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3 Day Direct, Alla Prima Painting Portrait Workshop

Sasha, a semi-retired technology entrepreneur, is a member of the National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society, Oil Painters of America, and the California Art Club. She has studied with Sergei Chubirko at the ChairoScuro Atelier, Florence, Italy; David Leffel in Taos, NM; and Steve Carpenter. This portrait workshop will focus on a direct, alla prima painting method utilized by painters like Rembrandt, Velazquez, Halls, Sargent, Zorn and Sorolla. Painting is a specific visual language, uniquely different from drawing - it is designed to capture the viewer's attention from a distance and bring them closer to the subject. We will examine the importance of light in a painting for achieving this goal, and capturing it effectively with composition. Each session will contain a short demo and a discussion about specific aspects of portraiture: idea/composition, thinking like a sculptor and designing flat planes, creating the illusion of form with edges, demystifying color in the skin tones, value/temperature control, as well as the importance of good brushwork. There will be 2 models, one for the morning sessions and one for the afternoon.

Figure Drawing - Open Studio

Nude and clothed models will be available for drawing from life from 6 - 9 pm. Reference photos may be taken. Ask model for price. Kevin Feary, Larry DeKock, and Steve will facilitate the evening.

Beginning and Intermediate Painting: All media

Focuses on the techniques of the Old Masters. Participants start with a drawing as an underpainting and then apply paint over this to achieve accuracy, depth, and a rich surface. The participants will choose their imagery from photos, still life, landscapes, or imagination. There will be individual instruction as well as daily demonstrations. In addition to the regular painting class, there will be instruction in abstract principles for those who wish to integrate abstraction into their work.

Figure and Portrait Painting

Steve will continue to demonstrate in both watercolor and oil. Participants will learn to address the challenges inherent with their chosen medium. Participants study anatomy and learn to mix skin tones while developing composition and values. Compositional approaches include closeup portrait or full figure rendering options. The application of abstract principles in painting from the nude model will be explored.The Old Masters techniques will also be available. There will be individual instruction for each participant as well as daily demonstrations.

Beginning and Intermediate Painting - All Media

See previous Painting description.

Beginning and Intermediate Figure Drawing

Steve will continue to teach Henry Yan's technique in the general class schedule. Drawing is a learnable skill. With guidance and practice anyone can learn to draw. Drawing from a live nude or clothed model, you will be taught how to draw accurately while understanding the basic underlying form. Steve has been teaching for over 35 years. His vast experience and understanding of the difficulties inherent in figure drawing helps him to guide participants to their highest potential.