3 Over 3: An Abstraction by Design Workshop | Michael "Shem" Shemchuk

Instructor: Michael "Shem" Shemchuk (View Bio)

Registration Deadline: April 1, 2024

Class Size: 10

Level: All

Portfolio Review Required: No

Tuition: $895

Lunch Included: Yes

In this workshop we produce a modular (3 over 3) 9- panel installation.

Our Goal

Design a motif with color, shape, texture, composition and apply the AbD techniques to each panel individually to set up a dialog for all nine panels to work in concert. This parameter allows us to fully focus on our design and composition skills, while creating a manageable interplay between the panels. The result is a completed body of work as a harmonious installation.

AbD (Abstraction by Design)

The Abstraction by Design method is the process of exploring collage and painting techniques by layering paint and paper simultaneously on panels.  Collaging involves color selection, paper choices, placement, glueing, mark making, composition and surface extraction. Painting involves panel prep, trowel application, brushing, sanding, surface manipulations, paint mixing and texturing. The layering of paper and paint enables one to sand, scrape, wet, peel, paint, collage and repeat to create controlled and incidental results. We use acrylic polyurethane as a glue to attach papers, as a resist coat, and as a top coat as well.

ARR (Action-Review-Repeat)

We begin the AbD process with an action by applying paint and or collage to our panels. Pause and review the action, then repeat another action.

This requires taking time to observe your work, measure your response to both the controlled (deliberate) and spontaneous (incidents). Follow these ARR principles as you create your work.

Materials

9-16”x16” x 7/8” cradled panels (See Blick item 07044-1616)

White latex house paint (flat or satin sheen)

Black latex house paint (flat or satin sheen)

Acrylic poly urethane/varnish (gloss or semigloss)

12-16 sheets black tissue

12-16 sheets 18”x22” newsprint

Variety of collage papers and color tissue (color, pattern, graphics, craft paper and re-purposed)

Color paint, 1-6 colors of latex house or acrylic artist paints (note: to be used for mixing with black & white paint as well)

Tools

1-6”wide flexible broad knife and 1- putty knife.

1- scrubber sponge

1- sheet 100 grit sandpaper and 1- sanding block (wood block 2.5”x3.5”x.75” works well)

6- 2” chip brushes

8+ pint/quart plastic mixing containers w/lids

1- plastic gallon bucket (for water)

1-spray bottle (atomizer)

Scissors, utility knife, wiping rags, paint stir sticks, white cards, artist brushes, hair dryer or heat gun