Adebanji Alade held an ‘Urban Landscape using Acrylic’ workshop for
the Art Group on Saturday 14th September. What a fantastic day!
The day began with Adebanji offering to gesso prime our canvases –
which we all accepted – and providing various images of London
demonstrating light and shadow. He showed the group how to mark out a
grid by dividing up the image into smaller triangles and mimicking the
grid onto the canvas. His tip was to use a canvas or board that had a
ratio of 3:4 to provide a balanced rectangular painting.
He completed an hour’s demo, talking us through his technique of
sketching in the image to create a tonal sketch; blocking in the darks
before completing the stage by using white to create a monochromatic
painting.
He then continued to add the sky, progressing to the ground and then
working with the darkest areas towards the lightest points. He
continued to work on the painting during the session and has kindly
signed and donated the piece for CFAG to auction off with the proceeds
going towards the Eastleigh Mayors’ charities.
It was then the turn of the workshop participants. What seemed to be so easy in
theory took much effort and concentration to even get close! Four
hours later and with much encouragement and assistance from Adebanji
sixteen paintings were lined up for review. Adebanji was absolutely
amazing – he was willing to help – offering advice and assistance to
all – be it adjusting the painting, mixing the right colour or just
providing words of encouragement.
Adebanji then ended the day by completing a two hour demonstration in
the evening – first sketching and then completing a portrait of a
Vagabond – aka our Chairman Roy.
A splendiferous workshop.
Bev Dunstan
