09/04 Intro to Portrait Painting in Oil

In this class, students will explore the foundational techniques of painting a portrait using oil paints, working from reference photos and a live model. Whether you are a beginner looking to develop fundamental skills or an experienced artist seeking to refine your technique, this course offers a structured yet creative environment for all skill levels.

Description

In this class, students will explore the foundational techniques of painting a portrait using oil paints, working from a live model. Whether you are a beginner looking to develop fundamental skills or an experienced artist seeking to refine your technique, this course offers a structured yet creative environment for all skill levels.

We will begin with the essential steps of blocking in the initial drawing directly with oil paint, focusing on proportions, shapes, and composition. As the class progresses, students will dive into crucial painting concepts, including value relationships, color mixing, and the use of light and shadow to create depth and realism. Special attention will be given to capturing the subtle nuances of facial features, skin tones, and expression.

Throughout the course, students will receive individual guidance and demonstrations, helping them understand how to build up their portraits with layers of paint, refine edges, and achieve a lifelike representation. By the end of the class, participants will have a deeper understanding of the portrait painting process and leave with a finished or nearly finished oil portrait.

This class welcomes students of all levels, from complete beginners to advanced painters looking to hone their portrait skills. No prior experience with oils is necessary—just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn!

About the Instructor

Dustin Adamson (b. 1987) is an emerging American artist trained in the classical tradition of painting and drawing. Dustin has a strong interest in the art and techniques of the old masters, from the Renaissance to the nineteenth century. After graduating in 2010 from with Distinction from San Diego State University, he began to study figurative drawing, painting, and sculpture with Justin Hess and Alicia Ponzio and human anatomy with Noah Buchanan. After studying for several years in the Bay Area he moved to New Jersey and studied at the Florence Academy of Art US. There he studied intensively an academic curriculum grounded in the 19th-century classical-realist tradition.

During his studies at the Florence Academy of Art US, Dustin received numerous awards and scholarships; including an award for Painting of the Year and the position of teaching assistant.

See Dustin's work here:
www.dustinadamsonfineart.com

Supply List

Paint Colors: I recommend using an Artist grade paint like Gamblin, Windsor Newton, Michael Harding, etc. Required Colors These represent a classical, limited palette. I recommend this if you’re not comfortable with or new to color mixing/ theory. If you wanted to get a set, I would recommend the Gamblin Artist Oil Intro Set. You will need to get a separate tube of Raw Umber since it is not included.
- Titanium White
- Yellow Ocher
- Venetian Red or Cadmium Red Light
- Ivory Black
- Raw Umber

Optional Colors: These represent a modern, extended palette that will allow further exploration of color. Best if you are comfortable with color mixing and want a little more chroma in your flesh-tones.
- Cadmium Yellow Medium or Hansa Yellow Medium
- Cadmium Orange
- Alizarin Crimson
- Ultramarine Blue or Cobalt Blue
- Chromium Oxide Green

Other Painting Supplies:
- Gamsol or similar Odorless Mineral Spirit, 8oz (No Turpentine)
- Linseed Oil, 4oz
- Silicoil Jar for cleaning brushes
- Palette Cup for painting medium (Glass or metal with lid)
- Palette, Disposable Paper Palette or Wooden Palette approximately 12”x16”
- Sta-Wet Palette Seal (Blue Lid) or Tupperware to transport your wet paint palette to and from class
- Paper Towels or Lint-Free Rag
- Palette knife, tear-drop shape with approximately a 1.5”-2” blade for mixing

Paint Surface:
- One 16”x20” Canvas
- One 9”x12” Canvas Panel

Brushes:
Several Long-Handled Flat or Filbert (Synthetic or Natural Hog) These will be stiffer and range from small to large. I recommend Princeton Ashley size 2, 4, 6, and 8. If you can, get a couple of sizes 2 and 4
One or two Short-Handled Round. A synthetic sable for details. A simple Princeton Select size 3 or 4 will do

Recommended Art Stores:
California Art Supply, San Mateo
University Art, Redwood City

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