple paintings on one panel by dividing larger sized boards.
EASEL
You will need a travel easel and a way to carry your gear – French, Strada, Soltec, homemade box, etc. Whatever works for you. There is really no perfect choice. Depending on where I am going, I use either my EasyL from Artwork Essentials or a mini EdgePro (my backpacking easel). I use a Kelty Redwing backpack to carry my gear. A rolling file box from an office supply store works well too.
OTHER STUFF FOUND IN MY BAG
Viva paper towels, small sketchbook and viewfinder, pencil, sharpie, bag for trash, wet wipes, masking tape, clamps and binder clips, apron, water bottle, easel umbrella, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, portable stool
