Barbara Johnson Studio School

Instruction in Representational Methods

This studio is a center devoted to the exploration of the skills used in the creation of strong representational art. Workshops in classical painting and drawing techniques,Watercolor,and Landscape with Barbara Johnson, are offered for the experienced artist as well as new artists seeking a strong foundation in the visual fundamentals of realism. Guidance is provided in mastering the principles of perspective, value structure, and composition for a more dynamic use of pictorial space. Painting exercises are designed for the artist to build sensitivity to color temperature, the perception and function of reflected light, glazing techniques and color effects. A library of books and magazines is available for artists to survey historic and contemporary movements in realism, as well as a supply of still life material for inspiration. A variety of one, two, and three day intensives with visiting artists, in a variety of media, happen throughout the year. Some of the fields explored include the techniques of colored pencil,various water media, perspective drawing, and botanical and natural science illustration, to name a few. The goal of the studio is the active sharing of ideas and information, along with individual discovery, in a dynamic environment of creative inquiry.

The Classical Painting Instruction studio with Barbara Johnson began in Leeds,in a renovated garage space in 1994. In 1998 it moved to a rented school classroom space in Hadley for six years, in September 2004 moved to the Paragon Building, and in 2010 to Cottage Street Studios in Easthampton.

Classical Painting Workshops, Instruction in Watercolor, Drawing Workshops,Summer Landscape Weekends, Visiting Artist Workshops