Portrait and Figure Painting
Workshop | Available
The focus of this workshop will be the construction of highly real, yet loose and poetic portrait and figure paintings utilizing live models, plein air studies, photo reference and digital editing. The class will cover a variety of approaches related to portrait and figure painting. Derek is a “classically trained realist.” He spent years working primarily from live models on location and in studio to develop his paintings. Although he still works from life, he has also embraced technology and how it can assist with his process. When applied as a tool, photography and digital editing can vastly enhance your artistic process. We will cover how to light the scene and model in order to achieve a specific mood and/or narrative, pull elements from plein air sketches, and shoot reference photos. Students will learn how to manipulate these images using procreate or similar editing programs. Color, drawing, brushwork and texture, layering, direct and indirect approaches will be covered in depth. Participants will work from both life and photos shot during class. iPad or iMac recommended.
https://www.derekharrisonart.com/
Derek Harrison
Derek Harrison is an artist working in the realist genre creating dramatic figurative and landscape works. He began his artistic journey at a young age and was included in Southwest Art Magazines 21 under 31. Before his 31st birthday he began winning awards for his paintings and establishing a strong collector base. He has been a finalist in the ARC Salon for many years in a row, was awarded 1st place two years in a row at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. He has had work included in feature films and television shows. He is an instructor at the Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art as well as an adjunct faculty member at Westmont College. “The aim of my work is to inspire. We are all connected within this lifetime journey. There are stories, compositions and color combinations that can strike at the heart of the human spirit. Through study, practice and skill I want to evoke an emotional response that will have a lasting impact.”