Simplify and Abstract – Nov/Dec

This course will focus on the process of simplifying images and understanding how art comes into being. Through observation, experimentation, and play, students will build confidence and broaden their art-making skills while keeping the process open and direct. Students will also explore the creation of abstract artwork, learning how abstraction can grow naturally from observation, intuition, and thoughtful design choices. Some of the subjects covered in the course will include: learning through observation of both contemporary and historical artworks working with strong contrasts in value exploring calm versus active visual elements using patterns of warm and cool color to create rhythm developing abstract compositions from observation and imagination developing one’s content—discovering what your art is about The emphasis throughout the course will be on curiosity, experimentation, and trusting the creative process. Lenny begins each class with with a 20-30 minute introduction to artists whose work demonstrate the techniques and approaches Lenny will be asking you to work with that day. Some days he will supplement the information with a quick demonstration, while other days the lesson will be more verbal and conversational. Students will then be given a project idea to work on with the freedom to explore a project idea of their own. The last bit of class will be devoted to a show and tell giving students time to view each other’s work and to receive group feedback if desired. Students can expect to work in all sorts of mediums in this class — from pen and ink, to charcoal, to acrylics, oils, watercolor, gouache, collage and possibly a combination of them all. The main purpose is to give students the freedom and tools to explore a variety of ways to portray an image or an idea. Important elements such as composition, value, line, form, color, texture and space will be discussed and emphasized weekly. Having previous experience is good but not necessary. Coming to class with a playful attitude and an experimental mindset are required. A variety of drawing implements such as pencils crayons and water soluble crayons. Large drawing paper, scissors, glue, pencils, old magazines (preferably magazines that are colorful, like fashion, home and garden, etc.), paint (your choice, acrylic or watercolor), a couple of brushes, a palette to mix paint on, a spray bottle to keep your acrylic from drying out, painting surfaces (such as canvas boards, a stretch canvas, or paper), and a water jar. If you’re using acrylics it’s nice to have a medium, which is clear acrylic paint with no pigment in it. This comes in gloss or matte. Lenny prefers the matte because the paint is matte. Students are also welcome to use water soluble oil paints if they prefer. Lenny Moskowitz is a Connecticut landscape painter who lives in New Haven with his wife.He graduated with his B.F.A from the Philadelphia College of Art and received his M.F.A. from Michigan’s Cranbrook Academy. Lenny has participated in both group and solo shows at numerous Galleries throughout the U.S. and has taught classes and workshops in Connecticut, Block Island, and Nantucket. Presently he teaches at Silvermine Arts Center and the Rowayton Arts Center. He has been awarded several artist residencies, including at the Anderson Center in Minnesota and at the NISDA Foundation on Nantucket, MA. In the summer of 2011 he was awarded a residency at Weir Farm in Wilton, CT. He makes yearly painting trips to Maine, Nantucket, and frequently sojourns to the surrounding Connecticut woods to paint.