Melissa Carroll

Instructor Bio

Melissa Carroll is a Pennsylvania-based landscape painter whose work explores light and the natural environment. A Lancaster County native, she holds a Fine Arts degree from York Academy of Arts and worked as a graphic designer for over 35 years before becoming a full-time artist. Her work blends traditional landscape painting with contemporary and abstract influence

Palette Knife Painting – Creative Mark Making

This workshop will give you fun ways to paint expressive landscapes with non-traditional mark-making tools. Melissa Carroll will share techniques for smooth and textured paint. Impasto and fine lines will also be covered. Anything can be used for mark-making. Use your imagination!

You'll learn what metallics can bring to a painting! Instructor will provide a “practice board” with copper leafing added for experimentation.

Morning will be spent with a demo, and experimentation; generally getting comfortable with new tools. And yes, you can still use brushes! After reviewing the basics of composition and value, you'll explore color choices and edge control. Details will not be the priority!

In the afternoon, you’ll paint a final piece with more experimentation and new techniques. We will end the day with discussion.

Suggested Supply List:

• Smooth hardboard prepared for painting. Smooth is better than textured canvas. Prepare board with Gesso. Keep white or very lightly toned. Best size is 11x14 or similar.

• Your preferred oil paint set-up. (Paints, palette, and medium)

• Odorless mineral spirits. Example: Gamsol/jar to put it in.

• Any assorted mark-making tools. Palette knives, old plastic credit cards, spatulas, brushes, what have you.

• Landscape reference photos. Instructor will have some to share as well.

• Clean wiping rag. Instructor will supply paper towels for cleaning

Instructor will supply:

• Small 6x8 smooth painting surface with metallic leaf for practice/learning/try-it.

• Acrylic metallic paint if you want to try it under your final piece.