Course Index
Foundations in Visionary Art Topic Overview
As we explore sessions rich with the layered heritage of Mischtechnik, world-building, and the primal elements of art – pigment, medium, and canvas – we weave a tapestry with the threads of empirical wisdom drawn from the depths of antiquity, and also of modern visionary artistry. Each session of our art course is designed to cover various facets of the artistic process.
Session Breakdown
Topic/Session
Session 1
Orientation to Mischtechnik – examples of art and modern lineage
Mischtechnik, initially formulated by Max Doerner in his 1921 book “The Materials of the Artist and Their Use in Painting,” delves into the complexities of optical qualities seen in Netherlandish Renaissance paintings. This method entails the skillful amalgamation of various paint media, including imprimatura, optical grisaille, and the strategic deployment of glazes. Mischtechnik’s history took a significant turn when Ernst Fuchs, born in 1930, a luminary in visionary art, wholeheartedly embraced and expanded upon this technique. otable artists like Robert Venosa, Mati Klarwein, and others from the first generation of Fuchs’ students carried forward his legacy, producing mesmerizing and luminous works of art. We will look at the hallmarks of this method and its basic principles.
Canvas, Linen, Wood, and Beyond: Choosing the Right Support
This session navigates the important choice of support materials for your artistic endeavors. We will talk about into the pros and cons of various substrates, including traditional canvas and linen, as well as the enduring appeal of wood panels. Learn about the characteristics of each option, their texture, durability, and archival qualities.
Gesso and Primer – the differences
Understanding the distinctions between gesso and primer as foundational layers in art preparation.
Orientation to Oil Mediums
We explore the essential components that make up these mediums, shedding light on their diverse properties, viscosities, and drying times. Understanding the nuanced nature of oil mediums is crucial as they serve as the bridge between your pigments and the canvas
Introduction to Pigments
Getting started with pigments, their properties
Thumbnailing & Ideograms and Vaporous Sketches
Intuitive work and ideas can start extremely loose and open. An uninhibited approach to idea generation.
Introduction to Classical Imprimatura and Fuchsian Imprimatura (Mischtechnik) basics
There is a diffierence between ‘old masters technique’ and ‘Fuchsian’ mischtechnik. We will pursue both to discover the difference and similarities.
Introduction to Values and Optical Grisaille
Sculptural values in underpainting and how they can be rendered with optical grisaille method.
Session 2
Worldbuilding and landscape
Delving into worldbuilding within art, particularly in landscapes, learning how to create immersive and detailed artistic worlds
Prepping a support with GAC products
Learning how to prepare supports using GAC (Golden Artist Colors) products, ensuring a suitable surface for Mischtechnik.
Absorbent and Non-absorbent grounds
Exploring the characteristics and usage of absorbent and non-absorbent grounds in art, the benefits and pitfalls of each.
Advanced recipes and modifiers
Exploring advanced recipes and modifiers to enhance the properties of oil mediums.
Pigment Groups
Categorizing pigments into groups and understanding their shared material characteristics.
Dada, Quantum Collage, Bringing forth a World
Differentiated Imprimatura (Temperature)
Introduction to Values and Optical Grisaille part II
Continuing the exploration of values and optical grisaille as foundational elements in artwork.
Session 3
Signal to Noise
Understanding the concept of signal to noise in art, exploring the emergence of forms out of chaos.
Maroflage
Diving into the technique of Maroflage, a combination of linen and wood panel, and its advantages for artwork.
How to Sand Smooth
Learning the techniques for achieving a smooth surface in art preparation through sanding.
Sun oil
Making ones own Pigments
Exploring the process of creating custom pigments for artistic expression.
Photography Do’s and Don’ts
Decalcomania and Manna Prima
Introduction to Mischtechnik Color theory
Session 4
Renaissance Lineage
Examining the lineage of Mischtechnik in the context of the Renaissance, studying the techniques and approaches of this era.
Modelling Pastes
Delving into the use of modeling pastes to create texture and depth in artworks.
Tempera Emulsions
Exploring tempera emulsions and their use in artistic techniques.
Useful Historical recipes
A.I.
Reductive Imprimatura
Split Primary Palette
Session 5
Prime of Styles
Nested Compositions and Holarchies
We shall submerge ourselves in the divine geometry of nested compositions and holarchies, a space where sacred art traditions echo in visionary landscapes. Drawing inspiration from the complex yet harmonious systems of nature, we shall craft worlds within worlds
Temperature, Semi-neutrals and Noble Colors
Session 6
Professional Habits
Focusing on developing professional habits as an artist, understanding the practices that contribute to artistic success.
Recommended Best Practices Box
Along the way, look out for the box below. In the realm of artistic creation, leveraging both ancient wisdom and modern advancements is key. Our guidance, grounded in archival research and firsthand experience, aims to offer the best practices in painting — presenting a blend of high-standard and accessible approaches while highlighting the materials and methods to avoid. Through this, we aim to nurture informed choices that respect tradition and embrace innovation, guiding you in crafting artwork that stands the test of time.
| Recommended Practices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Best Practices | Convenient Compromise | To Avoid |