Mike Hyrman Creating an Illusion of Depth

 

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Detail of “Misty Morning Communion”, Golden Open Acrylic on canvas.

 

The focus of this class will be making the vertical surface of your canvas read as a horizontal surface.  Using a process Mike calls “in-front-of-ness” and standard tricks such converging lines and atmospheric effects, Mike will show how he creates depth in a painting.

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Hundreds of Mike’s photos from Northern Michigan can be chosen to use as reference or, with advance permission, you can use your own reference.

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https://1drv.ms/u/s!AgaLfQQctb6Kh154lOVcQJiE5S-3?e=S2IG7b 

 

Please read the TermsOfUsage document.

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My goal in the class is for you to impress yourself. I would like to teach you everything you need to know to create more paintings when you leave the class.

 

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"Helen’s England: Dog Walker” 12 x 16, acrylic

 

Other topics covered will include:

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  • Compositions that work and things to avoid

  • Steering the eyes around your painting

  • Looking closer to find dramatic paintings

  • Getting the desired color every time

  • Tricks to creating the illusion of depth using “In-front-of-ness”

  • Seeing the grain

  • Line and value first, then color

  • The importance of relative temperature

  • Creating consistency across the painting

  • Using a range of values

  • A 3 brush technique

  • Making decisions by:

    • Stepping back frequently

    • Using a mirror

    • Viewing in dim light

    • Using acrylic markers

  • An acrylic method that uses professional quality paints that remain workable for weeks and won’t ruin your brushes

  • Humidity control with sponge strips

  • Using technology (laptops or tablets, digital cameras, cell phones, Dropbox, OneDrive projectors, etc.) as tools

  • Salvaging old watercolors with acrylic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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“Snowy Fence” Acrylic 11 x 14

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Things to bring to class:   (These are helpful, but not required)

  • It is highly recommended that you bring a laptop or tablet, preferably with a USB port.  I’ve also seen people use their Smart Phones

  • A desk lamp

  • A spritzer (spray bottle)

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We will also schedule an optional visit to my local studio after class one night.

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