This is a 2-day workshop.  Classes run 9-4pm with lunch included.

Learn to paint portraits full of life and expression.

Starting with short painting exercises, you will learn to mix colours that convey vibrant skin tones. Step-by-step, you’ll discover simple techniques for mixing tones that communicate the subtleties of skin as it appears in light and shadowed areas of the face – an essential skill that will give your portraits a sense of dimension and drama.

Building on these skills, you will create a full portrait painting from the ground up using provided reference photos (or students may bring their own).

You will begin with an underpainting process (or ‘imprimatura’), using measuring techniques to resolve the face’s proportions and general likeness. General shadow tones of the face will then be indicated with this paint, showing the faces three-dimensional nature before layering colour.

As you mix general areas of colour we will place an emphasis on value and temperature. Using ‘alla prima’ techniques and a ‘tiling method’ you’ll being to block in general skin-tones on the face. As you progress through your painting, you’ll receive hands-on instruction, helping add nuance and just the right amount of detail. Finally, through demonstrations and feedback, students will add indications of emotion to bring a sense of meaning to their piece. Along the way the instructor will provide tips and tricks about directional brushwork, colour subtleties and tonal values.

You’ll come away from this course with the tools you need to paint your own captivating portraits in oils!

Material fee includes supplies that will be provided by instructor.  See student supply list for further details.