The Art of the Unexpected

What happens when a map, a scrap of vintage paper, a piece of fabric or an unexpected material becomes part of a painting? In this two-evening mixed-media workshop, artist Fran Cooper will guide students through building a layered artwork using acrylic paint, texture, collage and found materials. Rather than simply adding paper to a painting, students will learn how to integrate materials into the composition—covering, revealing, painting over and allowing fragments to become part of the finished work.

You will experiment with vintage paper, maps, printed ephemera, texture mediums, stencils, mark-making and paint while learning how to balance color, pattern and layers without overworking the piece. The first evening focuses on experimentation, materials and building the foundation. During the second evening, students will develop and edit their work into a finished mixed-media piece. No experience is necessary. Come ready to experiment and discover what an ordinary material can become when you stop using it in an ordinary way.

*To register for the course, participants must be 16 years of age or older.