Portrait Painting: From Monochrome to Full Colour with Sam Clayden

In this three-day workshop, students will create a new alla prima portrait each day using different palettes. On the first day, Sam will show students the value of working monochromatically, focusing on drawing with a brush, values and brushwork. Students will then use the ‘Zorn Palette’ on the second day, introducing colour using this age-old limited combination of colours. Finally, students will use a fully chromatic palette, learning more deeply about colour theory, colour mixing, colour harmony and the relationship between light, colour and form. 

The course is designed for all levels, with each day building on the skills learned the previous day. Some drawing and painting experience is advised. 

Through live demonstrations, discussions and one-to-one feedback, Sam will help students produce three portraits while helping them to discover their own artistic voice. 

Every session we work from a live model. The model fee is included in the price.

Schedule

Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Lunch break from 1 pm to 2 pm.

Materials

Brushes 

• Mix of synthetic and hog bristle
• Mix of rounds and filberts
• variety of sizes from 1-10

Surfaces 

• Minimum three canvases or wood panels prepared with acrylic gesso or oil primer
• Sizes between 20x30 and 40x50
• Preferably toned with a light warm or grey tone, but not essential.

Pigments

Any artist grade brand will do

• Titanium White
• Yellow Ochre
• Yellow Lake (or Cadmium Yellow)
• Napthol Red (or Cadmium Red Light)
• Permanent Alizarin (or Quinacridone rose)
• Ultramarine Blue
• Raw Umber
• Burnt Umber
• Ivory Black 

Palette
Palette Knife
Paper towel or rag
Low Odour Solvent and container with lid
Linseed or Safflower Oil

Info

• There is a B&B Hotel right next to the atelier
• The building behind the atelier has an affordable Airbnb apartment
• A bit farther away, but usually cheaper: Meininger Hotel
• If you have any questions leave us a message