Painting with Andrew Wyeth: A watercolor workshop with Barbara Thomas

In-person at the Gamble Education Center on the Farnsworth Campus

Under the guidance of Barbara Thomas, students will look at the ways Andrew Wyeth constructed a painting, including: compositional choices, palette and color choices, paint mediums and their uses, and how he created atmosphere through technical and stylistic aspects of rendering. Students will gain an understanding of the sense of ‘place’ in an artist’s work, particularly Wyeth’s.  

Close observational drawing in the gallery followed by a painting session will deepen students’  understanding of the artist’s work, and also will broaden their knowledge of materials used as well as many other painting principles and techniques for use in their own work. Barbara enlivens her art-making workshops with art historical reference, lively presentation of material, and a wealth of experience in technique and process. She personalizes her teaching to each students’ level and abilities. Students will gain knowledge of Wyeth’s work, but more importantly, advance their own work by increasing their knowledge of painting techniques and practices.  

During the first hour, we’ll be in the gallery drawing from Wyeth’s work; we’ll take a half-hour lunch break, so bring a bag lunch or hop across the street for a to-go salad or sandwich at local eateries; then we’ll head into the studio for instruction and to paint.

Barbara Thomas has been an artist all her life and an artist-teacher for over 20 years, teaching at leading arts and education institutions. Barbara has an MFA degree in Art and Design from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. She has a deep knowledge of art history and the art-making process. Barbara creates curriculum and teaches art classes at The Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill, NY, Whittle School and Studios, and she leads private drawing classes, Drawing in the Galleries, at The Metropolitan Museum in New York. A life-long lover of nature and ecology, Barbara devotes her own art-making themes to the natural world. Her work in drawing, painting, and video, centers on landscape, flora, and the seasons.

Cost: $72; $65 member