Abstract Figures & Portraits

Learning builds upon learning and this is a fantastic way to learn about combining figures with abstract backgrounds and portraits. The first 3 days of this workshop is our Expressive Abstract Figures workshop, then followed by a 2 day fast tracked portrait painting workshop to enable you to paint both figures and portraits in an expressive and also realistic way. 

Over the five days you will learn the easiest way to paint skin tones, learning tips and tricks on paint application, the best brushes, best colour palette, warm and cool colours and mixing skin tones.

This workshop is for beginners and is also suitable for more experienced painters who would like to learn how to combine abstract and realistic painting styles and painting the human figure and face.

Tracy will share some of her secrets and tools for creativity and how to find an unlimited supply of inspiration.  You will create a dynamic composition for your artwork, fusing abstract with realism, learning how to generate your ideas and colour schemes. 

You will learn about capturing emotions in figurative and portrait painting and painting in layers and mixed media. Tracy will show you what to look for in reference photos, understanding the best lighting for drama and how to choose or take a good reference photo.

You do not need to be able to draw for this workshop, we will not be spending a long time drawing as we use projectors to draw up and ensure we get accurate proportions.

In this workshop Tracy will demonstrate how to use many different mediums so you can have a substantial bag of tricks up your sleeve to create amazing effects.

Tracy will give you a detailed booklet of instructional notes and tell you the best techniques and tricks learnt over many years teaching painting in oil and mixed media.

You Will Learn:

• How to prepare your surface to achieve a great finish
• How to create exciting abstract grounds
• An app you can use to create an exciting composition
• How to use veils of colour for interesting effects
• To use mixed media (acrylics, oils, pastels, inks and more)
• Tips for painting the eyes and hair
• Painting in both a realistic way and an expressive way
• How to find or take a good reference photo
• Creating your best colour palette
• How to use transparent and opaque layers in your work

What to Bring:

We ask you to bring along any items you already have from home that could be useful for this workshop. There is no need to go shopping for art materials prior to the workshop as you will be able to use some of our art materials here and we have an art store on site for anything you would like to purchase during class.

iPad/Tablet: If you have an iPad or other tablet, please bring this to class as we will show you how to use apps to create reference images. If you don't have a tablet you can use your phone but this is not as ideal as using a tablet.

Canvas: You will need to purchase a canvas for the class - we recommend purchasing a canvas during class when you work out your desired composition.

Please bring any of these items if you have them already:

• A3 Canvas Pad or Visual art diary
• A paint palette - glass palettes are ideal and stay-wet palettes
• Your brushes from home
• Any acrylics, acrylic inks, acrylic flow paints or pouring paints you have
• Any pastels (dry) you have at home
• For the last day of the workshop - any oil paints and oil sticks you may have

Please bring the following items available for purchase at a supermarket:

• A packet of Baby Wipes
• A Roll Paper Towel