It was the opportunity to teach workshops in Fairbanks that got the whole concept of this Alaska adventure underway. Spike’s 5-day watercolor workshop for the Fairbanks Watercolor Society came together first, thanks to the efforts of Betsy Bear. Betsy then put Sue in touch with Corlis Taylor, another Fairbanks artist, who gathered together a group for a 2-day book arts workshop. Our stay in Fairbanks focused on a full week of teaching, Spike’s workshop Monday through Friday, Sue’s on Saturday and Sunday.
The plan for Spike’s workshop was to do a few demonstrations and some instruction indoors for a day or two, then spend time outside painting on location, weather permitting. Being September, weather was unpredictable but autumn colors were gorgeous and sunny days would be pleasantly warm.
Workshop participants experienced a no-nonsense approach to painting with individual and group instruction. Four key points were covered: simple guidelines to a better composition - laying down a foundation quickly and confidently - simplifying shapes and understanding what you see - understanding the balance of warm and cool colors.
For information about future workshops, visit Spike's workshop page.
For information about future workshops, visit Spike's workshop page.
A demonstration mirror lets everyone watch Spike as he paints.
First demonstration painting (15x22”) – a scene of the Copper River
based on a photo we took along the Alaska Highway.
After Spike’s demo, workshop participants attempted to paint the same scene.
Everyone takes a look at Spike’s mobile studio set-up.
A beautiful day painting outdoors at the Georgeson Botanical Garden in Fairbanks.
Gael sketches under a tree.
Spike helps “Jeanne from Mars.”
Spike advises Betsy.
Workshop information overload, “I can’t take in anymore!”
A bit later with Spikes help Nelda was happily painting.
Sherry hard at work.
Tom works on a masterpiece.
Spike and Helen discuss composition.
Tony, interrupted in his concentration.
Gathering for another demo.
Demo painting- Last Light, Wrangell-St.Elias (12''x16''.)
An evening of good food and great conversation.
We had a wonderful time with the Fairbanks Watercolor Society gang. This was one of the nicest groups of people Spike has ever worked with. It was a great teaching experience for him.
(Some of the photos above are courtesy of Betsy Bear & Gael Murakami.)
Sue’s Workshop
Sue’s workshop was titled The Spontaneous Book. The creation of this book begins with a full sheet of watercolor paper which is painted on both sides – spontaneously. It is then cut into pages which are sewn together. Binder’s board covers are attached with glue. The book is then ready to be developed into a unique work of art. The great thing about this approach is that you are no longer faced with a book full of blank pages. By the time you have gone through the painting and assembly process your pages have color and texture and your brain is fired-up with inspiration.
It was thanks to Corlis Taylor’s organizing efforts
and use of her studio space that made Sue’s workshop possible.
With only two days to make our books the class worked quickly on the step-by-step process of painting, cutting, sewing pages and gluing on the cover boards. Once books were assembled everyone unleashed their own creative visions to work on covers and inside pages.
Left to right - Peggy, Sue, Janet, Timona, Linda, Corlis, DaLonna, Me.
Everyone had fun and did a great job. Sue left the group with paper and boards for each one to make another book. She looks forward to seeing the results if anyone wants to send a photo or two.
