Description

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Portrait Paintingw/David HeshmatpourA six (6) session classSeptember 23-October 28Tuition includes model fee


This beginner to intermediate course will approach portraiture from a sculptural standpoint, highlighting the basic bony landmarks of the face and skull and using color/value to define major planes and movements of each feature. Moving from large, simple shapes of the face under light, students will transition their thinking from flat abstraction into three-dimensional form. It focuses on working alla prima, resolving issues around transitioning from drawing to painting, developing speed, proficiency, and adaptability to a range of lighting conditions in service of the development of an independent artistic practice.
What You Will Learn:- The basic structure and artistic anatomy of the head/face- Simplifying form to planes- Alla prima techniques for portrait painting
Updated Supply List
Essential, economical version here:
2 large flat bristle (oil) or synthetic (water-based) brushes(sizes 8-6)
2 medium flat bristle (oil) or synthetic (water-based) brushes (sizes 4-2)
4 synthetic brights that roughly match the size of the bristle brushes
3-4 various small synthetic rounds (sizes 2–000) (0 is my go to)
A palette knife for mixing
Stretched canvas, canvas board, or panel (1 for each class) 9 x 12, is a good small 12 x 16 is a good for larger. I recommend having a variety of sizes
Gamsol and container with lid
Blue shop paper towels (or non-lint paper towels)
Titanium white
Ivory Black
Burnt Umber,
Yellow Ochre
Ultramarine Blue
Cadmium Red Hue or Permanent Red
Cadmium Yellow Hue
Light Cerulean or Light Turquoise
Quinacridone Magenta


Expanded List

Palette with enough surface to mix colors (can be disposable)

Suggested palette (less expensive alternatives in parentheses):
Cadmium Lemon (Cadmium Hue, or Permanent version)
Cadmium Yellow Medium or Deep (Cadmium Hue, or Permanent version)
Cadmium Orange (Cadmium Hue, or Permanent version)
(Naphthol Red [preferred]) or Cadmium Red Light
Quinacridone Magenta
Ultramarine Blue
Cobalt Turquoise Blue Light
Dioxazine Purple
Ivory Black
Flake White or Titanium White
Yellow Ochre (Light)
Burnt Umber

Optional helpful colors:
Cobalt blue
Permanent Green
Viridian
Raw Umber
Raw Sienna
Caput Mortuum
Alizarin Crimson
Indian Yellow Deep or Extra Deep

Prerequisites

2026-2027 Adult Membership
or 2026-2027 Family Membership
or 2026-2027 Senior Membership
or 2026-2027 Supporting Benefactor Membership
or 2026-2027 Supporting Patron Membership
or 2026-2027 Adult Membership

Instructor

David Heshmatpour