Los Angeles 2
- Focusing on Finishing aspects of painting and drawing -
- February 21-23, 2025 -
As my mentor, Richard Schmid, used to tell me, it doesn’t matter so much how you start a painting, it matters how you finish..
The finishing strokes are the ones that really matter!
Often we begin a painting with excitement and energy and end up stuck at a stage that might feel too tight, or a little muddy, flat or things just don’t quite look accurate. There are so many methods to starting a painting, block-in, sketching it out with lines, color masses, direct method, layering… the list goes on and on.. and while a solid start to a painting can help keep the process fresh and efficient, what really matters is what you do at the end. The MAGIC that completes it all.
I have spent over 20 years teaching overall methods of painting.. The general methods of beginning and getting through the difficult middle, but I really have not had a class that focuses on the finishing strokes… So here it is!
In this workshop, we will focus entirely on what it takes to bring a painting from the good painting to the GREAT painting! Bringing 90% up to 100%.
I believe the finishing stage really is its own artform. We usually spend the most time on the start and mucky middle but the thing is, you get good at what you practice... So if you only practice starting a painting, and abandoning it midway through, then you will only get good at starting. In order to get good at finishing paintings we must practice finishing paintings.
In this workshop, students will arrive with their own paintings, already worked on as far as they can take it… And in the class we will spend the 3 days breaking through to the next level.
I believe every painting is only a few strokes away from a masterpiece… Only a few strokes away from magic.
we will explore finishing methods that make the magic.
We will work on techniques like:
Breaking down the colors so that they vibrate rather than overmixed.
Methods of creating an engaging variety of textures that move the eye around the piece.
Pushing imaginative color that really makes the pieces pop.
Creating an interesting heirarchy of edges so that the eye rests on the appropriate areas.
Formulating the most powerful value structure so that the work leaps out at the viewer.
Simplifying overworked areas.
Finding the elusive transition color.
And one of my favorite parts…. laying on those fun painterly strokes in a way that fits into the scene properly.
For this workshop, students are recommended to arrive with 3-5 paintings or drawings and we will spend 3 days working on the art of finishing them. Students will be able to bring their finished works back home with the knowledge and skills to bring their future works to that Magic zone.
All skill levels welcome!
Although this workshop will require students to bring their own works to class, all levels of experience are welcome. As with all of my workshops, they are set in a friendly and supportive environment including beginners, intermediate and some advanced artists.
This workshop is crafted to provide a comprehensive yet accessible experience for artists of all levels. Whether you are a beginner looking to explore your creative potential or an experienced painter seeking to refine your technique, this workshop is designed to meet you where you are on your artistic journey.
Taking place in Los Angeles, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from the artist himself. Baugh's expertise and passion for teaching will guide you through the process of finishing beautiful, expressive artwork.
In addition to the finishing aspects, you'll also delve into the fundamentals of painting, focusing on essential techniques, color theory, composition, and more. Through a series of engaging exercises and demonstrations, you will gain valuable insights into baugh's artistic process and learn how to apply these techniques to your own work.
One of the highlights of this workshop is the chance to receive personalized feedback and guidance from Baugh. With his keen eye and constructive critique, you will have the opportunity to refine your skills and elevate your artwork to new heights.
In addition to the invaluable knowledge gained, this workshop also provides an inspiring and supportive environment. Collaborating with fellow artists, sharing ideas, and building a sense of community are all integral aspects of this immersive experience.
As the workshop concludes, you'll leave with newfound knowledge, fresh inspiration, and a renewed sense of confidence in your artistic abilities. Whether you choose to pursue painting professionally or simply want to enhance your artistic pursuits, this workshop will provide you with the tools and guidance necessary to take your skills to the next level.
Join us for this transformative 3-day painting workshop in Los Angeles and unlock the artist within you. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today and embark on a journey of creativity and self-discovery.
In addition to the focus on finishing, Baugh will also cover topics such as:
Understanding our own unique path.
Mental exercises for boldness in your work.
Practicing the “Leap” method of painting.
Baugh’s unique ‘reverse proportion’ method
Planning a painting using props, nature, models and your imagination.
10 second color mixing method. - This technique will allow you to mix any color in 10 seconds so that you have full control of your palette.
7 elements of the visual world. - Understanding the 7 elements will give you the tools you need to not only plan your paintings properly, it will also give you the skills to be able to rescue any painting from failure and bring it back to your initial desired outcome.
Planning properly. - Baugh will discuss a few unique ways to plan your painting well so that there are fewer blocks during the creation of your piece.
Tips for gathering the best reference. - Baugh will show you his favorite methods of gathering the best reference for any of his painting scenes. These methods include live studies and capturing scenes with a camera.
Proper tools. - Baugh will cover all of his favorite tools and how they can be used from paints, brushes, canvas and more. He will also discuss his studio setup including lighting, palette, easel, reference monitor and all the ways to keep a studio work flow efficient.
Proper ways to see your scene. - Knowing how to mix color and plan a painting is only half of the battle. Students will also learn how to see your subject clearly in order to understand how to translate that into a painted scene. Baugh will discuss new ways of seeing and understanding light in order to communicate it clearly with your paint.
5 ways to use a brush. - Yes a brush can put paint on a canvas, but it can be used in more ways than you might think. Understanding the full potential of your brush can broaden your ability to say more with your paintings specifically with your edges, textures, gestured strokes and realism ability.
3 ways to begin a painting so that you keep it looking fresh and on track.
Good habits during a painting session.
How to move through the hardest part of a piece, the muddy middle.
One-on-one help with each student during painting.
Proper way to photograph your work for archives, prints, social media and magazines.
3 ways to begin a piece so that you keep it looking fresh and on track.
Good habits during a painting session.
How to move through the hardest part of a piece, the alien stage.
One-on-one help with each student during painting.
The business of art. Finding your voice and signature.
Ways to stay inspired during painters block.
Working with a model.
Lighting your scene.
Setting up a studio.
LOCATION:
The workshop will take place in Downtown LA.
Worskhop fee
Reserve your space in the workshop: Limited to 10 students
Workshop fee: $1800
*Lodging not included in this workshop
Please email with any questions at info@caseybaugh.com