I know there are many fans of Ovanes Berberian that visit my blog. I’ve just heard from Ray Morrison that his workshop schedule for 2007 is now available. If you’re interested, sign up now as these classes fill up quickly. They are in June at his studio in Idaho.
Click here for the Registration Form.
I’m signed up for the week of June 18.
Here’s a study I did at his workshop in 2006.
I am extremely jealous right now. His work is one of many I peruse to get geeked up to paint should I find myself making excuses not to paint. The colors he achieves are magnificent! I like your still life a lot. Is he hands on? Looking forward to seeing your work from the workshop.
Vicariously living through you,
Tim
Yes, Ovanes is a very hands-on teacher. hedoes do demos, but most of the workshop he spends helping students with their outdoor still life studies in his apple orchard. Join us!
If you’re a first-time Ovanes student, first, don’t be intimidated. Although he’s incredibly talented, he’s quite shy and patient. I’ve heard stories in the past of abruptness, but didn’t see that myself. Be aware of one thing: he’s shy, so he may watch you paint without you’re knowing! Maybe that’s a good thing 😉 Also, his classes tend to be big, and he doesn’t always get to everyone’s easel. When you’re ready for a critique, I would watch him give another student a critique, and when done, ask him if he would visit you next.
His supplies list includes masonite boards, but that’s really your option. He paints on linen most of the time. You should use whatever surface you’re most comfortable with. You don’t want to have to learn to many things at once. If you do use them, I would coat with at least 3 layers of gesso, sanding in between. Whatever your surface, I would plan on painting two per day, of about 12×16” size. If you have the energy to paint plein air before or after his class, bring a few smaller sizes as well.
He specifies a LOT of colors. I bought them all last time, and didn’t end up using them (I tried a few, but he likes umbers, etc, and I don’t). Again, I would not go overboard and buy all the colors on his list (especially the earth tones). Have at least one warm/cool version of each color.
I will be there June 18-22, 2007. Hope to see you there! Good luck!
Hi Ed,
Thanks for the great blog! I just got back from Ovanes’ ‘week two’ workshop, so I just missed you. It was fantastic! I loved the European atmosphere of his Estate, painting challenges and just the opportunity of watching a master at work. I’ve never seen anything like it. I’m not a workshop connisour, but I know quality. I don’t think Ovanes is a ‘teacher’ in the sense that he is directive, but if you just put yourself on absorb mode you’ll get your money’s worth and more. I think it would be good to do some basic demos, i.e. talk about design, value structure, poster studies, color harmony (what the heck are juicy colors anyway? Is there a definition? I guessed it was a play of cool/warm.) Many of the people attending the class I took were ‘Ovanes wannabe’s’ which was sad… they were going for the “end product” and bypassing all the important basics. I’m going to sign up for two weeks next year!
Jolene Monheim
Hi Jolene,
Glad to hear your workshop went well. I started mine today. Exhausting already, in a good way. Got lots of painting done. Now worried I’ll have enough supplies 🙂 Hope to see you next year.
Hi Ed,
I am interested!!! in taking a workshop with Ovanes B..do you know whom to contact.
thanks, dl (member of LGGA) etc.
To get on the email list to attend a Ovanes Berberian workshop, contact Ray Morrison:
BERBERIAN WORKSHOPS
1838 YALECREST AVE
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 8410
Email ray@trioeditions.com