about
I am drawn to nature, the slow opening of a seed, a lizard’s skin, the human eye up close and personal, our planet from space, molecules under a microscope. I am interested in where art comes from, the tools , the materials, and the stepping stones made by other artists before me.
Unlikely Spoon Collection
Unlikely Spoon Collection
I am part of the Group classified as the 1% or the people of the Haves. I have shelter, food ,clothes, family, a job, health and wealth. The Syrian crisis led me to thinking about the two main classes: the HAVES and the HAVENOTS. Spoon Collections reside in many homes collecting dust, always unused. This is a testament to being a Haves. If this is spoon collection never gets used, then why not make it out of very unlikely materials; hair, nails, volcanoes, the moon, toxic waste, and concrete etc. This is the beginning thought process for these works. They are conceptual, silly, dark and commenting on what us Capitalist Haves spend our hard earned money on. -August 2016
Sacred Dot Paintings
Sacred Dot Painting
I have always been intrigued with Australian Aboriginal Dot Paintings. The tools they use are round dowels of various sizes. The way of painting takes a lot of guess work out of how to paint but also is an interesting problem. with pattern and design. This is a meditative practise as much as an art form. I started out painting objects that were sacred to me as an artist. Then I branched off to things that I thought were sacred through time, religion, daily life and nation. August 2016
classes with lauren
classes with lauren
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ADULT PROGRAMS with the AGO, 317 Dundas West, Toronto (downtown) http://ago.ca/learn/courses 1 minute video of painting a sunset sky https://youtu.be/Q-3trhvt1dk 7 minute video of the same sunset and sky as a tutorial https://youtu.be/SK3N9C00CgY if links do not work just cut and paste them into the header
Monday
Fall : Intro to Painting Sept 30- Dec 9 , 2019. 10am-1pm , 10 weeks, $490/550
This course introduces students to a variety of techniques in painting, ranging from different paint application methods to developing an awareness of volume and form. This foundation-level course draws upon the AGO’s painting collections as inspiration for painting projects. Students will complete a variety of projects using acrylic paint, due to its rapid drying properties.
Fall: Intro to Everything Sept 30- Nov 4, 2019, 2-5pm 5 weeks $290/340
Not sure which process is right for you? Here’s your chance to experiment and play in the studio! Inspired by themes in the AGO’s collections and exhibitions, each week students will explore a different art making technique. From printmaking to painting to drawing and sculpture (and more), this is the ultimate crash course in studio sampling.
Fall: Intro to Printmaking Nov 11- Dec 9, 2019, 2-5pm 5 weeks $290/340
Create a wide range of images using traditional and contemporary printmaking techniques. We will use a large format lithography press for abstract monoprinting. Printmaking is an excellent way to test out colour theory with the ease of merely switching colours in your ink choices. This course will also cover techniques that can be utilized in your own studio. Relief printmaking using styrofoam and softoleum, monoprints on plexiglass and silkscreen printing will be explored as well. All inks and basic materials are included in this course. If students want to work in larger formats they are responsible for purchasing their own printing plates and papers to allow for the size increase. You are responsible for imagery to be printed. Having the idea ahead of time is encouraged.
Fall : Breakfast Club Nov 16- Dec 3, 2019. 1030am-130pm (5 weeks) Members Price $290/$340 Lauren Renzetti +possibly Galleria Italia for tea/coffee + small pastry) November 5 – Long winter evenings- Native Carving of stories and life lessons – Betty Goodwin- capturing a moment – Innuit works, stone and lino carving and stencil. Homework: draw to tell something about yourself, a visual story. Try stencil smudging and then addition of drawing on top. November 12 – New Canadian Wing re- installed Land Water and Transformation – Peter Paul Reubens as a story teller. Homework: draw something from the news that was terrible and that was hopeful November 19 – Kathe Kolowitz – Betty Goodwin pastels – Peter Paul Reubens early works Homework: draw people on the subway and at home draw what they are holding or jewelry to help tell their story, draw your own hands in 5 positions November 26 – Abstracts that vary in size – and surrealism. – art as meditation. Homework: look at the world around you with your mood being part of what you draw December 3 large installations on second floor. – Giacometti / Barbara Hepworth changing the world by how they interpreted it Homework: draw 3 d works in your home with shading and a sense of place , look at your own shadow late in the day and its elongation. MATERIALS LIST Spiral bound sketchbook canson mixed media is awesome 8 x 10, black Pilot pen, a 2B, 4B ,6B pencil. 1 #4 talkyon round brush or a brush that holds water in the handle, erasure, white gel pen or white pencil, pencil case, your brain turned on .Possibly: 12 -24 watercolour pencils, reeves is a great brand, erasing shield, stomp. Fall : Intro to Painting Oct 2- Dec 4 , 2019. 7-10pm , 10 weeks, $490/550 This course introduces students to a variety of techniques in painting, ranging from different paint application methods to developing an awareness of volume and form. This foundation-level course draws upon the AGO’s painting collections as inspiration for painting projects. Students will complete a variety of projects using acrylic paint, due to its rapid drying properties. ADULT PROGRAMS with ARTiculations 2928 Dundas St West
, Toronto ON
(west end) http://articulations.ca/ Mondays: 1 day evening workshops Sept 30, 2019. Composition and Collage, 630-930pm, 1 day October 7, 2019. Landscape painting techniques, 630-930pm October 21, 2019. Principles of Design, drawing based explorations, 630-930pm November 4, 2019. Cityscape Painting Techniques, 630-930pm November 25, 2019. Realism to Abstraction, drawing exploration, 630-930pm, Fridays: 3-4 week daytime workshops Oct 4-18, 2019. Abstract Portraits, 1230-330pm, 3 week October 25- Nov 15, 2019 Landscape Painting, 1230-330pm, 4 weeks Nov 22- Dec 13, 2019. Abstract Painting Exploration, 1230-330pm, 4 weeks Art for Cancer Foundation , AFC Place, 1884 Davenport Road, Unit 1, Toronto M6N 4Y2 please register through this web site: http://artforcancerfoundation.org Soul Painting , October 3-Nov 7, 2019. 1030-130pm, 6 weeks , free This course is a 6 week intensive on how ot create pages about you and your thoughts on your family, your hobbies, you favourite memories, music, books and movies. You delve as deep as you want ot go in a supportive nurturing environment. Learn about paint , collage and drawing techniques ot enhance this pages filled with words, ideas and creativity. LucSculpture Studio & Gallery, 663 Greenwood Ave, Toronto M4J 4B3 416-461-7936 please register through this web site: http://lucsculpture.com Abstract Painting Exploration LucSculpture Studio & Gallery, 663 Greenwood Ave, Toronto M4J 4B3 416-461-7936 please register through this web site: http://lucsculpture.comFall: October 2 – Nov 20, 2019 Winter: January 15- March 4, 2020 Wednesday from 930-12pm Fee: $330 includes hst The themes looked at in this experimental course will be learning and honing acrylic painting techniques, gaining facility in painted collage and creating intentional painted collage (much like Mickalene Thomas) , extreme textured painting of single ideas and patterns with modelling paste, as well as reacting to the world and artists that inspire you . We will work on small studies along with larger format paintings of some of these ideas. This course is intended for all abilities and to encourage the often difficult process of critical thinking behind abstraction. Materials used will be acrylic paint, matte medium, mixed media drawing tools on cougar paper & stretched canvas. Watercolour Explorations LucSculpture Studio & Gallery, 663 Greenwood Ave, Toronto M4J 4B3 416-461-7936 please register through this web site: http://lucsculpture.com Fall: October 2 – Nov 20, 2019 Winter: January 15- March 4, 2020 Wednesday from 1230-3pm Fee: $330 includes hst Whether you are new to watercolour or been painting for a while this course offers a chance to explore different watercolour practises in a nurturing safe environment. Each week different media and subject matter will be explored from simple watercolour crayons/pencils, pilot fineliner to watercolour paint to mixing them up. Lauren will provide interesting forays into using washes, wax resist, drybrushing, colour bleeds and salt to enhance your images. Paintings will come from direct observation, photographic images, as well as your imagination. Subject matter will include; still life, botanical, abstraction, pattern making, urban and rural landscape. Materials list: Waterford paper 160lb loose Or canson watercolour pad 11 x 17 ( ish), Blue or green tear free masking tape, Talkyon brushes round #4,6 10, flat talkyon ½”, 1” wash brushes, White wax crayon, Black ultra fine sharpie, black pilot, 2H pencil, erasure, Watercolour either moist puck paint or tubes with a palette Brands– Windsor newton, davinci or turner are great, primary yellow, primary red, magenta or permanent rose, primary blue, are musts…. Could also include lemon yellow, cadmium yellow deep, hookers green, burnt umber, burnt sienna, lamp black, violet *Watercolour pencils- reeves or derwint are good or watercolour crayons, mungyo, (you don’t need both) Want to paint specific ideas or places? Bring images in and I can help you get them down on paper. Colour Theory for the Practicing Artist Date: Saturday Nov. 2 2019, Feb 1 2020 or May 2 2020, 9:30 -4 pm. Fee: $130 (including Taxes) Bring lunch and all materials. Location: LucSculptureSchool, 663 Greenwood Avenue In this full day workshop students will explore how colour works in relation to its neighbors on the colour wheel. We will paint our way through true primary, secondary and tertiary colours along with homogeneous, analogous and complimentary colours. Along the way we will gain some language about colour from hue, warm, cool, tint, tone, shade, intensity, simultaneous contrast, luminosity and what each colours value is on the grey scale. We will also look at Colour Theorists, Itten, Munsell, and Goethe. This is a hands on workshop where you should use the paint you already have to create useful colour wheels and value scales that help you further understand what your chosen palette can do. Materials list: ARTIST’S OUTDOOR RETREAT: Connecting with Nature August 25- 30, 2019. Unicamp Of Ontario, 638159 PRINCE OF WALES RD, MULMUR ON L9V 0C5 Registration: 519-925-6432 or http://unicampofontario.ca/register SUMMER RETREAT at UNICAMP, north of Shelburne ARTIST’S OUTDOOR RETREAT: Connecting with Nature August 25- 30, 2019.Unicamp Of Ontario, 638159 PRINCE OF WALES RD, MULMUR ON L9V 0C5 Registration: 519-925-6432 or http://unicampofontario.ca/register Connecting with Nature with Lauren McKinley Renzetti. Using Unicamp and environs as our inspiration with its picturesque vistas, mossy craggy caves, dappled ponds, rolling hills, fantastic forests and expansive skies. We will explore the perfect location and capture the light of morning, afternoon, dusk and sunset. In three or four sessions a day create a series of studies in watercolour paint or pencil , ink , chalks or pastels, with on location drawing and painting.( Lauren would like to work mostly in watercolour this year but don’t let that hinder you if you have the room for other supplies. Waterdcolour lightweight and is so easy to carry around. ) These studies can be small and detailed and can then be a spring board for larger works back in your studio or be finished works in their own right. Go off on your own, or stick with the camaraderie of the group. Be introduced to a variety of techniques and strategies to create interesting composition. This retreat is for all abilities, whether you are a practicing artist or just starting out, you set your own pace. Bring your own materials. Unicamp Of Ontario Registration: 519-925-6432 http://unicampofontario.ca Program Fee: sliding scale $150, + Accommodation & Food about $350Dates: August 25-30, 2019. Sunday 4pm- Friday 4pm Limited Space BOOK NOW! Suggested Art Materials List Basics: * means optional Small Travel Sketchbook, along with a Canson Mixed Media Sketchbook 7 x9 , or 11 x 14 -heavier paper for wet studies – For sunrises and sunsets the view changes dramatically every few minutes so a few sketchbooks or surfaces is good so you can do very quick sketches. 2h,2b, 6b pencil, erasure, sharpener , paper stomp, erasing shield, *pilot fineliner or a waterbased ink pen , *watercolour pencils-derwent is lovely, reeves is economical and good too, *(digital) camera or phone with camera, water containers with lids, *foldable seat or bucket with towel to carry and sit on, blue painters masking tape to create borders on longer studies.ask for the Non stickier tape, *- option – small portable outside easel for watercolour water paints wet or dry, palette, talkon brushes round, flat sizes #2-8 , sponges, wax crayon or masking fluid*, plexiglass board 18″ x 24″ , masking tape, 140lb paper block pad or individual sheets of Waterford . or for acrylic * means optional paints white, black, lemon yellow, deep yellow, alizarin red, ultramarine blue, pthalo blue, cerulean blue, permanent green, hookers green, yellow ochre, raw sienna, burnt umber, dioxanine purple(the more colours you have the less you need to mix, you can “get away with” YRB white & black) brushes:talkon, hogs hair rounds & flats #2-8 depending on surface size *palette knives, * sponges, 8-15 surfaces :canvas pad, or small canvas boards Other Things to know: Unicamp is an Unitarian Universalist Camp It follows the 7 UU principals that believe we should respect all life and the earth. Explore all 7 principals through art making and quiet reflection! Accommodation:Unicamp has 3 types of accommodation 50 tent sites (up to 6 people), 6 rustic dorms with bunk beds, bathroom and meals in dining hall and private cottages (for 6 people) with shared kitchens. Cottages and dorms go fast, so book early. You can order tasty meals in the dining hall or cook your own food. Food is usually 60% vegetarian, and they can accommodate most special diets with notification. Bedding:Bring sheets, pillows, quilts or sleeping bags- it can get to as low as 5 degrees at night this late in the season. Clothing:Be prepared to Layer up and layer down. During the day the weather is sunny and hot, but once the sun sets temperatures do drop. Unicamp has a 3 acre spring fed pond with swimming and canoeing. Towels, bathing suits, sweaters, wet weather clothing, sun hats, sunscreen, bug juice are also recommended. Directions:From Shelburne take County Rd. 124 north to Redickville, go east (right) on County Rd. 21 past Honeywood to Prince of Wales, go south to #638159. There is a large sign on the left. Please note that GPS and internet map programs tell you to take County Road 20. Please do not do this as it will bring you up from the poorly maintained bottom of Prince of Wales Rd. Please take County Road 21 (some maps show Side Road 25).For more detailed information including maps please visit website: http://unicampofontario.ca/directions-to-unicamp/
Paint in Tuscany with Lauren from September 7 -21,2019. Sign up for one or two weeks. Space is limited to 12 participants! Registration and Information: mckinleyrenzetti@gmail.com This retreat is now full. Maybe next year! Package includes: -Pick up and drop off at the Rome airport and transport to Villa which is about 2 hours from Rome. -7 or 14 nights shared accommodation with own bathroom in an authentic Tuscan farmhouse -6 or 12 days of painting classes- plein air mostly (4-5 hours per day) with Lauren Renzetti -3 meals per day, with wine included with dinner prepared by inhouse gourmet chef -A Visit to Cetona and a visit to Orvieto- nearby Tuscan towns. Cost for 1 week double occupancy/sharing a room $1500each or $2000single private for one week- single private room/bathroom Cost for 2 weeks $ 2750each, sharing a room or $3500single private room and bathroom for 2 weeks Note price does not include flight cost (estimated at $1000) Art Making Schedule: Sunrise drawing /painting -1hr.- Optional 8:30-9:30am Continental Breakfast Breakfast Possible Technique building -1hr. Painting session outside 1-3 hr. 1-2pmLunch Painting session outside 1- 3 hr. 7:00 Dinner Sunset Painting- 1hr.- Optional Here is a sample itinerary that was shared with the 2017 tourist and painting program. I may include the opportunity to paint/draw the sunrise and sunset depending on the views available to us. They will always be optional. Tuesday
Aweekly social club in the AGO; a cafe discussion group to start or thwart art revolutions, to tussle with the events of the day and place them in a historical/scientific context using the AGO collections. Gain insight and advice on your own practice (or others) from a seasoned multi-media artist. Hang out, drink coffee, view art, suck the morrow out of life, with light snacks of your choosing and delve into drawing some works from the collection.
Week 1:
What is art for?
Week 2:
Art Reflecting the times- a political view of the world around us –
Week 3:
Common Man/Woman looking at Portraiture and hands through our collection and the symbols we can find
Week 4:
Art Affecting the artist , Life Affecting the Artist –Abstract Landscape
Week 5:
Art for art sake- Sculpture
Wednesday
Monday Workshops
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Friday Courses
Art For Cancer Workshops
Courses
*Yupo paper or frosted mylar are lovely paint surface options.
Workshops
2H or HB pencil
Palette that can hold many colours at once (several plastic yogurt lids are great )
#2, #4, talkyon( very soft usually uised for watercolour, synthetic) round tipped brush and or #4, #6 talkyon flat edged brush – it makes a smoother surface than hogs hair brushes and holds paint better.
2-3 Water containers, paper towels
As this course is about learning about how your paint qworks with the colours you already own this is what would be greta to have in your palette. The colours needed for this workshop are: (titanium) white, (ivory) black , yellow, red and or magenta, and blue . If true primaries are unavailable then owning cadmium red medium, magenta, lemon yellow, cadmium yellow medium, ultramarine blue, pthalo blue( green shade) or cyan are your good suggestions as options .You can take this workshop over and over again and switch out what colours you use….. Exploring other yellows; like ochre or naples, reds ; pyrole, carmine, permenant rose and blues; turquoise, cobalt, or cerulean are great ways to further what your personal palette does.
August 2019
September 2019
When– From Sept 7 to Sept 21, 2019. 2 weeks, leaving Toronto Sept 6/13 overnight, arrive in Rome morning of Sept 7 or the 14, 2019 .
All
Painting workshop
Day 1 Saturday- Arrival
1-1:30 Transferred from airport in Rome to our villa (2.5hours)
5:30 Meet and Greet at Villa Alari
7:00 Welcome Dinner
Day 2- Sunday
8:30-9:30am Continental Breakfast
9:30-11:00Grounds-Local Tour (identifying painting spots)
11-1pm Intro-Painting in studio
1-2pm lunch
2-3:30 painting outside
3:30-6:00pm visit Cetona
7:00 Dinner
Day 3- Monday
8:30-9:30am Continental Breakfast
10-1pm painting outside
1-2pm lunch
2-4 painting
7:00 Dinner
Day 4- Tuesday
8:30-9:30am Continental Breakfast
10-1pm Painting Outside
1-2pm Lunch
2-3:30 painting
3:30-6:00 visit Chiusi
7pm Dinner
Day 5- Wednesday
8:30-9:30am Continental Breakfast
Visit Florence
explore mixed media etc.
7pm Dinner
Day 6- Thursday
8:30-9:30am Continental Breakfast
10-1pm Paint
1-2pm Lunch
2-5 Paint
7pm dinner
Day 7- Friday
8:30-9:30am Continental Breakfast
10-1pm Paint
1-2pm Lunch
2-5 paint
7:00 Farewell Dinner
Day 8- Saturday Departure
8:30am- Depart for aiport
9AM Visit market in Cetona
8:30-9:30am Continental Breakfast
1-2pm Lunch
2-5pm Paint
5:30 Meet and Greet arrivals at Villa
7:00 Welcome Dinner
