Using Painting (Palette) Knives

Three-Day Workshop

August 28 - 30, 9:30 am to 4:00 pm.

Tuition is $200.

Rosalyn Roembke (Hurley), Instructor
505-856-6537
rzhrly@msn.com

Roz Hurley on Painting with Kinves:

I became interested in using painting knives nearly three years ago when I read How to Paint with a Knife, by Colton Waugh (Watson-Guptill, 1971). The author was the son of Frederick Waugh, a famous painter, especially of the sea. Colton was a fine painter in his own right, and when his father died he found a little
painting knife among his father's equipment and was intrigued. He was fairly certain his father had seldom used the knife, although it was missing its handle. Well, Colton picked up that knife and never looked back. His enthusiasm is truly infectious, so I got interested. I thought my application of paint was too thin, and although I no longer used much medium, I had trouble changing. Maybe knives would help. In order not to fall back on my habits with brushes, I decided I would do a simple painting using knives exclusively. I definitely got more paint on the canvas—and more paint on myself. But the results encouraged me. I felt the work was more exciting. The colors were more vibrant, and I liked the obvious texture.

Familiarity with various aspect of using knives can be an exciting adjunct to a painter's usual technique. Colton Waugh was basically a landscape painter. I paint still life primarily. Knives will not change what a painter wants to paint, they are just instruments that may help the painter give a different dimension to the work, regardless of the subject.

Class Description and Materials

Your paintings from start to finish will be done with knives, so that you can learn the full range of possibilities with knives.

I will be doing demonstrations, probably briefly at the beginning of each class. Then at first, I want you to practice with a limited number of colors, like white, black and red, to learn some of the basics of applying paint with a knife.
The first real painting will be a simple subject, which I will supply, After that, you may bring objects that are simple in shape and pleasing colors, things you are comfortable painting: vases, boxes, fruit, drapery. Silver and glass are fun and painted with knives turn out beautifully. You'll get a better feel after the first day. I will also be bringing a variety of objects you can choose from.

1. We will be using oil paints, but if you are used to working in acrylic, that's okay. Oil is preferred, however.
2. Many sizes of painting knives are available, but if you need to acquire one, I suggest a medium-size one, 1.5 to 2" long with a rounded tip, not broader than a half-inch at the widest. This will get you started.
3. Kleenex or tissue of that nature, or paper towels or rags, whatever you are used to using. I use Kleenex or any cheap tissue.
4. A brush, bristle or sable.
5. Small panels that are primed for oil and that are not terribly absorbent. (I understand Frederix are not good.) In the beginning exercise, plan to use a panel that's about 6" x 8", the others can be somewhat larger.

If you have questions, please call me or email rzhrly@msn.com

Education:
University of Michigan, Philosophy/Aesthetics; study with Wilson Hurley and informal association with other great contemporary painters
Galleries:
Nedra Matteucci Fine Arts, Santa Fe; Grapevine Gallery, Oklahoma City; La Plante Gallery, Albuquerque
Group shows:
Albuquerque Miniature Show, l5 years; Artists of America, Denver, their last show in 2000; National Museum of Women in the Arts, Santa Fe 2005.