T1 Portraiture Painting

Course Description

In this intermediate to advanced course, you will learn the principles of portraiture. Start with observational self-portrait drawing, and colour exercises during the first three classes. Then progress to using photographic references to produce highly individual and original artworks. Work with the medium of your choice. Some foundation drawing skills are required. Students learn the study of physiognomy by painting physical features, posing and composition, and giving an accurate portrait of somebody’s character, temperament or mood. Learn the principles and techniques of life-like portrait painting in mediums of your choice. Maintain a sketchbook for preliminary sketches, colour studies, compositional planning and all related investigations for giving a good basis for future portrait paintings. In the first 3 lessons, through detailed observational self-portrait drawings you will establish a good understanding of proportions, facial features, expressions and how to make the subject look 3D. Then learn the skills and techniques for painting tonal values, shades of complexion and colour mixing using your chosen mediums and photographic references. Plan and execute a portrait and finalize composition, mood, colours and self-expression. Advanced and returning students will be supported to progress their project and develop more complex multi-figure compositions. About the tutor Judy Rogers is an award winning artist who has gained the attention of art audiences and artists alike with her disarming portraits for family and friends and depictions of overlooked and seemingly mundane domestic subjects. Informed by classical traditions and meticulously constructed, imagery is imbued with an honesty and warmth rarely evident in contemporary figurative painting. The conventions of scale and composition coupled with a comprehensive understanding of traditional techniques are utilised to communicate these usually private shared moments between the sitter and the artist in a refreshing and uncontrived manner. Rogers works in her studio in Tresillian Arts Centre and has exhibited extensively locally and nationally. What you need to bring Small portable mirror for self-portrait study lessons, bull clips, B6 pencils, erasers, sharpeners, A/3 sketch book; charcoal fine and thick; putty erasers; fixative spray. Painting support board, paint colours (any medium), selection of brushes, acrylic medium and rag or paper towel.