Creating the Conceptual Portrait - Belinda Flores Shinshillas

The ten lessons in this class will cover the whole painting process, starting from surface choice and preparation.

Students will learn about the structure of the human face from an artist’s perspective and will be challenged to think beyond the photo reference to create a conceptual composition.

The workshop will cover the whole process of a direct painting approach method, from the brush strokes of the first layer to a final, realistic painting of a human face.

This workshop will address the formal elements of representational painting, including:

Form
Blocking
Value
Color matching
Edges
Proportions
Composition
Students will create a concept for their painting that will be close to their own experiences by sketching a vibrant background using their photo reference, while applying classical and contemporary painting techniques.

Workshop Specifics

This workshop will reframe how you approach portrait painting by giving you the tools needed to take your painting to the next level.

Topics covered include:

The structure of the human face from an artist’s perspective
How to transfer your reference to the painting surface
How the direction of brushstrokes impacts realism
How to identify basic skin tones in your photo reference
How to use texture and light to move beyond the flatness of a photo reference
How to create a conceptual background that enhances your reference
Knowledge of common drawbacks and what to be careful about when painting from a photo reference
Material list:

• 1 surface for oil paint 16 x 20 inches (Panels works better)
• Round brushes (1, 2, 4 size)
• Filbert brushes (2, 4 size)
• Mop brush (1/4, 1/2 size)
• Palette knife triangular small
• Any palette (grey glass is better)
• Paper Towels
• Walnut oil to clean brushes ONLY
• 2 Glass Containers with a cap (medium size) Teacher will provide - OIL COLOR paint