Working with a life model each day, create a full-length figure painting in oils on this 4-day course with Emily Roberts. The course is based in a lovely light fine art studio on our beautiful Falmouth campus.
Using the historic sight- size method employed by Titian, Velazquez and Singer Sargent, you'll be supported to create a full-length figure painting over the course of 4 days.
You'll begin by drawing a pose in charcoal, concentrating on light and shadow before being taught the technique to transfer this drawing onto a panel (either canvas or plywood, as you choose). Beginners can find they get a better result from working onto plywood, whereas those with more experience can use canvas – however both choices will be supported for everyone.
The course will introduce you to traditional oil painting techniques and the limited palette of colours, and Emily will support you to carefully build up layers of paint, exploring various techniques for oil painting as we explore colour, tone, anatomy and light effect.
You'll leave with your final charcoal drawing on paper and your final full-length figure painting on canvas or plywood.
This course is taught by Emily Roberts, an artist and teacher whose work is held in private collections across Europe and North America. Emily teaches this course in an accessible method where traditional techniques are built up step by step. Each day will be spent in taught sessions with a life model constantly available for a reference point. There will be time to develop and explore techniques as you work through each day.
Course outline
Day one:
After a short introduction to the sight-size technique we will begin by drawing the figure in charcoal. Concentrating on contour, gesture and tonal values as well as the treatment of edges, we will create a tonal study of the figure which can be referred to throughout the painting process.
Day two:
We will discuss the limited palette, colour mixing and painting with oils before beginning our lay-in. A thin layer of paint will be applied over the surface of the canvas, which will be built up over the course of the day, creating thicker creamy light areas and thinner, more translucent darks that create a sense of depth. We will look at wet into wet painting and discuss the treatment of edges, whilst always referring back to the gesture and form.
Day three:
Continuing to build layers of paint we will begin to consider the harmony of the painting, ensuring that all parts are working together to make a cohesive work. We will consider the flow of light, anatomy and the focal points of the painting.
Day four:
Dependant on the paint quality we will use glazes to tint the colour values and soften areas, as well as using impasto to accentuate highlights. We will discuss creating a sense of atmosphere around the figure and work towards your finished painting.
When
19th - 22nd August from 9.30am - 5pm
Each day will have the following timings:
9.30: Arrival and welcome, tea and coffee then straight into our morning session.
1pm – 2pm: Lunch break (please bring a packed lunch or visit a nearby cafe)
2pm – 5pm: Afternoon session
5pm – 9pm: The art studio will remain open until 9pm on days 1-3 for you to continue working on your own, if you wish to do so.
Who is this course for?
This course is suitable for creative people with all levels of experience, whether you are a beginner wishing to explore figure painting or whether you have existing experience and wish to develop your technique further.
What's included?
All materials and equipment you’ll need are provided, using professional-quality art supplies. However if you have favourite brushes you wish to use please bring them with you.
There will be a model to work from in all taught sessions each day, as a constant reference.
Where
This course is taught in person and based in a lovely art studio on our Falmouth campus.
For campus maps and information on visiting us, please visit our How to Find Us | Falmouth University