Build your confidence in painting expressive and compelling portraits of people you love or who inspire you. The human face presents an exciting and complex subject of study, yet many students find portraiture challenging and intimidating. Through this course, taught over several weeks, you will develop confidence by beginning with preliminary drawing and sketching exercises. You will study the human face through varied composition approaches, dynamic poses, three-quarter views, non-traditional angles, and action poses to achieve realistic and compelling results. You will then progress to painting fully realized facial portraits on canvas. This course strengthens observational skills and encourages you to work from meaningful source material: your own photographs and pictures of loved ones or faces of people you admire and find compelling. You will master color mixing techniques and learn how to capture texture in hair, skin, clothing, and jewelry. You will develop your ability to position your subject effectively within the composition and employ light strategically to create tonal, emotional, and mood variations. At the end of the course, your instructor will provide a thoughtful and constructive critique to help you continue developing as an artist. This course is excellent for students building portfolios, considering careers in the visual arts, or developing a substantial body of work, as well as for beginners seeking an exciting challenge. Returning students are very welcome in this class.
What To Bring:
- Art supplies are NOT included in your course fee
- We recommend purchasing supplies from your local art store to support small businesses, or from online retailers if you prefer
