Jennifer Balkan:
Harmonious Color in Figure Painting: painting the figure in its environment with a limited palette
COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this workshop you will work on one medium sized figure painting (and a preliminary sketch) which may include props and additional compositional elements either abstract or representational. My intent is that students will improve upon their overall approach to painting the figure emphasizing brush control, paint mixing, and color harmony — with special attention to developing an understanding of how color harmony is critical to achieving a compelling realistic composition. We will approach the figure constructively incorporating a discussion of anatomy, posture and dynamics of the pose; We will explore shape and color as we create compositions which include the contextual elements around the figure, utilizing props/accessories to create a narrative. Jennifer will be demonstrating how color, value and temperature choices are critical to creating a convincing context no matter what that context is. In order to achieve a beautiful harmonious color scheme, she will require students to use a limited palette.
We will paint by learning to see our environment as composed of simple shapes and values, lay down shadow and light masses with confident brushwork, which will lead to stronger visual statements and weightier paintings. This class is designed for all levels of painters who have life drawing *and* figure painting experience. Jennifer will be doing demonstrations throughout the workshop and students will be working from a live model.
SUPPLY LIST
Pending
INSTRUCTOR BIO
Jennifer grew up in New Jersey and began to draw at a very young age. She studied neuroscience at Lehigh University and later attained her Ph.D. from UT Austin in Sociology in 2001 after conducting anthropological fieldwork in Mexico. Although her experience in Mexico was rich, Jennifer longed for artistic creativity. In August of 2001, Jennifer spent a month in Spain, France, and Italy where she saw masterworks that would become her inspiration. Upon returning, she began studying panting and drawing from observation, taking classes at Laguna Gloria Art School and the Austin Fine Arts School leading to further study at the Art Students League in Denver and through various painting workshops. She’s been teaching figure and portrait painting in oils to small groups of students since 2006.
ATELIER DOJO WORKSHOP POLICIES
No refunds can be issued within 45 days of workshop date, unless canceled by Atelier Dojo.