Dueling Brushes - An Online Class with Andrea Matus & Michael deMeng

Mastering Acrylics:  A Battle to the Bare Bristles

Painter and collage artist Andrea "the Geek" Matus and assemblage artist Michael "the Dementor" deMeng are creating their first duo On-Line workshop.  In this "brush off" they will explore their often different approaches to using acrylic paint and its range of possibilities.   Two very different personalities, with two very different teaching styles will share techniques, tips and philosophies about that most magical material...paint.  

The Workshop

Andrea and Michael have put together a massive online workshop (over 8 1/2 hours of video) that explores the ins and outs and in-betweens of using acrylic paint.  Students will learn everything from the color theory, the science of paint, the history of pigment to the practical uses of it in art.  Andrea's expertise will guide the students through the uses of paint and pigment in the predominantly 2d realm, while Michael will share the methods of using paint in the 3d world of sculpture and found object assemblage.  Combined the class will be an excellent reference tool for just about anything that requires acrylic paint.

The Chapters

Introduction

Chapter 1: Pigments of Olden Days - Michael take you on a brief journey back in time to explore the history of some of the world's grooviest colors.

Chapter 2: Big Fancy Words on a Tube of Paint - You ever wonder what all that stuff on a paint tube label means?  You might be surprised how some of that info might be worth knowing. Also the who, what, where and why of Heavy Body, Fluid Acrylics, High Flow Acrylics, and OPEN paints. 

Chapter 3:  Brush with Greatness - Learn what makes a brush great, how to choose them and how to use them. Explore some of Andrea's alternative tools for applying paint to your two-dimensional surfaces.

Chapter 4: Alternate Brushes  - Painting 3d surfaces as well as exploring interesting brush alternatives.

Chapter 5:  On the Surface: - This chapter will explore a variety of ways to prep a 2d and 3d surface for painting.

Chapter 6: Color Wheel Keeps on Turning - Its not just a pretty circular rainbow, there is actually a lot of information housed in this device if you know how to use it.  Learn how to make some and then use the ins and outs of this handy dandy art tool.

Chapter 7:  Those Colours Run Hot and Cold -  Let's take an in depth look at warm and cool colors.  While we are at it let's take a look a cool colors that run warm and warm colors that run cool.  

Chapter 8: A Happy Medium - Mediums, gels, and pastes, oh my! What they are and when you'll want to use them. 

Chapter 9:  Touchy Feely - This chapter will focus on a variety of textures that can be created with various mediums to really get the most of you 3d surface.

Chapter 10:  The Andrea Files - Andrea shares her methods of painting, mixing and blending along with a plethora of her secret paint recipes.

Chapter 11:  The Michael Files  - Michael explores his methods of painting, in particular on 3d surfaces, as well as sharing a variety of texturally rich enhanced color combos.

Chapter 12: Weathering Heights - Let's explore patinas, in particular rust, verdigris and antique bronze a la Andrea.

Chapter 13:  Battered and Briney  - So let's do some more patina-ing...this time... with a Michael twist.

Chapter 14: Andrea Ages - Wanna make your painting look nice and antiqued.  Andrea shares her favorite methods and recipes.

Chapter 15: Michael Ages More - Learn the deMengian methods and recipes for adding a bit of the past to your 3d pieces.

Chapter 16:  Heavy Metal -  Creating Metallic effects that are a bit crustier and heavier.

Chapter 17:  Gentle Metal - Faux gold, interference, iridescents and and playing and combining majestic metallics.

Chapter 18:  It's a Wrap - Thats All Folks.

 

Cost: $165.00 for over 8 1/2  hours of video!!

Class is available for immediate access and download.

Other Questions You Might Have:

  • How much does it cost? $165.00

  • How long can I access the videos? Forever and ever. You will have to ability to download the videos right to your computer.

  • How does it differ from a live class? There isn't the one-on-one component and the possiblity for immediate feedback that you have in a live class, but you have the advantage of being able to get into much more in-depth explanations of technique. Also, the advantage of being to replay any section that you need a refresher on.

  • Will there be video? Yes. There will be roughly about 240 minutes of protected video that only students will be able to access.

  • How many videos will there be? There are over 60+ videos.

  • Is the class segmented or do I get everything at once? I have designed the class so you will have access the information at once and can play with it as you like, at your own speed. Q and A videos will be added each week for the the first 6 weeks.

  • Is there anyway to connect and share with other students enrolled? Yes. A Facebook Group will be set up specifically for this workshop. Students will be able to share experiments, projects and ask questions for the Q and A videos.

  • What kind of site is being used to host this class? We are using a protected website as well as a protected video host.

  • How will I access the website? When class begins we will send out passwords to all the students.

  • Is this for Beginners or Advanced students? It's for everyone. We've made it so it is information that can be used by all levels.

  • Will it be entertaining? Geez, We hope so. We have done our best to make it very un-dry and fun.

  • What will happen after I sign up? Initially we will send out a link to the Dueling Brushes Facebook Group as well as a link to the supply list. On May 26th we will send out the secret codes and links to get you rolling.

  • What will I need to be able to watch the videos? If you can read this the information on this website and have the ability to watch videos on vimeo.com then you've got everything you need to be able to watch our videos.

  • Do I have to buy all the supplies you are going to demonstrate? Absolutely not. We'll be showing you a multitude of techniques and introducing you to a lot of product, in part so that you can make informed decisions when choosing which you will want to use in your work and which you won't.