Academies of Decorative Painting

To put it simply, Jan Van Huysum was one of the most influential painters in the early 18^th century. His innovative techniques would change the course of the Dutch Golden Age painters and influence artists well into the 19^th and early 20^th centuries. Van Huysum, was not at all your typical Dutch painter. His techniques, colors and processes differed substantially from his contemporaries.

The accepted technique for many Dutch Floral Still-life of the Golden Age was grisaille. Grisaille are layers of grays applied to objects to establish form and compositional light. Sometimes this grisaille was applied over a light imprimatura ground (base coat) following a process known as the “Flemish Technique”. Many Dutch Floral painters however changed the “Flemish Technique”. Masters such as Jan Davidz de Heem and Abraham Mignon would change the ground to red oxide, or brown oxide depending on the forms within the composition. Flowers were mostly painted against red-orange grounds while fruit were developed over brown oxide grounds.

You know it was actually one year ago that I attended at BBQ at David and Martha's and while there I saw a few of Georgia's Rosemaling pieces from David's seminar.  Georgia felt that I should give it a try.  Well a few weeks ago I attended my first Rosemaling seminar at David's.  I have to admit that I really felt that I was a little out of my element as I had never attempted any form of Rosemaling (lots of stroke work) but was pleasantly surprise that I made it through the seminar without having to log time with my therapist.  Well, I did not freak out, have any sort of melt down or throw my brush across the room from frustration.  I remained calm, cool and very well behaved (Martha was very happy that I behaved).

I have studied various painting styles for years.  I consider myself an artist, crafter, tole painter, folk artist and academic artist.  I love to paint and decorate all styles.  As long as it uses paint and a brush, I will do it.  Sometimes a little glitter now and then......

5 years ago I taught a floral after I spent some time studying the Dutch master van Huysum.  His technique really changed me as an artist and started me on this further journey and study.  Today, I am different artist.

Hello Painting World,
We have had a major increase in forum traffic this month. We are getting swamped.. In a good way though. This morning I denied 27 new forum application because of incorrect information when registering. I hate doing this, but we are trying to protect you.

Since our forum can be read without being a member ( only members can see the classrooms and post), I hope this is read before you begin to join our Academy. It will speed the process immensely.