Ron Gordon | Building Stronger Compositions
Using contrast, value and shape to build stronger paintings

Saturday, September 19, 2020
Demonstration
The demo/lecture is open to all
Do yourself a favor and spend some time with artist Ron Gordon as he demonstrates how to Build Stronger Compositions using contrast, value, and shape. His enthusiasm is infectious. Without a doubt, you will walk away with valuable information. Ron's closing statement sums it up nicely, "Get out there and paint. Make some mistakes. We are made so that we learn by daring...Play is one of the best ways to learn anything. Discovery... Creativity...is a natural thing."
Demonstration
The demo/lecture is open to all
Do yourself a favor and spend some time with artist Ron Gordon as he demonstrates how to Build Stronger Compositions using contrast, value, and shape. His enthusiasm is infectious. Without a doubt, you will walk away with valuable information. Ron's closing statement sums it up nicely, "Get out there and paint. Make some mistakes. We are made so that we learn by daring...Play is one of the best ways to learn anything. Discovery... Creativity...is a natural thing."
Workshop | 1 to 4 p.m.
Members $40 Non-members $50
Workshop link & password were emailed to our paid participants. The workshop was videotaped. Anyone who would like to view the workshop at their leisure can still purchase the access link. Email us at imperialartalliance@outlook.com for post-event signup info.
This was a Zoom meeting
Members $40 Non-members $50
Workshop link & password were emailed to our paid participants. The workshop was videotaped. Anyone who would like to view the workshop at their leisure can still purchase the access link. Email us at imperialartalliance@outlook.com for post-event signup info.
This was a Zoom meeting
Demo & Workshop Description
Explore the use of positive and negative space using paper shapes as we examine the arrangements of forms in composing two-dimensional art. Learn how the visual contrast and value elements work to make stronger compositions in your art.
A wide range of techniques in acrylics will be demonstrated for participants to add visual textures. Explore glazing and wash techniques to create subtle or dynamic contrast with opaque and translucent passages.
The workshop is for you, the participants. Lots of opportunity for questions, discussions, and additional topics. We can go fast or slow, deep or wide with this subject as it is both fascinating and inexhaustible.
NOTE: Suggested paint colors that are close to actual primary colors: Hansa Yellow, Phthalocyanine Blue and Quinacridone Red. These colors mix well to produce secondary colors and are great for translucent applications.
Explore the use of positive and negative space using paper shapes as we examine the arrangements of forms in composing two-dimensional art. Learn how the visual contrast and value elements work to make stronger compositions in your art.
A wide range of techniques in acrylics will be demonstrated for participants to add visual textures. Explore glazing and wash techniques to create subtle or dynamic contrast with opaque and translucent passages.
The workshop is for you, the participants. Lots of opportunity for questions, discussions, and additional topics. We can go fast or slow, deep or wide with this subject as it is both fascinating and inexhaustible.
NOTE: Suggested paint colors that are close to actual primary colors: Hansa Yellow, Phthalocyanine Blue and Quinacridone Red. These colors mix well to produce secondary colors and are great for translucent applications.
SUPPLY LIST FOR WORKSHOP
Ron began painting lessons with his grandmother when he was 10 years old. He began taking commissions, winning awards, and providing art services at 13 years old. He was determined to pursue a career as a professional artist. His commissioned murals, portraits, sculptural maps, relief panels, large collage illustrations, custom impact pieces, as well as, children’s books illustrations, comprise his extensive portfolio in both corporate and public collections. Ron is known for his bold use of color and organic compositions in large acrylic paintings and torn-paper collage artwork. He graduated from University of Southern Mississippi where he received his BFA in 1974. His experience includes art teacher, freelance graphic artist and illustrator, Dakota Loft Gallery curator, and Director of Houston ArtCrawl.
Website: Ron Gordon Artist
- Project surface: 2 sheets of watercolor paper, or illustration board, or even white poster board
- Dozen or so sheets of black construction paper; 8 ½ x 11 inches or larger
- Dozen or so sheets white construction paper, 8 ½ x 11 inches or larger
- Dozen or so sheets mid value colored paper, 8 ½ x 11 inches or larger
- Scissors
- 2 or 3 sharp pencils
- Glue stick- preferably a repositionable adhesive
- A small bladed craft knife (Exacto #11 is a good option)
- Acrylic Paint: black, white, and at least 2 primary colors (suggested primary colors like Hansa Yellow, Phthalocyanine Blue, or Quinacridone Red)
- 1/3-cup acrylic gel medium - maybe split a jar with a friend?
- At least one soft synthetic bush no smaller than 1/4-inch
- Ruler with straight edge
- Non-tipping water container to keep brush wet
- Paint rags or paper towels
- One broad nib felt tip marker
- Palette (or plate) for paint
Ron began painting lessons with his grandmother when he was 10 years old. He began taking commissions, winning awards, and providing art services at 13 years old. He was determined to pursue a career as a professional artist. His commissioned murals, portraits, sculptural maps, relief panels, large collage illustrations, custom impact pieces, as well as, children’s books illustrations, comprise his extensive portfolio in both corporate and public collections. Ron is known for his bold use of color and organic compositions in large acrylic paintings and torn-paper collage artwork. He graduated from University of Southern Mississippi where he received his BFA in 1974. His experience includes art teacher, freelance graphic artist and illustrator, Dakota Loft Gallery curator, and Director of Houston ArtCrawl.
Website: Ron Gordon Artist