Level: teens and adults

Feb 25 - March 18, 2023

Saturdays

10am-1pm

4 wks

Instructor: Felicia Feldman

Instructor's website

Fee: $255 (incl all supplies and model fees)

THIS CLASS IS FULL. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE PLACED ON THE WAITLIST, email education@rowaytonarts.org or call 203-866-2744 (x-2)

Objective: to paint a realistic portrait using the indirect approach. We will use a technique similar to the Flemish masters circa the 17th century. The Flemish Method has often been touted as the easiest understood method to achieve a realistic result.

This 4 week workshop will delve into everything from in-depth drawing skills, introduction to materials, and color theory. The instructor will paint step by step demonstrations for the students to follow along in real time, with a live model.   This class is appropriate for adults and older teens. 

Overview:

  • Week 1: Umber layer: We will create the initial layer using brown and white. This will help us focus on the most important aspect of the painting, value and drawing
  • Week 2: Dead layer: Using only 3 colors plus black and white, students will “instill first breath of life” into their portraits. Using what painters call a limited palette helps us to have a unified feel to our skin tones
  • Week 3: Chromatic layer 1: Now we can expand to a full array of colors to really discover how colorful “flesh tones” can truly be
  • Week 4: Chromatic layer 2 and details: this is the time for putting in those little highlights in the eyes and make your portrait truly come to life!

Supply List: All supplies for this 4-wk workshop will be provided by RAC.  We’ll be using water based oil paints for this class.  If you prefer to use your own oil paints and brushes, feel free to bring them to class.   Below is the list of supplies that will be provided.

  • Canvas boards: 11×14
  • Colors for the workshop may vary from what we already have in house: Ivory black, titanium white, raw umber, prussian blue, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, alizarin crimson, cadmium red light, viridian, Ultramarine blue
  • Artisan by Winsor Newton linseed oil
  • Artisan by Winsor Newton thinner
  • Artisan by Winsor Newton stand oil
  • Paint Brushes
  • Palette knives for mixing
  • Paper towels
  • Jars for water
  • Pencils and erasers
  • Palette paper
  • Spray shellac (you can get it at home depot. The clear kind)

Felicia Feldman has Masters in Fine Arts (Painting) from the New York Academy of Art, a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts (Painting) from the Maryland Institute College of Art, and has completed a number of Independent studies with renowned artists  Odd Nerdrum, Steven Assael, Will Cotton, Rita Natarova, Noah Buchanan, Vincent Desiderio and Alan Feltus.   She has extensive teaching experience in the Fine Arts in painting, drawing and figuration.  Specializing in observational and realistic techniques: foundational studies, graphite, charcoal, oil, watercolor and acrylic.  Felicia comes to RAC as a new resident to Connecticut having just moved here from Long Island where she worked for years teaching at the Long Island Academy of Fine Art.