In this two sessions oil painting course, we will focus on the interplay between light and shadows on the human form, defined as “Chiaroscuro”. This concept, typical of the Baroque period, is highly creative and explores the infinite figurative possibilities we can access by playing with the intensity and direction of the light on the form: we can exalt parts of the figure and obliterate or minimize others, proposing unpredictable representations of the human body.

At the end of the two online meetings, we will have completed an oil figure painting a self-portrait photo by Vilidian Vilks using as reference, a very talented Spanish model and artists I have been collaborating with for a few years now.

The new shorter format, consisting of 2 sessions of 2:30 hours each, allows for more flexibility and convenience, making the course easy to fit in your busy schedule and more affordable, but still giving you the same instructional quality of my longer courses.

For this painting, we will use a limited palette (listed below) that allows to capture the muted color tonalities and soft chiaroscuro of the reference image. A limited palette is also a great way to learn to obtain pleasant color harmonies and thoroughly explore the chromatic possibilities of the few available colors.

This short course is the perfect occasion to try your hand at oil painting without committing to it too much time or money or to refine your oil painting skills.

Materials

Paint: yellow ochre, cadmium red medium (or vermillion), alizarine crimson (or rose madder), transparent red oxide, ultramarine blue, black (any black), white (mix of titanium and zink or lead white).

Bring also any other color you have, just incase…

Brushes: Filbert or bright, synthetic, #4 and #8; round #2 for details, synthetic or red sable.
Medium: linseed oil or Liquin or Galkid
Turpenoid or other solvent of your choice
Canvas: about 10” by 12
Cups for medium and solvent,
Rags.