March 1–2, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (includes a 1-hour lunch break)
Want to add energy and movement to your paintings but unsure how to move beyond realism? Join Ardith Goodwin’s two-day workshop to learn expressive, dynamic painting techniques! Through expressive sketching, creative grip strategies, and timed explorations, painters will learn specific, simple shifts using acrylic and how to transform their work to become more impactful and dynamic. We will use a fusion of hard and blended line work, atmospheric shifts, and a layer
of creative play to shift our current process not only technically, but through your point of view about your subject matter.
Ardith combines a love of imaginary energy with complex systems in her contemporary artwork. She has taken this love and created an entire world called the Land of Ardithian and based it around energy, the unbelievable, and fantasy. Her abstract works convey a delicious narrative of atmosphere, narrative, and energy.
Students will work on 140 lb. watercolor paper or canvas, using basic heavy-body acrylic paints, brushes, and tools in various sizes.
In-person presale begins on January 10th as part of the opening reception. The early bird sale begins January 13th at 10 am and ends on January 31st. Sign ups will remain open from February 1st to February 21st.
Supplies:
Spiva and Ardith Provide:
- Heavy Body Acrylic Paints in Red, Yellow, Blue, White, and Black
- Gesso
- Some Brushes
- Paint Palette
- Paper Towels
- Water Containers
- Soft Vine Charcoal
- Fluid Acrylics
- Marking Tools
- Water Soluble Pigment Sticks
You Provide:
- 3 sheets of 140 lbs water color paper or canvas
- (Ardith recommends 18″ x 24″)
- Additional Heavy Body Acrylic Paint colors if you prefer not to mix your own pallet
- Your favorite paint brushes
We have compiled a list of supplies from Blick Art Supplies to assist with your purchases. Items marked as required include selections of what you will need to bring to the workshop, such as three sheets of 140 lb watercolor paper or three canvases. We have included multiple options for you to choose from based on your preferences.
Items marked as recommended are optional and can be purchased based on your needs or preferences. While we have provided this list for your convenience, you are not required to purchase supplies from Blick Art Supplies. Feel free to source materials from any supplier of your choice.
To view the list, visit: www.dickblick.com/lists/blicku/J2SCKKL54M0BU
About Ardith:
Ardith Goodwin’s much-anticipated book, Penwonderative, is the first installment in her Predictably Unpredictable series, set in the fantastical Land of Ardithian. This children’s fantasy tale is a vibrant fusion of imaginative storytelling and intricate world-building, brimming with hope and wonder.
After 15 years of bringing the fantastical characters of Ardithian to life through her art, Ardith transformed her vision into a grand narrative. Originally conceived as poetry, the story evolved into a five-book series. Penwonderative, the debut installment, invites readers into the magical world of Mardi Bay, featuring whimsical locations like Dolphinlandia and Elibom. In addition to its rich fantasy adventure, the book showcases over 85 original artworks that contribute to the visual landscape of this extraordinary world.
As a contemporary artist, Ardith blends her love for mixed media, storytelling, and complex systems into the abstract atmospheres and settings depicted in her art. Her exhibition, The Land of Ardithian, offers an immersive experience that bridges the literary and visual arts. Visitors can explore large-scale contemporary paintings that echo the world-building concepts of the book, creating a unique fusion of abstract energy and fantasy.
From exploring the exhibition to reading the book and participating in the workshop, The Land of Ardithian provides a creativity-rich experience for audiences of all ages. It celebrates imagination, the art of storytelling, and the power of world-building to inspire both young and old alike.
For any additional questions, please contact Des Hernandez, Education Director. This class requires a minimum of 8 students and has a maximum capacity of 12 participants.
