Portrait Painting (Old Masters)

During the golden age of painting from the 1600s-1900s, painting took on a sculptural approach, where brushstrokes reigned supreme in carving out form and texture. This portraiture class will focus on a sculptural approach to painting, as well as the “chiaroscuro” approach of the old masters, which used strong light and rich shadow to create intense and dramatic paintings. 

The instructor will conduct demonstrations to illustrate methods and materials, and the class will cover subject such as:  light vs. shadow, painting as a sculptural language of brushstrokes, designing powerful compositions using lighting, value, color, edges, and paint quality, and finally the use of oil painting mediums and varnishes. All levels are welcome, from beginner to professional.

Includes 30-min. break.

SUPPLY LIST:

• 5-10 canvases or gesso panels, previously toned with a neutral color and value
• Filbert brushes, sizes 2-8 (Robert Simmons Signet or your preference)
• Oil Paints (preferably Old Holland brand, unless otherwise noted): Naples Yellow Light (Michael Harding or Maimeri brand), Yellow Ochre Deep, Venetian Red, Cadmium Yellow Deep, Cadmium Yellow Light, Cadmium Red Light, Phtalo Blue, Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Umber, Raw Umber (Michael Harding or Winsor & Newton brand), Ivory Black, Alizarin Crimson, Cremnitz White
• Old Masters Maroger Medium PREFERRED (available for purchase from instructor), or other medium
• Palette knife (long diamond shape)

Workshop Etiquette:

• If you arrive late, please enter quietly. If you have equipment to set up, please wait for a break to set up so that you do not disrupt the class.
• The front row of benches is reserved for individuals who are sitting. Standing in the front row will block the view of those behind you. Personal easels are not allowed in the front row, unless they are low enough that it does not obstruct any portion of the view of the people behind you.
• Please be mindful of the amount of space you and your equipment occupy. Economize your work space to accommodate fellow artists.
• Please be polite to the models, and ask first before taking their pictures. The model may require a fee.
• Please do not talk while class is in session. Save all discussions for outside the studio.
• Be sure to switch cell phones and pagers to silent mode.
• Don’t comment on others’ work unless it is solicited.
• Animals are not permitted at school for health reasons. Assistance dogs for the disabled are allowed.
• Please clean up your work area and properly dispose of your waste after class. Use the brush cleaning closet, not the bathroom sinks, to clean your hands, paintbrushes and other art tools.
• No turpentine or smelly solvents and mediums are allowed. Odorless mineral spirits is preferred.

Note:

There is a one-time registration fee (per quarter) of $20 to be paid directly to LAAFA.