May 2008 Archives

The 2008 St. Andrews Workshop is fast approaching. I want to encourage all the returning artists to log in here and use this blog as a way to stay in touch with one another. I'm looking forward to see some pictures and messages from all of my dear friends.

There may be some growing pains, but I'd like to work with all of you to get this resource up and running.  The first step is creating an account for yourself at chinkoktan.com.

Click on sign in at the right side of the screen and follow the link to sign up, or you can click the link below.  It's free and easy.
Sign Up

For now, this will allow you to add comments, but in the future it will also allow you to upload photos and post messages for other members to read.

Looking forward to seeing you all this Summer.

Chin.

An Atlantic Adventure!
Dates:
Dates and course outline have changed. For the 2009 Workshop click here.

Fee:
There is a new fee structure for 2009

Course Overview:
Paint in inspiring New Brunswick, St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, Deer Island, Grand Manan Island
Hundreds of students have learned to paint exceptional works in watercolour in a few weeks - some in a few days - with the unique methods of Chinkok Tan. With only your interest in painting as a starting point, you can do the same.

Chin teaches by demonstration so you can witness first hand how 'shape and light value' are all that you need to practice in order to learn to paint. After that, it is all just practice so you can paint intuitively. Intuitive painting is when you're painting without your thinking brain interfering with your perception.

Chin is the author of "Watercolour Basics: Shape and Light Value". The one and only instruction book that teaches you to paint using shape and light value - the basic elements of art. Now you don't have to search far and wide for the illusive 3 primary pigments. "Tan Signature Paint" manufactures only the 3 Primary pigments and is available in Watercolour, Oil and Acrylic. They are now available at two stores in Toronto:
Toose Art Supplies, 229 College St. Toronto, M5T 1R4 Tel: 416.348.0793
Linseed Art Supplies, 336 Dundas St. West (across from the AGO)

Course Description (2008):
Each day of the workshop is spent in picturesque areas of New Brunswick, with daily outdoor demonstrations and end of day critiques. When stationed in St. Andrews, excursions are made to Deer Island, Letete or Blacks Harbour. On Grand Manan Island, most artists stay at seaside cabins at Ing alls Head. If you want to be part of this group, you must book early, as only a few cabins are available. The cabins cost around $700.00 for the 7 days and there are two rooms to a cabin so it can be shared with another artist or two.

Each year, there are only three or four available spaces for new artists. Out of respect for other artists, no accompanying pet or children is allowed. A $50.00 deposit is required for new artists to confirm your spot and the balance is due on arrival.

For the second week, Sunday Aug. 1 to Aug. 7, the workshop moves to Grand Manan Island, a large fishing island, one and a half hours away by ferry on the Bay of Fundy. Here you can rent and share a seaside cabin with your own room, fully equipped for $650. plus taxes. Chin will help you find your accommodations for both places. You will have to act quickly, as accommodations are limited. Having your own car is convenient. Daily demonstrations are provided on how to see shape and light values to paint all your subjects. In the evenings the group will meet for critiques - to share information and view each other's accomplishments. Maximum enrollment is 15. Workshop is for participating artists only. $50.00 deposit is necessary to confirm your spot.

Here is a break down of what I teach.
 

1. To create all your subject's features (form, space, light, shade, plane, structure, texture, perspective and proportion) you are shown how to see and use shape and light value. Using Chin's published methods the subject's features are fully rendered, never simulated by gimmicky techniques and fancy brushes.
2. To avoid muddy colours and overworking you are introduced to Chin's Light Value scale.
3. To simplify mixing of colors and light values - you use only the 3 primary pigments.  That's right, all colours are mixed from only three colours.
   
4. To remove inhibitions from your painting process you learn to paint directly without pre-sketching. You are shown how to train you mind to see the shapes rather than edges of your subjects.
   
5. To achieve your composition you are shown how to scale and place your first shape correctly. This will result in your intended cropping exactly everytime. All sketching and thumbnail studies are dispensed with.