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Figure Painting: Alla Prima and the Limited Palette (In-Person)
with David Wilson
Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.*
Painting the human form from observation is one of the cornerstones of PAFA's long tradition of rigorous instruction. Working from the nude model in poses of varying lengths, investigate color mixing, proportion, and composition using oil paint as a medium. Focusing on alla prima painting techniques and a limited flesh-tone palette, learn to model the human form through gesture, shape, volume, and temperature – excellent for painted sketches and preparatory studies, foundations for extended work, or an introduction/refresher to figure painting. Intended for all skill levels, this course also offers the valuable opportunity for more advanced students to continue to hone their skills to deepen their understanding of the language of painting. Instruction will be geared toward oil, but students may draw-only, or use other appropriate media, in this class, if they wish. Note: Tuition includes a $35 models fee.
* No class on May 27 for Memorial Day Weekend.
Image: David Wilson, 2016.
Register by: May 12
Intuitive Drawing (In-Person)
with Tony Rosati
Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Ideal for people with little or no formal training, this course presents foundational techniques and an overview of subject matter through concise and straightforward instruction. Working chiefly in pencil from simple objects and portrait models, learn concepts and methods to use line, shape, light and shadow, and value to draw what you see effectively, accurately, and expressively. This is a great starter course for further course study or personal practice.
Image: G. Daniel Massad, Study for "From Toshiko's Garden", 1987, Graphite on paper, 23 x 26 9/16 in. Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia, Gift of the artist in honor of Toshiko Takaezu, 2008.18
Register by: May 26
Plein Air Painting in Gouache (Outdoor)
with Michelle Oosterbaan
Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Gouache (opaque watercolor paint) is the perfect medium for landscape painting in the open air! Painters of all levels will fall in love with it as a portable, fast-drying, and easy-to-clean-up alternative to oils. Explore gouache’s subtle but vibrant color and versatile application methods as you portray the beauty of Philadelphia’s parks in your own personal style. Learn techniques for choosing a composition, mixing color, and working efficiently outdoors as you complete a series of rapid sketches and at least one sustained painting. Open to all levels. Painting locations featuring shade, restrooms, and other amenities may include Wissahickon Park in Mt. Airy, Washington Square Park near Independence Hall, and Bartram's Garden in Southwest Philadelphia. Note: Students are responsible for their own transportation to painting locations.
Image: Michelle Oosterbaan.
Register by: June 2
Portrait Painting Basics Workshop (In-Person)
with Theodore Xaras
Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
This comprehensive workshop covers all aspects of painting a traditional portrait. Topics include achieving a likeness, modeling light and shade, mixing flesh tones and applying paint through various techniques. All participants will produce at least one finished portrait. Includes demonstrations and portrait history. Valuable information for all levels. Tuition includes a $25 model fee.
Learning Objectives
- Students will learn to analyze and construct a portrait using clearly defined steps.
- Students will be able to achieve a likeness through the careful observation of shapes and their color/value equivalent, which together, form the “topography” of the face.
- Students will learn how to mix and adjust colors to produce accurate flesh tones.
- Students will be able to produce one completed portrait, either a head and shoulders or the entire torso and hands.
- Students will be able to paint a recognizable portrait from life.
- Students will gain an appreciation for the art of portraiture from their own work as well as becoming acquainted with historical and contemporary examples as a basis for further study.
Image: Theodore Xaras, Amanda.
Register by: June 2
Cut-Paper Still Life Painting Workshop (In-Person)
with Meghan Cox
Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Abstraction meets representation in this creative take on still life painting.Students will assemble their own still-life set-ups from folded and cut colored paper and then translate these arrangements through observational oil painting on paper.Working from colored planar structures allows the opportunity to explore all the essential aspects of representational still life painting – form, space, value, color relationships, and composition – while experiencing the inherent abstraction of simple shapes and planes of color.Printed papers may additionally allow the introduction of compositional concepts of harmony, pattern, and repetition.Discover the unexpectedly beautiful results of working from the most unassuming of subjects.This class serves both as an engaging exercise in color and abstraction to inspire one’s painting practice and as an excellent introduction to painting concepts through humble, easy-to-draw subject matter.
Image: Meghan Cox, that early evening and orange (detail), oil on paper over birch panel, 14 x 12 in.
Register by: June 16
Figure Painting: The Extended Pose (In-Person)
with David Wilson
Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Paint from a life model in a single pose for the entire course. Extended time with a single subject allows students to work with the instructor to tailor exercises that address their individual interests, including the development of one large image or several smaller studies. The first session will include time for gestural and thumbnail drawings in preparation for the model’s final placement. Instruction will cover a variety of topics including glazing, broken color, surface texture, composition and design, the relationship of the figure to the environment, the creation of atmosphere and color harmony, disrupted realism, and open- versus closed-form painting. All levels welcome. Students are welcome to draw-only, or use other appropriate media, if they wish. Note: Tuition includes a $35 models fee.
Image: David Wilson, 2015.
Register by: June 23
Outdoors Inside: Flora Studies in Colored Pencil (In-Person)
with Michelle Oosterbaan
Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
When it's hot outside, bring the outdoors in to appreciate the color and intricacy of nature through drawing in color media. Working in colored pencil from gathered flora specimens such as leaves, flowering plants, fruit, and vegetables, explore line, form, value, and texture, as well as color principles and layering/mixing techniques. This course is excellent for students with an interest in natural history illustration or a love of nature, as well as for anyone seeking a straight-forward drawing or color course from still life subjects.
Image: Michelle Oosterbaan.
Register by: June 23
Watercolor Plunge (Online)
with Tony Rosati
Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Join Tony Rosati, PAFA BFA faculty and accomplished watercolorist, in this live Zoom class designed for those with little or no experience in watercolor. Acquire a thorough grounding in basic watercolor materials and techniques, including papers, brushes and pigments, as well as transparent and opaque painting methods. Gain the confidence to continue to work with watercolor beyond the workshop.
Image: Tony Rosati.
Register by: June 23