Creative Catalyst Productions
Join John Salminen AWSdf, NWS as he uses the language of design to build a complex layered abstraction. The design analysis and thinking he uses may be applied to any subject or medium. John begins with simple objects as a springboard to suggest shapes and line. He then launches on a sequence of steps to create intriguing and unpredictable effects all the while using design principles to create a cohesive captivating painting. He floods in warm tones, dry brush blending, scrapes in darks, and masks lines.
He creates a variety of line and edge qualities, careful to always add to the whole. John explains the rationale for each step. He capitalizes on the strengths of watercolor: delicate and subtle middle values. He verbalizes his composition and problem solving strategies and uses the design principles of dominance, texture, linkage, and repetition to bring unity to the painting. John uses a variety of techniques to create interest: salt, dry brush blending, splattering, mouth atomizer, collage, and acrylics.
Comments
Selected Scenes From Our Catalog
1
I just finished watching the John Salminen DVD. It is absolutely without hesitation incredibly great! He is extremely well spoken and describes everything in the best manner possible. There is such a wealth of information in the DVD that I cannot explain how happy I am to have ordered it................admittedly I was a little unsure due to higher price but the pre-order did help that.
Anyway, just wanted to give you some feedback on this newest DVD. Again, you at CCP do just the "bestest" in all aspects. Thank you thank you thank you!
2
If I could, I would tell every painter, no matter what their subject, that this DVD is a must! As many of you know, I am a very realistic, watercolor painter and teacher. So it may surprise you to hear how much I learned from John Salminen's A DESIGNED APPROACH TO ABSTRACTION.
Whether in a classroom or (lucky for us) in this DVD format, John Salminen’s workshop is a very important and valuable learning opportunity for ANY serious artist or student. Not only does he describe a logical, intelligent approach to abstract painting, he clearly describes what makes beautiful shapes and how to achieve them in your paintings. He explains the basics of composition in understandable terms, and goes on to demonstrate how to make valuable color and value choices.
Even if you know the rules he presents them in a way you cannot ignore or forget. I heartily recommend this DVD to EVERY serious artist, or student.
Jan Kunz
3
Thankyou for the fabulous DVD “A Designed Approach to Abstraction by John Salminen” My Husband (who is not an artist) and I were glued to the TV and enjoyed every minute of it.
4
Recently I admired the work of John Salminen at AWS Touring Exhibit in Tullahoma, Tn. I was excited to find this DVD! I found the video to be challenging, fun and a rewarding experience. It was the next best thing to attending a workshop by this well known artist. This video is worth the price.
I am very proud of the piece of work I created. It will be interesting to see how his process will influence my own work. This video made me think more about the design process of a work. I wish I could show Mr. Salminen what I produced using this wonderful video. I think he would be proud of the results. Thanks!
5
My mother-in-law bought the John Salminen Abstract DVD. I'm not a watercolorist myself but the guy's a genius. I'm creative director at a media production company in Minneapolis & was also very impressed with the quality of the DVD you produced... three hours of VERY nice work!
John G.
6
I just received the John Salminen DVD. EXCELLENT. When will he produce another? I've taken many workshops but his explanations of design and composition are the best I've heard. He is a very clear, generous and patient teacher. This video is worth a $400 workshop and you can watch it again and again!
7
Monday: Wow! That was fast! Got the DVD today and have already watched it - for the first but not the last time. It's GREAT!!
Thanks
Friday: I completed my first abstract and will be entering it into a show this coming Thursday.
8
I recently took John Salminen's workshop. I told the class that I feel John's video will go down in history as a wonderful learning tool for future generations. I have a lot of video's that I wish I had not bought. Poor sound quality, back video quality, but John's video is excellent and loaded with all the information an artist could ever want to learn.
CCP stands for quality, value, and video content. Keep up the excellent work.
9
Can't be objective but I'm not into this style of painting right now. I'll re-look at this DVD in a year or so.
10
This video is incredibly fascinating, and enlightening - I've watched it twice in less than a week! The camera work is superb, and watching John's process is intriguing. From the first step of composition, to the final signature, John clearly takes you through each step of his painting process, and what a process it is - a delight to watch. I paint mostly floral work, and learned so many techniques to bring more excitement into my own work, and may even attempt an urban landscape. The wealth of information in this video isn't just for those who paint landscapes, it is a must see for every artist. In a word it is - outstanding! Thank you.