Students will learn about retinal/optical painting techniques as well as construction based painting techniques. Both approaches are powerful and we will explore how to know when and why to use either approach. There will be a strong focus on color and value, with an exploration of strategies for seeing and mixing color. We will talk about objective, journalistic color we need for capturing life, and we will also talk about formal color which necessary for making a harmonic, or dissonant painting depending on our goals. Drawing techniques such as triangulation, halving, the use of verticals and horizontals, and shape visualizations will be discussed, as well as the weaknesses and inadequacies of measuring. Squinting is a powerful tool and students will learn how to get the most out of it, including why and when to use it.

Most importantly, students will learn exercises that are not unlike musical practice scales that they can take with them in order to continue practicing after the workshop is over.


Ricky Mujica studied art at the High School of Art and Design, Parsons in Paris, and at Parsons School of Design /New School for Social Research where he won a full Presidential Scholarship. Before his fine art career, his illustrations have appeared in major magazines including the New York Times Magazine and Ebony. Ricky's awards The Representational Art Conference 2015 competition. He holds Signature Status from the Portrait Society of America where he has been a finalist and certificate of merit recipient in their international competitions. He has been a finalist in the OPA National, Regional and members competitions, the Salmagundi Club members and non-members competitions, the Allied Artists Competitions, the National Oil and Acrylic Painters National competitions, the Richeson Competitions, the Artist Magazine figurative art competitions, and the Art Renewal Center contests. View his work at rickymujica.com
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