Painting Courses

Join us for an immersive four-day workshop led by professional artist Zane Prater, designed to elevate your portrait painting skills to new heights. Delve into the captivating world of oil painting and learn to capture the essence of the human form from life.

Days 1 & 2: The Foundation of Drawing

The first two days of the workshop will be dedicated to laying down the solid groundwork essential for any successful portrait painting. Under the expert guidance of Zane Prater, you will explore the fundamental elements of drawing, focusing on the composition, gesture, proportions, and contours of the sitter's face. Through a series of hands-on exercises and demonstrations, you will learn how to observe and analyze the subtle nuances of facial anatomy, allowing you to accurately depict the unique characteristics of your subject.

Days 3 & 4: Bringing Portraits to Life in Oil

With a strong foundation in place, Saturday and Sunday will be entirely devoted to the enchanting world of oil painting. You will delve into the rich and versatile medium of oil paint, discovering its unparalleled ability to capture the nuances of light, shadow, and color. Working directly from a life model, you will study the human form in real-time, honing your skills in translating three-dimensional volumes into a compelling two-dimensional painting.

Throughout the workshop, emphasis will be placed not only on technical proficiency but also on the ability to imbue your portraits with emotion and personality. Zane will share invaluable insights and techniques for capturing the true character of your subject, allowing you to create portraits that resonate deeply with viewers.

Whether you're a seasoned artist looking to refine your skills or a beginner eager to explore the world of portrait painting, this workshop offers a valuable and enriching experience.

Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

In this course, you will learn:

• Advanced principles of drawing

• Anatomy and proportions of the human face

• Direct observation skills and hand-eye coordination

• Sense of composition and ability to convey the character of the depicted model

• Technical nuances of oil paint as a medium

• Light and dark shape design to convey volumes

• Mixing colors and preparing a palette

Included in the Course

• All materials and equipment

• Instruction in English

• Drinks and snacks

Fill your Tuesday evenings with color and inspiration by joining our new 5-week Portrait Painting Evening Course, led by professional painter Zane Prater. Immerse yourself in the fascinating realm of oil painting and master the art of portraying the human form from life.

Lessons 1-2: Foundation and Advanced Drawing Techniques

The first two lessons focus on essential portrait drawing skills. The course will begin with an introductory lecture on the basics of composition, proportions, tonal values, and line quality. By drawing a portrait from a live model on toned paper with graphite pencils and white chalk, you'll learn to observe and replicate the model’s face accurately and expressively. As you progress, you'll enhance your ability to capture likeness, perfecting the art of rendering detailed features with personalized feedback from Zane.

Lessons 3-4: Introduction to Oil Painting and Portrait Development

In the third week, you'll transition to oil painting, discovering its capacity to convey light, shadow, and lifelike color. Working from a live model, you'll apply your drawing skills to painting, interpreting the human form with oil paint. In the fourth week, you'll refine your skills, translating three-dimensional forms into engaging two-dimensional artwork, focusing on both technical mastery and infusing your portraits with emotion and character.

Lesson 5: Final Touches and Personal Expression

The final week is dedicated to completing your portrait, adding finishing touches, and perfecting your piece. Zane will offer key insights and techniques to help you capture the essence of your subject. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to explore and express your personal artistic style, making your work truly unique.

Whether you're a seasoned artist looking to refine your skills or a beginner eager to explore the world of portrait painting, this course offers a valuable and enriching experience for all participants.

Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

In this course, you will learn:

• Advanced principles of drawing

• Anatomy and proportions of the human face

• Direct observation skills and hand-eye coordination

• Sense of composition and ability to convey the character of the depicted model

• Technical nuances of oil paint as a medium

• Light and dark shape design to convey volumes

• Mixing colors and preparing a palette

Included in the Course

• All materials and equipment

• Instruction in English

• Drinks and snacks

Join us for an immersive two-day workshop and unlock the expressive potential of pastels to transform your artistic vision into striking compositions.

Over the course of two daily lessons, you will create multiple striking portraits from photographs and other references. Under the expert guidance of our teacher, Sheila Verseck, you will dive into the vibrant world of pastels, where color, texture, and expressive strokes come together to captivate the viewer. Experience the tactile joy of pressing pastels onto paper while creating artworks that are both convincing and artistically playful. The workshop provides a unique opportunity to explore the structure and proportions of the human face, experiment with diverse mark-making techniques, learn to balance colors harmoniously, and create compelling pastel portraits brimming with emotion and personality.

Why Attend?

• Expert Instruction: Benefit from Sheila Verseck's extensive experience and personalized teaching approach.

• Creative Environment: Connect with fellow artists in a supportive and inspiring setting.

• Skill Development: Enhance your technical skills and gain confidence in your artistic abilities.

• Expressive Artistry: Learn to create portraits that not only resemble your subjects but also convey deep emotion and individuality.

Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

In this course, you will learn:

• Technical nuances of pastel as a medium

• Drawing principles

• Structure and proportions of the human face

• Color theory and mark making techniques

• Sense of composition and ability to convey the character of the depicted model

• Light and dark shape design to convey volumes

Included in the Course

• All materials and equipment

• Instruction in English and German

• Drinks and snacks