Monochromatic Portrait Workshop in Oils
Many painters steer clear of ever doing portraits. This one day workshop can
help you overcome that fear. Like many subjects, we look at faces but don’t really
see what we need to. In this workshop I share eight different techniques to put in
your editing toolbox. The bonus is that these same tools will be useful no matter
what the subject of your next painting might be. This is not an anatomy class, it is
a stress free chance to practice doing a portrait of your choice.
These techniques are the result of my project of doing a monochromatic
portrait a week for a year and a half, and I found that by working with one colour I
could focus on shapes and values. This stage can be a base for a full colour
portrait if desired.
Please bring your own materials!
List of required materials:
Black/white copier print of your subject. Try to fill the page with the face. TabletEasel (tabletop or standing)
images don’t work as well.
Re subject- small children are hard, men are easier than women, old guys are
easiest….hats help.
16x20 canvas- this works to minimize enlarging/reducing
Easel
Soft rag, bristle brushes (worn down ones work best)
Oil paint- Very small amount of one colour. I use Indian Red, ultramarine blue,
violet, or burnt sienna. Black produces a grey face which never looks good.
There is a microwave/toaster oven & fridge on site for your lunch. We will reach out ahead of the workshop for those that wish to order lunch at an additional cost.
Questions? harveywalkerart@gmail.com
