Texture Tactics

Join Ruth for a 3-day workshop focused on observing and creating the textures of the forests and estuaries of the Oregon Coast. From fern fronds to tide trails, soft moss to coarse bark - Sitka’s tangled twigs, smooth sands and misty moss surroundings provide the artist with tactile experiences to translate into painting. Experiment with mixed water-media to create abstract work with rich surface quality and the character of place. Layering watercolor, acrylic, pencil and collage you’ll weave a webwork of art evoking touch.

Abstract painter Ruth Armitage has been honored with signature status in the National Watercolor Society and many regional groups. She divides her painting time between watercolor, acrylic and oils. Ruth's work has been featured on OPB's "Oregon Art Beat" and has been exhibited and published nationally. Recently, Ruth’s work was featured in the Spring 2017 issue of Acrylic Artist Magazine. You’ll find Ruth’s work locally at the Portland Art Museum's Rental Sales Gallery, Freed Gallery and Earthworks. A former high school teacher, Ruth enjoys sharing art and inspiration in the classroom. Students enjoy her organized and creative approach to teaching.

• Apron

• Largish sketchbook

• Pencil & eraser

• Artists tape

• Acrylic medium (gel or matte)

• Scissors & exacto knife

• Palette &/or palette paper

• Black Brush Tip Marker i.e. Pitt or Tombow

• Soft rubber brayer (not foam)

• A few selected collage materials

• Large water container

• Cotton rag

• Spray bottle for water

• Dip pen

• Drawing tools such as watercolor pencils, charcoal, watercolor crayons, graphite, etc. Texture tools such as stencils, stamps, found objects…

• White gesso

• Brushes (my favorites listed here: https://bit.ly/2LyyKFO )

• Painting surfaces: paper & backing board. Do not bring student grade paper. I use Arches 140 lb. hot press or cold press or similar

• Professional grade watercolor & acrylic paints

Pigments: a warm & cool color in each primary plus black & white. Other colors at your discretion & pleasure. Soft to heavy body Acrylic paints (not fluid) in basic palette. At minimum 2 reds, 2 yellows & 2 blues plus black & white

o Cadmium Red or Napthol & Alizarin Crimson or Quinacridone Rose

o Cobalt or Ultramarine Blue & Phthalo Blue

o Indian Yellow & Cadmium Lemon

o Designers White Gouache, Lamp Black or Ivory Black

o White Gesso and White High Flow Acrylic by Golden

Optional:

• Greens: Green Gold, Phthalo Green, etc. Earth tones are also useful, such as Raw Sienna, Raw Umber etc. Personal favorites: Brown Madder and Cobalt Turquoise.

• Deli paper

• Tracing paper

• Gelli plates to share (workshop set)

• Texture tools