Many students, even those with strong observational skills, struggle to use what they see to its greatest potential - shaping their drawings into something more purposeful.

This course is designed to address that by helping students think about a portrait not just as an object to be recorded, but as a design element within an image - something that can be emphasized and arranged to create a stronger artistic statement.

The objective of this course will be to explore the subject of composition and design in still life painting, and to learn how to apply academic tools to a larger context which can inform studio work beyond the classroom. The class will be structured around demonstrations which will be followed by working time supported by critiques. Short studies will be followed by a longer pose, allowing students to practice blocking in as well as pushing resolution.

Students will focus on the studies as a means of understanding composition as a design within the painting itself, as opposed to something that is solely derived from nature. Although students will be working from observation, we will be primarily focused on how the subject can be used as a point of reference from which we can build upon in a creative way. We will be focusing on how a viewer’s eye moves through an image, and how composition is not only determined by the organization of the setup, but how it is affected by elements within the painting such as edge quality, color dynamics, contrast, and texture. We will also reflect on the limitations of our materials compared to what we can observe, and how we can use our tools to evoke the impression of what we are seeing, rather than trying to directly match nature.

This will be a fantastic opportunity for those who want a better understanding of composition in their own practices. It will be especially helpful for students who want to develop their own ideas outside of the classroom setting.

In this five-day workshop artists will learn the fundamentals of portrait drawing. With an emphasis on structure and anatomy, Tyler and Chelsea will help students to understand likeness through careful observation of proportion, skeletal landmarks, and abstract shape design. Artists will also learn to create a sculptural quality to their portraits through in-depth analysis of the light source and how it interacts with the forms of the face.

There will be one pose for the entire three days. The process begins with the block-in stage, which aims to capture the likeness and character through accurate proportion, shape design and structural anatomy. After the block-in is complete, students will move into modeling form through an understanding of the light source.

Comparative measurement, materials, light and form will also be discussed. Students will receive daily individual feedback on their work, and Tyler and Chelsea will demo alongside the class. Artists of all skill levels are encouraged to join.

In this 5-day immersive workshop, students will explore portrait painting through a structured, classical approach. Scott will guide participants step-by-step in constructing a portrait that emphasizes accurate drawing, color harmonies, and the handling of light and form. 

Through daily demonstrations, lectures, and individual critiques, Scott will share his process for navigating each stage of a painting—from initial block-in to refined modeling. Emphasis will be placed on establishing strong structure, achieving lifelike likeness, and using paint in a way that balances discipline with aesthetic beauty.