Tonal Portrait Painting in Oils with Michael Simms / 1 Day Workshop
<h3 id="header-suitable-for-all-levels"><em><strong>Suitable for all levels</strong></em></h3>
<p>In this two-day workshop, students will learn how to render the human face through tonal or monochrome
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Suitable for all levels
In this two-day workshop, students will learn how to render the human face through tonal or monochrome painting in oils.
Working without the distraction of colour, students will develop their ability to observe light and dark, building a three-dimensional portrait that captures a likeness of their sitter.
Michael will demonstrate how to establish the foundations of a strong portrait by breaking the face into simple shapes and using thin washes of raw umber to block in the composition. Students will then mix a tonal scale of raw umber and titanium white to develop form, volume and depth.
Suitable for all skill levels, this workshop is an accessible introduction to portrait painting in oils for those who may feel daunted by colour mixing, while also offering more experienced painters an opportunity to strengthen their understanding of tone.
Topics covered:
- Overview of materials
- Proportions and basic anatomy of the human face
- Understanding the hierarchy of tone
- Simplifying the face into basic shapes and planes
- Capturing a likeness
- Brushwork and effective paint application
Materials:
- Odourless solvent (Gamsol preferred)
- Small bottle of safflower or linseed oil
- At least two empty jars with lids for solvent
- Palette knife
- Willow charcoal and kneadable eraser
- Rags and paper towel
- Palette (40 × 30 cm white Perspex or disposable palette)
- Flat brushes in sizes 4, 10 and 20, or similar
- At least two canvases: one for warm-up studies and one for the final portrait. Michael will demonstrate on Fredrix Canvas Pads, 305 × 407 mm. Experienced students are welcome to bring a preferred oil-painting surface.
- Oil colours: Titanium White and Raw Umber
Terms & Conditions
Please choose carefully as fees are non-refundable. Refunds of course fees will only be given if the course is cancelled or a place is not available in the course.
Payment of course fees implies that you have read and agree to the WAC Terms & Conditions.