Workshop: Alla Prima Oil Painting on Claybord

For teens and adults of all levels.

Learn to paint with buttery oils on a fresco-like surface

© Pam Van Londen 2010, Valley Storm 5, 8×8 oil on claybord
Valley Storm 5

…using a limited palette and minimal brush strokes. In this 4-hour workshop, you’ll create three paintings on 8×8-inch Claybord panels using primary and secondary colors plus white. The first of your three images will emerge as you explore the brushes, paint, thinner, and technique. The second will emerge as you meditate on the currents of water. And the third will emerge from the location’s landscape, bowl of fruit, or both!

Fine artist Pam Van Londen began painting in oil on American-made Ampersand Claybord panels when the Daily Painter movement caught on in 2006. Most daily painters use a standard small rectangle or square panel, paper, or stretched canvas with a consistent set of materials and techniques.

Van Londen’s technique is to apply an underpainting and while still wet, add colors in the order of the color wheel with the goal of using as few brush strokes as possible. Transparent layers of color on the clay surface result in a watercolor effect. Sgraffito is used near the end to create a contrast in line and to sign the finished work.

About the artist

Van Londen shows her work locally, regionally, and takes online sales at Etsy, Daily Paintworks, and Fine Art America. She has a degree in Art and Design and teaches technology courses at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon.

Valley Morning 16 © Pam Van Londen 2014
Valley Morning 16

Bring the following to the workshop:

  • A sandwich or other easy-to-handle food to eat during the discussion.
  • Waterbottle.
  • Painting clothes: comfortable pants, shirt, and shoes that can get dirty. (NOTE: Paint left on these clothes will potentially ruin other clothes in the wash.)
  • A positive attitude.

Cost Options

  1. If you are a first-time painter, all supplies will be provided for $20.
  2. If you have your own supplies, bring them; three Clayboard panels will be provided for $12.
  3. If you have some experience and are ready to paint on your own, then I recommend purchasing the kit for $98.*

Workshop instruction is $40 each.

Total Costs

Supplies and workshop cost is $20 + $40 = $60
Clayboard and workshop cost is $12 + $40= $52
Kit and workshop cost is $98 + $40 = $138.

Payment can be cash, check, PayPal, or credit/debit card.

* Oil Painting Kit $98.

Winsor & Newton oil paint tubes, odorless thinner, five synthetic brushes, three 8×8-inch Ampersand Claybord panels, table-top wood easel 30x20x19-inch, wood hand-held palette, palette covers, brush holder, gloves, cleaning supplies, storage container, and tote bag.

This kit must be ordered at least 2 weeks prior to the workshop.

Agreement

Last minute cancellations will receive a refund for the workshop cost only. Supplies are not refunded because they must be purchased ahead of time.

Arrive at the workshop ready to focus yet have fun! The goal of the workshop is to explore and enjoy the materials, techniques, elements, and principles, not to create masterpieces. Try to arrive with expectations for fun and learning but remain flexible in your thinking. Your work will not be judged but we will talk about what works in an effort to practice the language of art (elements and principles). Negatively criticizing your work or the work of others will not be tolerated. Excessive talking or other disruptions will result in expulsion.

Gloves will be provided for anyone concerned about skin contact with paint and thinner. Ventilation won’t be needed in small group workshops. For workshops with 5 or more participants, a sufficient location will be chosen. If a new location is needed, watch for email messages related to a change in location.

Host a workshop: Alla Prima Oil Painting on Claybord, Summer 2017

Supplies and easel to borrow for the Alla Prima Workshop.
Supplies and easel to borrow for the Alla Prima Workshop.

Host a workshop by in your home studio with your friends and get the workshop cost for free.

Register for Workshop