Since November, I've been trying to organise a master-class type event for UK and EU artists, and now it's finally happening! The first Northern Light Workshop is scheduled for April 20-22 in Stockholm, and registration is now open. The workshop will be on fantasy and science fiction art, and will feature three instructors working as a team: Jesper Ejsing, Petar Meseldžija and even Justin Gerard (who is flying in from the US). The website for the workshop is up and running at:
I know we have some Stockholmers on the forum, and a lot of Scandinavians in general. If you've ever longed to attend some of the master-class type events they often have in the states, now is your chance to experience on much closer to home!
This is going to go wideband on Muddy Colors any time now, and there are about 22 spots left open at the moment, so I wanted to give a early heads-up on this to IFX forum-goers. Please let me know if you have any questions about this event, and I think it would be great if some IFXers could be there!
Oh gosh, I'd hate myself for ever if I didn't sign up but I didn't plan for anything like this in my budget this year! And also I'm terribly slow at making up my mind sometimes... You think the open spots will disappear really super fast? (And if I do go, would I be the only one who's NOT professional... I'd feel very out of place o.O)
Edit: and I meant to ask... What kind of art supplies are expected? Pen & paper, iPads, or full sets of paint? (Not everyone can handle watercolours without getting it everywhere but on the paper, you know...) Is there some sort of "you'll need this at the very least"?
You don't have to be professional at all - just be looking for insight and open to learning! All skill levels are welcome. The materials can be nearly anything you like - traditional or digital. There are facilities there for clean-up, but I'd tend to avoid anything sort of nasty and toxic.
Personally, I think I am going to be using an iPad (iPad 3 I hope, with the new Procreate if I am lucky!), but I will likely bring a watercolour set and pad and a sketch pad with pencils and inks (which I carry pretty much everywhere anyway). I thought about maybe an acrylic heavy paper pad and a few essential colours, but the iPad is just so "no fuss/no muss". Really, whatever you feel good using as your medium works!
Justin is going to doing a digital presentation near the start, I believe, but he's mostly a watercolour guy, and I know Jesper uses acrylics. Petar is going to be using oils. I know Petar wants to talk a lot about painting and do a lot of demonstration of his technique.
As for spots, I hope they will all fill, and that may happen when Muddy Colours does their post, but I have no idea how fast. It's hard for me to say, as I've never done this before...
I know it's not exactly small money in these tough times, but I set up as cheaply as I could, and I think we're still under cost for what a typical Kulturama weekend course would be - *plus* we have three instructors, whereas there is usually just one. And hey, who knows when Justin will be in Europe again?
If all goes well, we're going to do more workshops, and Jesper has some really good names lined up if that happens. Still, this one will be special!
I don't think the course is pricey at all, but I'm always a scrooge when it comes to hotels Speaking of which the website used the Rico url to the Nelson hotel as well...
Anyway, I'd be most comfortable with my computer but it's kind of difficult to bring on the train, and I'm hopeless with watercolours, so I'd probably have to stick with pencils mostly, whether I want to or not...
Well, Justin does amazing pencils... you never know what will be the right tool! And who's that guy who's always in Spectrum who does the beautiful coloured pencil work?
It's a hands-on workshop to be sure, but for my part, I think I am going to learn stacks just watching these chaps do their work. Videos are never quite the same for me...
Edit: it was Mark A. Nelson!
http://www.grazingdinosaurpress.com/pages/mark/gallery.html
Just read your blog post & nearly fainted. What an incredible lineup! I wish I could afford to go. Damn airfare! Nick Avallone AngryFungus Art Blog | Sketchbook
Yeah, I was trying to work out how I could go to IMC this year, and it just became too complicated... so this was my solution! I can't imagine what it's going to be like to be in a room with those three.
If all goes well, we've talked about doing more workshops. Jesper has a lot of exciting ideas for guest instructors....
I so wanna go to this! Can I make a preliminary booking here? My kids father just have to check if we can change weeks, but he'll do that tonight. I would be an idiot to miss this chance..
I live in Stockholm and have some spareroom if someone needs a place to crash but find hostels or likewise too expensive. Nothing fancy but still:)
Sure thing, Maria. We still have room, although Muddy Colors is going to run something about this coming week, which may create a rush. Let me know when you can what you decide to do, and I will do my best to hold a spot for you in the meantime!
I had a two hour phone conversation with Justin and Petar last night about the actual course structure (they are both really great people to talk with - friendly and funny), and I will post more about that in this thread as we get that finalised over the next week or so. Enthusiasm is running high all around, and I think it's going to be a great course!
I can attend the course! Really looking forward to it! I will go to the link and make it proper and pay and stuff. Now this spring got some extra to look forward to!
http://mariasahlberg.com Kamapesa
No chance of cancellation now - we already have minimum enrollment to move forward, so no worries there. :) Just 4 spots left now, too... there's a lot of game industry people coming, especially from Finland!
And also I'm terribly slow at making up my mind sometimes... You think the open spots will disappear really super fast? (And if I do go, would I be the only one who's NOT professional... I'd feel very out of place o.O)
