Robert Masla

Watching The Sunset, Los Muertos, P.V., oil and alkyd on canvas - Robert Masla


February 26 - March 5
The Next Step - Drawing and Painting Week Intensive
With artist
Robert Masla

Join artist Robert Masla in the atelier atmosphere of the nurturing and supportive
environment of his studio south, Casa de los Artistas, in Boca de Tomatlan, for
a week focusing on an intensive yet fun drawing and painting experience.
This workshop is for serious beginners to advanced intermediate painters – working
in all painting and drawing media.
In this dynamic workshop we will look at different approaches in creating a
work of art, both in terms of conception and technique. Through looking at artworks,
demonstrations, critiques and discussions, we will learn about the different media and
and about various techniques for handling them. We will explore the difference
between craft and style and how to develop both of them. We will analyze our work
habits and process and discuss how to optimize them. In the course of the week we will
cover such subjects as composition and design, the use and control of both color and
light, as well as the execution of techniques such as: underpainting and glazing,
drybrush, working on a toned ground, chiaroscuro, sfumato, frotie, the creation of
thumb nail sketches and the the preparation of "cartoons" for major works.
An introduction on how to execute the illusionistic techniques of trompe l’oeil and faux
textures and finishes for both large (mural) works and miniatures will be demonstrated.
Meal times will find us discussing various aspects of the artists'
"professional" life, various venues for exhibiting work as well as preparing work
for exhibition, marketing and sales, etc.
  Artists should bring with them, (in either digital format or photographic reproductions), examples of their finished works they wish critiqued as well as unfinished works they wish to continue or that may pose problems (or as I prefer to say - opportunities for change).

Be prepared for an exciting week of hard work and intense play as we share together
in the journey of creation, doing what is necessary to prepare and take "the next step"!
.


Sailing to the Sun, oil and alkyd on linen, -Robert Masla

We will spend time experimenting and playing in the studio, developing and
strengthening craft and techniques, looking at
and discussing art work and analyzing the process of "seeing".
We will also take advantage of the out doors and inspirational locals the Boca offers,
working in "plein air", learning to render quickly and accurately, editing our work in
the field as well as doing supportive work in the studio.
Masla will offer technical instruction and demonstrations as well as provide you the
freedom (encouragement), and methods to pursue (and discover) your
own vision and process.
We will also do exercises to access the flow of our
creative energy and gain insight into the art of seeing.

The workshop will keep you so engaged in the creative process, and absorbed in
this nurturing atmosphere, that fears, apprehensions and “inner critiques” are quieted
and fall to the background.
We will be working with a variety of drawing material, watercolor and acrylic,
(provided by the Casa), but you are welcome to use any medium of your preference,
please contact Bob to discuss your personal goals and if you have any questions.


Casa Andreas, P.V. -oil and alkyd on prepared paper, Robert Masla

There will be plenty of "down time" to relax and do as you wish, take a swim, photograph the picturesque village, get some sun on the beach, hike the ocean paths to secluded beaches, take a sea kayak or snorkel in the bay,
take a nap in the hammock or read a good book on your private balcony overlooking the ocean, river and charming Boca village. This is your workshop vacation - with no pressure - do as much or as little as you like. Of course the week will also be filled with numerous special excursions that you can partake in that make
the Casa Experience unique.  Like the other workshops in the "Casa environment",
this experience will lead us to developing camaraderie among new friends and certainly stir our concepts and conversation around making art and the creative process.

About Masla's Teaching Philosophy
"The goal is for me to act as much (as a participant) as a facilitator and guide in the
creative process, not for people to draw or paint as I do. For me the art process is a
spiritual journey. I experience individuals as sparks of creative energy and awareness,
part of the Whole of the ongoing Creation. As children we all naturally participate with
awe, and celebration in the creation - moment to moment.  Remember your delight the
first time you perceived dust particles in a beam of light or watched a “river of water”
from a spilled cup, turn into a “waterfall” as it cascaded over the table top to form a
“lake” on the carpet below – only to “disappear” as it was absorbed moments latter – It
was magical. It still is magical!  It is our acceptance of routine and day-to-day
experience as “ordinary” that takes the Passion out of life.  More often it is our
perceptions and beliefs of the constructs of “reality” that shape our experience, rather
than “pure experience”.  Many things have occurred to us since the time of innocence,
when we were “one with creation” and celebrated with awe in the unfolding of our
experience as part of the creative process.  Since that time a lot of experiences (often
voices of anger or criticism, judgments, mental constructs and belief systems – the many
voices of the “inner critique”) have created space, an illusion of separateness.  Art, and
particularly the drawing and painting process, affords us with an amazing opportunity to
re-experience our original and true nature as pure creative awareness.  Join us in
drowning out the voices of the inner critique by diving into the waters of
passionate creative expression.

Sunset Through Los Arcos in June, Photograph

I am blessed to act as a catalyst and witness for the revelation of your own "signature" or
"style", the manifestation of your unique intuitive creative self.
You will leave this workshop relaxed and rejuvenated, with improved technical skills,
renewed confidence, and inspiration to continue painting and drawing on your own,
using art as a process to awaken and enhance self discovery - and have fun doing it!"
Suitable for serious beginners, seasoned artists and professional who wish to infuse their work with new energy and stimulation,
-and everyone in between.


"Standing on Fossils, oil and alkyd on canvas, 24x36 inches, Robert Masla


To see more of Bobs work and to learn more about him visit the link below
www.maslafineart.com


Art Workshops/Vacation-Retreats
to find out more contact:
Monica and Bob at (413) 625-8382
www.maslafineart.com
email us : bob@maslafineart.com
or contact Karla and Steven at Boca Divers
011 52 322 228 0713 www.bocadivers.com