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Line and Color - portrait painting

In this workshop, artists of all levels will learn about Agnes’ approach to painting portraits, create their own portrait painting following the instructions, and have an opportunity to watch her paint along with the group.
The Line and Color workshop is designed to take three days. Each day will focus on different aspects of the artist’s painting process: Day One - Line, Day Two - Light and Shadow, and Day Three - Color. Each day will consist of three parts: Theory, Practice, and a Discussion.

Day One - Line.

1.THEORY:
The Process:
- Gesture drawing (line of action) for the initial placement and energy of the portrait
- Construction and observation in portrait painting: explanation of the Loomis and Reilly construction methods, and other observation/measurement methods
- Theory of composition
- Idea/message that I am trying to convey in this particular portrait (The “why?”)
Examples in art.

2. PRACTICE:
- Line drawing - Gesture and Construction. Sketch in basic composition according to the
direction/message/meaning you want to convey. Step-by-step construction process (charcoal/pencil on canvas)
- The Planes of the Face - establish main construction lines for the face planes
- Features -Using comparative measuring, establishing the main features
- Voluntary critique of student progress

3.DISCUSSION:
Intuitive gesture versus construction. Discussing painting and drawing
methods.

Day Two - Light and shadow.

1. THEORY:
- Basic anatomy/geometry of the human features (drawing demonstration of eyes, nose, lips)
- Light and shadow - basic theory of modelling the form.
Examples in art.

2. PRACTICE:
- Composition, proportions, perspective
- Painting the human face and figure
- Establish the direction of the light source
- Building the form - light and shadow

3. DISCUSSION:
Realism and objectivity versus expression and individuality. Discussing the
spectrum from representational to abstract art. What do I want to exaggerate or distort? Does it work for the overall emotion and feel of the painting?

Day Three - Color

1. THEORY:
- Color theory (hue, value, chroma), value scale in monochrome and color, mixing skin tones. - The meaning and impact of color.
- The overall impression of the painting as compared to the model and to the idea for the painting.
Examples.

2. PRACTICE:
- Focal Point - According to the composition idea and the emotion the portrait is supposed to convey and decide what will the focal point of the painting be - use edge/texture/color accents
- Making a conscientious decision on how to make the painting intriguing, a composition that draws and keeps the viewer in
- Think of/decide on a color palette for the finished painting
- Premix basic colors for the skin tones
- The background: color, mood, elements
- Deciding on the level of finished/unfinished for this
painting
- Voluntary critique of student progress.

3. DISCUSSION:
Is my painting “believable”?
Why did I want to create this painting?
What is a successful painting? Is my idea/message for the painting easily
readable? (At least to me?...)
What is finished/unfinished in painting?

Wildcard

This workshop will have a Wildcard Spot available for one artist who otherwise wouldn`t be able to afford the lessons.
To apply, please send three of your artworks to workshops@benjamin-eck.com.
The gallery team and Agnes will review all submissions and choose one promising artist who will be able to attend the workshop free of charge.

Deadline for applying is DECEMBER 11th, 2020.