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 course, students will paint floral studies, taking inspiration from the Dutch masters. With social attention to drawing, form and texture, we’ll create detailed oil studies of several different flowers, using direct and indirect painting methods.

Students will create several studies of different flowers on 8x10 panels during the course of this workshop. The course is designed to introduce students to the basic techniques used for painting flowers as well as the materials that are needed. to paint delicate blooms.

Students will receive lectures, daily demonstrations and plenty of one-on-one, individual critique and help throughout the workshop.

In this 5-day intensive workshop, artists will learn fundamental techniques to creating an accurate and compelling figure drawing while working from a live model. Beginning with a linear block-in that focuses on gesture, visual impression and the underlying structure of the human form, students will employ optical and conceptual drawing methods simultaneously. Emphasizing keen observation, accurate shapes and proportion, artists will refine their drawings while rendering a naturalistic figure.

Artists will be given demos and one-on-one instruction that focuses on a thoughtful combination of visual information and three dimensional form, they are given the best of both worlds; the naturalism and specificity of the optical, and the rock solid sculptural quality of the conceptual.

Over the course of the workshop, up to thirty hours of studio time with individual instruction will be provided. In addition, the instructor will gather students for group discussions around master drawings from art history, display his portfolio of current work, and provide reading recommendations for students to take their practice even further.

What is it that gives a masterful oil painting its jewel-like quality, mysterious luster, and lasting freshness? The extensive properties of oil paint have enabled the creation of iconic portraits that prove difficult to decipher.

In this workshop, Ramos will walk students through his portrait method from the ground up and demonstrate solutions to portraiture's most intricate challenges.

Working from the model, Ramos will demonstrate his unique way of dissecting visual information into a rich and dynamic likeness. Students will have hands-on experience with Ramos' sensitive color palette and particular brush-handling to lay thick impastos and translucent shadows. One-on-one instruction will be given to internalize the principles of light, structure, shape design, tonal abstraction, and broken color. Discussions and focused time on the easel will equip the student with an arsenal to create luminous professional portraits in a way that only oil painting at its highest level can achieve.