Workshops
Introduction to Portrait Painting
My primary focus for several years has been creating acrylic on canvvas portrait paintings of women. My work has included a project titled Nasty Women, which involved painting 100 portraits in just as many days, and my current project, Woman's Work, shares the contributions of women in our society. The goal of every one of my portrait projects is to celebrate women. Recently, I have been transitioning from acrylics to watercolours, painting on both wood and paper.
During this in-person workshop, I will discuss my method of creating an abstract acrylic background and adding a portrait to it. I will also demonstrate how to paint directly on wood using watercolour. In addition, we will explore how to simplify complex subject matter and create interest by layering transparent watercolours while creating portraits on paper.
This workshop will be a fun and supportive environment suitable for all skill levels. All materials needed for the workshop will be provided. Maximum 10 participants.
Date & Time: Saturday, June 24, 1-4pm
Location: Sparrow Artspace, 36 Fourth St NE, Calgary, AB
Fee: $25/person (all supplies included); maximum 10 participants
Register: www.veronicafunk.com/workshops.html
Introduction to Travel Journalling
Keeping a personal record of your travels and experiences can be a fulfilling hobby that produces a cherished artefact. For me, keeping a travel journal has become the perfect way to remember my trips.
At Sparrow Artspace, I will conduct an in-person workshop where I will introduce you to my travel journaling techniques and practices. I will share my sketchbooks and demonstrate how I work while traveling, including my use of minimal watercolour supplies.
During the workshop, we will work together to start a new journal, utilizing a variety of water media and working in A6 (4-1/8” x 5-3/4”) Field Sketchbooks. The workshop will be relaxed, and you will have ample opportunities to ask questions. All necessary supplies will be provided, and registration will be limited to 20 participants.
Whether you want to capture past travels or plan future trips, this workshop promises to be a rewarding experience that will inspire new creativity in how you document your journeys.
Date & Time: Saturday, June 10, 1-4pm
Location: Sparrow Artspace, 36 Fourth St NE, Calgary, AB
Fee: $25/person (all supplies included); maximum 10 participants
Register: www.veronicafunk.com/workshops.html
eCourses
Painting Animals
**Please note: The video files are large and may take some time to download.
Painting Art Journals
This is an introduction to the world of art journaling through altering books. Utilizing reclaimed and recycled materials along with a large selection of supplies such as ribbons, paint, and rubber stamps to begin a journal that is both personal and a beautiful work of art.
Altering books are a wonderful way to save books, to repurpose them and give them a new life in a beautiful way. I worked in a library for many years and was saddened to see how many books are recycled or trashed because they were damaged or became irrelevant. Creating an altered book is like creating a beautiful journal filled with personal memories.
**Please note: The video files are large and may take some time to download.
Painting Canoes
My family and I spend a lot of time in the Rocky Mountains where I’m always inspired by the canoes in the lakes and rivers. I always carry a small sketchbook and a pen wherever I go and try to sketch some of this inspiration as I prefer to work from sketches rather than photographs…it seems to allow me to work a little more loosely and to alter shapes as I go. In this workshop my focus is on incorporating colourful and meaningful patterns to enhance the canoes.
**Please note: The video files are large and may take some time to download.
Painting Backgrounds
Facing a blank canvas can be intimidating. Using acrylic paints and stencils we will have fun creating an interesting surface that can be displayed as is or, as in other workshops, layered with imagery to create a finished painting.
**Please note: The video files are large and may take some time to download.
Painting Bees
With so much attention on the plight of bees in our world, and spending hours watching them in the garden, I knew that it was important to capture them. The colourful flower beds inspired the backgrounds which are always fun to create. These bees are more cartoon-like with the use of reference photos as a guide. A fun way to spend an afternoon painting whimsical bees.
**Please note: The video files are large and may take some time to download.
Painting CityScapes
Inspired by graffiti, we will begin by utilizing acrylic paint, stencils, stamps or other mark-making tools to create a vibrant background. We will explore colour and contrast, while adding interest through mark-making in order to capture a vibrant city scene.
**Please note: The video files are large and may take some time to download.
Painting Flowers
In college many, many years ago I was often referred to as ‘the flower painter’…it wasn’t because my work was necessarily the best, but rather because I enjoyed the process so much. My family has allergies which doesn’t allow me to bring flowers into my home, but I can enjoy them in my garden and in my artwork. I really like the fact that there is no perfection in them, and in fact, the imperfections just seem to add to their beauty.
**Please note: The video files are large and may take some time to download.
Painting Hearts & Houses
One of the most popular workshops in schools and otherwise have always been painted hearts and every year I like to paint some for Valentine’s Day. This is a great project when working with children and is a terrific introduction on how to keep colours vibrant. Painting hearts is a fun way to spend an afternoon and can be adapted in so many ways. This project also works well to make cards. When I’m painting these, I like to think of the things I’m grateful for…there is plenty of thinking time with all the layers of colour required. You can add as many or a little colour as you’d like, go bold or neutral. We also create a series of houses using the same method.
**Please note: The video files are large and may take some time to download.
Painting Landscapes
Inspired by graffiti, we will begin by utilizing acrylic paint, stencils, stamps or other mark-making tools to create a vibrant background. While working intuitively we will explore colour theory, contrast, and the value of mark-making. We will complete our paintings by including a combination of symbols and images to create a visual story inspired by personal memories.
**Please note: The video files are large and may take some time to download.
Painting Portraits - Simplified
For several years I have begun the practice of creating a small painting a week following a particular theme. As a practicing artist I have found that working in series is great for so many reasons…not only to increase my skills and to challenge myself but also to have a focus and to learn to speak more clearly about what I do. It’s also great to try new methods of working and new materials. Last year my youngest daughter encouraged me to focus on portraits as I hadn’t really worked on them since college a long, long time ago and so I began to paint the women who had impacted me in some way, titled ‘Heroes’. Each week on my website I shared their images, their words and the story of how they influenced me. (They can be viewed under the portfolio on my website.) This workshop is a simplified version of creating portrait paintings.
**Please note: The video files are large and may take some time to download.
Workshop Bundle
This bundle includes a link/password to access the instructions & videos for all 10 of the eCourses listed below:
*Art Journals / Altered Books
*Painting Animals
*Painting Backgrounds
*Painting Bees
*Painting Canoes
*Painting CityScapes
*Painting Flowers
*Painting Hearts & Houses
*Painting Landscapes
*Painting Portraits - Simplified
Once you download the PDF you will be able to access the Login page of my website (www.veronicafunk.com) with the password included at the end of the document.
The Business of Art - A Creative Partnership
When I started out on this creative journey it was difficult to find information & support as an artist. I read a lot, talked to many professional Artists & Gallery Directors, tried many different things, and I think I've finally found my artistic 'sweet spot' both in my paintings and in my creative career. One thing that is important to me is to make sharing my experience accessible and also simple & straight forward...what I wished I had when I was starting out. The following 12 modules are included:
1. Finding inspiration
2. Tips & Tools
3. Setting up a studio
4. Creative exercises
5. Finding your (art) family
6. Creating an artistic career
7. Documenting & pricing artwork
8. Social media & the web
9. Researching & submitting proposals
10. Exhibiting work
11. Connecting with galleries
12. Suggested reading (more inspiration)
13. PDF Overview
**Please note: The video files are large and may take some time to download.