This camp provides a thorough introduction to painting with two of the most popular and widely used painting media: acrylics and oils, with students choosing the medium they prefer. A watercolor component is also included, giving every participant a taste of all three traditions.
By the end of the week, students will be able to assess and mix colors to achieve a desired result, accurately represent light, shadow, texture, and the proportions of objects, strengthen their understanding of color theory, develop a foundational knowledge of human anatomy as it applies to figure drawing, and go home with a completed still life (morning students), a creative self-portrait (afternoon students), or both (full-day students).
This camp will teach you:
The key similarities and differences between acrylic and oil painting techniques
Color mixing and expressive brushwork
Core principles of color theory
Perspective, both linear and aerial
Composition and visual organization
Working from a reference to capture likeness and proportion
Detailed Schedule
Day 1
9:00am to 12:00pm: Introduction to color theory, including primary and secondary colors, complementary pairs, color temperature, and tints and shades. Practice mixing to achieve a specific color. Compositional sketches of a large still life. Begin underdrawing on a large canvas.
12:30pm to 3:30pm: Introduction to human anatomy. Color theory introduction for students joining at noon. Compositional sketches for a creative self-portrait. Begin underdrawing on a large canvas.
Day 2
9:00am to 12:00pm: Introduction to pre- and post-Impressionist approaches to still life painting. Finalize underdrawing and begin painting the still life.
12:30pm to 3:30pm: Introduction to pre- and post-Impressionist approaches to portrait painting. Finalize underdrawing and begin painting the portrait.
Day 3
9:00am to 12:00pm: Detailed shading of still life objects with loose, expressive treatment of background and drapery.
12:30pm to 3:30pm: Detailed shading of facial features with loose treatment of background and hair.
Day 4
9:00am to 12:00pm: Complete the still life. Introduction to watercolor technique. Begin a final project of your choice.
12:30pm to 3:30pm: Complete the portrait. Introduction to watercolor technique for students joining at noon. Begin a final project of your choice.
Day 5
9:00am to 12:00pm and 12:30pm to 3:30pm: Final project in the medium and subject of your choice.
