Portrait Painting: From Classical to Contemporary (Cahir Arts)

We begin by looking at neoclassical portrait styles and conventions of the 18^th and 19^th centuries, and the tradition of classical or academic portraiture which still holds a place today in the fine art world by the so-called ‘New Masters’.  These portraits prioritise the realistic depiction of three-dimensional form, natural colour and light, achieving likeness of the sitter, and conveying character and mood.

The evolution of the portrait through the 19^th century (and in different countries) into the 20^th and 21^st centuries will be explained and demonstrated by showing examples and differences in technique. Portraits by Vincent Van Gogh, John Singer Sargent, Lucian Freud, Pablo Picasso will show you how the portrait began to shift in style and function.

Facial Features

Although alla prima painting focuses more on shape, size, placement, light and colour rather than the detailed make-up and understanding of each form, we will look at each individual facial feature: the eyes, the nose, the mouth or lips, the ears, and hair. The structure and anatomy of these features, common painting errors and misjudgements, and lots of practised examples will combine to give you a comprehensive guide.

Measurement, Proportion & Perspective

The more accurate we are in our painting – or true to nature – the more realistic and believable our portrait paintings will be. Developing good measuring skills is therefore essential. Measuring does not just relate to height, width, outline, and proportion; it also includes measuring a cast shadow, for instance, or where the highlight is, which then affects how we interpret the fall of light and the forms of the face and head.

Colour Strategies

We will examine colour theory and how it can help us choose and organise our palettes and mix colours effectively. A sound understanding of colour and colour mixing will enable you to find the right colour(s) quickly and relatively easily. You will learn about a number of different standard palettes.

Transcending the Photo Reference & Painting from Life

Using photographs as a reference for a painting is something that most artists do. However, we must try to transcend the photograph and use it as a reference only, rather than merely copying it, thus avoiding many of the common pitfalls that artists face when working this way.