Finding Frida

Frida Kahlo | Art of the Self Portrait

With guest presenter Liana Vargas (BVA)

“I paint self-portraits because I am so often alone, because I am the person I know best.” Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo

WHEN:  NEXT WORKSHOP DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED
WORKSHOP TIME:  Sunday | 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
STUDIO OPENS:  9.30 am
VENUE:  Splashout Art Studios – 5 Ravine Street – Marino – SA
FEE:  $185 (includes 16″ x 20″ [40 x 50 cm] stretched canvas and all painting materials)
BYO lunch – Complimentary refreshments are available throughout the workshop

If interested – Please email art@splashout.net.au to ask to go on list for next Frida offering

A four hour workshop intensive on the ‘The art of the Self-Portrait’ for all levels of experience.
WHAT TO BRING:  Clients in this workshop are required to bring a head and shoulders colour photo of themselves (like the Frida photo in picture).  From this you can create your own self-portrait.  Participants will be asked to think about symbolism that might reflect particular personal experiences or traits, loved ones, fears, dreams.  More will be explained in your workshop confirmation which will be sent out on receipt of your booking, with deposit.  (see below).

ABOUT FRIDA KAHLO – 1907 – 1954

At the age of 18, Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, was seriously injured in a bus accident. She spent over a year in bed recovering from fractures to her spine, collarbone and ribs, a shattered pelvis, and shoulder and foot injuries.

During her convalescence she began to paint. Her paintings, mostly self-portraits and still life, were deliberately naïve, and filled with the colours and forms of Mexican folk art.

During her convalescence she began to paint. Her paintings, mostly self-portraits and still life, were deliberately naïve, and filled with the colours and forms of Mexican folk art.

Frida has become an iconic woman artist.  Her story is one of guts, perseverance, commitment and a is inspiration for all artists or person facing physical challenge.  She had plenty of that and still she created some beautiful pieces, against all odds.  Her story is admirable and her art is strong.

Workshop process:  On arrival meet the group and Liana.  Choose your easel and settle in.  Liana will begin with a short history about the art and life of Frida Kahlo, accompanied by a brief slideshow of Frida’s work.  Liana will demonstrate how to set up your painting and get you started.  Throughout the workshop Liana will be circulating the entire group constantly, giving tips, assisting, making suggestions and even stopping the workshop from time to time to demonstrate certain techniques on participants’ canvases.  There will be a break for lunch midway where we can share social space and time out in the enclosed courtyard.

Why ‘Finding Frida’ ?
Liana feels passionately about the life and work of Frida Kahlo, which is why she enjoys presenting this workshop so much.  Liana likes to keep absolute emphasis on the colourful, exotic, expressive Mexican energy that Frida exuded through her life and art.

Liana has first hand experience of the Mexican way, having lived in Mexico City for a year during her dancing career.  She says “We would perform three shows a night, every night and on Sundays we would all take off to Cuernavaca – a little town just outside the craziness of Mexico City, that Frida also frequented – Frida and I go back along way” !  (Picture: Liana Vargas dancing flamenco in Mexico City).

ABOUT LIANA VARGAS – Guest presenter

Liana started her creative career in Drama, then moved into the profession of Dance.  ‘Flamenco’ was her specialist genre.  She has studied and performed dance and art worldwide with notable achievements.  During her Flamenco years she danced worldwide and performed in venues such as ‘The Royal Albert Hall’, ‘Covent Garden’ and ‘Saddlers Wells’ in London.

On retiring from dance she switched her creative focus to another art form – ‘Drawing & Painting’.  Liana studied for 4 years and gained Bachelor of Visual Arts (BVA).  Shortly after graduating in 2014 Liana was offered ‘Artist in residence’ at the ‘Scuola Internationale de Grafica’in Venice, which of course she accepted.

Liana describes herself as an ‘abstract expressionist’ and can turn her hand to many methods and styles in a wide range of art forms.  Liana’s study and experience has breadth and innovation, which has led her to becoming a well known character within the South Australian art scene.  In addition to presenting workshops at various ‘Adelaide Hills’ locations, she also runs art classes for teens at her studio at Littlehampton.  In 2016 Liana joined Splashout Art Studios as a ‘Guest Workshop Presenter’ and is now also a member of the ‘Splashout Instructing Team’.

HOW TO BOOK & PAY FOR WORKSHOP