Karl Rudziak Artist

PORTRAIT PAINTING WORKSHOP IN OILS

I will once again be holding workshops in my studio to a maximum of 5 people.

LATEST WORKSHOP DATES:
May 04/05, 11/12
June 01/02, 15/16, 29/30
10am - 3.30pm with flexible breaks (refreshments supplied) and lunch (excluded) there is a very good cafe a few steps away from my studio.

PRICE
£200 including materials. BACs or debit card. Each day is a session over 5 hours of teaching with 30 minute break for lunch. An invoice will be sent two weeks in advance of the workshop.

WHAT WILL WE BE PAINTING
The workshop will involve colour mixing, exploring form and colour theory. It is a figurative workshop introducing and exploring natural and expressive colours with the aim is to achieve a finished or near finished painting, exploring how oil paints works, guiding you to develop a personal style and explore new approaches.

This is not an atelier workshop but I will be referencing historical methods. We will be concentrating on painting but some drawing will be necessary using a grid system to aid proportions.

The workshop will aim at creating a likeness and capture a sense of the sitter in the painting - this is why you should have a personal interaction with your chosen subject.

DAY ONE
Day one is an introduction and general overview to portrait painting. We will start by creating a monochrome or grisaille under painting to explore form through shade and tonal values.

DAY TWO
In day two we will add colour. Exploring how colour theory can help you develop your painting by looking at primary and tertiary colours.

We shall be working from photographs - a subject of your own choosing. It is imperative that you take the photo, preferably someone you know or someone you find interesting. No flash! Click here for tips on photography…

EQUIPMENT:

I can supply all the equipment, but if you wish to bring your own that's fine. Make sure you have the means to carry a wet canvas home with you.

Please email karl@rudziak.co.uk or message through facebook or twitter for to book or ask any questions.

PHOTOGRAPHING YOUR SUBJECT

No hard and fast rules here, generally it’s all about capturing the character. It might be a friend, family member or somebody you see in the street, if you’re brave enough - always ask their permission before you start snapping.

Use a camera if you have one, if not a mobile phone or tablet will still do the job. If the picture is from a mobile print it out, if from a tablet you can work from a screen.

Technically, it’s all about the light. If you are in broad daylight study the shadows on the face. If it’s cloudy the light will be diffused and uniform so move the subject into an area where the light is more dynamic. Glaring sunshine can be just as tricky, try taking the photo with reflective light of a bright background out of direct sunlight.

If indoors try and photograph your subjects head straight on or at a three quarter pose. Light them from the sides to accentuate the features. Stand or sit the subject adjacent to a window with one side of the head lit by daylight and the other lit by an internal light. If possible use a warm light close to the sitters head for a more interesting effect. See example below.

Essentially, study the light on the face until you get your desired effect.

GETTING HERE

The Old Royal Naval Club Studio is at the western end of the city’s four mile stretch of seafront in Old Portsmouth.

Public Transport
The Old Royal Naval Club Studio is easily reached by public transport: The Hard Interchange is a short walk away and offers bus, rail and coach links and a connection to the city’s Park & Ride.

Car
There are a number of public car parks within walking distance of the Old Royal Naval Club Studio and a small number of metred spaces immediately outside on Pembroke Road.

Cycling
Portsmouth is great for cycling – flat, compact and with great scenic rides along the coast. You can park your bike in the Old Royal Naval Club building.