Pascalstraat 17, 2014 KZ Haarlem
back to all workshops > alla prima portrait painting
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WAITING LIST

DATES: 17 to 21 July 2023   |   5 days, 30 instructed hours total
TIMES: 9:30 to 16:30 (lunch from 12:30 to 13:30)
INSTRUCTOR: Patrick Byrnes
LANGUAGE: English
LIMIT: 12 students maximum
COST: € 750
INCLUDED WITH COST: Daily lunch & refreshments, model costs, easels
NOT INCLUDED: Painting materials (see below), accommodation, travel fare
RECOMMENDED LEVEL: This course is mainly intended for painters with some previous experience in oils. Artists who are new to oils, but have experience drawing portraits in graphite or charcoal, are also encouraged to participate.

This workshop is full. All incoming applications are now placed on a waiting list.

ABOUT THIS COURSE

  • Course Description

    In this 5-day workshop with American painter Patrick Byrnes, artists will learn to create alla prima portrait paintings that evince the beauty and humanity of the model with freshness, sensitivity, and lively detail. Using a lucid step-by-step approach, participants will paint five portrait sketches of five different live models using a limited palette of six colors.

    Patrick will guide artists with daily demonstrations and comprehensive personalized critiques through each stage of the process – from creating a strong likeness with accurate drawing, to color mixing, modeling form and finishing details. Cranial anatomy, materials, paint handling, and the physics of light will also be discussed throughout each session.

    Each day of the workshop welcomes a new live model, and will be divided into two basic components. Mornings begin with a short lecture and detailed demonstration, introducing and illustrating core concepts for painting alla prima with a limited palette of oil paints. Following the demonstration and for the rest of the day, participants will focus on their own portraits with the help of in-depth one-on-one critiques.

  • Course Materials

    ​​The following materials are required for participation in this course.

    Buying supplies at DARA?
    Items on the list marked * are available to buy at the atelier.


    OIL COLORS
    Paints should be ''Artist / Professional'' quality. No ''Student'' quality paints please.
    • Titanium White
    • Yellow Ochre
    • Cadmium Red OR Vermillion
    • Alizarin Crimson (Permanent)
    • Ivory Black
    • Raw Umber
    ​
    PAINT MEDIUMS
    • * Refined Linseed Oil
    • * Gamsol
    ​Gamsol is the only solvent allowed for use in the studio.

    SUPPORT
    • 5 primed panels or stretched canvas, size 30 x 30 cm
    PAINTERS TOOLS
    • Palette (wooden or disposable)
    • Palette knife
    • Metal palette cups
    • 1 clean empty glass jar for brush cleaning
    • Paper towels
    • Small hand mirror
    ​
    BRUSHES
    Patrick notes:
    Invest in a variety of hairs, shapes and sizes. I work with a mix of hairs (synthetics, mongoose, sables, and bristles) in a variety of shapes (flats, rounds, filberts) and sizes (from 0 to 12).

    For beginners, I would recommend starting with a selection of good quality but inexpensive synthetic flat or round brushes (sizes 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10)

  • Workshop Schedule

    STUDIO HOURS
    • 9:00 | Studio doors open
    • 9:30 to 12:30 | Morning lessons
    • 12:30 to 13:30 | Lunch break
    • 13:30 to 16:30 | Afternoon lessons
    • 17:00 | Studio closed
    On the final day of the course, DARA offers an end-of-workshop apéritif with light drinks and snacks from 17:00 to 19:00.

    LESSON SCHEDULE
    Students will paint from a different live model each day of the course.
    • Mornings | Lecture / Demo / Practice: Each morning begins with a short lecture from Patrick, introducing core concepts which are illustrated with extensive live demonstrations. For the remainder of the morning lesson, students paint from the model.
    • Afternoons | Practice: Students focus on painting from the model with one-on-one guidance from Patrick.​​

  • Financial Aid

    ​You may be eligible for funding for this workshop from Werktuig PPO (permanente professionele ontwikkeling, or “continuous professional development”) if the following applies to you:
    • You are employed by a Dutch company or organization in the creative or cultural sector.
    • You are a self-employed freelancer in the Netherlands in the creative or cultural sector.
     
    How can I check if I am eligible?
    Businesses within the creative or cultural sectors are categorized by SBI code.
    The list of eligible SBI codes can be found here.

    How does this funding scheme work?
    Werktuig PPO finances one-third of the total cost of the course, with the remaining amount to be contributed by you or your employer.
    Are you interested in enrolling in multiple courses at DARA? Werktuig PPO offers a maximum contribution of € 2000 in funds per 12 months.

    How can I apply?
    Apply online at: https://werktuigppo.nl/
    Applications must be submitted by students. DARA is not affiliated with Werktuig PPO and cannot apply on a student’s behalf. Questions regarding this funding scheme may be emailed to info@werktuigppo.nl
     
    Can students at DARA apply for the STAP budget?
    Not at this time.

    Are there any other discounts or scholarships available for workshops at DARA?
    Not at this time.