Carving and Painting Classes

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Jim Sprankle teaches both week long and weekend carving and painting classes at several geographic locations. Many of his classes are taught at his home-base on Sanibel Island, Florida. Others are taught in Washington State, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, North Dakota and Colorado.

We want to emphasize that these courses are open to carvers and painters of all levels. A typical class would consist of some experienced carvers and several absolute beginners. In these situations, the beginners benefit not only from the instruction and suggestion of Jim Sprankle, but also from other remarkably talented class members. ALL LEVELS ARE WELCOME!!!

Please note that several links are available for you to explore and we will be in the process of providing more information on this page regarding travel to specific regions.

Brief Description of Carving and Painting Classes: The general course objectives for both the carving and painting class is to cover the following topics in the course of either carving or painting a specific project. Since most artists taking these courses want to take home a finished or near finished carving or painting, we try to complete the project during the session.

Carving Classes: These sessions will explore the following topics:

• Use of research and reference material
• use of patterns, flat and resin cast patterns in cutting out and roughing out the bird
• choice of wood, discussion of carving tools and techniques
• basic bird anatomy as it relates to head, tail, wing positioning
• head and bill layout and carving, head attachment
• positioning eyes, inserting, eyelids, nose molding
• laying out feather groupings
• texturing and stoning
• preparation of bird for painting

Painting Classes:

• Use of research and reference material
• Discussion of properties of acrylic paints, use of flow medium and other media, brush recommendations, use of air-brushes and recommendations on brushes and compressors
• gesso application
• blending and feather flicking techniqes
• application of iridescent powders
• beginning air brush techniques