Vanitas Painting

Vanitas Painting
With Ged Jones

Sunday > 12:30pm – 3pm

24 February – 31 March

Vanitas painting traditionally focused on the transience of life, the futility of pleasure, and the certainty of death through symbolic objects such as skulls, books and flowers arranged as a still life. These sumptuous and beautiful artworks will be the starting point for this course as we create a narrative for these symbols and explore their meaning, firstly through the creation of paintings based on traditional compositions and then via individual still lives made up of objects that hold special meaning to each participant. Along the way, we will learn the tricks and techniques of old masters’ painting to help you create luscious artworks.

About Ged Jones >

Gerald Jones practised visual arts in the Canberra region for 36 years. He draws inspiration from the local landscape, his childhood in Queensland and his love of aesthetic symbols, both traditional and modern. From portraiture to landscapes, both geographic and internal, he is always exploring new and exciting ways to represent in oils, watercolours and ink. Gerald has exhibited nationally and internationally and has a Visual Arts degree and Graduate Diploma from the ANU School of Art & Design and a Graduate Diploma in Graphic Design from the University of Canberra. He also has over 10 years experience in production design for theatre, musicals and opera.

Content >

Weeks 1-3 (24 Feb, 3 Mar & 10 Mar)
The first three weeks will focus on the creation of a vanitas still life based on a traditional composition. Bring your traditional vanitas to life with the introduction of oils, and finish it off with the application of highlights and pure colour to give it glorious luminosity.

Weeks 4-6 (17 Mar, 24 Mar & 31 Mar)
Start creating your own vanitas with objects meaningful to you – childhood toys, favourite pair of shoes, family heirlooms, etc. Hone your newly acquired skills as you continue to create and put the finishing touches on your personal vanitas masterpiece.

Cost >

$330

All materials will be provided.

More info >