The Heatherley School of Fine Art
75 Lots Road, London
SW10 0RN
Portrait of Sophie
An opportunity to concentrate on several important elements of alla prima portraiture.
The day will give students the opportunity to concentrate on several important elements of alla prima portraiture. Students will enjoy a structured approach, enabling them to learn about anatomy, gesture, tone and form. Special attention will be paid to the importance of colour application and texture of the painting, with both helping to reveal the character of the sitter. The tutor will be working alongside students which will give them a chance to follow the process and learn how to deal with any arising practical issues.
Starting with a small sketch, students will aim to produce solid first and second stages of a larger painting. The class will also be looking at portrait paintings by prominent artists and analysing their techniques and colour approach. This exciting course is an intensive day that offers a high level of tutor contact time.
ABOUT YOUR TUTOR
Julia Hawkins is a contemporary impressionist painter, who is mainly known for her portraits of women and young people, as well as for her sensitive plein air works. After studying and working in Europe she settled in Surrey where she continued to paint and where she has her busy studio. The influence of the French and Russian Impressionist style is evident in the broken brushwork and gentle hues of the Normandy coast series that Hawkins painted a few years ago and in her Surrey landscapes. She shares the Impressionist interest in painting from life; atmosphere over detail; and the effects of colour, although her palette is more muted than that of French artists. Hawkins successfully exhibited with the Federation of British Artists and Chelsea Art Society since the middle of the 90’s and soon afterwards became a member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters and the New English Art Club.
WHAT TO BRING
- Julia uses oils, but students are welcome to use acrylics or watercolour if they prefer.
- Painting surfaces: One small canvas board or paper (approx 6” x 8”) for preliminary sketch
- 20” x16” or bigger canvas or canvas board (white acrylic primed) or equivalent paper
- Paints: Julia suggests Artist quality oil colours: raw umber, burnt umber, raw sienna, burnt sienna, yellow ochre, cadmium red, cadmium yellow, ultramarine blue, viridian, Titanium or Zinc white (large tube)
- If using oils, low-odour oil-paint solvent. A jar for it. Gamsol, Zest-it or Sansodor are fine.
- Brushes: Julia suggests long flat hog brushes numbers 8, 12 and bigger if working in oils
- Flat firm palette (if working in oils)
- Pointed palette knife (if working in oils)
- Kitchen paper or rags
- Protective clothing
There is a basic materials shop on site if required. There are tea and coffee making facilities on site and cafes nearby - but you might want to bring a packed lunch.
DATE AND TIME
Saturday 29 April 2023
10:30 – 16:00