Two-week portrait studies

This six-week course will have one model for every two weeks giving students the opportunity to work on studies or alla prima paintings. Demonstrations by the instructor will show various ways to start a block-in. Topics such as accurate proportions, perspective, values, and capturing a likeness will be addressed. Students can draw or paint. Color and technique in oil will be covered for those who choose to paint. This is appropriate for all skill levels. Beginners can practice, and those who are advanced can create finished alla prima portraits. This class may be taken by students age 15 and up.

Materials: medium or soft vine charcoal, kneaded eraser, sandpaper block, 11" x 14" or larger charcoal paper, and drawing board (all available at The Atelier’s store). Painters: If you are experienced, bring what you have, including paper towels and a large container with a cover for your Gamsol. If you are new at painting, be prepared to draw the first day and we will discuss what you will eventually need.

Students will work from a live model in order to produce finished drawings and/or paintings. Students will work in pencil, charcoal, pastels or oils. Capturing a likeness is emphasized. Color and techniques in oil and pastel are covered.

Students will work from a live model in order to produce finished drawings and/or paintings. Students will work in pencil, charcoal, pastels or oils. Capturing a likeness is emphasized. Color and techniques in oil and pastel are covered.

Develop a portrait in watercolor on one of two papers: cold press or hot press. Learn how each paper influences the medium and the finished look. The traditional cold-press method will start with a careful drawing, an underpainting, and then the base levels of color. The hot-press method will be more loose and spontaneous. Color will be a focus, using a limited palette of colors and transparent washes. Students will not finish a portrait but rather will be introduced to a technical process on how to start the painting. With more experience the finish will come naturally. Stuart will demonstrate each morning on his own painting. Afternoons will be for students to work from a live portrait model. Careful drawing will be a big part of this class.