Brazos Valley Art League

BJC Workshop: Agenda

Barbara Jeffery Clay's workshop
Barbara Jeffery Clay's workshop - Painting a Portrait from a Photograph- will be on Sept.12th, 13th and 14th; 9:00 thur 5:00. Send your deposit of $50.00 to Rose Shea. The address is Brazos Art League, Rose Shea, 2275 Dartmouth-College Station, TX 77840. The total cost per student is $165.00. See the supply page and the class agenda page. Barbara's email: bclayartist@aol.com

Copyright
The process of painting a portrait is an intriguing and productive learning situation for the artist. A photograph provides a more stable startingresource for your process of painting. The photo that you chose should be aphoto that contains the following:

1. A photo that you want to paint and will make you very excited about painting the process.

2. The photo should have good value (light and dark) changes in it. Shadow or light patterns will make it more interesting and fun to paint.

3. A photo that is yours makes it your painting and not a copy. The portrait is something that you might want to copy from an old master just to learn from the best. A magazine photo may have just what you are looking for but the copyright belongs to the magazine which just means you cannot claim it as your painting.

4. A selection of several photos from different age groups and skin colors will be useful. The features are different in the ageing process. A young, old, middle aged or gray may be some ideas. A character photo may be good but not one with makeup. A clown might not be a good subject for this lesson.

Agenda
Day 1: Value study of the head and features and creating forms.

1. A black and white photo printed out on your computer would be a good idea for this project. The values would be easier to see and the confusion of color would be eliminated. You might want to show me your photos for the rest of the session to see if the photos will provide you with a clear learning process.

2. A drawing of the head will be done on the paper. You may do this ahead of time or before class but that is not necessary. A pencil should be used for the drawing.

3. A demo of the value study will be painted so you understand the process that I would like for you to acquire.

4. A time for you to paint your portrait with individual instruction will give each student a time to ask and receive help with any problems.

5. A critique will be given at the end of class. This critique will be positive in nature and hopefully will help you in getting likeness in your painting.

Day 2: Color, skin tones and features

1. A color photo of your subject will be needed for this class. Chose any age group you would like to paint or use the value study from day one to do the color portrait.

2. A review of the values in color for your portrait with color for light and shadows. A demo will be given with the colors and a color chart of skin will be made.

3. A time to paint with individual instruction on process will follow the demo.

4. A positive critique will be given at the end of the class.

5. Painting at home is always a good thing to do during a workshop, more is acquire by the student.

Day 3: Putting it all together

1. A color photo of the 3 different age groups (young, Adult and old age) would be a good way to finish the workshop. We will do a timed study of each age group. A color photo that is large is better than a small photo.

2. A demo will be given of the process followed by any questions or things you need to learn that day.

3. A time to paint and process will be given. A question that you have may help other student to understand the painting so please feel free to ask questions at any time about what you need to learn or have explained.

4. Critique and the end of class showing works from Day 1 through Day 3.

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