The Costumed Portrait
weekend workshop
Over the course of two days, students will paint or draw a portrait from a live model. We will study how to achieve lively gesture, accurate proportions, value structure, and shapes, then we will progress to color with an emphasis on mixing fresh skin tones and mastering edges and transitions.
Repeat students are encouraged: beginners will be introduced to the fundamentals of painting portraits, and more advanced artists will deepen and refine their understanding of core concepts and technique. Instructor will demonstrate in oils each morning followed by guided work time in the afternoon.
You may work in the media of your choice. If you would like to work in oil paints, please see the recommended supply list, here.
Sat-Sun Aug 22-23
10-4 PM
Workhouse Arts Center, Room 607
Painting and Drawing the Portrait
weekly class
Learn how to draw realistic and expressive portraits! We will begin by drawing, focusing on the large planes and shapes of the face. We then progress to color, with an emphasis on mixing fresh skin tones. Beginners will be introduced to the fundamentals of drawing and painting portraits, and more advanced artists will deepen and refine their understanding of core concepts. Instructor will demonstrate in charcoal and oils. Students may choose to draw or paint in their preferred medium.
Wed, Sept 16- Nov 4 (8 weeks)
10-1 PM
Workhouse Arts Center
Classical Drawing
weekly class
Students will learn how to draw realistically from life. We will develop our abilities to observe and interpret the visual world as we build foundational skills in line, shape, proportion, values (shading), and texture. Exercises will focus on still life drawings. Great for beginners and intermediate students who want to practice and refine core skills. Instructor will demonstrate in charcoal. Advanced or repeating students may work on independent projects.
Wed, Sept 16- Nov 4 (8 weeks)
2-4 PM
Workhouse Arts Center
Private and Semi-Private Lessons
Custom-designed lessons and targeted feedback to help get you to the next level, no matter your starting point. Subject matter will be chosen based on your interests and needs, with an emphasis on the classically-inspired foundational skills that lend strength and power to contemporary realist art.
Past students have used lesson time for critiques, color exercises, demonstrations, and paint-along projects such as still lifes, master copies, landscapes, and portraits.
Lessons are currently available in person at Alison’s Arlington studio, or via online video conference.
Alison loves sharing her knowledge with students in a positive, supportive and substantive manner. She has over ten years of experience teaching and tutoring as well as a Masters in Teaching from Johns Hopkins University.