Painting with Wool Outline

Following is a brief outline of the topics covered in the Painting with Wool workshop. A full handout with more in-depth notes will be provided at the start of the workshop. An overview of the Painting with Wool workshop and cost is at the Classes and Workshop tab; click here to go to that tab: Classes and Workshops

Felt Loom

·      Marvelous machine with ~250 needles

·      Will be used to help make the base and portions of the picture

Individual Felting Needles

·      Used to make items of a finer detail, e.g. close-up trees

·      Needle felt over a foam work surface

Fiber

·      Batts will be used to create the base and pieces of batts can be used for texture, e.g. dense clouds

·      Roving can be used to add color and effects and layers and mixes well

·      Mohair locks provide interesting texture and looks, e.g. consider for flowers, tree foliage

Color Basics

·      Relative color temperature affects perception of depth; e.g. within foliage, warmer greens (with more yellow) feel closer while cooler greens (with more blue) seem to fall back into shadows and distance

General points

·      Generally pull the roving/batt apart to get the amount you want versus cutting – unless you want to make something very precise, e.g. a fence post.

·      You can compose from scratch or follow the idea/design of a picture; but this is wool not paint.

·      Landscapes are nice; you can do abstract work also and combine the two

·      Lay your work out and do not be afraid to pull something up

Composition considerations

·      Avoid symmetry and repetition (except for perhaps certain man-made objects)

·      Rule of thirds is a common concept to remind you to divide your canvas. If you have a focal point, set it one-third of the way across your piece, such as a horizon line

·      Focal points: arrange your strong elements (e.g. cloud, tree, bush, house) to create a visual journey around your picture and be selective. Too much activity and too many elements can create confusion.

·      Depth: realistic landscape requires the illusion of depth and distance. It is important to establish the distinction between far distance, middle ground and foreground.

·      Generally best to begin with the most distant part of the landscape (e.g. the sky) and build forward,.

Finish and Shape

·      Consider how you want to display/mount your piece

·      You can cut it to make it look regular or keep the rough edges of your work visible – as it makes the fact it is an artwork derived from wool/fiber more apparent