PAINTING CLASSES
Secrets of the Masters
I offer a structured course where you will study the methods of the Old Masters. Beginning with a detailed underdrawing, followed by the underpainting and then finally the colour glazes.
Introduction:
The course will be broken down into specific stages. You will learn a craft with multiple elements and many of the ‘secret’ methods used by the Old Masters.
The first session will be a presentation of materials and a discussion on methodology.
I will present some examples and explain the various processes involved in the painting technique. We will discuss and decide individual subject matter and composition so we can be ready to start working the following week with your canvases. I will assist you with your image choice, grid layout and canvas size.
Step 1: Drawing
Choosing a subject and the importance of light. Deciding whether to work from photo or real life. Discussion on canvas, sizes and composition. Techniques for mapping out the drawing. Drawing techniques.
Fixing the drawing.
Step 2: Monochrome
The process of transforming the drawing into a painting, and doing the ‘Imprimatura’. Introduction to the monochrome stage.
Working up the underpainting and tones, using only raw umber and white.
Modeling the forms creating texture and light.
Step 3: Glazing
Introduction to the glazing system. The application of transparent oil glaze over the neutral ‘monochrome’ using a judicious juxtaposition of temperatures, colours and values to increase the illusion of space.
Discussion
During the course we will continue to discuss the technique and its use by other artists.
The Technique is a long, slow process of painting and you will learn and understand through practice.
The classes are held at Petite Toscane Villa in Ventabren near Aix en Provence.
