Faiyum to Balthus-and now you! Portrait painting has a great history and you can muscle in on it with only a paintbrush. Learn the intricacies of head structure, the niceties of flesh tones and the mysteries of character and spirit. Take time to consider the importance of posture, illumination and setting. A supportive and energetic teacher will be standing at your shoulder as you try a number of approaches to nailing down the human presence on canvas. All this and a brief look each week at some of the great masters: from Egyptian Faiyum portraits on coffin lids, through Renaissance doges and Spanish cardinals, to the modern horrors of Francis Bacon and hypnotic insights of Balthus. Whether you are a raw recruit or an old hand, this course will prove both valuable and enjoyable.
Note: Please bring oil painting materials to the first session.