A step-by-step guide for beginners to advanced painters with tips on how to achieve realistic looking people. By the end of the course you will have painted at least one portrait using acrylic and/or oil paints, using methods from the Old Masters. This 8-week course starts with focusing on drawing techniques, the dimensions of the human head and how to place the features. After creating detailed tonal drawings we will sketch out and begin to paint a tonal under-painting onto canvas from a photo of your choice. From there you will be shown how to build up subtle coloured paint layers to create realistic skin and hair and tips on how to go about painting realistic teeth and eyes. This course has plenty of time built in to explore your own personal style as well as appreciate and learn from others.
NEXT COURSE: Please contact Kate if you are interested in the next course at Storrington Village Hall, RH20 4DZ.
COST: £360 for 8 classes of 3 hours, includes hiring a clothed model for one week.
Brief Course Outline
Week 1 - Observing and drawing the features - brain trickery, tonal drawings and placing the features on the head
Week 2 - Getting a likeness - ways to start a portrait, sketches from life versus drawing from a photo
Week 3 - Drawing onto canvas and starting tonal under-painting: consider background, lighting, composition, mood
Week 4 - Step-by-step skin tone painting, glazing, colour mixing
Week 5 - Eyes, lips and teeth - how to paint the most challenging bits of the face
Week 6 - Hair colour and how to paint hair both short and long
Week 7 - Colours to use in shadows and reflective light, working around the spectrum
Week 8 - Assessing the portrait as a whole and finishing off (or starting a new one!)
Materials List
Cartridge paper or sketchbook; acrylic paper and canvas boards (A4 minimum size); acrylic paints (basic colours ie. Cadmium Red, Crimson Red, Cadmium Yellow, Lemon Yellow, Ultramarine Blue, Cerulean Blue, Titanium White and Mars Black plus Burnt Sienna, Paynes Grey and Flesh Tint * for more info on paints see Acrylics Course); mixing palette; a selection of hog hair and synthetic brushes to include a rigger (I particularly recommend Rosemary & Co. Please ask to see their catalogue and my selection of brushes); palette knives (optional); a board, table easel or easel; jars for water; HB, 2B, 4B and 6B pencils; charcoal (optional); long ruler; T-bar or set square; eraser; kitchen towel; protective clothing/apron; photos of people you would like to paint. Canvas boards will be available or bring your own canvas - you will only need drawing materials for the first two sessions when all you need for the remainder of the course will be explained.
“Every week I learned something new and inspiring. The three hours shot by so quickly - very enjoyable teaching style and camaraderie in the group.”
“Inspiring tuition that encourages and instills confidence to paint, paint, paint!”
“Kate has wonderful patience! As a beginner the course helped me to become a little more confident.”
“Such a challenging subject that really tests observation and concentration. Very enjoyable and rewarding.”
“A really well worth course to get started on portrait painting. Kate is a really patient teacher!”
“Kate has a wonderful, gentle manner. Hugely informative and patient, I have learnt a lot and highly recommend the course.”
“I have never attempted a portrait before so it was an achievement to do what I did even if is not perfect. A very enjoyable experience.”
“Pleased that I am able to give portraiture ‘a go’ on my own now.”
“I thought I might be able to produce a portrait but not a very good one. I think I have achieved much more with help from Kate. Kate you are an excellent tutor and I have learnt a great deal. I would, and have, recommended your art classes to others. Excellent value for money and cake too.”
Student Galleries & Comments
Click on image or title to see a variety of students' work from each course
“It is always a delight to be in Kate’s classes and sad when they come to an end - I just want them to go on and on. This course was no exception although at times it was challenging and a steep learning curve. Kate is both an extremely talented artist and a brilliant teacher. Her sense of humour, enthusiasm, encouragement, support (not to mention the cakes!) ensure we always have a wonderful time.”
“Brilliant from beginning to end. Interesting, informative, rewarding, enjoyable - will do it again!”
“Excellent!”
“I wanted to get to grips with acrylics, not understanding how to use them first time around. Learning about under-painting, scumbling and glazing has been important to me. I am still raw but think I have learned a lot. After 8 weeks I have produced a portrait of my daughter that I am proud to show my family.”
“A really enjoyable course that progressed everyone to produce a great portrait as an outcome.”
“You will be amazed how much you can achieve. Kate is so helpful and gives very good comments on your work and constructive ideas.”
“I was a bit hesitant about this course as I am a complete beginner, not having used acrylics before or done any portrait painting. My progress has amazed me, thanks to Kate’s structured, patient and excellent tuition. At the end of six sessions I had produced two recognisable portraits on canvas and, more importantly, I cannot wait to do some more. Thank you Kate and well done, I now have a creative pastime that has opened new horizons and made me more aware of subtlety of colours and facial features.”
“Absolutely spot on. You get everyone to relax and then bring the best out of them.”
“Very good, easy to follow and encouraging. I am pleased with my development. ”
“I think Kate is a very good teacher. She is very calm and kind and good at ironing out one’s problems - we all love her.”
Art Class
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