Portrait Painting in Oils: A mini-course

Workshop Description

This workshop series will support students in completing at least a portrait in oil paint using (a) photo reference(s), emphasizing the bold use of colour and expressive brushwork. In the first session, students will practice modelling the planes of the face through a small study of a particular feature, such as a nose or ear. They will also be supported in producing a value study of their chosen reference. In the following sessions, students will be coached through the process of creating their final portrait in colour. Throughout, students will learn basic skills such as colour mixing, using mediums, and maintaining an organized palette. This mini-course is appropriate for participants of any background, from beginners to experienced artists. While materials are provided, students are welcome to bring their own paint. Participants should bring a box with a lid that they can use to transport their wet painting home at the end of the course. Pizza boxes are ideal for this. Brushes, palettes, paint and palette knives will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own if they prefer. Dates and times of the sessions: May 21 - 6:30 - 9:00 pm May 28 - 6:30 - 9:00 pm June 4 - 6:30 - 9:00 pm What you will learn in this workshop: basic rules for handling oil paint (fat over lean, studio safety) colour mixing matching colour values to a reference image' strategies for painting loosely Identifying values from a reference Creating a grisaille Materials and supplies that will be provided for participants to use during the workshop: Oil paint Palette paper Yupo Palette knives Brushes Solvent Jars for brushes Small cups for solvent About the instructor: Lee Iskander (they/them) is an educator and education researcher who recently completed their PhD in Curriculum Studies at The University of British Columbia. In addition to their scholarly work, Lee maintains an artistic practice as a painter. They particularly enjoy painting en plein air or from live models. Lee's paintings employ vibrant colours and emphasize the effects of light on an object or scene. https://www.leeiskander.com/ What to wear: Please consider wearing comfortable clothes. Please wear clothing that you would not mind getting dirty. Oil painting is messy, and stains from the paint may not wash off! Public Transport and Parking Train- Chinatown Skytrain Station Bus - Served by the numbers 5, 17, 19, 22, 257 Parking - Limited off-street parking Our entrance is wheelchair accessible.