This online, Foundation Crash Course is for the artists interested in approaching painting the human portraits and the figure in oil or to further develop their painting technique on these subjects.

During the 4-session (of this course we will paint from photographic reference photos by professional models, using a time-honored foundation oil painting technique based on a limited palette, practicing color mixing and color theory, planning a painting, precise brushwork, blending colors and more. Practicing with this technique

Two sessions will be dedicated to the portrait painting, and two session to the figure painting. During the first session for each subject, we will sketch the subject on canvas with charcoal, practicing measuring, finding the proportions of the figure, capturing the pose, or, in the case of the portrait, finding the proportions of head and neck, and position the facial features properly according to the angle of view. We will then block in the main areas of color to establish the chromatic identity of the painting.

The following session for each subject, is dedicated to develop the artwork further, adding detail, careful blending, expanding its tonal and chromatic range. This course is part of a series of courses dedicated to painting the Figure and the Portrait in oil and it is open to all levels.

Materials

Paint:

• alizarine crimson, transparent red oxide, ultramarine blue, Naples yellow, yellow ochre, black, white .As we progress in the course, we will add a few colors to this basic palette to expand the chromatic possibilities.
• A wooden, plastic, or disposable palette. If you buy a wooden palette, make sure it is treated with a few layers of linseed oil to prevent the untreated wood to soak up the oil from the paint. I can show you how to do this in class, but you’ll need a disposable or plastic palette for the first class.
• A variety of brushes: hog and synthetic will do; Filbert or bright, #2, 6, 8, and 12 will do. You will also need a few round, synthetic brushes, #2 and 4. You can also use the colors that you already have and we will discuss about these materials in class.
• Linseed oil (refined linseed oil will suffice), Galkid or Liquin, Turpenoid or other low odor solvent
• Rags or paper towels.
• A metal cup for the medium and a palette knife.
• Canvas or canvas boards size 20”by 16”, or so.