OLD MASTERS TECHNIQUE

The aim of the workshop is to introduce the techniques used by Old Masters such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Raphael, Carravaggio and Rembrandt. Such methods include scumbling and applying glazes of colour in oil. You will be introduced to underpainting known as ‘pull out’, or monochrome painting. How old masters made their paint  will also be demonstrated.

On day one there is a brief introduction and demonstration on the techniques and media used. A charcoal drawing will be produced. This will aid you in dealing with tone, structure and texture, and will help you deal with and compose your painting. It will in effect lay a solid foundation for your drawing in your painting. After lunch a demonstration on how to prepare for painting, e.g. mixing of stand oil and paint is given. Students then start to paint ‘underpainting’, also relying on charcoal drawing to help deal with light and dark.

On the second day a demonstration is given using oil media such as stand oil and glazing of colours. . During this period, a brief talk on one of the Old Masters occurs. Students continue building layers of glazed colour,  slowly buidling up strength with subtle colour.  The day finishes with a plenary session and well deserved resfreshments or a glass of wine!  Lunch is supplied on both days.  

MONET’S GARDEN at Giverny

The aim of the workshop is to introduce the techniques used by Monet and the Impressionists painters. Monet cultivated gardens throughout his life, from his early days at Argenteuil in the 1870s until his death at Giverny in 1926. His garden inspired an extended series of paintings in which he focused entirely on the surface of the water, the reflections of the sky and the water lilies.  

On day one there is a brief introduction and demonstration on the techniques and media used. A draw-out will set up the landscape and dimensions for the colour oil painting to follow. After lunch a demonstration on the underpainting will set people up on their first steps to the garden painting.

On day two a  talk and demonstration on colour theory will begin the day.  During the day the student will slowly build up the palate of colour and brushstrokes that will eventually gel for the viewers eye.  The days finishes with a plenary session and well deserved refreshments or a glass of wine.  Lunch is provided on both days. 

PORTRAIT PAINTING

The workshop aims to introduce both complete beginners and people who already have some experience with drawing and painting to the world of portraiture and to demistify the problems surrounding making a convincing picture with a satisfactory likeness. Emphasis is placed on initial drawing and the use of light and colour in the creation of a portrait. Demonstrations are given throughout the workshop.

On the first day a brief introduction is given on the history of portrait painting. Demonstrations on how to structure a portrait head through drawing from a model will be given at each stage.  Glazing and the build up of light and tone will be explained.

On the second day students will work at their own individual pace. At this stage some students will wish to continue with the painting they started on the Saturday, while others may wish to start afresh.

Methods of changing and improving the painting are advised. Finishing touches, highlights, final glazes are applied. Final plenary session and well deserved resfreshments or a glass of wine!  Lunch is supplied each day.