Workshops
Art is fun!
"Artists are attracted to Art because they enjoy making Art. Consider learning, discovering, or extending art skills by enrolling in a PAINTING LABORATORY, WORKSHOP, or MINI-WORKSHOP. They are designed to enrich your life with the joy of creativity." --Marilynn Derwenskus
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WORKSHOPS MINI-WORKSHOPS PAINTING LABORATORIES |
A new beginning . . .
After 20 years of academic teaching at Ball State University, Marilynn Derwenskus
presents new teaching programs for art centers and watercolor societies.
NEW - PAINTING LABORATORIES (1-5 days)
Painters at all levels of experience are welcome.
All types of painting is encouraged, from abstract to representational.
"Though painting laboratories are geared to experienced artists, painters at all levels are welcome.". In these laboratories, independent explorations/discoveries and critical painting discussions nurture new images, new concepts, and new painting methods. Marilynn facilitates laboratories by offering a variety of different ways to engage subject, content, form or technique of a painting. The focus of such explorations are established and designed by individual painting laboratory artists, yet includes Marilynn's input, but without class projects.
Painting laboratories have no assignments. Marilynn works individually with experienced painters. Critical discussions help them identify issues which will strengthen their paintings’ visual impact. New painting methods and different organizing strategies emerge and revitalize creative endeavors.
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MINI-WORKSHOPS PAINTING LABORATORIES |
WORKSHOPS (5 days) or MINI-WORKSHOPS (1-3 days)
Painters at all levels of experience are welcome.
All types of painting is encouraged, from abstract to representational.
Workshops or Mini-workshops are available for those who prefer more instruction, a renewal or introduction of the issues of painting - technique, composition, subject, and content. Workshops and mini-workshops are structured with projects that begin with technique and then address composition/color, and idea development. Project guidelines are flexible so painters can seek solutions that are creative and personally unique. Marilynn's research of idea development for the visual artist guides the organization of the workshop/mini-workshop.
Our goal throughout this art experience is to explore and discover, but not necessarily always adhere to established rules. Adequate guidelines are provided so painters can launch their work. Emphasis is placed on the development of the individual voice of the contemporary artist.
Studio atmosphere and policies . . .
Creativity increases in an environment that is relaxed, yet orderly and structured. Marilynn strives for a productive environment where painters may also enjoy friendships with each other.
Marilynn nurtures personally unique imagery through one-on-one discussions with participants and optional group critiques. She willingly shares what she has learned over her 50 year painting career.
Marilynn Derwenskus, Chicago Bridges, 2011, Watermedia, 8” x 39”
Marilynn Derwenskus teaching and painting background . . .
Marilynn trained at Wayne State University with experimental watercolorists, Mary Jane Bigler and Louise Nobili in the late Fifties, the era of abstract expressionism. She earned both BFA and MA in Painting. In the mid Eighties, Marilynn discovered Post Modernism during MFA studies with Vera Klement, Robert Peters, and Tom Mapp at the University of Chicago. Clearly, abstract expressionism and post-modernism affects Marilynn's teaching methods. Her interest in creating and communicating ideas is an important issue in the learning programs she offers - a result of a Lilly Fellowship when Marilynn researched the origins of ideas for the visual artist. Content development is addressed in programs she presents. Her training coupled with passionate painting prepare her to offer a varied program to those who study with her.
Marilynn moving forward . . .
For more information about Marilynn's images and ideas, check out the article, "New Beginning" in the Workshop Creativity segment of Watercolor Artist Magazine, April 2011.
Workshop, Mini-workshop, and Painting Laboratory Schedule
October 16-18, 2011, Sun./Mon. 9-4, Tues. 9-12
Small Paintings: Big Ideas - Laboratory
Grosse Pointe Art Center, Grosse Pointe, MI
Contact: TBA
Oct. 20-22, 2011, 9-4
Transforming & Translating: Printing Strategies & Painting the Unnoticed - Watermedia Lab
Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, Birmingham, MI
Contact: BBAC, cindimills@bbartcenter.org
Previously Taught Workshops (select list)
Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, Birmingham, MI
Hawaii Watercolor Society, Kaneohe, HI
Indiana Watercolor Society, Indianapolis, IN
Kanuga Workshops, Hendersonville, NC
La Romita School of Art, Terni, Italy
San Diego Watercolor Society, San Diego, CA
Traverse City Art Center, Traverse City, MI
Plus others
For information about Marilynn Derwenskus’ teaching and/or to organize a workshop, mini-workshop or painting laboratory, contact her by email or telephone.
773-327-3749
Previous Workshop Comments
- Those who studied with Marilynn describe her as an excellent teacher, one who presets new and challenging material in creative ways. One of her unique abilities is to engender confidence in the student, resulting in a more productive and satisfying experience.
- A workshop attendee said, "I've taken a fair number of workshops - and this is the best I have ever attended. I have learned more in these few days than in the other workshops combined."
- Another attendee remarked, "Other teachers teach you to paint as they do. Marilynn helps you to develop your own ideas and vision."
- Another attendee commented, as a teacher with thirty years of classroom experience, I know good teaching when I see it, and Marilynn Derwenskus is a good teacher. I’ve taken several workshops with Marilynn and have found her to be generous with her knowledge of both media and technique and kind and constructive in her evaluation of student work. In addition, she’s fun to be around, loves what she does, and has a delightful sense of humor. I plan to take more classes with Marilynn in the future.