Chris strongly believes that Art and the appreciation of it, should be inclusive. Too often it is discussed in terms which are impenetrable and confusing to the extent that it can be perceived as an elitist interest.

Through a collection of talks, Chris aims to breakdown some of these misconceptions to suggest that anyone can develop an informed opinion of many painting art forms. The aim of each talk is, not only to provide some plain English explanations of the terminology and concepts used in the Art world, but also to help people to LOOK at a painting rather than just SEE it. One small step in making Art Appreciation accessible to all.

Ranging from discussions on some of the Great Art Movements, to the stories and hidden meanings behind the Paintings, and the use of optical tricks and illusions in paintings, attendees will achieve a greater enjoyment and understanding of what they are looking at when standing in front of a Painting.

Note:
Chris, and his wife Sarah, offer a unique package for cruise lines, in that they both deliver cruise ship enrichment talks on widely different areas of interest. Combining both speakers on the same cruise enables a cruise line to offer passengers even more variety in the talks being offered for half the cost and disruption of two independent speakers.

Endorsements:
Chris has delivered enrichment talks on several cruises – including Celebrity and Princess.
“We found Chris's Art talks fascinating and very informative. Thank you.”
Elizabeth Press, Princess guest

“I asked Chris to speak at our Christmas Art workshop in 2016. Chris gave an extremely interesting, entertaining talk on Art Appreciation. I received excellent feedback from the art students who learnt a lot from his talk.”
Roger Febery, Art Lecturer

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TALKS

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The aim of each talk is not only to provide some plain English explanations of the terminology and concepts used in the Art world, but also to help people to LOOK at a painting rather than just SEE it. One small step in making Art Appreciation accessible to all.

Ranging from discussions on some of the Great Art Movements, to the stories and hidden meanings behind the Paintings, to the use of optical tricks and illusions in paintings, attendees will achieve a greater understanding of what they are looking at.

Examples of these Talks range from :-

Talk Title : Looking and Seeing
Our eyes and our brains work seamlessly to help us to make sense of the world. The information gathered by the eye is processed by the brain, creating a perception that sometimes, in reality, does not match the true image.
These “Optical Illusions” can use colour, light and patterns to create images that can be deceptive or misleading to our brains.
In this session, we will use lots of optical illusions to fool the eye, fool the brain and understand how artists use these deceptions in their art works.

Talk Title : Colour and Composition
The Eye can distinguish millions of colours, and artists use this ability to provide depth and interest to their work. In addition, the arrangement of objects within a painting enables the artist to lead the viewer through the image they have created.
In this session, we will go back to basics with colour, and look at some “Rules”, techniques and science used in art composition.

Talk Title : The Story Behind the Painting : Holbein and Turner
A painting is not just a collection of images of figures and objects. There are often hidden meanings which are less obvious to the casual viewer.
Paintings often reflect key moments of political and historical turmoil. Through subtle use of composition, objects and sometime romanticized imagery, artists convey their thoughts and emotions through their work.
Featured paintings are “The Ambassadors” by Hans Holbein the younger and “The Fighting Temeraire” by J.M.W. Turner.

Talk Title : The Story Behind the Painting : Titian and Van Eyck
Paintings can provide social and philosophical commentary. Telling a story without words was necessary for the illiterate of the time, and provided the raw material for discussion and debate. Through subtle use of rare materials, the depiction of objects, characters and stylised poses, artists convey stories, create an energy in their paintings.
In this session we will take a closer look at two famous paintings in order to unpick the hidden meaning behind them.
Featured paintings are “Bacchus and Ariadne” by Titian and “The Arnolfini Wedding” by Jan van Eyck.

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WORKSHOPS

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Workshops are run with smaller groups of between 10-20 people, and are aimed at those who already have an active interest in traditional drawing and painting.

Examples of these workshops range from :-

Workshop Title : ‘Training the Eye and Brain’ - exercises using simple still life set ups,
Workshop Title : ‘Objective Drawing’ - exercises in drawing what you see
Workshop Title : ‘Shape, Form and Shading Techniques’ - exercises in creating depth and dimension on a 2 dimensional surface
Workshop Title : ‘Painting without a brush' - exploring other tools that can be used for creating Paintings
Workshop Title : ‘Art Materials on a Budget’ - creative use of household items in the name of art

A very popular workshop activity is ‘Co-operative painting’. Each workshop attendee is given a line drawing of 'part' of a larger drawing. The resulting shapes are marked with a number and coloured in the same way as “Paint by numbers” paintings. When all pieces have been painted, they are joined together, and the final work is complete. No one individual will have any idea what the finished work will look like until right at the end.

In some cases the final work has been auctioned off to the highest bidder for charity. Sometimes this is an opportunity for the hosting organisation to promote their own charitable credentials.

Due to the need for specialist materials in some of these workshops, a nominal charge may be made for paper, paint and application materials (Pencils, Pastels, Brushes and sponges).

I have delivered my Art Appreciation and Art History talks on board Princess and Celebrity cruises.
Outside of cruises, I have delivered those same talks at art classes, and have some practical art classes I can offer passengers, given sufficient notice.