A successful painting is not about the end product – it’s about the process. A deliberate, thoughtful approach that balances planning with experimental curiosity puts the focus on how you are painting, rather than what you are painting. Paradoxically, by putting your focus on a thoughtful process rather than the outcome, the end product tends to be more successful.
In this intensive 5-day oil painting workshop, you will build a painting from the ground up. Steps in the process will include value studies, considerations for canvas preparations, underpainting, colour pre-mixing, first pass, and second pass. You will learn about oil painting supplies and materials, how to paint an imprimatura, the importance of dedication to the process rather than the outcome, creating a convincing sense of volume and form through paint application and colour temperature relationships, and colour mixing techniques – all with a modified direct painting (alla prima) approach. The style of painting will be representational but not photo-realistic, allowing for a painterly feel. You will learn to how to follow the reference as a guide more than an ideal.
You will work from either your own photo reference (ideally figurative or portraiture, but not required), a studio-provided photo reference, or a studio-provided still life setup (limited number available). There will be instructor demos, discussions and explanations, plenty of hands-on painting time and individual feedback, and a social hour on the last day to wrap up the workshop.
Drawing and shading experience is necessary; oil painting experience is helpful but not required. Some preparation prior to the workshop is required.
Beginners to painting are encouraged to work in monochrome (white + brown or black paint) if preferred, to simplify the process and focus on paint application rather than colour mixing.
Full description and more information available at nicolesleeth.com/workshops.
Drawing skills and knowledge/understanding of values (ie. tones, light/shading) required. Materials list provided upon registration.
Register online at nicolesleeth.com/workshops or contact nicole@nicolesleeth.com or 250-216-0552.