Making Marks: Students of Kerry Didday

Last fall, artist and instructor Kerry Didday led eleven artists through a dynamic oneday workshop titled “Creative Mark-Making.” Based on Steven Aimone’s book, Expressive Drawings, Kerry guided his students through a freeform and abstract approach to their work. This style emphasizes line and mark rather than rendering a specific object, which for many people can create barriers to self-expression.

During the workshop, exercises started off simply and quickly, encouraging students to work on instinct and feeling, while the later efforts focused on detail and refinement. Kerry covered the elements basic to all drawing: line, mark, shape, texture, and tone, then lead them through “Play” and “Build” exercises that allowed the participants to explore these elements firsthand and produce richly satisfying pieces.

Each student created four paintings during the workshop and one of those paintings from each participant was selected for the exhibition.

The Morean offers a full spectrum of classes in all mediums, from six-week classes to one-day workshops. If you’re interested in knowing more, see our website for information on dates and times.

 About Kerry Didday

Kerry Didday is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, College of Design, Art and Architecture. He is the past President and Creative Director of Daymark Inc., a national award-winning marketing design firm. Kerry has painted and taught for the past 20 years, receiving awards and recognition on a local, national and international level.