Grisaille Painting Intensive Workshop

With Mackenzie Swenson

This two-week painting workshop is designed to teach artists of all levels the foundations of oil painting in greyscale, or “grisaille.” Mornings will be spent painting from the plaster cast and in the afternoons students will work on a figure painting from life. There will be one extended pose over the course of the two weeks. Both projects will move through a traditional painting process that involves a preparatory drawing (block-in), transferring to linen, and a final oil painting pass in greyscale. The paintings will be created using the “window shading” method — painting one section at a time to completion.

Working in grisaille gives artists an opportunity to practice using values to create a believable light effect and convincing, organic volumes without the complications of color. Form theory, anatomy, and specific painting techniques will be addressed and discussed throughout the process. Individual critiques, informational handouts, and demonstrations by the instructor will guide artists to increase their skill and understanding. This is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in an environment where you will rapidly improve your paint-handling and draftsmanship, no matter what your current level of painting is! **Please note, students who don't feel comfortable painting may opt to render their drawings instead. A materials list will be sent once you have prepaid for the class. Limit 10 students.

Length: 5 days or 10 days
Tuition: $500 for 5 days, $1,000 for 10 days (model fee included)