Adrienne Wyman at the National Gallery of Art
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In artist-led tours and talks, Smithsonian Associates Studio Arts painting instructor Adrienne Wyman offers a “behind-the-easel” perspective of masterworks exhibited at the National Gallery of Art.
Perfect for practicing artists, art lovers, and anyone who would like to learn more about art from the viewpoint of a working artist with a vast knowledge of historical painting techniques. If you’ve ever looked at a painting and wondered “how did they do that?” these are the tours for you.
Viewings of “must-see” masterpieces focus on placing paintings in historical and social context, sharing background on the artists’ personal lives, and demystifying the techniques and materials used to create the works.
The Making of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism
April 25 Impressionism
Artists include Monet, Cassatt, Renoir, and Degas
MAY 2 Post-Impressionism
Artists include Pissarro, Cezanne, Seurat, and Lautrec
Explore topics from myths and misconceptions about impressionism to how its artists applied color theory, experimental techniques to inventions and innovation. Discussions include painting en plein air; how Monet painted the essence of sunlight and atmosphere and Seurat applied his dots and dashes to canvases; and the effective use of color complements in paintings by Monet and Renoir.
Portrait Painting Through Time
MAY 9 Renaissance to Rococo
Artists include DaVinci, Rembrandt, Rubens, Vermeer, and Boucher
MAY 16 Neoclassical to Post-Impressionist
Artists include David, Manet, John Singer Sargent, and Vincent Van Gogh
With a focus on materials, techniques, paint application, and innovation, observe how the process and the aesthetics of portrait painting changed and evolved over the centuries.
4 sessions; 1.5 hours each
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit*
*Enrolled participants in the World Art History Certificate Program receive 1/2 elective credit. Not yet enrolled? Learn about the program, its benefits, and how to register here.
