Exterior Aging Techniques:
City Rooftop Artist's Studio

Inspired by a trip to New York last spring, the Thomas's studio is an aged 20th Century one-room retreat and workspace, built on a city rooftop to take advantage of the light and solitude. The project includes a large windowed wall, and a cityscape of a tarred roof, exposed brickwork, a skylight, vent pipes, and wooden walkway. Students will work on the exterior only, beginning with a partially completed shell to which you will apply the distinctive architectural elements. You will learn how Noel and Pat build custom doors and windows, and adapt manufactured and "found" items to develop the illusion of a weathered vernacular building. Using hand tools, acrylic and watercolor paints, Bug Juice, wire brushes and natural materials, you will also learn how to recreate the look and feel of the building as it appears today. Though the work will NOT be complete by week's end, students will go home with a hands-on knowledge of exterior finishing techniques, plus materials and instructions to complete the project on their own. The project is 12"w X 10"d, and is set on a base measuring 19" X 14".

The class does not include materials or instructions for the interior. If time permits, there will be discussion of interior treatments.

While all levels of students are welcome, be aware that Thomas classes are known as marathons. Beginners are always welcome, but will often work slower, and find the procedures more difficult. This is a work-intensive class, requiring lots of energy, manual strength, and long periods of standing. For the benefit of all participants, people experiencing difficulty in any of these areas are requested not to take this class. Again, the project will NOT be complete by the end of the workshop.

6-day workshop