Jane Angelhart
Bio
Artists Statement
My objective is to entertain the viewer by making paintings that are fun and accurate. Painting in watercolor is a tight rope act, an incredibly fine balance between letting the vibrant, transparent colors grow and bloom in unexpected directions, and being a careful guide, coaxing and watching, ever careful not to meddle too much and spoil the beauty.
Watercolor is the perfect medium for children because it is bright and casual, the way children are. I love painting children, because I get a glimpse of so many families, and get to be part of their lives for a moment. Although I work from photos, I feel that there is no point in copying the image. If I can infuse the feeling of the child into the image and make it more beautiful than the photo, then I have created a piece of art.
Watercolor is an old medium, and is more permanent than many people imagine. It glows because it is transparent; you can see the paper coming through, which is a beautiful
Classes taught by Jane Angelhart
A Direct Approach to Watercolor Portraits
The beauty and difficulty of watercolor both stem from its unpredictable nature. Jane’s approach to this medium embraces its strong character, leaving room for unexpected and fortuitous effects, while maintaining enough control to create a convincing likeness. In class Jane will teach technique and control, with an emphasis on the nature and behavior of water. During this week-long workshop, students will paint four watercolor portraits. Jane will start the class with a demonstration of a portrait, and will then assist students while they paint their own versions of the face that Jane painted in the demo. This exercise will demonstrate the wide variety of styles among the class members and launch individual students on a discovery of untapped options in painting. After painting two more portraits in this manner, students will paint self-portraits. One class day will be devoted to painting from life, giving students the chance to see the difference between working from a model and working from a photograph. Individual coaching will include developing composition using multiple photos; layering techniques; paper, brush, and pigment choices; salvaging disasters; palette arrangement and color choices to prevent muddiness; and using a computer as a tool. Jane will discuss using transparency, staining and granulating colors. Students will learn specific exercises that they can practice at home or in class to strengthen their watercolor technique. There will be a hands-on photo shoot included to teach students how to position, engage, and photograph a sitter, particularly a child. Students are invited to bring digital cameras and laptops. Although this class will work from photographs, Jane recognizes the limits of relying on photos exclusively. Because of the high energy level of her subject matter (mainly children) she seldom works from life. In class, she will discuss how photographs can act as a starting point from which the artist creates rather than copies. This class is suitable for students of all levels. Jane’s personality is just as fun and spontaneous as her medium, so her class is sure to be entertaining!
This class is suitable for students of all levels.
“I thoroughly enjoyed this class. It revitalized my spirit and passion for art. Our instructor is not only a gifted artist but a wonderful teacher-with a unique ability to convey information…verbally, demonstratively and encouragingly.” – Pat Hale
“Painting in watercolor has never been so much fun. Jane shows you how to make light and color magic. Bravo!” – Dee Ann McIntyre