Throughout history both the serious and casual artist have used their own image as a model and as reference. Some artists work exclusively in self-portraits. The artist’s self-portrait can chronicle a life, imply a narrative, or serve as a study. Draw from direct observation to produce self-portraits ranging from heads to full-length figures. Learn fundamental drawing concepts such as using line, shape, and value to build form. Rendering techniques and costuming will be used to vary images, create special effects, or explore different identities. Study self-portraits throughout history to appreciate the diversity of the genre and to find personal connection in the tradition.

Learning Objectives:

• students will develop the ability to better see line and shape rather than relying on schema
• students will acquire a working knowledge of form and structure in the body
• students will learn to light a subject (their own image) to create volume and effect
• students will work in graphite, charcoal and ink to understand differences in varied materials, and to gain confidence in using them
• students will study and discuss self-portraits by diverse artists

Register by: January 22

Materials List: Laver 600EF_ON

CE Policy Guide Spring 2021

Zoom Technical Requirements

Image:

Ellen Lanyon (1926-2013), Self, 1955, graphite on paper, 16 7/8 x 13 7/8 in. (42.8625 x 35.2425 cm.), collection of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, accession # 2014.21.2.6, Gift of Roland Ginzel, © Estate of Ellen Lanyon

Experience a fascinating survey of drawing techniques from Old Masters to artists of the 21st century from the viewpoint of master draughtsperson Patricia Traub. This lecture series will examine the “meaning" of a finished drawing, as well as drawing from observation, working from photography, searching, and other approaches. Discover artists who combined imagination with reality, and technology with expression, in single works.  Artists covered inclued Peter Paul Rubens, Rembrandt, Sidney Goodman and more.

Week 1:  Techniques and choice of materials.

Week 2:  Searching for the drawing.

Week 3:  Thoughts on the meaning of a finished drawing.

Week 4:  Using reality, imagination and technology in a single drawing.

Register by: January 22

Materials List: 

CE Policy Guide Spring 2021

Zoom Technical Requirements

Enliven your portraits with realistic facial expression!  In this live Zoom course with renowned artist, educator and author, Roberto Osti, students will practice rendering a variety of facial expressions from photographic references of artworks and real people.  Each session will cover a different expression:  happiness, surprise, sadness, anger and disgust-contempt.  Students will practice various drawing techniques especially suited for portraiture and for improving the expressive qualities of portraits.

Register by: February 26

Materials List : Osti DR 609FE_ON (1)

Policy Guide Spring 2021

Zoom Technical Requirements

Pastel is the perfect medium for capturing the subtle colors and contours of the human face. Learn all about the materials, application techniques, and surfaces for soft pastels while building your portraiture skills. Instruction will utilize time-honored methods of working from master copies in limited and full color, as well as the self-portrait or live models. Basic portrait anatomy, proportions, and features, as well as historic and contemporary uses of the medium, will be addressed through presentation, lecture, and demonstration. Live Zoom instruction will be supplemented by assignments and instructor feedback to build your skills and understanding. All levels welcome.

Learning Objectives:

• Students will learn to use the materials and techniques of traditional soft pastel: with hard, pan and pastel pencil.
• Students will learn the history and legacy of the pastel medium.
• Students will learn the safe use of pastel to include alternative wet techniques.
• Students will learn the proper supports and grounds for various pastels techniques and how to prepare a ground.
• Students will learn to draw/paint with pastel using limited color through a full palette of color.
• Students will explore the complexities of texture, gradation, layering and fixing of pastel.
• Students will learn how to frame, protect, and store pastel drawings.

Register by: February 19

Materials List: Rupinski DR 611EP_ON

CE Policy Guide Spring 2021

Zoom Technical Requirements

Image:

Jill A. Rupinski, Dave (detail), pastel on paper

Explore flowers and other natural forms, beginning with line and value drawing and progressing to full-color rendering in watercolor and mixed media.  Topics will include sighting techniques, line quality, tone and value, creation of depth, composition, texture, and basic color. All levels welcome. 

This Canvas course will include a weekly live Zoom session every Wednesday, 10 am – 12 p.m. (See materials list for more information)

Register by:  February 19

Materials List : Gist DR 615EP_ON

Zoom Technical Requirements

CE Policy Guide Spring 2021

Learn to draw classical portraits using photographic references. This class will focus on expressing the structure of the head through the language of drawing. Topics covered will include measurement, proportion, tone, line quality, anatomy and gesture. Explore a variety of traditional materials, from chalks to charcoal, ink wash, and a variety of papers. All materials will be suitable for the home studio. Teaching will be conducted through video lectures, demonstrations, and assignments as well as regular critiques. All levels welcome!

Learning Goals

• Learn the basics of proportional measurement, value, tone, line, and gesture
• Develop a knowledge of the forms and structural anatomy of the head
• Learn to use photography as an aid to classical drawing techniques -Master a variety of traditional drawing media -Produce two finished drawings

Register by: February 26

Materials List: Dummit DR 600EP_ON

CE Policy Guide Spring 2021

Zoom Technical Requirements

Learn more drawing essentials with PAFA faculty Charles Muldowney:  perspective, color/mixed-media, abstraction/invention plus how-tos for drawing human figures, portraits, animals and more. Each class will focus on one of these foundational concepts from both historical and contemporary perspectives. Demonstrations, projects, and critiques will fortify your understanding of each topic presented.

Register by: February 26

Materials List: Muldowney DR 600BB_ON 2

CE Policy Guide Spring 2021

Zoom Technical Requirements

Nocturne painting, as coined by James Abbott McNeill Whistler, depicts nighttime or low-light subjects, often with a characteristic dreamy or hazy quality. Join Joseph Sweeney to create a series of nocturne paintings, with reference to the works of Whistler, George Sotter, and other painters of night scenes. Topics include color mixing to capture the tonal quality and character of night, compositional fundamentals, and sound painting practices. Working from night subjects supplied by the instructor, learn how to paint from photo references in preparation for working outdoors. Instruction is geared towards oil, acrylic, and pastel, but experienced watercolorists are welcome.

Registration Still Available

Materials List: Sweeney PT 605EN_ON

CE Policy Guide Spring 2021

Zoom Technical Requirements

Image:

William Trost Richards (1833-1905), A 'Nocturne,' Newport, 1877, Watercolor and Chinese white on paper, 3 3/16 x 4 15/16 in. (8.09625 x 12.54125 cm.), Collection of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, accession # 2008.5.23, Gift of Dorrance H. Hamilton in memory of Samuel M. V. Hamilton