Portrait Painting: April 12th

Painting from life is an effort of knowledge and craft, often mistaken for the simple act of mechanical replication. In this course, we will explore the classical methods of portraiture and approach a philosophy that elevates our work beyond the simplicity of mimesis. The portrait is a gateway to human beauty and dignity, one that may only be opened through careful attention and adherence to the development of various skills.

From the ground up, participants will learn the methods by which great paintings of men and women, both great and humble, have been made. They will study how master painters have created works that continue to enchant viewers hundreds of years after their creation. Most importantly, they will learn how to create these works on their own—with their own subjects—reflecting their own time and tastes.

Basic Concepts:

• Drawing
• Design
• Composition
• Color Theory
• Artistic Philosophy
• Tools & Materials
• Art History
• Group & Self Critique

Materials:

It is highly recommended that each student purchase their own materials and tools for the course. However, the instructor and AAM will provide the following for the course free of charge. These materials will be available each class to those who require them. Tools and hardware, e.g. palettes and solvent containers, are to be returned to AAM at the end of each class period.

• Easel
• Wooden Palette
• Odorless Mineral Spirits
• Linseed oil

Available For Purchase In Class:

• Readymade Canvases – $10
• Readymade Panels – $10

Required And Optional Materials:

Standard Color Palette: 37 ml tubes by Winton are between $4.19 and $11.24 at dickblick.com.

• Titanium White – $4.19
• Yellow Ochre Light – $4.19
• Light Red – $4.19
• Cadmium Red Medium – $11.24
• Alizarin Crimson – $4.19
• Burnt Umber – $4.19
• Ivory Black – $4.19
• French Ultramarine Blue – $4.19

Brushes and Palette Knives: Blick offers affordable student grade brushes while Rosemary and Co. offer incredibly priced professional quality brushes. I suggest ordering from one company for less shipping costs and less confusion. Each bullet point outlines a set of bristle brushes and sable imitation brushes for students to choose from.

• Utrecht Rhenish Filberts: # 4, 6, 8. (Two of each) Blick Scholastic Wonder White Filberts: # 4, 6, 8. (Two of each)
• Liquitex Painting Knife Small #12

Medium: In order to control paint consistency and create certain effects each student will need refined linseed oil and an odorless mineral spirit.

• Gamblin Refined linseed oil
• Gamsol OMS or Weber Odorless Turpenoid

Surfaces & Equipment: Feel free to choose between canvas or hardboard. The instructor will demonstrate how to prepare your surfaces for class. You will only need one surface per class.

• Value brand Cotton Stretched Canvas 11×14 inches. Blick and Art Alternatives both sell 7 count packs of these value canvases.
• Richeson 5×7 inch, 9×12 inch, or 11×14 inch hardboard.
• Liquitex Acrylic Gesso (White) no less than 8 oz.
• 3 inch Chip Brush
• Fine Grit Sanding Block
• Middle Grey oil paint from Utrecht brand (Optional)
• Princeton Catalyst Wedge Shape 6 (Not required but highly recommended.)
• Cotton Rags or Blue Shop Towels
• Richeson Small Palette Cups
• Airtight Brush Washer
• Smock or Apron (Optional)
• Latex or Nitrile Gloves (Optional)
• Brush Bag (Optional)
• Small Acrylic Mirror (Optional)
• Collapsible Gardening Bag (Optional but a very good way to carry and organize your materials and keep clean.)

Restrictions and Class Rules:

Age Restrictions: Students ages 13 and up are welcome to enroll for this course. Any students under 13 may be accepted following an interview with the instructor.

Age Restricted Material: While this class focuses on the portrait, works of art featuring nudity may be present during lessons and lectures. All images are of a tasteful nature. Any student under 18 must have written consent from a parent or guardian attesting that they have read and understand these circumstances before attending their first class.

Live Models: This course deals with live models as an educational tool. The instructor and AAM have a zero tolerance policy for verbal/ physical harassment or abuse towards models. Students who make unwelcome comments, gestures, or make unwanted physical contact with the model will be removed from the building and be unable to attend further courses and events.

Damage to Instructor and/or AAM Property: Any student who damages the personal equipment of the instructor or AAM will be responsible for full compensation.

Behavioral Expectations: Students are expected to treat each other and the instructor with respect and proper behavior. The instructor and AAM reserve the right to remove any individuals that pose a disruption to the educational experience and or safety of others.

Photography and Media: In an attempt to promote AAM and future courses/events, photographers and videographers may be present to record promotional material. By attending the course students accept that they may be featured in promotional material. All students have the right to request that their likeness be removed from any promotional material. The request must be submitted in writing and signed by the student or parent/guardian if under 18.

Enrollment: Those interested can enroll through the class page on my website. Each class is limited to 10 students and must be enrolled before the day of class.

Monthly: Those who wish to make the most out of the course should consider enrolling for the monthly option. This will reserve a total of 4 classes per month with enrollment opening one week before the beginning of each monthly cycle.

Absences: Absences are not eligible for refund. Should a student wish to make up for the missed class they will need to contact the instructor by email in order to reserve a spot for a later date.