Abstract Portraits: Beyond Realism - Painting Course

Course duration: 24 April - 3 July

From your own references, such as drawings and photos, venture beyond representational and realistic portraiture. Be inspired by abstract, stylised, sensual, mythical and mystical approaches to exploring: line, tone, colour, rhythm, surface texture, feel and mood.

The class runs in a relaxed and supportive environment, fostering a sense of ease as you navigate the intricacies of your masterpiece.

As you work with high-quality materials, the experience will not only be visually rewarding but also emotionally fulfilling. Discover the joy of stepping outside the standard method of portraiture by embracing mystical and sensual approaches to painting. By the end of the class, you'll take home not just a painted masterpiece but also the satisfaction of having learned a new skill and expressing your unique artistic voice.

For levels from intermediate to advanced, with a mind open to exploring the wonder of the creative process.
  A series of completed artworks
  Pastels -

• A3 pastel paper (paper to be at least A3 but preferably bigger - A2!), including coloured (dark or black) paper
• Selection of graded pencils - 5H-5B
• Pastel pencils
• Chalky pastel sticks
• 'Fan' brush and selection of bristle brushes
• Torchon or blender
• Putty and other rubbers
• Two aperture pencil sharpener
• Masking tape
• Cotton wool
• Wet wipes

Mixed media -

• Watercolours
• Acrylics including structure gel
• Coloured pencils
• Felt tip pens
• Pastels: soft and oil
• Brushes
• Low-odour white spirit
• Mount spray
• Sponge and rubber rollers
• Plastic: 25 x 25 cm approx
• Scissors
• Coloured string and cotton
• Coloured tissue paper
• Bubble wrap
• Found objects
• Straws
• Fabric off-cuts
• Paper towels
• Supports: heavy paper / card / board / canvas

Acrylics -

• A3 pad of watercolour paper 300 gsm paper NOT or cold pressed
• acrylics -starter pack Daler Rowney or Winsor and Newton
• brushes - bristle, small, medium, large, small bristle fan brush
• 2B pencil and rubber
• large palette or plastic plate
• small spray bottle
• two large water containers
• natural sponge
• large cotton rag or old t-shirt

Please also bring -

• Photos and pictures of the subject matter. Photos to be in close-up from various angles and points of perspective and in various lighting; also from a distance. You could also bring photos or pictures of the background subject matter.
• Please also bring actual objects, models or toys where possible and applicable, e.g. real branches.

This class series runs over 10 consecutive sessions, at the same time every week.