Workshops

Online Workshops

Experimental Landscape Painting- Online with Winslow Art Center
Dates: Wednesdays, October 2, 9 & 23, 2024
Time: (October 2 & 9): 9:00-11:00 AM Pacific Time, 11:00-1:00 PM Central, 12:00-2:00 PM Eastern Time, 5:00-7:00 PM London Time
(October 23): 9:00-10:00 AM Pacific Time, 11:00-12:00 PM Central, 12:00-1:00 PM Eastern Time, 5:00-6:00 PM London Time

Description: As landscape painters, we can become proficient at painting our desired subjects but they can sometimes lack a deeper energy or sense of wonder. Often, the magic in art lies beyond the subject, in the mystery or the unknown. I find that getting to that special place involves a balance of control and chaos. And chaos can be scary!

During this two-and-a-half session workshop, we will set aside this time to let go of the fear and experiment with various ways of painting, embracing spontaneity and individuality. During the first two sessions, we will touch on some landscape painting fundamentals such as composition and massing to develop a strong foundation from which we can play and experiment. Then, we will get into some creative constraints and non-traditional paint application techniques to get you out of your comfort zone and into some rich unknown territory. Expect discussions about paintings from throughout history, demonstrations by me, and some short painting/drawing exercises. Class three will be a one-hour bonus session to focus on critiquing and discussing each student’s work and process.

While we will be primarily working loosely form photo references, concepts in this class will apply well to onsite observational and imaginative work. This class is open to acrylic and/or oil painters of all abilities, though it would be best if you have some painting experience. While we will be doing some short exercises in class, the majority of student work will be done outside of class.

Online Technique Takeaway Recordings

Plein Air Strategies at Night- Online Class Recording with Winslow Art Center
Price: $40.00 for up to 60 days
Description:During this 1.5 hour presentation and demo, Ben Hamburger will discuss the challenging but exciting practice of painting on-site, en plein air at night time. He will go over his set up and equipment, provide some practical tips for painting nocturnally, and share a demonstration of his plein air nocturne painting process. There will be ample time for questions.

The Power of Neutrals Online Class Recording with Winslow Art Center
Price: $40.00 for up to 60 days
Description: Lots of people are worried about mixing mud, but when used well, a range of “muddy colors” not only make your saturated colors sing, but can enhance and enliven a painting. Also, most of the things we see are relatively neutral, so as a representational painter, the more you understand about mixing them, the better you will get at painting what you see with sensitivity. During this 1.5 hour Technique Takeaway, artist Ben Hamburger will demonstrate and discuss how he mixes and uses neutral colors in his work to add depth, variety, and mood. Though no feedback on student work will be provided, suggested exercises will be provided to help you mix rich neutral colors.

In Person Workshops and Classes:

Distilling the Landscape En Plein Air at the Great Dismal Swamp, Part of Arts of the Albemarle's Splash Week 2024 in Elizabeth City, NC
Oct 17-18, 2024, 9 AM-1 PM at the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center
Cost: $350
Description: Simplifying what you see is a necessary component of observational painting. But it can also be used as a liberating constraint to explore design, composition, and color. During this two day workshop we will work at The Great Dismal Swamp, one of the unique regional landscapes around Elizabeth City, to distill our surroundings into compositions that convey both the essence of the place as well as our individual artistic voices. We will begin by focusing on selection and composition exercises before moving on to full color paintings. Discussions on theory and demonstrations will be followed by painting time with guidance by the instructor and group critique. Beginner and experienced plein air painters are welcome, however, this class is a class for people with some substantial painting experience. While demos will be provided in oil paint, both oils and acrylic painters are welcome. In the chance of inclement weather on either day, we will work from photo reference indoors.

Nocturne Painting Workshop at Arts of the Albemarle's Splash Week 2024 in Elizabeth City, NC
*Thursday, Oct 17, 6:00-9:00 PM at Seven Sounds Brewing Co. (112 N. Water St. Elizabeth City, NC) *
Cost: $150
Description: During this workshop, we will dig into the challenging but exciting practice of painting on-site, en plein air at night time. The qualities of light, color, and atmosphere shift dramatically as the sun goes down. Through demonstration and discussion, we will go over process, some color theory, tips for capturing light at night, general set up and more. Then there will be plenty of time for students to work on their own paintings with guidance from the instructor. This class is open to acrylic or oil painters. Folks of all painting levels are welcome to join, but some painting experience is ideal.