Students learn to combine knowledge of the planes of the head and understanding of color to build a convincing three dimensional “alla prima” portrait.

In a series of exercises, students build the painting from open grisaille to closed grisaille, to full color paint application in the Studio Incamminati 23 color palette. We will be using both the palette knife and brushes. This approach leads to correctly lining up the features in perspective. The layering of wet into wet paint application will be emphasized, using the basic five value scale of three values in the light and two in the shadow.

The light key will be explored in warm light and cool light. The concepts we will address are the basic planes of the head and features, anatomy, how the planes relate to the organic anatomy, merging the planar and the organic, flesh tones in the light key, approaching hair and highlights, and finally, the unusual angle.

Command of the drawing skill and proficiency in the handling of oil paint is
recommended. There will be a live portrait model all classes.