An in-depth approach to portrait painting from the Chair of PAFA’s Painting Department and noted author of Color for Painters: A Guide to Traditions and Practice. Investigate the structure of the human head through drawings and painted studies. Progress to finished paintings and address issues of likeness, composition, space and texture. Learn to better see and understand color to mix it more successfully – a useful skill for painting any subject matter. Includes weekly step-by-step painting demonstrations, assignments that target each important issue of painting a portrait, critiques and weekly Zoom meetings every Sunday, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. All levels welcome.

Learning Objectives

This dynamic online course will address all aspects of portrait painting and drawing, including:

• Students will learn the traditions and history of portraiture
• Students will learn portrait structure and anatomy
• Students will learn how to achieve a good likeness
• Students will learn alla prima (direct) painting techniques
• Students will learn to use the materials and color palettes for effective portrait painting
• Students will learn to use the materials for effective portrait drawing inlcuding pastel
• Students will learn to paint portraits from both life and from photo reference

Note: This course is available for 1.0 undergraduate credit for $525

Registration still available

Materials List: Gury PT 602E_ON Summer

CE Policy Guide Summer 2021

Zoom Technical Requirements

Image: Al Gury, Portrait Painting and Study, oil on canvas/charcoal on paper

Build a portrait painting from the ground up, from creating a convincing drawing to developing a structured painting, using time-honored methods combined with contemporary resources.  Draw the portrait from reference images to gain a comprehensive understanding of the head structure, anatomical landmarks, and facial features.  Work off a successful foundational drawing to employ value, color, and various application techniques to create a portrait in oil paint.  Instruction will address drawing and painting materials, color mixing, methods of copying to strengthen observational abilities, and insights to be gained from portrait masterworks throughout history.  Extended projects will allow thorough study of both drawing and oil painting processes. All levels welcome. Learning Objectives:  Study the depiction of the human form through historical examples; Develop the ability to compose a picture plane; Hone skill in rendering the form using value, color, shape; Strengthen observational abilities through developing the skill of copying; Gain understanding about drawing and painting materials and methods.

Registration still available

Materials List: Rupinski DR 602EP_ON (1)

CE Policy Guide Summer 2021

Zoom Technical Requirements

Image: Jill A. Rupinski, Dave, pastel on paper

Learn to draw an accurate portrait in real time, working outward from the deep skeletal structure to the surface facial features, in this live Zoom class with esteemed PAFA professor, John Horn.  Study the correct placement of the eyes, cheekbones, jaw, ears, nose and mouth within the overall head structure. Proportions of the head, neck and shoulders, as well as tonal rendering, will be covered.  Subjects will include copies of Old Master drawings, your family/friends, and a self-portrait.  

NOTE: This course is available for 1.0 undergraduate credit for $525

Registration still available

Materials List: Horn DR 609E _ON

CE Policy Guide Summer 2021

Zoom Technical Requirements

Image:

John Horn, Mercenary, dry media on paper

See the techniques of the masters unfold in front of you in this extensive oil painting demonstration.  Professional portrait artist Theodore Xaras will reproduce two – three portrait masterworks, using the historical palettes and techniques of the original artists.  See how the "limited palette" – black, white, yellow ochre, and red – can produce a fully-realized portrait through the re-creation of works by Velasquez, Hals, and/or Rubens.  Learn how Titian used the techniques of glazing and scumbling thin layers of translucent and opaque color to further enhance an underlying limited palette painting.  Lectures will include a look at portrait examples from other artists utilizing these methods, as well as a paint mixing demonstration to physically illustrate how so few colors can produce so many vibrant tones.  This lecture series presents valuable content on color and technique for practicing painters, as well as fascinating information for any art lover.

Registration still available

Image:

Theodore Xaras at the easel

Feeling isolated in your studio? Unsure of your next step? A group critique is an excellent means of both relieving artistic uncertainty and finding inspiration in the ideas and artwork of others in a supportive environment. Join noted artist and PAFA faculty James Toogood for supportive, non-judgmental feedback on your artwork while helping you to dispel feelings of self-criticism or discouragement. Learn to perceive doubt as a tantalizing entry for creative investigation rather than a destructive force.

NOTE: Each critique session will begin at 9 a.m.  Each student will receive a 30-minute critique minimum.

Session 2 register by:  June 11

Session 3 register by:  June 18

Image: James Toogood with students

An in-depth approach to portrait painting from the Chair of PAFA’s Painting Department and noted author of Color for Painters: A Guide to Traditions and Practice. Investigate the structure of the human head through drawings and painted studies. Progress to finished paintings and address issues of likeness, composition, space and texture. Learn to better see and understand color to mix it more successfully – a useful skill for painting any subject matter. Includes weekly step-by-step painting demonstrations, assignments that target each important issue of painting a portrait, critiques and weekly Zoom meetings every Sunday, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. (beginning July 11).  All levels welcome.

Learning Objectives:

This dynamic online course will address all aspects of portrait painting and drawing, including:

• Students will learn the traditions and history of portraiture.
• Students will learn portrait structure and anatomy.
• Students will learn how to achieve a good likeness. Students will learn alla prima (direct) painting techniques.
• Students will learn to use the materials and color palettes for effective portrait painting.
• Students will learn to use the materials for effective portrait drawing inlcuding pastel.
• Students will learn to paint portraits from both life and from photo reference.

Register by: June 25

Materials List: Gury IN DR 602E_ON (1)

CE Policy Guide Summer 2021

Zoom Technical Requirements

Image: Al Gury, Portrait Study, oil and charcoal

Graphite is a material that can satisfy the rigor of detailed work or the impulses of the expressive artist. Explore the full potential of this versatile medium through knowledgeable demonstrations of a range of graphite-forms and techniques.  Learn to work through the phases of various mark-making methods to build a disciplined drawing, and progress toward working in more emotive styles and combining techniques. Demonstrations featuring a variety of subject matter will be augmented by instructive examples of materials and original work.  Students may work from their choice of subject in their personal study. 

Register by: June 25

Materials List: Rupinski DR 610EG_ON

CE Policy Guide Summer 2021

Zoom Technical Requirements

Image: Jill A. Rupinski, Midday Nap, graphite on paper

Learn the art of watercolor portrait painting from photographic references.  Working alongside the instructor during live Zoom sessions, paint a variety of portrait subjects, with a focus on mixing skin tone, rendering hair, achieving a likeness and realistic expression, and more.  Instruction will feature demonstrations of fundamental watercolor techniques such as washes, gradations, textural effects, wet on wet, wet on dry, dry brush, and more.  Portrait drawing experience recommended.

Register by: June 25

Materials List: Osti PT 604WP_ON

CE Policy Guide Summer 2021

Image:

Samuel Joseph Brown (1907-1994), Untitled [Head of a boy] (detail), 1950, Watercolor on paper, 13 3/4 x 10 in. (34.925 x 25.4 cm.), Collection of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, accession # 2019.3.7, Gift of Dr. Constance E. Clayton in loving memory of her mother Mrs. Williabell Clayton

Zoom Technical Requirements